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Quigley Eye Specialists to Open The Q LASIK & MED SPA in Naples

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville Appointed Medical Director FORT MYERS, FLA., August 27, 2020 – Quigley Eye Specialists announced plans today to offer patients LASIK and advanced aesthetic services through its first LASIK and medical spa in Naples, opening in October, 2020. The division will be called The Q LASIK & MED…

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Quigley Eye Specialists to Open The Q LASIK & MED SPA in Naples

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville Appointed Medical Director
FORT MYERS, FLA., August 27, 2020 – Quigley Eye Specialists announced plans today to offer patients LASIK and advanced aesthetic services through its first LASIK and medical spa in Naples, opening in October, 2020.
The division will be called The Q LASIK & MED SPA and will be located at 675 Piper Boulevard in North Naples next to the Quigley Eye Specialists ophthalmology clinic. The Q LASIK & MED SPA will be directed by board certified and fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville, who recently joined the Quigley Eye Specialists team.
The luxurious 2,000 square-foot LASIK & Med spa will offer advanced anti-aging procedures including leading edge lasers, facial contouring, injectables, and medical facials and peels.  Dr. Prendiville also will offer consultations for surgical procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, brow lifts and eyelid surgery.
“The Q LASIK & MED SPA will be the first med spa to offer aesthetic injectables such as fillers, Botox, and laser treatments, in addition to offering LASIK, a dry eye spa and a range of other elective services. One of the greatest concerns for aesthetic patients is to receive the best treatments available based on their activity level, social life, and future goals.  Comprehensive aesthetic consultations will help prospective patients look good, look natural, and feel good,” said Dr. Prendiville.
The LASIK team will consist of Dr. Duane Wiggins and Dr. Emmanuel Kai-Lewis who are both highly skilled and experienced LASIK and refractive surgeons. Board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained LASIK surgeon, Dr. Duane Wiggins, has more than 20 years of experience in LASIK and refractive surgery and will perform these procedures at The Q LASIK & MED SPA. Dr. Emmanuel Kai-Lewis is a board certified fellowship trained cornea and refractive surgeon with more than a decade of experience will also perform LASIK, PRK and other refractive procedures at The Q LASIK & MED SPA.
“Many people in Southwest Florida are interested in seeing great without glasses. To help us give them their best possible vision, we have invested in the iDesign Refractive Studio from Johnson & Johnson. This advanced technology helps us map the cornea with precision. It can also give us pinpoint control of the LASIK procedure. That’s a very important consideration for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, since every cornea is unique and has a slightly different shape,” explains Dr. Kai-Lewis.
In addition to LASIK and aesthetic services, one of the specialties of The Q LASIK & MED SPA will be the Dry Eye Spa, which will offer advanced technology to treat chronic dry eye.
“When the meibomian glands in the eyelids don’t secrete enough oil into the tears, the glands become clogged. The traditional way to unclog them is to apply high heat compresses and express them to open them back up. This can be very painful. What we do instead is use the newest technology to massage the eye area with 108-degree thermal heat that will melt away waxy deposits in the glands and apply enough pressure to the eyelid to open the glands,” adds Dr. Wiggins.
Dr. Wiggins said The Q LASIK & MED SPA will be the first spa in the area to combine advanced technology to massage eyes, treat chronic dry eye and offer Lasik surgery all under one roof. In addition to medical professionals, The Q LASIK & MED SPA will have aestheticians offering anti-aging procedures using the latest skin care technology.
Quigley Eye Specialists decided to open a medical spa as a logical next step in its growth as one of the nation’s leading multispecialty ophthalmology practices.
“Adding a cosmetic and anti-aging center to our practice makes sense for us and for our patients,” said Quigley Eye Specialists Founder and cataract “super specialist” surgeon Dr. Thomas Quigley. “When patients are able to see better, they notice things in the mirror that they hadn’t seen before.  With our cosmetic surgery division, we can help patients love what they see even more.”
The Q LASIK & MED SPA is accepting appointments ahead of its opening and offering early booking specials by calling 239-466-2020. You may also learn more by visiting QuigleyEye.com.

