IMPOWER

09/02/2025

💜 September is National Su***de Prevention Month 🩵

This month is about more than awareness. It is about action. Together we can break the silence, support those at risk, and remind one another that hope and help are always within reach.

📞 Call or text 988 – Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

09/01/2025

This Labor Day, we’re thankful for the hands and hearts working to build a stronger community. 💜

We’re honored to be a charity of choice for the 1905 Family of Restaurants’ Community Harvest this September.🫶

Eat Well. Do Well. Support IMPOWER. 🍽️

Columbia Restaurants are open Labor Day, Sept. 1 at all locations, which also marks the start of the annual Community Harvest!

Support local non-profits just by dining the entire month of September at any of the locations of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants. That includes all seven locations of the Columbia Restaurant plus Cha Cha Coconuts, Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano.

Now in the 28th year, the company’s month-long Community Harvest donates 5 percent of all diners’ checks to charities selected by the guests. Over the last 27 years, this program provided $4.4 million to Florida non-profit organizations.

The seven Columbia locations include Ybor City in the historic district of Tampa, St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, historic district of St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s town of Celebration, the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport.

Cha Cha Coconuts also is on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano are in Tampa.

“During Columbia’s 120th anniversary celebration this year, I’m reminded that great restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re part of the fabric of the community,” said 4th generation caretaker and president Richard Gonzmart. “I started this program to help many of the worthy non-profits so important to the people who live near our restaurants across Florida.

"The simple concept is to ‘Eat Well And Do Good.’ It’s a delicious way to help these organizations."

Restaurant guests choose a charity from ballots provided with checks. The restaurant calculates the 5 percent donation and provides the charity with gift certificates that can be used at any of the restaurants for up to 12 months. There’s no additional cost to the guest.

For reservations, go to the websites of the participating restaurants.

08/31/2025

We are grateful to Asian American Pacific Islanders Coming Together - ACT and our amazing Board Secretary, Onchantho Am to have had the opportunity to participate in this inspiring community event 🫶🏼

08/29/2025

🎉 Ready, Set, Stuff Your Face! 🎉

Join us Nov. 1 at Blue Jacket Park, Orlando for the 7th Annual Stuff Your Face Race presented by Advantage Custom Water Tanks, supporting IMPOWER’s mental & behavioral health programs.

🏃‍♂️ 5K or 10K – solo, team, or virtual
🍴 Sample bites from local restaurants
👟 Costumes encouraged & professionally timed too!
👶 Free Kids Dash sponsored by AOKNetworking, LLC
👕Sign up by 9/15 to guarantee your t-shirt size

👉 stuffyourfacerace.com

08/27/2025

Catch up on all things IMPOWER! 💜

Check out our August Newsletter ➡️ https://conta.cc/45GW7a8

Want updates straight to your inbox? Sign up here ➡https://www.impowerfl.org/contact/email-list-sign-up/

08/26/2025

🐾Did you know 86% of pet owners say their pets positively impact their mental health? American Psychiatric Association Foundation

🐶Whether it’s the comfort of a cuddle or the boost from a daily walk, pets play a powerful role in well-being.

If your dog’s your daily mood booster, drop a ❤️ below! Let’s see that pet love!🐕

08/24/2025

IMPOWER is thrilled to be selected again for the 28th Annual Community Harvest! 🍽

This incredible program was created by the Gonzmart family of the 1905 Family of Restaurants to support a variety of worthy non-profits and we’re honored to be part of it! 💜

During September, you can help IMPOWER simply by dining at any of these amazing restaurants:
Columbia Restaurant
Ulele
Casa Santo Stefano
Cha Cha Coconuts

👉Here’s the best part: 5% of your bill can benefit IMPOWER — at no extra cost to you!

📅 Plan your visit, enjoy a delicious meal, and support IMPOWER all month long!

08/22/2025

🐶Friyay moment! Pets are often a lifeline for our clients, offering comfort and connection during the journey to safe, stable housing. Thanks to Winter Park Lost Pets , one of our Supportive Housing young adults can keep his beloved companion.

“Words can't express what this means to me, but I will try. Being provided with the items I am now able to stay sheltered and feed us both and not have to just pick one. He loves the treats and his new bed.” 💜

🐾Support more clients like this by donating today at https://donate.stripe.com/5kA4ib7ZN5zMaZi6or

08/20/2025

Learning in action! 🎬

Jackie Lutz with FSU College of Medicine is completing her Community Medicine Rotation at IMPOWER. She is spending time at The Grove - an IMPOWER Program observing team meetings, connecting with youth, and gaining hands-on experience.

She also had the opportunity to observe Seminole County’s Juvenile Drug Court, seeing firsthand how IMPOWER partners with the 18th Judicial Circuit, Florida to support teens.

📸 Pictured left to right: Chelsea Meyer (Juvenile Sanctions Coordinator), Jessica Hixon (Director, IMPOWER Community-Based Programs), Honorable Judge Michael Rudisill, Shanterria Lazarre (Therapist, IMPOWER Juvenile Drug Court), Jackie Lutz (FSU Med Student), Kevin Berio (Clinical Director, IMPOWER)

08/18/2025

It's National Never Give Up Day 🫶

We’re here to help those facing life’s toughest challenges. No matter what you’re facing, you don’t have to do it alone. 💜

📲 impowerfl.org

08/17/2025

Every day, IMPOWER provides mental and behavioral health services, safe housing, and life-changing programs for youth, individuals and families across the state. None of this would be possible without the generosity of supporters like you.

Kindly consider making a gift today to help us inspire life’s potential for those who need it most. Every dollar makes a difference! 💜

📲https://donate.stripe.com/5kA4ib7ZN5zMaZi6or

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