Sarasota, Florida Projects
The Haven
,The Haven offers programs and services for adults and children with disabilities to enhance quality of life by encouraging independence, championing inclusion and advocating for their individual rights. It is a major asset for handicapped people, both children and adults. The Haven was born out of a philosophy that those with disabilities have as much potential and capabilities as anyone else and should have access to opportunities that support their abilities. The development of the center came from community demand; for those who have disabilities to have access to an aquatic and therapeutic center focused on their needs and inclusive with our community. To learn more about The Haven, you can visit their website.
Judy's Oasis
The therapeutic pool at the Haven, primarily funded by The Fry Family Foundation in 2017, was completed in 2018 and was named Judy’s Oasis Aquatic Therapy Center. Judy’s Oasis features a commercial pool and includes a zero-depth entry with a ramp entrance, restroom facilities, a screened enclosure and a brick paver deck. Judy Repple, Senior Trustee with the Fry Family Foundation, is an active volunteer at The Haven.
Marlene's House
The Fry Family Foundation has also provided financial support to The Haven for a computer room, athletic quad and Marlene’s House. Marlene's House was completed in 2016 and is a great addition to the Community Haven. Adults with a range of disabilities live and work here. Although there are other group homes on the property, this is the first one in the state to offer single-room living. Due to overhead costs, group homes typically offer shared rooms only, but thanks to a partnership between the Fry Family Foundation and the residents’ parents, they raised the money it took to build it. But what sets Marlene’s house apart most is that parents and residents, along with the building team, designed and chose everything from the kitchen counter tops to the floor tile. The home also houses full time staff. A mile-long bike trail is connected to the lanai and weaves through the Haven, connecting group homes and residents to one another. Marlene Fry, co-founder of the Fry Family Foundation, is an active volunteer with The Haven.
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In addition, the Fry Family Foundation are also a primary sponsor for the annual 5K Jingle and Jog race in support of community Haven. The race is held on the 32-acre community Haven campus and as an extra incentive, Fry Family Foundation makes a donation for every runner, walker, and wheelchair racer crossing the finish line. The 22nd annual race was held December 7, 2019.
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All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB)
All Faiths Food Bank was founded by a group of individuals who, through their respective organizations, were feeding the hungry. They combined efforts in 1989 and since then, AFFB has been the only Food Bank serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. It has been a Certified Member of Feeding America since 1990. Since 2016, AFFB’s mission has been: Together with our partners, we provide healthy solutions to end hunger in our community. The Fry Family Foundation provides financial support to this initiative. Learn more by visiting their website.