Stillpoint Mission

09/03/2026

What an incredible honor for Stillpoint Mission!

Stillpoint Mission was grateful to be nominated for the 46th Annual Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards and even more honored to be selected as one of just 11 nonprofit finalists from among the many deserving organizations serving our community.

Board members Linda Berman, Marge Guyton, and Stephanie Woodford had the pleasure of representing Stillpoint Mission at the Awards Banquet on August 28th and celebrating alongside so many wonderful businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and friends.

While Stillpoint Mission did not take home the award this year, simply seeing our name among this remarkable group of finalists was something we are incredibly proud of. For an organization powered entirely by volunteers and the generosity of our community, this recognition means more than we can say.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Non-Profit of the Year winners, Manatee County Fair Association in Category 1 and United Way Suncoast in Category 2. We are honored to have shared this recognition with you and with every nonprofit finalist doing meaningful work throughout Manatee County.

Congratulations as well to the Small Business of the Year winners: Gulf Coast Music Therapy, Aginto, Ananda Farm Florida, Coastal Hearing Care, and ZNS Engineering L.C.. What an exciting celebration of the businesses and organizations that make our community such a special place to live, work, and serve!

And most importantly, thank you to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, those who nominated Stillpoint Mission, our volunteers, donors, community partners, and every person who continues to believe in our mission. This recognition belongs to all of you.

We may have walked into the banquet as finalists, but we walked out feeling like winners simply because the work being done at Stillpoint Mission was recognized alongside some of the very best organizations in our community.

We are grateful. We are proud. And we are more inspired than ever to keep serving.

09/01/2026

Gathering, Giving & Serving Our Community Together

Stillpoint Mission was so grateful to be invited to the August Gather & Give Dinner at Longboat Island Chapel. Board members Linda Berman and Stephanie Woodford had the pleasure of spending the evening with this wonderful group, enjoying a potluck dinner lovingly prepared and shared by members of the Chapel, including Rev. Brock Patterson.

But the real reason for the gathering was right there on the table!

Throughout August, the members of Longboat Island Chapel collected shoes, socks and shoelaces for children in our community, and we were overwhelmed by the incredible amount they collected for Stillpoint Mission. Every pair of shoes and every package of socks represents one more family we can help and one more child who can have something they need.

Longboat Island Chapel has been a wonderful and ongoing supporter of Stillpoint. Their generosity doesn't end with one collection. They continually find ways to help meet the everyday needs of the people we serve. Just a few months ago, they collected toilet paper, one of those basic necessities that may seem small until you are a family struggling to afford it.

Stephanie was also especially thankful for the opportunity to share a little of her own story and how she came to be connected with Stillpoint Mission. It was a beautiful reminder that when we gather around a table, share our stories and get to know one another, we strengthen the relationships that make serving our community possible.

To everyone at Longboat Island Chapel, thank you! Thank you for welcoming us, for the wonderful meal, for your continued generosity, and most importantly, for caring about the families Stillpoint Mission serves.

We are incredibly grateful to have friends and community partners like you standing beside us. ❤️

Together, small acts of kindness can make a very big difference.

08/17/2026

💙 Celebrating National Nonprofit Day | August 17 💙

Today is National Nonprofit Day, a day to recognize the organizations, volunteers, donors, and community partners who work every day to make our communities stronger.

Nonprofits are often there during the moments when people need a little extra help, whether that means providing food, clothing, shelter, education, advocacy, healthcare, companionship, or simply reminding someone that their community cares.

Here in Manatee County, we are fortunate to have so many organizations and individuals committed to serving our neighbors. Stillpoint Mission is proud to be one small part of that greater community of service, helping local families meet basic needs through food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and other assistance.

As a 100% volunteer organization, we see firsthand what can happen when people come together with a shared desire to help others. Every volunteer hour, donation, partnership, and act of kindness has the potential to ripple far beyond one person.

On National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate ALL of the nonprofits making a difference in our community and the incredible people who make their work possible. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who gives their time, talents, resources, and hearts to serving others. Our community is stronger because of you.

08/13/2026

🏆 We are honored to share some exciting news!

Stillpoint Mission has been named a finalist for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards! 💙

This recognition belongs to every volunteer who gives their time, every donor and community partner who supports our mission, and every person who believes in the work Stillpoint has been doing to serve our neighbors in need.

As a 100% volunteer organization, everything we accomplish is made possible by people who simply choose to show up, give back, and care for their community. Being recognized alongside so many incredible Manatee County nonprofits is truly an honor.

Thank you to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce for this recognition, and congratulations to all of this year’s finalists!

