It's been a while....
It’s been some time since our last update, but we’re thrilled to reconnect with you! While we’ve been a bit quiet on the newsletter front, we’ve been anything but still. There’s so much to share about the work we’ve been doing and the impact being made.
Hurricane Ian Update- 2 Years Later
It's been 2 years since Hurricane Ian and survivors are still facing challenges from the storm. Whether they were uninsured, underinsured, or navigating the insurance process Recover Hardee & SendMeMissions are actively working with Disaster Case Managers & multiple organizations to assist Hardee County residents with their recovery by hosting volunteer labor and dedicating local staff to advocate for their recovery. There are still approximately 75 properties needing assistance that we know of, and our goal is to continue to walk alongside them until they are in safe, sanitary, and secure housing.
Thanks to grant funding, SMM was able to employee many people for over a year to assist with Ian Recovery!
Our most recent volunteer team for AUC Pennsylvania!
Thanks to grant funding, SMM was able to employee many people for over a year to assist with Ian Recovery!
A Recap of our 2024 SMM 5K
Our 13th Annual 5K, held on May 3, 2024, was our largest race to date! With 696 participants, over 80 volunteers, and more than $57,000 raised, we're excited to continue serving both locally and globally.
Mark your calendars for next year's event on May 2, 2025! Register now to take advantage of Early Bird pricing.
Hurricane Debby Weekend Deployment
SMM took a brief break from Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in our own community to assist our neighbors in Sarasota who were impacted by Hurricane Debbie. On Saturday, August 17, Team 1 set out early and helped several families with debris removal, muck and gut, and other flood-related clean-up before returning home that evening. Team 2 followed on Sunday, August 18, continuing the essential work of aiding flood recovery. It was a blessing to serve our neighbors in need and share the love of Christ through our actions.
Scholarships and Mission Trip Funding
In 2024, SMM has been blessed to contribute over $10,800 toward mission trip funding through scholarships and Mission Trip Fundraising Opportunities (MTFOs), supporting Hardee County teams as they serve globally. These funds have empowered teams to spread hope and share the love of Christ in places like Nicaragua, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Paris, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are grateful to help make these life-changing trips possible and to support the mission of impacting lives around the world.
Ecuador
FBCBG
Nicaragua
HF/NBC
Nicaragua
HF
Domincan Republic
FCC
France
FBCBG
US
NBC
DRC & Kenya
FBCBG
Exciting News & Upcoming Events!
LOOKING AHEAD: UPCOMING MISSION TRIPS!
Want to know when our Hardee County teams are out in the field? Just keep your eyes on the flagpole! Whenever you see the flags flying, you’ll know where our teams are serving, spreading hope and making an impact. It’s a visual reminder of the incredible work being done—and a call to keep them in your prayers as they go!
SHOP WITH A PURPOSE-ONLINE!
Can’t make it to our store? No worries! You can now Purchase With a Purpose by shopping our fair trade items online. It’s never been easier to support communities around the world while finding unique, ethically sourced products. Be sure to check back often—new items are added regularly!
EXCITING NEWS:
OUR WAREHOUSE JOURNEY BEGINS!
Over the years, we’ve relied on the generosity of partners, using over 7 donated properties to store our supplies. After much prayer and waiting, we’re now preparing to build a warehouse of our own. This will be a game changer, allowing us to streamline our efforts and continue serving our community and beyond.
