FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (SWFL) is proud to announce the award of a $132,500 grant to expand its Disability Navigation Program. The funding comes through the Charlotte Impact NOW! Initiative, a strategic partnership between the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) aimed at driving catalytic community impact.

"We are absolutely ecstatic to receive this support," said Jessica Tursi, Director of Disability Services & Navigation at Goodwill SWFL. "This grant will significantly enhance our ability to guide individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) and their families through essential services. We're excited for what's ahead and grateful to continue making a difference together."

Recognizing critical gaps in disability support services, Goodwill SWFL launched the Disability Navigation Program in early 2023 to ensure individuals and families could access the resources they need to thrive. The program helps families understand and access available resources, including Medicaid Waivers, and has already supported hundreds of families across the region. A resource packet developed through the program is now shared statewide, and free community sessions are offered to help families plan for the future.

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"We are thankful to partner with donors like the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation to amplify our collective impact, which in turn creates lasting, meaningful change in our community," said Sasha Pyatte, Gulf Coast's Director of Philanthropic Partnerships. "Proactively addressing our region's growing needs, particularly in the human services space, is a key component of Gulf Coast's mission."

The expansion will allow Goodwill SWFL to reach even more families in need, furthering its mission to empower individuals with disabilities and disadvantages.

For more information, contact Jessica Tursi at (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2301, or visit https://goodwillswfl.org/