"Our clients need our services more than ever... and we need a permanent home more than ever", said Suzy Hutcheson, President and CEO of Helping People Succeed, as she announced the kickoff of the nonprofit's Matching Gift Campaign that will make possible the timely purchase of their current headquarters in Jensen Beach.

Says Glenna Parris, Gift Planning Officer at Helping People Succeed, "Our current home is a great fit for our programs and operating needs. To purchase the building outright will reduce our operating expenses dramatically and ensure our ability to deliver critical programs now and in the future. We are so close to realizing a long-held dream.”

Two couples who are longtime friends of Helping People Succeed – Richard and Yvonne Ross and Bob and Carol Weissman – have each pledged $100,000 in matching funds, hoping to inspire many others to join in helping Helping People Succeed complete its final push to buy the property. The purchase will secure the future of the nonprofit’s important mission to transform lives by realizing potential, creating hope and building futures through education, counseling, training and employment.

“We are thankful for the Rosses and the Weissmans for giving Helping People Succeed this wonderful opportunity. It is exactly what we needed at this financially vulnerable time,” states Bonney Johnson, Chairperson of the Foundation Board of Directors and Trustee of the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust in whose honor the building will be named.

The venerable 501(c)(3) nonprofit has been serving clients with a variety of programs for 56 years, benefiting more than 8000 local individuals this past year. Even with the challenges of COVID-19, it has found effective ways to continue to provide safe and supportive services to local families in need.

In spite of having to cancel several major fundraisers – including April Showers and longtime favorite White Shirt Night – Helping People Succeed hasn't missed a beat, going virtual with its Baby Steps, Healthy Families, Children’s Mental Health and After-School programs, to name just a few.

Hutcheson continues “We are moving forward in solidarity and hope. We know this is a time relationships can be built that will last a lifetime.”

Gifts and contributions of any amount are welcome and will be matched dollar for dollar up to $200,000. All funds raised will go towards the capital campaign Building Futures, Changing Lives. Co-chairs Richard and Mary Rose Bressman have been spearheading this campaign.

Also adding to the upbeat attitude at Helping People Succeed these days: planning for the annual fundraising – and friend raising – gala, Pinot & Picasso, scheduled for November 21 at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club. Make your plans now to attend! Always a festive start to the holiday season, this year's seventh annual Pinot & Picasso will showcase the artists who have been selected to contribute a unique and special painting for the 2021 Art for Living Calendar.

It's also an opportunity to honor Bill Lichtenberger, longtime Helping People Succeed supporter and host of the evening. Lichtenberger is so beloved by the folks at Helping People Succeed that they recently announced that the reception area in the Braille Place building will be named in his honor.

So it's onwards and upwards at Helping People Succeed as a busy and exciting summer and fall begin to shape up positively.