Nonprofit tees off out east

Although it's rooted in downtown Bradenton, Family Resources hopes to extend its reach out east.

The nonprofit organization will host its inaugural Manatee Golf Classic event Sept. 12, at the River Strand Golf and Country Club. 

"We've hosted some small events in the county, but never an event this big or of this type," said Cindi Mainer, director of community relations.

Family Resources dates back to 1992 in Manatee County, and it also operates a location in Pinellas County. It provides family counseling, shelter services to children ages 10 to 17 and other resources to teenagers in need.

Proceeds from the golf tournament and live and silent auctions benefit the range of programs the facility offers, including the short-term residential care program, SafePlace2B, which Lakewood Ranch residents Bruce and Florence Cunningham have utilized for their teenage son, who visited the shelter twice because of behavioral issues.

"The second time, it seemed like something clicked," Bruce Cunningham said. "He seemed to slowly start maturing."

The facility offers counselors who work to find the underlying issues that lead to the child's behavioral issues. The average stay at the shelter ranges from 24 to 30 days.

"We want to provide a safe space for children to discover what's bothering them, and how we can help make their lives better," Mainer said. "Kids have a lot of challenges today, and there is a generation gap. Parents don't always understand what children are dealing with on social media and in schools today."

Services are provided on an individualized basis and include group counseling and recreational activities, she added.

Mainer hopes the upcoming event will help attract more donors and community members to the organization's cause, while also increasing its presence out east.

"We've helped families who live in East County, but I'm sure some people don't even know we're in the same county," Mainer said. "This area is growing and we want to expand our reach out east, too."

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].