Ready for what’s next. Stronger together.

Living in Florida has taught us that preparation is simply part of life. As families settle into a new school year and new routines, we’re also reminded that hurricane season is part of our annual rhythm.

Storm season encourages us to stock supplies, review emergency plans, and check in on our neighbors. While we all hope the coming months pass without major storms, experience has shown that we have to be ready just in case.

As Board Chair of the Community Foundation, I’ve seen firsthand how the Foundation strengthens our community in meaningful and lasting ways. Being ready means more than preparing for a storm—it means being equipped to respond when life takes an unexpected turn.

When disaster strikes, we help families begin rebuilding. We also support nonprofit organizations as community needs evolve, providing grants that sustain their everyday work while helping them respond to unexpected challenges. These resources help provide food, shelter, transportation, home repairs, educational opportunities, and other essential services that give individuals and families the stability to move forward.

This impact doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because generous individuals and families choose to invest in the Community Foundation before those moments of need arise. Their foresight ensures that resources are available when they are needed most, allowing us to respond quickly and effectively.

Together, we’re building a community that is resilient. Not only able to recover from hardship, but also better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow and create opportunities for future generations.

We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but together we can ensure our community is ready to respond with compassion, generosity, and hope.

Paula Hoisington

Chair | Board of Directors