We are incredibly proud of how far Stillpoint Mission has come, and even more excited about the lives we can continue to impact together. 💙

The winners will be announced Friday, August 28th at the 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards Luncheon. Wish us luck! 🏆

🏆 The Finalists Are In!

We’re proud to announce the finalists for the 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards!

These outstanding businesses and non-profit organizations are helping make Manatee County a great place to live, work, and do business. Now, it’s time to celebrate their success, cheer on this year’s finalists and nominees, and find out who will take home the awards!

Small Businesses
Aginto
Ananda Farms - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559691480064)
Artisan Pool and Design
Blue Collar Roofing
Chicken Salad Chick
Clark Financial Partners
Coastal Hearing Care
Discover Bradenton
Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard
Game On Nation
Gulf Coast Music Therapy
Hensley Law Offices
The Made Clean Company - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077539759029)
Mighty Dog Roofing of Southwest Florida
The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley
O'Bricks
Owens Electric - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089841318471)
Parkwood Dental
Party Popping Events
Results 1st
Servpro Team Ross
Town Square University Parkway
Veith Engineering & Business Solutions
Your Money Fast Tax Preparation Services
ZNS Engineering - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063667822955)

Non-Profits
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
Cat Depot
Harbor58
Keep Manatee Beautiful
Manatee Children's Services, Inc MCS Child Advocacy Center
Manatee Education Foundation
Manatee County Fair
Palma Sola Botanical Park - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064517386906)
Parenting Matters
Stillpoint Mission
United Way Suncoast

📅 Friday, August 28, 2026
📍 Bradenton Area Convention Center
🍹 10:00 AM – VIP Mimosa Bar Reception
🏆 11:15 AM – Awards Luncheon
🎉 1:30 PM – After-Party

This is more than an awards luncheon. It’s an opportunity to celebrate success, recognize excellence, and support the organizations making a lasting impact in our community.

🎟️ Reserve your seat or table today and view the finalists and nominees:
👉 https://business.manateechamber.com/events/details/46th-annual-manatee-chamber-small-business-non-profit-of-the-year-awards-53405

Tickets, sponsorships,s and program advertising must be secured by Friday, August 14!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of Manatee County excellence. 💙

08/04/2026

💙 Meet Our Board Member: Marie Bellevue

Stillpoint Mission is proud to introduce Marie Bellevue, a valued member of our Board of Directors.

Originally from Les Cayes, Haiti, Marie was a preschool teacher before moving to the United States in 2005 with her husband and six children. The family made Bradenton their home, where Marie continued her lifelong commitment to serving others. She is fluent in Haitian Creole, French, and English, the latter of which she studied at Manatee Community College.

Throughout her career, Marie has worked as a personal caregiver and at Bealls Warehouse, where she was recognized for her dedication to both the community and Stillpoint Mission.

Marie's connection to Stillpoint is deeply personal. She first came to the mission in 2016 when her own family needed assistance. Soon afterward, she became an active volunteer, giving back to the organization that had helped her during a difficult time. In 2024, she joined the Stillpoint Mission Board of Directors.

Today, Marie continues to make a meaningful impact both at Stillpoint and within the Haitian and Latino Christian community through her church. She helps connect families with the services Stillpoint provides and, when they are unable to come to the mission, personally delivers food and diapers to those in need.

Marie loves working alongside fellow volunteers and serving Stillpoint's clients, living out our mission of meeting people where they are with compassion, dignity, and hope.

We are grateful for Marie's servant's heart, her commitment to our community, and the unique perspective she brings to Stillpoint Mission.

💙 To learn more about Marie and the rest of our Board of Directors, visit our website:

🌐 https://stillpointmission.org/our-story/meet-our-advocates/

08/03/2026

⚾ An Unforgettable Night of Giving and Gratitude!

Who says doing good can't come with a little fun?

On April 26, several of our dedicated Stillpoint Mission volunteers were invited by the Tampa Bay Rays to enjoy the Rays vs. Twins game—and the evening became even more memorable when Stillpoint Mission was selected as one of five local nonprofit organizations to receive a $20,000 Jackie Robinson Foundation Grant!

It was truly a winning night. The Rays won on the field, and Stillpoint Mission won a tremendous investment in our mission that will help us continue serving individuals and families throughout our community.

We are incredibly grateful to the Tampa Bay Rays Foundation and The Jackie Robinson Foundation for recognizing the work of Stillpoint Mission and for supporting nonprofits that are making a difference.

A special thank you to our volunteers who represented Stillpoint Mission that evening:
💙 Kate Nekuzza
💙 Jeff Belvo
💙 Marge Slepica
💙 Marge Guyton
💙 Larry Nekuzza
💙 Jim Slepica

Your dedication to our mission is what makes opportunities like this possible.

