Member News

In an effort to support local nonprofit organization Goodwill Manasota, Bradenton restaurant Mean Deans Local Kitchen (6059 26th St. W., Bradenton) will hold "Goodwill Day" on Tuesday, April 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. On this day, 10% of all restaurant sales - and 100% of the sales of a special dessert created in Goodwill's honor, the "Good Drizzle Nut Brownie" - will go to Goodwill, to support its Supported JobsPlus (SJP) program. 

Implemented in 2005, the SJP program targets sustainable employment for those with significant disabilities. Of Goodwill’s 700 employees, 65% have self-identified disabilities and/or disadvantaging conditions, while 53 – approximately 8% of its employees – have significant disabilities and participate in the SJP program. 

Owners Dean Donnelly and Michele Angell approached Goodwill about partnering together; additionally, Mean Deans' back room lounge area is furnished with numerous items purchased from Goodwill. 

For more information about the restaurant, go to meandeanslocalkitchen.com or call 941-251-5435. For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

Bradenton, FL, March 30, 2021 – Blake Medical Center is proud to announce the 2021 Doctor of the Year, Michael Van Vliet, M.D., FACS. Dr. Van Vliet specializes in surgery, surgical critical care, and plastic surgery. He joined Blake Medical Center’s Medical Staff in 2015.

Dr. Van Vliet is Blake Medical Center’s Chief of Surgery and serves on the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee. He also serves as the medical director for Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America at Blake Medical Center, providing compassionate care to the most critically ill burn patients, managing patient needs from the acute state of illness through reconstruction and beyond. He treats patients with hand injuries, complex wounds, traumatic defects, congenital deformities, and cancer. In addition, Dr. Van Vliet manages a variety of aesthetic concerns for patients, including surgery of the body and breast.

“Dr. Van Vliet has a tireless passion for continually improving the care his program delivers,” says Randy Currin, President/CEO Blake Medical Center. “His dedication and leadership in ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient outcomes are inspiring.” 

 

Nominations for Blake Medical Center’s Doctor of the Year were received from patients and caregivers, including fellow physicians. Nomination comments for Dr. Van Vliet included: 

“Hard-working surgeon with amazing bedside manner.” 

“Great physician that cares for his patients” 

“Dr. Van Vliet has shown true dedication to the patients and staff at Blake. He starts his day at 5 am daily to ensure things run smoothly, and he works closely with the OR leadership to help improve processes and improve the patient experience.” 

Top finalists for 2021 Doctor of the Year:

• Iftekhar Baig, DO, Cardiology
• Margita Beard, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Philip Blaustein, MD, Radiology 
• Jose Erbella, MD, FACS, General Surgery
• Narrani Kanapathippillai, MD, Internal Medicine – Critical Care Medicine 
• Maria Bezares Oliveras, MD, Internal Medicine
• Mikhail Ravvin, MD, Anesthesiology
• Sharla Sundberg, MD, General Surgery
• Arthur Valadie, MD, Orthopedic Surgery
• Daniel Wagoner, DO, Emergency Medicine

Doctor of the Year has been a Blake Medical Center tradition since 1983.

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota was thrilled to learn last December that it was one of 384 nonprofits to receive multi-million-dollar gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In the wake of its $10 million windfall, Goodwill is launching new programs as well as expanding existing programs, such as Supported JobsPlus, which targets employment for individuals with severe disabilities.

Goodwill has added 10 more slots for the Supported JobsPlus (SJP) program; four of those jobs have already been filled. This expansion comes in the wake of pandemic-related SJP team member losses, due to medical issues and fears of COVID-19 infection.

Implemented in 2005, the SJP program targets sustainable employment for those with significant disabilities. Of Goodwill’s 700 employees, 65% have self-identified disabilities and/or disadvantaging conditions, while 53 – nearly 8% of its employees – have significant disabilities and participate in the SJP program.

One such employee is Corey Mount, who has been with Goodwill for over six years; he currently works at Goodwill’s Corporate Campus in Bradenton. Born with hydrocephalus, Mount has used a wheelchair his whole life but has never let that stand in the way of activities such as performing in the Riverview High School Band, driving, earning his Computer Programming and Repair Certification, and working.

