FISH has been a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization on Sanibel and Captiva for 40 years and has evolved dramatically both in terms the services they provide and the people they serve. As a social service organization, FISH has been ground zero, in recent years, from natural and environmental crises to the impacts of COVID and now, for catastrophic Hurricane Ian, offering services to those in need. FISH prides itself on the network of resources they develop and maintain to ensure they are offering the services needed for their diverse constituency. FISH offers something for everyone—if there is not a service in place for unmet needs of members of the community, they work to meet it through their expansive regional network, made possible in part because of their United Way House designation. When working with people, situations can be unique and specific and FISH views every client individually. Often a visit to FISH is a symptom of a larger underlying problem, so by tailoring client assessments, FISH is able to help people get back on their feet more quickly. In addition to their Long Term Recovery program, FISH continues to offer programs representing their four major pillars – Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands.

Although FISH has grown from the grassroots organization it started as, it still remains a network of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’; a group of community members committed to the betterment of the islands and southwest Florida community by assisting one neighbor at a time. FISH has stood by Sanibel and Captiva for more than 40 years and we will continue to serve as the community’s social service organization now and in the future.