A.N.A.'s Friends receives $190,000 from Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation to meet critical needs
The Floridant/10339845

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- A.N.A.'s Friends has received a $190,000 grant from Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation to support the nonprofit's Children's Needs Program and primary outreach initiatives, including Gifts of Hope and Back to School Bash.

As a recipient of Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation's funding, A.N.A.'s Friends continues providing vital programs and services to children and teens across Southwest Florida who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Through collaboration with volunteer child advocates, child welfare professionals, caregivers, foster parents, educators and local nonprofits, the organization works to ensure children in the dependency court system have their physical, social, emotional, educational and normalcy needs met.

"We see every day how instability and uncertainty impact children who have already experienced significant trauma," said A.N.A.'s Friends CEO Jessica Stanfield. "The generosity from Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation helps remind children and teens across Southwest Florida that they are seen, valued and connected to a community that believes in their future."

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Since 2012, Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $8.5 million in grants to 17 nonprofit organizations across Southwest Florida supporting education, addressing housing disparities, combating food insecurity and providing human services. Its partnership with A.N.A.'s Friends reflects a shared commitment to ensuring vulnerable children and teens have access to essential resources, support systems and opportunities for long-term success.

"For eight years, the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation has proudly stood alongside A.N.A.'s Friends, helping them grow their reach and impact across Lee and Collier County," said Norman Wells, president of the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation. "We are honored to support an organization whose compassion and dedication continue to change lives every single day."

Serving children across Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties, A.N.A.'s Friends provides local youth with essentials, including clothing, bedding, hygiene products and school supplies, along with funding for tutoring, therapies and summer programs. The nonprofit also offers Heartfelt Hangouts and EmpoweredU, programs designed to help youth build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for adulthood beyond foster care.

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Learn more about A.N.A.'s Friends by visiting ANAsfriends.org or calling 239-245-7787.

About A.N.A.'s Friends

A.N.A.'s Friends is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to vulnerable Southwest Florida children and teens who have been Abused, Neglected and Abandoned (A.N.A.). "Friends" of the organization includes individuals, businesses, foundations and nonprofits that collaborate through partnerships that provide a safer, more nurturing environment allowing youth to heal, grow and thrive. Originally founded in 1984, A.N.A.'s Friends is a United Way Partner Agency that serves youth in the dependency court system across Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For more information, please visit ANAsfriends.org or call 239-245-7787.