March 2026 Community Update
Fire Watch, new partnerships, and financial wellness programs.
Countdown to Our Inaugural Event
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Azario Venue
In just days, we come together for something truly important—Fire Watch Watch Stander Training, our inaugural Neighbors in Service event.
We’re expecting 30-40 Azario residents, and there’s still room for more. This one-hour training teaches you to recognize when a veteran is in crisis and guide them to help using the VA SAVE method. Think CPR for suicide prevention—practical skills that could save a life.
Why this matters: Florida loses approximately 500 veterans to suicide each year. Communities with trained Watch Standers see a 12% decrease in veteran suicides. That’s not just a number—that’s neighbors saved, families kept whole.
You’ll meet Brianne Brown, Air Force veteran and Fire Watch Regional Program Director, who will lead the training. No military experience needed—just willingness to be there for those who served.
Register on NIS Team Reach Event Calendar (Code: AZNIS4VETS)
New Partnership: SRQ VETS Memorial Hike
We’re proud to announce our partnership with SRQ VETS, a volunteer-led nonprofit where veterans help other veterans across Sarasota and Manatee counties. They provide transportation assistance, home modifications for disabled veterans, support in Veterans Court, and community programs that make real differences in veterans’ lives.
🏃 11th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | JD Hamel Park, Sarasota
This isn’t just a hike—it’s a community coming together to honor fallen heroes while raising funds to support local veterans. The route starts at JD Hamel Park, winds through downtown Sarasota and Main Street, then returns to the park for a cookout, music, and family activities.
Co-marketing with Azario Walk/Run Club: We’re encouraging large Azario family participation. Free for kids under 12 with paid adult. Registration includes event shirt, lunch, and beverage.
More details coming in April’s newsletter and on Team Reach.
Volunteer Opportunity: Dogs, Inc.
Dogs, Inc. transforms lives by providing highly trained service dogs to veterans—at no cost. Their extraordinary dogs offer veterans independence, confidence, and freedom, with lifetime support, food, and preventative veterinary care all included.
🐕 Palmetto Campus - Volunteers Needed NOW
We’re helping Dogs, Inc. recruit volunteers for their current Palmetto campus. Whether you can help with dog care, facility maintenance, events, or administrative support—every role matters in getting these life-changing service dogs to veterans who need them.
🏗️ Lakewood Ranch Campus - Opening Summer 2026
Dogs, Inc. is building a brand-new campus on LWR Boulevard between SR70 and SR64. Construction is underway, and volunteer applications will open when the facility is completed. We’ll keep you posted on timing.
Learn more: www.dogsinc.org
Express interest: Contact us or check Team Reach for volunteer info sessions
Financial Wellness Program Ready to Launch
In partnership with Manatee County Veterans Services, we’ve developed “Everyday Money for Veterans on Fixed Incomes”—a complete four-session program designed specifically for Manatee County veterans aged 60+ living on fixed incomes.
The Four Sessions:
Making the Most of What Comes In - Unclaimed VA benefits, income optimization
Stretching the Dollar - Practical cost-cutting strategies with local resources
Staying Out of Trouble - Credit protection, scam prevention, debt management
Building a Small Cushion - Emergency funds, simple savings approaches
Each session includes professionally designed PowerPoint presentations and take-home worksheets with Manatee County-specific contact information and resources.
🤝 Mentors Needed
We’re seeking volunteers for our Partner Mentor Program—brief monthly check-ins for 3-6 months with veterans who take the course. One concrete task per session. Complete privacy, no judgment, just neighbor-to-neighbor support.
Program launches this spring. If you have financial literacy, budgeting experience, or simply want to help veterans maintain stability, we’d love to talk with you.
Building Something Bigger
These four initiatives—Watch Stander training, SRQ VETS partnership, Dogs Inc. volunteering, and financial wellness—represent what we’re building: a comprehensive support network where veterans, military families, and first responders know their community has their back.
Manatee County is home to over 40,000 veterans. Through Neighbors in Service, we’re creating practical ways to serve them—one training, one hike, one volunteer shift, one mentoring conversation at a time.
Get Connected
📱 All event details, registration, and volunteer opportunities:
Neighbors in Service Team Reach
Access Code: AZNIS4VETS
Questions:
Jack McGourty | drjack@neighborsinservice.org