Better Together honors community partners at appreciation events in Southwest Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. - June 21, 2023 - PRLog -- Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently honored members of Collier and Lee counties who have gone above and beyond to serve the mission of Better Together.

"Our donors, volunteers, partners and supporters help families to overcome devastating crises and to rise up stronger than ever," said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. "While all of our supporters have a vital role in our success, we were honored to recognize several individuals and organizations for their tremendous generosity and support."

Better Together recognized supporters for their impact in Collier County during the Doing Good Together appreciation reception held May 23 at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples. Honorees include:

• Host Family of the Year was presented to Spencer and Adriana Adkins.
• Doug Campbell Generosity Award was presented to John and Kelly DeAngelis.
• Community Partner of the Year was presented to Healthcare Network.
• Church of the Year was presented to Grow Church.
• Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year was presented to Lisa Meszaros.
• Mentor of the Year was presented to Mika Paz.
• Champion for Strong Families was presented to Senate President Kathleen Passidom.

Better Together also recognized Lee County supporters during a reception held May 30 at the Collaboratory in Fort Myers, sponsored by Gaea Landscaping and Lady Cakes Bakery. Honorees include:

• Host Family of the Year was presented to Cory and Jackson Burton.
• Doug Campbell Generosity Award was presented to Norman Love.
• Community Partner of the Year was presented to Lee Health Social Workers.
• Church of the Year was presented to Christ Community Church.
• Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year was presented to Lutricia Burne.
• Mentor of the Year was presented to Mirline Sheridan.
• Champion for Strong Families was presented to Suncoast Beverages.
• DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris was also recognized as a champion for families.

Better Together is made up of two programs – Better Families and Better Jobs – that help parents who are going through a hard time to keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive.

With the help of donors and hundreds of volunteers and church communities, Better Together builds lasting support systems that help families cope with hardships – such as job loss, substance abuse, homelessness and jail time – and ensures that children are cared for in a safe home until the family can be reunited. To date, the program has served over 5,400 children and kept 98% of families together, while helping 39,000 job seekers across 22 states find employment.