VOL. 18 NO. 7
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JULY 2026
Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Palm Beach County Brings Women Build Community Back Together Following Severe Storm And Flooding Disruptions Modified Women Build Day Celebrates Resilience, Collaboration, And The Power Of Community In West Palm Beach
Even severe storms and flooding could not stop the spirit behind Women Build 2026. After unexpected weather disruptions impacted Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s original March construction schedule, volunteers, sponsors, committee members, community partners, and Habitat homeowners came back together on May 1 for a special modified Women Build Day that reignited the energy, purpose, and community connection that defines the initiative each year.
What could have been viewed as a setback instead became a powerful reflection of what Women Build truly represents: resilience, collaboration, and women showing up for one another and for local families working toward safe and affordable homeownership. Held in West Palm Beach, the same community where the combined affiliate built Christy Maasbach and Rana Jennifer LaFrance and Levy (Women Build Co-Chairs) Rana Levy
Habitat For Humanity on page 2
Victorious Hawthorne-Charles and Nicole Rose (Women Build Partner Families)
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Palm Beach And Martin Counties Honors Mentors, Scholars, And Community Partners At Annual Mentorship Award Ceremony Ceremony At Morton’s The Steakhouse In West Palm Beach Celebrates Transformative Relationships And Awards $4.2 Million In College Scholarships Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties gathered friends, supporters, mentors, and young scholars on Sunday, May 31, at Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach for its annual Mentorship Award Ceremony, a morning dedicated to honoring the life-
changing power of mentorship and recognizing those who champion the futures of local youth. The event was emceed by Dr. Stephanie Poole, Medical Director at South Broward Animal Hospital and a proud double alumna of Tuskegee University, whose personal connection to mentorship set a powerful and inspiring tone for the morning’s program. “Every person here—every Big, every Little, every partner, every supporter—is proof that one relationship can change everything,” said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, who has served the organization for 14 years. “Days like this are what it’s all for.” Big Brothers Big Sisters on page 4
Big and Little of the year – Matthew Billitti and Joshua Newton
The Pet Cottage Post A Forever Promise, Kept When a 13-year-old dog showed what lifelong guardianship really means, The Pet Cottage’s mission came alive in one quiet, extraordinary moment. By Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage
The Pet Cottage exists to keep a Forever Promise to pets and the people who love them when life changes. That promise is built through thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and a community of people who choose to invest in lifelong care. Every pet entrusted to The Pet Cottage receives the same commitment: belonging, protection, and lifelong care. Every family receives the peace of mind that comes from knowing that promise will be kept. And every now and then, one of our pets shows us
exactly what that promise looks like when it matters most. In September 2024, two dogs came to The Pet Cottage after their beloved person p a s s e d a w a y. Shamus, a 13-yearold terrier mix, and his Shih Tzu companion Fiona had spent their lives together and suddenly faced an uncertain future. Shamus The Pet Cottage Post on page 6