Beloved Pop Top Program Fizzles Out

FORT MYERS, FL (July 22, 2020)- Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida has announced plans to suspend its popular “tab program” for the foreseeable future. The tiny pull tab is the only pure aluminum on a soda can and in large quantities has value to recyclers. People of all ages have collected the pop tabs and…

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Beloved Pop Top Program Fizzles Out

FORT MYERS, FL (July 22, 2020)- Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida has announced plans to suspend its popular “tab program” for the foreseeable future. The tiny pull tab is the only pure aluminum on a soda can and in large quantities has value to recyclers. People of all ages have collected the pop tabs and have lovingly delivered their precious stash to the Ronald McDonald House in baggies, cartons, boxes, and five-gallon jugs filled to the brim.  Their efforts have raised monies that have helped to supplement the Charities’ House operations.
“Collecting tabs is such a sweet gesture and we know it is a way of life for many of our generous supporters” said Laura Ragain, executive director.  “We will always be grateful for the incredible community support we’ve enjoyed for so many years.  This decision was not made lightly, but in light of the pandemic and for the safety and comfort level of our wonderful volunteers who clean and transport the tabs, it’s the responsible thing to do.”
To learn more about RMHC SWFL and how to get involved, please visit https://www.rmhcswfl.org

Jodi Huntoon promoted to marketing director for Stevens Construction

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2020) – Jodi Huntoon has been promoted to marketing director for Stevens Construction, announced Mark Stevens, company president. Bringing 17 years of marketing experience, Huntoon oversees all branding, print and digital marketing, external communications, public relations, industry events and community outreach for Stevens Construction’s three Florida locations. “Jodi’s knowledge, experience…

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Jodi Huntoon promoted to marketing director for Stevens Construction

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2020) – Jodi Huntoon has been promoted to marketing director for Stevens Construction, announced Mark Stevens, company president.
Bringing 17 years of marketing experience, Huntoon oversees all branding, print and digital marketing, external communications, public relations, industry events and community outreach for Stevens Construction’s three Florida locations.
“Jodi’s knowledge, experience and talent has accelerated Stevens Construction’s growth as evidenced by our recognition on Inc. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Companies in America for five years and being honored as Contractor of the Year for eight years,” said Stevens.
A Stevens Construction team member since 2008, Huntoon has extensive knowledge of Stevens Construction’s portfolio, allowing her to strategically compose qualification packages and presentations.
Earning her Bachelor of Science in marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University, Huntoon is a member of FPRA (Florida Public Relations Association), REIS (Real Estate Investment Society), LBIA (Lee Building Industry Association) and served 10 years in the Junior League of Fort Myers.
About Stevens Construction
With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

Fort Myers financial advisor earns national recognition for philanthropy

Duane Chaney is a finalist in Invest in Others Awards in recognition of founding Madisen’s Match to help pediatric cancer patients   FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2020) –– Duane Chaney, financial advisor at Raymond James in Fort Myers, is one of three national finalists for the Community Service Award as part of the 14th…

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Fort Myers financial advisor earns national recognition for philanthropy

Duane Chaney is a finalist in Invest in Others Awards in recognition of founding

Madisen’s Match to help pediatric cancer patients

 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 25, 2020) –– Duane Chaney, financial advisor at Raymond James in Fort Myers, is one of three national finalists for the Community Service Award as part of the 14th Annual Invest in Others Awards. Chaney is being honored for founding Madisen’s Match, a tennis tournament benefiting Barbara’s Friends, Golisano Children’s Hospital cancer fund. Madisen’s Match has raised more than $1.3 million for Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital since 2008.

 

Because Chaney is a finalist, Barbara’s Friends will receive a $10,000 donation from the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation.

 

“Duane is a force for good. He is ambitious and energetic and uses that momentum to inspire others. We can’t do what we do without people like Duane who give of their own time, talents and treasure to invest in our children fighting cancer,” said Chris Simoneau, chief foundation and development officer for Lee Health. “We are so proud of Duane and his accomplishments. He’s a leader who also at the end of the day has a tremendous heart and wants to see kids smile and thrive despite the challenge of cancer. He knows what our kids go through; he’s seen it first hand. This is a tremendous honor and we hope the nation recognizes him with well deserved, top honors.”

 

The Invest in Others Awards program recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors in communities across the country and around the world. Advisors are nominated for actively giving back to nonprofits to improve their communities and make a difference in the lives of others. Finalists are selected based on their leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. There are five categories of awards: Catalyst, Community Service, Global Impact, Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement.

 

“I am proud to join such a distinguished group of financial advisors, who have chosen to dedicate much of their time to better their communities,” said Duane Chaney. “Over the past 12 years, our goal at Madisen’s Match has been to bring the community together through the game of tennis to help raise funds for kids with cancer in Southwest Florida. More has been accomplished than what I ever thought possible, and I know we still have more to do to ensure that kids in Southwest Florida receive the care that they deserve.”

 

In 2008, Chaney’s niece Madisen was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of three. Duane decided to use the energy and emotion from this experience to create a fundraising event benefiting Lee Health Foundation and better equip doctors to fight pediatric cancer. Chaney logs hundreds of hours each year organizing the many facets of the event and enjoys connecting with the children who have been helped by the fundraising efforts of events like Madisen’s Match.

