Discover Venice 2021-2022

Olga Brock PA 941.726.5797 300 Tamiami Trail South, Nokomis, FL 34275 Skill • Integrity • Dedication • Uncompromising Service OlgaBrock.com adno=3816909-1 effective model. And now, our communities need us more than ever and this merger will only strengthen the Y and our communities." Manatee County Family YMCA chief volunteer officer Lisa Devito agrees. "Manatee County Family YMCA is very excited to announce (that) the merger with YMCA of Southwest Florida will be official Jan. 1, 2022," she said. "We are so grateful for this seamless process and the many hands that helped get us here. We are thankful to be able to continue serving our Manatee County community with the great mission and programs the YMCA provides. We are looking forward to all the great things we will accomplish under the leadership of (Venice YMCA president and CEO) Gene Jones. Every community deserves a YMCA and we are proud to be able to continue to serve ours." "I could not be happier of the decision made by both associations' boards of directors to merge YMCA of Southwest Florida and Manatee County Family YMCA," Jones said. "Each day, the commitment of each board of directors is shown through their service and actions and their decisions to come together as one organization is truly a testament to their dedication. I look forward to a bright future and advancing the Y's mission throughout all the communities we serve." This news comes eight months after YMCA of Southwest Florida and Manatee County Family YMCA entered a management agreement. YMCA of Southwest Florida serves the counties of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Glades through programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Everyone in the communities served by YMCA of Southwest Florida has access to its programs through the YMCA Scholarship Fund. Regardless of their inability to pay, financial assistance is available due to community partners and donors' support. For more information on YMCA of Southwest Florida, community members are encouraged to contact Jamie Browning, vice president of development, at 941-492-9622 or jbrowning@ ymcaswfl.org. 2021-2022 DISCOVER VENICE 55

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