However, his health has been declining and frequent hospitalizations have made it impossible for him to maintain consistent employment. After going to Vocational Rehabilitation for help and two years of job searching, Goodwill hired him. He did so well as a clothing tagger that his supervisor added separating apparel tags to his responsibilities. He has done so well with his new task that Goodwill made his average production rate its standard for all who separate apparel tags.

“Goodwill does not look at my disability – only my abilities,” Mount says. He notes that, since his mother died in 2016, one of the only things he has to look forward to is coming to work at Goodwill. “It is my family and they look out for me.”

In conjunction with Goodwill's GoodPartner Coach Program, SJP team members participate in a career needs assessment, the development of an individualized case management plan, and then go through training components to reach ultimate desired outcomes. Job performance and educational benchmarks are set, providing clear expectations for career advancement readiness. Ideally, individuals with disabilities or other barriers to self-sufficiency will establish a lifetime link with Goodwill, so that they may take advantage of services available throughout the community.

In 2020, Goodwill served nearly 6,000 people with disabilities across all of its programs: Job Connection, Veterans Services, GoodPartner Coach and Supported JobsPlus.

"Everyone deserves a chance to earn a paycheck and feel the dignity of work," said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We look forward to a day when all Americans with disabilities – like Corey – who have a desire to achieve self-sufficiency will be able to find jobs and make important contributions to the workplace and their communities.”

For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

(Sarasota, FL) March 26, 2021 – Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County, is proud to welcome Andrea Johnson to the Board of Directors.

Ms. Johnson is a Vice President, IT Architect for JPMorgan Chase. She has held several key leadership positions for the multinational banking company in a career spanning more than two decades.

Her extensive volunteer experience includes local, national, and international organizations such as the YMCA of Delaware, the Hillsborough Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, the National Black MBA Association, and Bankers Without Borders.

As part of the inaugural BoardLead group in the Tampa Bay region, Children First was invited to join a select cohort of nonprofit and corporate partners working together to elevate leadership in the social good sector.

Operating in 19 states and internationally in London, BoardLead works to transform leadership in the social good sector by partnering with top companies, professional services firms, and foundations to recruit, place, train and support talented professionals for high-impact board service.

“We are excited to welcome Andrea to our Board of Directors through this incredible partnership with JPMorgan Chase and BoardLead,” said Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First. “Her governance expertise, along with her broad knowledge in the fields of youth empowerment, financial education, and technology make her a critical addition to our board.”

 

"Congratulations to Andrea on joining the team at Children First! Our own team at BoardLead is honored to have made this introduction with our corporate partner JPMorgan Chase, and we are excited to see the impact of Andrea's board service and to support her as she joins in the important work at Children First,” said Nick Boyle, Senior Program Associate, Cause Strategy Partners®, BoardLead®. 

Ms. Johnson received her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Affairs from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Wesley College. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., ISC2 (The International Information System Security Certification Consortium), and NSBE (the National Society of Black Engineers).

 

The Children First Board of Directors is comprised of community members and leaders from the human services, corporate, investment, and philanthropic sectors of our region. To learn more, visit childrenfirst.net.

Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants, is pleased to announce its place as one of the 2021 Tampa Bay Business Journal Largest Accounting Firms in Tampa Bay. Kerkering Barberio & Co. has been in the top ten rankings for multiple years and is ranked as 7th for 2021. 

MONTREAL, CANADA / MARCH 24, 2021

AKWA Technologies (www.AKWAtek.com) signed an agreement with H2O Leak Detection Systems, a Canadian company whose head office is located in Vancouver, B.C.

The H2O Leak Detection Systems (www.h2oleakdetect.com) specializes in problems related to indoor water leaks. After having analyzed all the existing products on the market concerning the prevention and detection of water leaks, H2O Leak Detection Systems selected the AKWA Technologies “Water Alarm” system for sale and installation across the entire province of British Columbia.  They will be assisted by certified plumbing contractors, a necessary part of the installation of the system.

