A.N.A.’s Friends receives $15,000 from Beyond Ourselves toSupport Children’s Needs Program
A.N.A.’s Friends received a $15,000 grant from Beyond Ourselves, the community service organization of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, to support the nonprofit’s Children’s Needs Program.
The grant will help meet the immediate and ongoing needs of children and teens in Charlotte County who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. Working alongside volunteer child advocates, child welfare professionals, caregivers, foster parents, educators and community partners, A.N.A.'s Friends connects children navigating the dependency court system with essential resources and opportunities that help them move forward with greater stability.
“Beyond Ourselves understands that helping a child often begins with meeting an immediate need, but the lasting impact reaches much further,” said A.N.A.’s Friends CEO Jessica Kaestner. “Their generosity helps create moments of stability, confidence and connection that every child deserves, even during times of uncertainty. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the compassion they continue to show families across our region.”
Founded in 2012, Beyond Ourselves serves as the philanthropic arm of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, extending the organization's long-standing commitment to strengthening the local community. Through volunteerism, fundraising and charitable partnerships, Beyond Ourselves supports children's organizations, homelessness initiatives and wildlife conservation efforts throughout Charlotte County.
“While Beyond Ourselves was created to fulfill three missions, caring for underprivileged children in Charlotte County is one that is near and dear to all of our members,” said Debra Griffith, president of Beyond Ourselves. “Supporting children’s charities is the way we help care for kids in our community. We support those who provide shelter and food and clothing, but we also want to assist in things like education and support opportunities for these same kids to go on field trips or be on a sport team or a band member. We are proud to have supported A.N.A.’s Friends for all the years I have been president of Beyond Ourselves and probably more so that they can do whatever needs to be done for those children in their care to give them the same opportunities as all of the kids in our community.”
Serving children throughout Charlotte County and neighboring communities, A.N.A.’s Friends shares Beyond Ourselves' belief that strong communities are built by caring for their most vulnerable members. The partnership demonstrates how local philanthropy can extend beyond neighborhood boundaries, creating opportunities for children to experience greater stability and a brighter future.
Through its Children’s Needs Program, A.N.A.’s Friends provides essentials such as clothing, bedding, hygiene products and school supplies while also funding tutoring, therapies and summer programs. The organization also offers Heartfelt Hangouts and EmpoweredU, helping children and young adults build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for adulthood beyond foster care
