VOL. 26 NO. 8
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AUGUST 2025
SafeSpace Awarded $155,000 In Critical Funding To Shelter And Protect Survivors Of Domestic Violence As part of a growing wave of local support, SafeSpace has been awarded two grants totaling $155,000 from Impact100 Martin and United Way of Martin County to enhance its emergency shelter and expand critical services for survivors of domestic violence. The funding will help strengthen safety, security and comprehensive support at the Treasure Coast’s only certified domestic violence center. Impact100 Martin awarded SafeSpace a $100,000 grant to support the installation of upgraded security cameras, monitors, and fencing, as well as enhancements to the shelter’s kitchen. These improvements will significantly increase the safety, comfort and independence of survivors and their children who temporarily reside at the shelter. “Survivors of domestic violence are often stalked or pursued by their abusers,” explained Jennifer Fox, CEO of SafeSpace. “This transformational investment allows us to better protect the women and children we serve, creating a space where they can feel safe and begin to heal.”
SafeSpace accepts a $100,000 grant from Impact100 Martin for security and safety upgrades at the Martin County emergency shelter. Pictured left to right, Sue Whittington, Jennifer Fox, Melanie Afanador, and Maureen Cotter.
SafeSpace also received a $55,000 grant from United Way of Martin County to support comprehensive shelter programming that helps survivors break free from the cycle of abuse. The funding ensures survivors and their children have access to critical resources including crisis counseling, case management, safety planning, legal advocacy and other support services aimed at long-term self-sufficiency. “We’re deeply grateful to both Impact100 Martin and United Way for standing with survivors,” said Fox. “Their generous support directly strengthens our ability to empower women and children in our community to live lives free from violence.” SafeSpace serves more than 1,000 individuals each year across Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties, offering emergency shelter, outreach services and prevention education. SafeSpace on page 5
Community Foundation For Palm Beach And Martin Counties Awards $1.4 Million Through 115 Scholarships To Local Students Scholarships Awarded To Palm Beach And Martin County Students Headed To College This Fall; Community Foundation Has Provided $19.1 Million In Scholarships To Date, Totaling Nearly 3,500 Awards The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties awarded $1.4 million in college scholarships through its 2025 Scholarship Program. A total of 115 scholarships were granted to students enrolling in college this fall, continuing the Community Foundation’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to higher education. The Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community members to address the region’s chronic
and emerging civic and social issues. The foundation offers both need- and merit-based scholarships funded through more than 100 donor-established funds. This year, the Scholarship Program received 829 completed applications and the average award totaled $12,000.
Community Foundation on page 5
The 41st Edition Of The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Now Accepting Artist Applications Festival Will Run Feb. 14 To 15, Over Presidents’ Day Weekend 2026 As the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa General Hospital, heads into its 41st year, the festival is looking for talented artists to join in the fun February 14 to 15, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens. ArtiGras is currently
running their annual call of artists with applications available on zapplication.org. Artists are invited to apply for jury selection in 12 fine art categories: ceramics, digital art, drawing and printmaking, fiber (wearable and non-wearable), glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood. ArtiGras awards over $15,000 in prize money, including a first-place winner in each category and one overall Best of Show. ArtiGras also offers the “Emerging Artist” category for local artists. This program offers selected developing artists mentoring services, professional booth photos and complimentary tent rental. Qualifications include artists who have never exhibited in a show and reside in South
Florida. Emerging Artist applicants should proceed in the same manner as professional artists and submit their artwork online through zapplication.org. ArtiGras on page 7