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As Helping People Succeed begins its 51st year, the local non-profit organization welcomes new Operating Board chair, Phyllis Gillespie, attorney with the firm of Laws-Scott & Gillespie PLLC in Stuart.
On the non-profit organization’s board for the last four years and two years as Vice Chair, Gillespie has been active in Helping People Succeed programs, as well as board committees and community projects throughout Martin County. She is a member of the National Bar Association, the Virgil Hawkins Bar Association, the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, The Florida Bar Association and the Tennessee Bar Association.
Helping People Succeed is the recipient of United Way of Martin County’s Agency Spirit Award, recognizing the non-profit organization’s community activities to benefit United Way and local businesses.
“When it comes to United Way, Suzy Hutcheson and her staff always bring a high level of spirit,” said United Way Executive Director Jim Vojcsik. “Not only did Helping People Succeed run a terrific workplace campaign, but the dedicated staff also helped coordinate the annual Merrill Lynch Bull Run, volunteered during Day of Caring, and even helped with workplace presentations at local businesses.”
Thirteen area artists will be featured in Helping People Succeed’s 2016 Art for Living Calendar, offering tropical themes, historic locations and other scenes related to the Treasure Coast. The calendar will be available in September 2015.
Thanks to the following artists who were selected to appear in the popular calendar. The artists include Dan Mackin, Julia Kelly, Cristina de la Vega, Pam Patterson, Carol Kepp, Ginny Jones, Valerie Lally, Sharon Ferina, Linda Relis, Sue Ann Mosley, Marian Vitale, Yolanda Luce and Denise Jenkins.
Turn your plain white t-shirt, a special white apron, your favorite tote bag or even a popular ball cap into a colorful display of Treasure Coast and Florida tropical scenes as eight noted artists “paint” their unique designs into wearable, autographed art.
It’s all part of Helping People Succeed’s White Shirt Night on Saturday, June 13 at Taste Casual Dining in Hobe Sound. The evening of art includes artists Dan Mackin, Kevin Hutchinson, Valerie Lally, Sharon Ferina, Paula MacArthur Cooper, Sue Winocur, Ginny Jones and Pam Patterson, all ready to show off their art work in riverscapes, backwoods scenes, pelicans, egrets, turtles and much more. Each artist will design and present three or four scenes for guests to select.
Thanks to the William & Helen Thomas Charitable Trust, Helping People Succeed will be expanding its autism spectrum disorder classes for young adults into transition programs that could open employment areas or college education programs.
The Thomas trust recently donated $20,000 to Helping People Succeed. This is the second consecutive year the trust has supported the autism program, following one of the main goals of educational opportunities through the trust. The U.S. Trust offices in Stuart maintain the Thomas Trust.
Helping People Succeed received several Proclamations during the month of April from the Martin County Commission, the St. Lucie County Commission and the City of Stuart for National Autism Awareness Month.
In addition, Helping People Succeed also received a Proclamation from Okeechobee County for National Child Abuse Awareness Month.
The non-profit organization coordinates autism programs for elementary, middle and high school students and is working on transition programs into college classes, employment and social skills.
Helping People Succeed also helps more than 4,500 families in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties regarding autism, abuse and everyday services in the development of babies and children.
Photos for Martin County and Okeechobee County by Bob Dobens