After having successfully built and operated two businesses in the printing and construction industries, Gerry Heinz, President of H2O Leak Detection Systems, came out of early retirement when he discovered the AKWA Technologies flexible and customizable “Water Alarm” system.  “Having been a homeowner in downtown Vancouver condominiums for over 20 years, I am well aware of insurance claims resulting from unexpected water damage”, Heinz says.  “I am also aware of the crisis Strata corporations are currently finding themselves in with regards to the sky-rocketing costs of premiums and deductible limits.  To me, it is obvious that AKWA Technologies has found the cost-effective, efficient means to bring water damage incidents to an end, which in turn can have a significant savings impact on insurance rates.  I look forward to working with the appropriate stakeholders to help eliminate water damage, thereby assisting them to get insurance expenses under control.”

ABOUT AKWA TECHNOLOGIES

AKWA Technologies, a brand of AKWA Technologies Solutions inc. (www.AKWAtek.com) is a leader in Water Alarm systems!  Our mission is to prevent property damage caused by water leaks through a smart, reliable alarm system that can be adapted to different building configurations.  With our centralized management dashboard, AKWA Concierge, this solution is ideal for multi-residential, condominium or commercial properties of all sizes.

AKWA Technologies is recognized by leading insurance companies such as Desjardins and since 2018 has been sold in Quebec by market leader HydroSolution.  In 2020 the company expanded with new resellers in Canada and in the U.S.  We are committed to on-going market development for this technology with new partners in North America and other countries based on the system’s highly customizable features and flexibility to meet the needs of different markets.

Great programs for 2nd-12th graders this summer!

http://scf.edu/kids

Atlanta, GA- March 22- Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, a leading provider of assurance, tax, consulting and advisory services, is proud to announce Tim Lyons, Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Columbia office, has been appointed as a member of the AICPA’s State and Local Government Expert Panel, beginning May 2021.

The Expert Panel exists to serve the needs of AICPA members on financial reporting matters as well as audit and attest matters relevant to audits of state and local government financial statements. It also works closely with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) by analyzing exposure documents and various proposals that impact state and local governments.

As a member, Tim will help bringtogether knowledgeable parties in the state and local government industry to deliberate and come to agreement on key state and local government issues.

Tim is a Partner in the Governmental Practice of Mauldin & Jenkins, working with state and local government agencies and institutions of higher education throughout the Southeast. Services provided to clients include traditional audit and attest engagements, transaction and advisory services, and internal control and process consulting.  Tim is also a member of the Firm’s Assurance Committee.

Tim is involved in a variety of state and national organizations – both to support client industries and the community at large. He is a graduate of the AICPA’s Leadership Academy (Class of 2012) and is a regular speaker on state/local government topics around the Southeast. He has served as a director for various organizations and currently is a member of the board for Children’s Trust of South Carolina.

Please join us in congratulating Tim on this achievement.

To learn more about Mauldin & Jenkins and its services, please visit our website, mjcpa.com/industries/governments/.

(Sarasota/Bradenton, FL - March 19, 2021) With large parking lots and heavy donor and shopper traffic, Goodwill Manasota is a natural partner for SunCoast Blood Centers (SCBC), which is always seeking new locations for blood drives. To help SCBC in its mission to provide a reliable supply of blood to hospitals and health centers in need, Goodwill has offered three locations – two in Bradenton and one in North Port – for SCBC to park its bloodmobiles one Sunday per month through the end of the year.

The first of the upcoming collection events takes place on Sunday, March 28 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The three locations are Goodwill’s Corporate Campus (2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton), Ranch Lake (8750 E. State Rd. 70, Bradenton) and North Port (14879 Tamiami Tr.).

While appointments are recommended, walk-ins will be accepted; photo ID required. Every person who donates blood will receive a $10 Goodwill gift card.