 

Madisen’s Match is a thriving pro-class tennis tournament featuring some of the best tennis players worldwide. The event has grown over the past 12 years to include a gala, live and silent auctions, tennis clinics with the pros, a kid’s clinic and a full pro-class exhibition hosted in a college arena.

 

The Invest in Others Awards will be presented digitally from Monday, Sept. 21 to Friday, Sept. 25. The video awards presentation for the Community Service Award will be Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 4:45 p.m. EST on investinothers.org.

 

About Barbara’s Friends – Helping Kids with Cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across Southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida and has served over 8,000 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care. For more information about the Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2019 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

About the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation

The inspiration for the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation came directly from the financial advisors who invest in others by giving back to their communities with overwhelming generosity and dedication. Since its founding in 2006, Invest in Others has amplified these efforts by providing a platform for advisors to increase awareness, visibility, and funding to their favorite nonprofits. For more information, visit investinothers.org or follow Invest in Others on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

 

 

BSSW Architects completes design for Parish Community Center at St. William Catholic Church in Naples

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2020) – BSSW Architects, a regional leader in religious architectural design, has completed renderings for a new Parish Community Center at St. William Catholic Church in Naples. The 30,000-square-foot, two-story building will house 12 offices, nine classrooms, a Teen Center, hospitality foyer, catering kitchen, visiting priest accommodations, ministry hall, community…

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BSSW Architects completes design for Parish Community Center at St. William Catholic Church in Naples

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2020) – BSSW Architects, a regional leader in religious architectural design, has completed renderings for a new Parish Community Center at St. William Catholic Church in Naples.
The 30,000-square-foot, two-story building will house 12 offices, nine classrooms, a Teen Center, hospitality foyer, catering kitchen, visiting priest accommodations, ministry hall, community room, library, sculpture garden and two-story breezeway entry. The Parish Community Center uses design elements from the main church building, which was completed in 2012, to provide a visual connection and cohesive campus feel to the parish. Design features include energy-efficient elements and a solar panel array as part of the Diocese of Venice’s sustainability initiatives.
“The design challenge of making a modern, efficient Parish Community Center was met in a building that boldly reflects the ecclesiastic education and community outreach functions of St. William, now and well into the future,” said Dan Summers, BSSW’s president and principal architect.
Religious architecture is one of BSSW’s signature services. Designs are created to reflect the strength and personality of the congregation and those who lead it. Recent projects include St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, North Naples United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples.
St. William Catholic Church was established in 1973 and moved into a permanent facility on Seagate Drive, adjacent to Waterside Shops, in 1980. That structure was demolished in 2012 and replaced with a larger sanctuary to accommodate the growing congregation. The Parish Community Center will blend seamlessly with the existing complex.
The Parish Community Center is projected to cost $12.4 million. St. William Catholic Church is funding construction through its “Building for Mission” campaign and expects to break ground in the coming months.

About BSSW Architects

BSSW Architects, Inc. is a full-service architectural firm founded in 1980 with the same principles that guide the business today: dedication to serving the best interest of clients and the community. The Fort Myers, Florida-based company has served as the lead architect on more than 120 major projects across Southwest Florida, including schools, government facilities, public libraries, hotels, resorts and private communities. BSSW Architects employs a complete team of architects, planners, interior designers and support staff to bring projects from the concept stage through completion. For more information, visit BSSWarchitects.com or call 239-278-3838.

Women in Business to raise funds for local scholarships with Sept. 2 virtual BINGO  

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2020) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee will host an afternoon of fun and networking with virtual BINGO at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Guests from across the region are invited to play for a chance to win special prizes, and all proceeds…

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Women in Business to raise funds for local scholarships with Sept. 2 virtual BINGO  