Thank you to everyone who supports Stillpoint Mission. Together, we're creating brighter futures for our neighbors in need.

🌐 Learn more about our mission and how you can make an impact:
https://stillpointmission.org/

07/31/2026

🎒 Backpacks, School Supplies & Shoe Cards – Monday, July 27

📚 A new school year means a fresh start—and because of our amazing community, hundreds of local children will begin the school year with confidence.

On Monday, July 27, Stillpoint Missionl once again hosted our annual Backpacks, School Supplies & Shoe Cards distribution for school-aged children in our community.

Thanks to the incredible leadership of Judy Balmer, along with the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and community partners, more than 800 backpacks have been filled with school supplies for elementary through high school students.

In addition to receiving a backpack, each child will also receive a Bealls Gift Card to purchase new school shoes. These gift cards are made possible each year through generous appeals to church congregations throughout our community. Children will also receive a few extra surprises to help them start the school year with confidence.

Watching these backpacks come together is a reminder that something as simple as a backpack and a new pair of shoes can provide dignity, confidence, and excitement for the year ahead.

❤️ Thank you to everyone who donates, packs backpacks, contributes to the shoe card program, and volunteers their time. Together, you're helping children start the school year ready to learn and thrive.

📖 To learn more about this program and other special programs offered by Stillpoint Mission, visit:
https://stillpointmission.org/our-services/ -programs

07/29/2026

💙 Meet Our Secretary: Linda Berman

Stillpoint Mission is proud to introduce Linda Berman, who serves as Secretary and a member of our Board of Directors.

Originally from upstate New York, Linda and her family relocated to Florida's east coast 40 years ago before eventually making their home on Florida's west coast.

After a rewarding 24-year career as a Registered Nurse, Linda retired and chose to dedicate her time to serving others through volunteerism. On Florida's east coast, she served on her condominium association board while volunteering four days each week at two local food pantries.

After moving to the Bradenton area, Linda was delighted to find the opportunity to continue serving her community at Stillpoint Mission.

In addition to her role as Secretary and Board Member, Linda coordinates Stillpoint Mission's Children's Diaper Program, overseeing inventory, registrations, and the distribution of diapers to mothers and families in need. Her dedication helps ensure that one of our most impactful programs continues to provide an essential resource to local children and their caregivers.

We are grateful for Linda's compassion, leadership, and commitment to serving families throughout our community. Her experience, dedication, and generous spirit make a meaningful difference every day.

💙 To learn more about Linda and the rest of our Board of Directors, visit our website:

🌐 https://stillpointmission.org/our-story/meet-our-advocates/

07/27/2026

💙 Together, We Made a Difference!

We are thrilled to share the final results of the 2026 Giving Challenge!

Every two years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosts the Giving Challenge, providing local nonprofits with an incredible opportunity to raise funds that support their missions and strengthen our community.

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors—and the matching support provided by The Patterson Foundation, Stillpoint Mission raised more than $27,000 in just 24 hours!

Because of your kindness, we can continue providing food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, utility assistance, and hope to individuals and families throughout our community.

To every person who made a donation, shared our posts, encouraged others to give, or supported us throughout the Giving Challenge—thank you! Your generosity makes our mission possible and helps ensure that no one who comes through our doors is turned away without compassion and care.

We are also deeply grateful to The Patterson Foundation for their continued commitment to strengthening our nonprofit community through the Giving Challenge.

💙 Together, we are changing lives—one act of kindness at a time.

Thank you for believing in Stillpoint Mission and the neighbors we serve.

🌐 Learn more about our mission and how you can continue making an impact:
https://stillpointmission.org/

07/25/2026

Today, we mourn the passing of our beloved Foundress, Sister Nora Brick.

More than two decades ago, Sister Nora had a simple but powerful vision: that no one in our community should ever have to pay for help with life's basic necessities. From that vision, Stillpoint Mission was born. Her compassion, faith, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every person continue to shape everything we do.

Because of Sister Nora's dedication, thousands of individuals and families have received food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and hope during some of life's most difficult moments. Her legacy lives on through every volunteer, every donor, and every life touched by the mission she so lovingly established.

We extend our deepest condolences to Sister Nora's family, her Franciscan Sisters, and all who were blessed to know her. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Thank you, Sister Nora, for showing us what it truly means to serve others with humility, kindness, and unconditional love. Your light will continue to shine through Stillpoint Mission and the countless lives forever changed because you answered God's call.

Rest in peace, Sister Nora. Your mission continues. ❤️