According to SunCoast Blood Centers, 1 in 7 people entering the hospital need blood and it can’t be artificially made. The organization must collect 47,000 units annually to meet the demand of local hospitals and patients. SCBC operates five blood donor centers in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Port Charlotte, and maintains a fleet of nine bloodmobiles for donor convenience. Each donation of blood can potentially save up to three lives.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new collaborative effort while helping to raise awareness and increase vital resources for such a crucial organization in our region,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We are particularly happy that the collections of blood from the community by SunCoast Blood Centers primarily stay local, benefiting the people who live and work here.”

Upcoming dates include April 18, May 16 and June 13; complete list of 2021 dates is available, along with a link to make an appointment, on Goodwill’s website: experiencegoodwill.org/events.

(Sarasota, FL) March 18, 2021 – Children First is proud to announce The Challenge for Changing Lives, a $1,060,000 matching gift challenge led by Children First’s 60^th Anniversary Diamond Circle members. The Diamond Circle is a dedicated group of extraordinary supporters leading the charge in advancing the mission of strengthening children and families together.

 

Their goal is to inspire the community to join them in giving by matching all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $1,060,000, throughout 2021 as the focal point of the agency’s overall annual fundraising efforts. Their commitment is to increase support of early childhood education, family strengthening, and comprehensive services for families living at risk.

 

The key philanthropists comprising the Diamond Circle membership include: two anonymous donors providing gifts totaling just over $300,000; individuals, couples and foundations providing gifts of $60,000 each including: Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Dawn and Mitchell Epstein, Julie and Brock Leach, Joan and Dr. Bart Levenson, Katherine and Frank Martucci, Elenor Maxheim in loving memory of John Maxheim, Keith Monda and Veronica Brady, Leslie and Dick Rivera, Gaye and Jack Schwarz, and Karen Solem in loving memory of Charles Forman; couples joining together to form Diamond Circles with combined gifts from $20,000 to $30,000 including: John Bean and Alexandra Jupin, Lisa and John Giglio, Carol and Richard Kalikow, and Bob and Lin Williams; and couples and individuals comprising a Diamond Circle with gifts from $10,000 including: Alison and Howie Madsen, Jo and Stan Rutstein, Mike Rutstein, and CEO Philip Tavill.

 

“As the leaders of The Challenge for Changing Lives, our incredible Diamond Circle members have a collective desire to inspire other members of our community to invest in our children and families. Even as we celebrate our 60^th Anniversary, we know that the hardships faced by those we serve are greater than ever. We are working together to lead in providing solutions in these unprecedented times. These are the moments in which we can change the tide by meeting our families where they are and providing access and opportunity for current and future generations. We are deeply appreciative of our Diamond Circle members for their remarkable support,” says CEO Philip Tavill.

 

“We are so thankful for the trailblazing challenge match brought forth by some of our most passionate and committed supporters. Our Diamond Circle members understand that their philanthropy is not only representative of this historic milestone in our agency’s history, it is more specifically a direct recognition of the excellence of our staff and their commitment to helping us achieve the best outcomes our children and families deserve. Our children and families are as unique and special as diamonds, overcoming tremendous pressure to shine bright in the face of adversity. This collective matching campaign kick-off gift marks a significant investment in the potential of our community’s most vulnerable, allowing them to experience the transformation of a lifetime,” says Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers.

 

As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First has grown to serve hundreds of children and their families annually at 15 locations annually throughout Sarasota County with campuses in Venice, North Port, and Sarasota. As a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence, the agency ranks in the top 1% of over 1,800 programs nationwide. Through its award-winning Families First Institute, comprehensive curricula is offered at no cost to all community members.

 

In 1961, the Junior League of Sarasota founded the Sarasota Day Nursery with a mission to prepare children from low-income families for Kindergarten. In 1994, the agency became Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start services. With Early Head Start services added in 1998 and a name change to Children First in 2000, the organization grew rapidly, driven by the high demand for quality early childhood education and family strengthening programs within economically vulnerable communities.

 

Children First’s founding principles are woven throughout its history, continuing the vision of providing children and families with opportunities for success, regardless of circumstance at birth or in life. To make a gift in support of The Challenge for Changing Lives, please visit childrenfirst.net/donate.