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2020) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee will host an afternoon of fun and networking with virtual BINGO at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Guests from across the region are invited to play for a chance to win special prizes, and all proceeds will benefit the Women in Business Scholarship Fund, supporting scholarships for area students.
Registration is $15 for members and nonmembers and includes one BINGO card to play in each of three games. Additional cards are $5 per game. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/WIBBingo. Sponsorships are also available for $150 each and will provide opportunity to lead two 10-minute networking breakout sessions.
“We wanted to find a way for the Women in Business attendees to feel like they’re together again and have some fun,” said Chamber President and CEO Colleen DePasquale. “Breakout rooms are a great way for guests who haven’t seen each other since our last in-person event to connect again and a great way for sponsors to get virtual face time with attendees. Our Chamber members have been very supportive by providing the prizes for the event.”
Women in Business scholarships are awarded annually to nontraditional students from Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College and Hodges University. The Women in Business Scholarship Fund depends on fundraising at each event, primarily through raffle ticket sales. Without those events, fundraising has slowed.
“We want to be able to give back to the community, and connect personally at the same time,” said Women in Business Chair Kelly Talamo. “This event is a fun escape from daily Zoom meetings and will help us get back on track with fundraising. It’s a win-win for all.”
Three games of BINGO will be played during the approximately two-hour event. The third game will have multiple chances to win. BINGO cards are limited, so guests are encouraged to register early.
To make a donation or for more information, contact the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce at 239-332-2930 or email [email protected].
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents over 900 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.
About Women in Business:
Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential. A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Stevens Construction completes Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2020) – Stevens Construction has completed Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital, an 11,630-square-foot, 24-hour facility, announced Dan Adams, vice president and partner. Located at 1141 Country Club Blvd. in Cape Coral, Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital includes 20 exam rooms, X-ray, four operating rooms, treatment area, outdoor run, pharmacy and lab. Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital…

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Stevens Construction completes Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2020) – Stevens Construction has completed Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital, an 11,630-square-foot, 24-hour facility, announced Dan Adams, vice president and partner.

Located at 1141 Country Club Blvd. in Cape Coral, Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital includes 20 exam rooms, X-ray, four operating rooms, treatment area, outdoor run, pharmacy and lab. Viscaya-Prado Veterinary Hospital also houses separate dog and cat wards.

Stevens Construction was engaged with the client and design team early in their planning, providing preconstruction services such as budgeting and constructability reviews at specific design milestones. Stevens Construction’s early involvement saved the client more than $150,000 and allowed them to open for business ahead of schedule.

The Stevens Construction team includes project manager, Jon Zander; superintendent, Mark Battaglia; and project administrator, Angie Sugg. The architect of record is Ronald J. Melvin.

About Stevens Construction

With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

Priority Marketing named to PRNEWS’ inaugural Agency Elite Top 100 Southwest Florida marketing firm listed among top agencies in the U.S.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2020) – Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency, has been named to PRNEWS’ Agency Elite Top 100. The inaugural list spotlights the nation’s most innovative and strategic public relations firms of the year. Among the top 100 agencies in the U.S., Priority Marketing was…

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Priority Marketing named to PRNEWS’ inaugural Agency Elite Top 100 Southwest Florida marketing firm listed among top agencies in the U.S.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2020) – Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency, has been named to PRNEWS’ Agency Elite Top 100. The inaugural list spotlights the nation’s most innovative and strategic public relations firms of the year.
Among the top 100 agencies in the U.S., Priority Marketing was one of just eight agencies headquartered in Florida that were named to the list, and the only headquartered along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“Priority Marketing strives to be a trusted source for innovative solutions that achieve outstanding results,” said Teri Hansen, APR, president and creative director at Priority Marketing. “To be named among the top 100 agencies in the country is an incredible recognition of our team and its efforts to support the long-term success of our clients and community.”
For inclusion in the Agency Elite Top 100 list, PRNEWS scored communications, marketing and digital agencies across more than a dozen criteria to highlight the standout agencies doing the most innovative work. The inaugural list featured a range of boutique firms, mid-sized shops and monolithic, global organizations.
About Priority Marketing
Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency located at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, in Fort Myers. Follow Priority Marketing on social media through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. For industry news and marketing insights, visit PriorityMarketing.com/our-blog and watch the FAQ Fridays video series on YouTube. For more information, call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.
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Media Contacts:
Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-887-9335 (cell)
Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-565-1595 (cell)

Better Together CEO Megan Rose named Manhattan Institute Civil Society Fellow

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 24, 2020) – ​Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together, is one of three national nonprofit leaders named to Manhattan Institute’s Civil Society Fellows. Rose will receive a $10,000 fellowship for her efforts to improve local communities as Better Together works to strengthen families and communities by promoting work, protecting children and…

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Better Together CEO Megan Rose named Manhattan Institute Civil Society Fellow

