Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/124273
Sarasota News Leader April 26, 2013 Page 57 employment assistance services and referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment, the news release continues. Housing assistance also was available for homeless veterans, "A big draw was the bags that were filled with non-perishable food provided by All Faiths Food Bank and personal care items purchased with funds provided by a grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families and National Veterans Homeless Support Inc.," the release notes. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs' Operation New Hope distributed surplus items such as boots, clothing and blankets. The Salvation Army provided food and refreshments at the event, and haircuts and manicures were offered by student barbers and stylists from the Manatee Technical Institute, the release adds. "The city of Sarasota's support as a partnering organization this year meant that we had participation from all levels of government — federal, state, county and city — as well as the nonprofit sector," said Taylor in the release. "This helps to ensure that homeless veterans know about all the benefits and services they may be qualified to receive," he added, noting, "We were also pleased to have agencies serving veterans in Manatee County—such as Turning Points and Manatee Glens—join us for the Stand Down this year." Manatee Technical Institute personnel provide manicures to veterans during the April 20 Stand Down event. Contributed photo "Veterans are an essential part of our community. We were pleased with the turnout and received a lot of good feedback about the event," says Sarasota County Health and Human Services Director Chuck Henry in the release. Henry also is a veteran, with a career in the U.S. Navy that spanned more than two decades the release says. For more information, visit http://www.jfcscares.org/or call 366-2224. COUNTY COMMISSION TO ADDRESS SIESTA VILLAGE CROSSWALKS Almost 16 months after the idea first was broached during a Siesta Key Village Association (SKVA) meeting, the Sarasota County Commission on May 7 will discuss how to proceed with illuminating seven crosswalks in Siesta Village, county staff has reported. Ryan Montague in the county's Traffic/Mobility Office told The Sarasota News Leader this week by email, "We are finalizing the memo as part of a discussion item that we currently have scheduled for May 7th (pending any delays.)"