It is my honor to pass the torch this month to our Interim CEO, Christine Storm. 
I am so proud to introduce Christine to the Helping People Succeed community.  Many of you have already met Christine, as she joined our team as our inaugural Chief Program Officer earlier this year and has made an immediate impact leading our program teams’ development.  With her deep background in both programs and development, she is the perfect person at this time to ensure the important work of both evolving and offering our intervention and disability services to our communities across Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties continue forward!
What a pleasure it has been to lead the work of evolving Helping People Succeed over the past two years.  I am a better person and professional for having served here in this capacity, partnering with many of you, and seeing firsthand how a local organization can play such a critical role in its communities.  I am proud of this organization, and I am so very optimistic about the road ahead for HPS! 
You are in great hands as Christine steps in and up into the Interim CEO role.  I know you will give her all the support and encouragement she needs as she leads the plans forward!

Hello to our Helping People Succeed community!
I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the Interim CEO of Helping People Succeed.
For the past 25 years, I have dedicated my career to the nonprofit sector because I believe there is no more meaningful work than helping people reach their full potential. Mission-driven organizations have always been where I feel most fulfilled, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work here at Helping People Succeed.
Originally from the Philadelphia area, I earned degrees in Elementary Education and Public Health while spending the majority of my career with Caron Treatment Centers. My passion for serving others was deeply shaped by the loss of a loved one to addiction, inspiring me to help build programs that educate, strengthen families, and reduce risk factors for youth. Throughout my career, I have held progressive leadership roles in program development, community engagement, fundraising, and strategic planning. Most recently, before joining Helping People Succeed, I served as Regional Vice President at Caron, where I oversaw fundraising initiatives, signature events, and lead our Regional Advisory Board to expand our impact.
Since moving to Martin County in 2020, I hoped for the opportunity to serve the community I now call home. That opportunity came when I joined Helping People Succeed as Chief Program Officer in April, and it has truly been a dream role. Every day I am inspired by our dedicated staff, our community partners, and—most importantly—the children, adults, and families we have the privilege of serving.
The months ahead are filled with exciting opportunities for our organization, including our move into a new building that will allow us to expand direct services, the launch of programming at the KinDoo Center in Indiantown, and a reimagined, mission-focused Pinot & Picasso that will celebrate the incredible individuals we serve.
As I step into this interim leadership role, I do so with confidence in the strong foundation that has been built. Kara has been an exceptional leader and mentor, establishing a clear strategic vision that positions Helping People Succeed for continued success. I am committed to carrying that vision forward while working alongside our outstanding team to ensure we continue delivering high-quality, life-changing services and remain a trusted partner throughout the Treasure Coast.
When I'm not at Helping People Succeed, you'll likely find me eating out way too often at one of the many amazing restaurants on the Treasure Coast, hanging with my four-legged best friend, Bruce, or cheering on Philadelphia sports teams. I look forward to getting to know many of you as we continue this important work together!
Thank you for the warm welcome you have already extended to me. I look forward to meeting more of you in the months ahead and to continuing our shared commitment to helping people succeed.

For many years, the Art for Living Calendar has been a labor of love, made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, the incredible talent of local artists, and supporters like you who welcomed it into your homes each year.
While Helping People Succeed is turning the page to focus on other priorities, we couldn't imagine this cherished tradition coming to an end. That's why we're so grateful that MartinArts is prepared to carry it forward, preserving its spirit while ensuring that every calendar sold continues to invest in creativity, inspire future generations, support artists of all ages and abilities, and strengthen our community through the arts.
"Some traditions are simply too meaningful to let fade away. The Art for Living Calendar has reminded us year after year that art belongs in our everyday lives, bringing beauty, inspiration, and joy with every page we turn. MartinArts is excited to become the next steward of this beloved tradition, preserving its legacy while ensuring that every calendar sold helps nurture creativity, support local artists, of all abilities, and inspire the next generation of dreamers, makers, and innovators."
— Nancy K. Turrell, CEO/Executive Director, MartinArts
We hope you'll join us in celebrating this new chapter and continue supporting a tradition that reminds us every day that art truly is for living.

Photo left to right: Christine Storm, interim CEO Helping People Succeed; Kara Stimpson, CEO, Helping People Succeed; Duncan Hurd, Chairman, MartinArts; Nancy K. Turrell, CEO, MartinArts; Suzy Hutcheson, Board Member, MartinArts.

A Summer of Growth, Connection, and Opportunity
Thank you to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, and community partner who supported Helping People Succeed's Summer Camp Campaign. Your generosity made it possible for children and teens with disabilities and mental health challenges to receive the specialized support they need to thrive. Because of you, 163 children and teens across Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties experienced a summer filled with learning, friendship, confidence, and new opportunities.
Through Camp Success, Helping Kids Succeed, The Social Lab, WRAP Together, Summer WRAP, and Career Camp, participants strengthened communication, independence, emotional regulation, teamwork, and resilience while enjoying experiences that inspired curiosity and growth. Campers explored Florida's natural environment, visited community businesses, discovered career pathways, participated in entrepreneurship challenges, and built meaningful relationships in safe, supportive environments designed to help every child succeed.
As summer comes to a close, our team is helping students transition confidently into the new school year by reinforcing routines, self-advocacy, coping skills, and positive peer relationships. That support continues through Helping Kids Succeed's after school program at our Westside Campus in Fort Pierce, where transportation from Green Zone schools removes barriers for working families and provides students with a safe place to receive academic assistance, enrichment opportunities, and ongoing social and emotional support.
Because of our community's investment, these children leave summer with more than memories. They begin the school year with greater confidence, stronger skills, and the knowledge that they are supported every step of the way. Together, we are creating opportunities that empower children to reach their fullest potential and build brighter futures.

What is the Success Network?
The Success Network is a community of passionate volunteers dedicated to supporting the mission of Helping People Succeed.
Whether assisting behind the scenes, engaging directly with participants, or advocating in the community, there is a meaningful way for everyone to get involved. Join us and turn your time, talents, and passion into real impact.
Our Mission: To empower individuals of all ages and abilities – and their families – through comprehensive intervention and disability services promoting growth and belonging.
Ready to get involved?  Register here for our Volunteer Orientation, held via Teams on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2:00 PM. Join me on June 8th for our next orientation, by clicking the link below.

 

We’re excited to bring you monthly updates on all the incredible work happening at Helping People Succeed through our newsletter, The Success Connection. From program highlights and community partnerships to upcoming events and inspiring stories, each issue is designed to keep you informed and engaged.
Check your inbox on the first Monday of every month for the latest news. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to stay connected and support our mission.