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 24, 2020) – ​Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together, is one of three national nonprofit leaders named to Manhattan Institute’s Civil Society Fellows. Rose will receive a $10,000 fellowship for her efforts to improve local communities as Better Together works to strengthen families and communities by promoting work, protecting children and supporting families in crisis. The institute’s 15-month Civil Society Fellows Program will help Rose and the other fellows raise national awareness for their missions and make the case for the essential nature and value of their nonprofit work.
“Over the last several months our work supporting families in crisis has been more important than ever. We’ve seen demand for our programs that empower parents–like those facing unemployment right now–and keep children safe skyrocket by 155% percent during the pandemic,” said CEO of Better Together, Megan Rose. “We have a track record of success partnering with local churches, community organizations, and compassionate volunteers to help support isolated families, and this offers hope that there is someone out there who you can lean on during this particularly hard time to help you care for your children, avoid foster care, and keep your family together. We are excited to work with the Manhattan Institute to amplify our message, sharing stories of hope and the power of genuine community.”
With the help of hundreds of volunteers and church communities, Better Together builds lasting support systems that help families cope with hardships – job loss, substance abuse, homelessness and even jail time – and ensures that children are cared for in a safe home until the family can be reunited. The organization provides a voluntary and preventive alternative to foster care through its “Better Families” program, which has served more than 2,500 children and kept 98% of them out of the foster care system. Additionally, Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program has helped nearly 28,000 job seekers find employment through church-based job fairs across 20 states.
“These outstanding leaders are filling a need in their community where a government program simply cannot, and they are strengthening our social fabric in the process,” said Annie Dwyer, director of Manhattan Institute’s Civil Society Fellows Program. “Civil society is a fundamental part of America’s foundation, and this year’s fellows and their organizations are critical to the well-being and future of our nation. We hope their work will inspire others in communities around the country to take it upon themselves to assist those in need and help people change the course of their lives.”
Since 2001, the Manhattan Institute has recognized and supported nonprofit organizations and leaders who have developed solutions to some of America’s most pressing public problems. With the help of private philanthropy and volunteers – rather than government support – these organizations continue to empower the poor and disadvantaged, build caring relationships to support those in crisis, prepare the next generation to realize their full potential, restore and revitalize struggling neighborhoods, and much more.
ABOUT THE CIVIL SOCIETY FELLOWS PROGRAM
Based in New York City, the Manhattan Institute is a think tank whose mission is to develop and disseminate new ideas that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility. The Civil Society Fellows Program is a part of the institute’s Tocqueville Project that seeks to support and advance America’s long tradition of civil society organizations and leaders who, with the help of volunteers and private philanthropy, address and prevent our nation’s most serious public problems. Learn more here. For more information about this program, please contact Annie Dwyer at [email protected].
ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 98% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.
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HURRICANE SEASON: PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

By Eve Kosciuszko, attorney for Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz August 24, 2020, Fort Myers, FL:  Preparing for a hurricane should begin well before you are in a storm’s path. While hurricane season is from June to November, peak storm time runs from August to late October. Hurricanes pose serious threat of damage to…

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HURRICANE SEASON: PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

By Eve Kosciuszko, attorney for Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz
August 24, 2020, Fort Myers, FL:  Preparing for a hurricane should begin well before you are in a storm’s path. While hurricane season is from June to November, peak storm time runs from August to late October.
Hurricanes pose serious threat of damage to property. Dealing with issues after an event pose many financial, logistical and psychological challenges such as fighting with your insurance company over fair compensation for your damaged property. A well-prepared owner can help reduce stress and speed claims processing.
Well in advance of a predicted storm, it’s important to review and make sure your property insurance policy is robust enough to fully repair or rebuild in the event of a claim. It’s important to understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Be sure to review the policy thoroughly and ask questions of your insurance agent, so you can make changes prior to a storm. Keep your policy in a secure place before and after the storm.
After the storm, it’s critical to thoroughly document your damage. At the very first opportunity, start photographing or videotaping every square inch of your property inside and out. Don’t forget the roof! Photograph damage large and seemingly insignificant to your property as well as in and around your property. Missing roof tiles or branches may later be found to have damaged your building. After you have documented the post-storm damage, it’s your duty to do what you can to prevent additional damage to your property.
A common mistake made is what you do with damaged property. Most are inclined to throw it in the trash to be hauled away. STOP! You must make all damaged property available for inspection by your insurance company. In addition, damaged property is evidence of your loss and may be needed to prove your claim or case in court. Once your insurance company pays you for your damaged property, known as salvage, the insurance company becomes the owner of it. Make sure you notify your insurance company in writing of your intent to dispose of any damaged property and give your insurer time to come and inspect it or take possession of it.
You also have a duty to cooperate with your insurer, which could include sworn testimony and providing financial records. Being prepared with documentation of the state of your property before the storm can speed processing of your claim and is helpful if you need to apply for disaster aid.
An attorney experienced with hurricane claims can review your property insurance as well as the information and documentation of your claim and help you determine the best course of action when dealing with your insurance company after a storm.
About the Author
Eve Kasciuszko, an attorney at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz focuses her practice on estate planning and probate, as well as civil and commercial litigation.