Our resident volunteers have faithfully worked all school-year long, stuffing backpacks with nutritious foods for local students in need. All Faiths Food Bank has enabled JT residents to get involved inthe fight against hunger. As we near the end of our backpacking season, we would like to thank AFFB for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful cause!

Susan Cairo, Marketing Director at Jacaranda Trace, participated in the 2nd annual Community Connection Day, Saturday, April 21st at the Venice Public Library. The event was to draw attention to all sectors of the community from non-profit resources, arts/culture, recreation, government, business, faith and civic. It was well attended. The event was sponsored by the Community Health Improvement Partnership of Sarasota County.

Have you ever noticed the pig statues around Sarasota County? They were all decorated by local artists and each represent a particular sponsoring company in the area. Well, it’s time to welcome a new set of characters to the city! Dolphin statues are being decorated and Jacaranda Trace has one of its own! Audrey Rolfs, resident of Jacaranda Trace, thought of the dolphin’s moniker – Jac Tracey. We’ll be seeing our dolphin around town in the near future!

The League of British Women is one of multiple community clubs that comes together at Jacaranda Trace. They met in April, sporting their highly fashionable hats and bonnets, to celebrate Easter. The League of British Women supports local charities, serves as a social club, and encourages women of British lineage to fellowship and always keep in touch with their heritage. Hosting the clubs that our residents take part in is one of many ways that Jacaranda Trace stays connected to our community.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. Jacaranda Trace is proud to be the home of many P.E.O. members who are thriving in their philanthropic endeavors in the community. The P.E.O. Game Day was hosted by resident members and their guests in efforts to raise funding for local scholarships in a fun way that also encouraged fellowship.

Cay Harman, Susan Cairo, Marketing Director of Jacaranda Trace, Meredith Ihrig and Joan Brame, Jacaranda Trace residents, take time out for a photo at the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County’s Annual Fall Gathering “Kickin’ Up Your Heels held on Nov. 18 at Plantation Golf and Country Club.  The fund-raising event raises money for women, children and families in the Sarasota/Venice area. Donations enable peer referral counselors, career counselors to be ready to assist women when a job is lost and to help them learn new skills.  Jacaranda Trace is a proud sponsor of the Women’s Resource Center.

Jacaranda Trace opens its doors to multiple community outreach groups. One of these groups is the League of British Women. Below they are pictured filling Christmas boxes with goodies for those in need.

Community Outreach is of the utmost importance to Jacaranda Trace staff and residents. We have been fortunate enough to partner with All Faiths Food Bank in raising funds for the BackPack for Kids Program. Twice a month, the food bank delivers non-perishable items to Jacaranda Trace. Our residents and the Arts & Leisure Department pack the items into bins, and the food is later arranged in Backpacks.  Eventually these are handed off to students in need of meals. This volunteer activity is just one more step in bringing child hunger to an end, and Jacaranda Trace is a part of that action!

Jacaranda Trace was involved with Relay for Life in 2011 as a community outreach project. Involvement in this life-changing event brings together individuals who have battled cancer or known someone who has. Together, we can all celebrate the lives of those who have suffered this disease, and fight back by raising awareness and funds to find a cure.