Nonprofit supports seniors and caregivers in Sarasota, Manatee counties

Individuals ages 65 and older account for 29% of Manatee County’s overall population of 468,200 residents, according to the 2025 numbers from the United States Census Bureau. 

Many of those seniors are living their best lives surrounded by friends and family, participating in the region's many activities, volunteering for charities, and staying active in sports like pickleball.

Others aren’t as fortunate. They live on fixed incomes, can no longer drive, and perhaps are battling physical and cognitive health conditions. 

All 4 the Members, Inc. is a nonprofit that was established in 2023 to provide financial assistance, transportation, and resources to seniors in need. 

John McDermott, the nonprofit’s founder, owns Town Square University Parkway with his wife Catherine McDermott. Town Square is a senior and adult daycare center.

However, CEO Skyler Betts said there’s one common misconception about the name All 4 the Members. 

“All 4 the Members are members of Sarasota and Manatee County,” she said. “It is not all for the members of Town Square. It’s to serve our senior members in our community.”

The for-profit Town Square is a major donor to the nonprofit by way of rental space. 

The center is laid out to resemble a small town in the 1950s, complete with “storefronts,” such as Rosie’s Diner, Starlite Theater and Spinners Music. Chumley’s Garage anchors the town square with a stunningly restored 1956 four-door Pontiac Chieftain parked out front.

The center only operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, so it’s available for event rentals on nights and weekends. All 4 the Members' board members volunteer to run the events, so every penny of rental money goes straight to the nonprofit.

In its first year, All 4 the Members raised over $30,000. 

The nonprofit also runs a successful sponsorship program. The basic silver, gold and diamond sponsorships cost $500, $1,000 and $1,500 annually and come with different advertising benefits and perks. Custom sponsorships are available, as well.

The nonprofit’s goal is to issue about four $500 grants each month, but Betts said the need is so great that as soon as money comes in, it’s quickly going out again. 

There are no limitations as to what a grant can be used for, but there is a limit as to how often an individual or caregiver can apply, which is once per year. Although the grants are limited to $500, the board works hard to fulfill requests that might exceed that threshold. 

“A lot of love and legwork make (the grants) happen,” Betts said. “We reach out to companies and tell them what we’re doing and let them know that this is all we can offer.” 

Whether it’s a local business or a friendly neighbor, people are often willing to donate their time to help.

For example, a senior woman could no longer walk her dog safely without falling, so she needed a dog run. The project cost more than $500, but it got done. 

There are also requests that come in under $500. Another grant recipient was renting an apartment with no air conditioning. All 4 the Members bought and installed a window unit, which didn’t require the full $500 award. 

“We’ve paid for food for animals,” Betts said. “There are so many different, random things that people have asked for, and when you look at how much they’re making, it’s understandable why they’re needing a little help.” 

Betts said some seniors live on $900 a month, so the nonprofit gets frequent requests for groceries. They’ve also paid for hotel stays while homeless seniors figure out their next steps. 

In those cases, resources are another service the nonprofit offers. If a senior is homeless, the nonprofit will get them connected with a shelter.

But with just 10 board members, who also serve as the nonprofit’s main volunteers, All 4 the Members doesn't have the manpower to vet the finances of each applicant. After trial and error, the board decided that the applicants must be receiving Medicaid benefits to qualify for a grant.

It simplifies the process for the board and the applicants. To apply, seniors or their caregivers answer 11 questions on a three-page application that can be found online at All4TheMembers.org/assistance-application. 

Betts also noted an advantage to being a small, 10-person board and volunteer crew; they can move quickly when needed.

“We don’t want anyone to be suffering for no reason,” she said. “So we’ll even make determinations in between (monthly) meetings.”