Aspirations to Actions

Digital Navigators are community members who recognize the importance of being online and using technology in today’s world. They are trained to source low-cost internet for you or your home, obtain affordable or free computers, and help you learn how to use the internet and computers in ways that are most helpful and meaningful to you. They work confidentially and free of charge. So, if you’re been curious about email or social media, want to start a business, learn new skills for a better paying job, or want to change careers altogether, a Digital Navigator can help. Don’t have a computer? Afraid of using one? They can help.

Thanks to The Patterson Foundation’s support, the Digital Navigator Program is now in its fourth cohort, with a focus on DeSoto County.

If you live at Casa San Juan Bosco, your Digital Navigator is Clara Alvarez. Email her at [email protected] or call her at 863-517-9895. Clara is available Mondays – Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and speaks both English and Espanol.

If you need to stop by DeSoto County government offices at the Turner Center, your on-site Digital Navigator is Sondra Guffey. Email her at [email protected] or call her at 863-444-2396 to make an appointment.

Have kids at the YMCA or Jrpreneur? Your Digital Navigator is Asha Campbell. Email her at [email protected] or call her at 863-231-2310.

Are you a HIPPY parent? If you participate in Step Up Suncoast’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program, your HIPPY Home Visitor can connect you to a Digital Navigator from The Patterson Foundation! Or, you can click this link to request a callback.

If you are the parent or caregiver of a student attending DeSoto County schools, your household qualifies for discounted internet. Contact any of the Digital Navigators above or email [email protected]

For more information, email Cheri Coryea at [email protected]

The Patterson Foundation
Maribel Martinez Consulting
DeSoto County, FL
DeSoto County Library
To***co Free Partnership of DeSoto County
Arcadia-DeSoto Co. Habitat for Humanity
Links2Success

In this Community Champions Series, we are spotlighting Holly Layport, Program Director for Arcadia-DeSoto Co. Habitat for Humanity, and learning more about her vision for DeSoto!

https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/desoto-county-ahead/community-champions-spotlight-holly-layport-program-director-for-arcadia-desoto-habitat-for-humanity.html

The Patterson Foundation No Margin, No Mission

Community Champions Spotlight: Holly Layport, Program Director for Arcadia-Desoto Habitat for Humanity The Patterson Foundation believes that individuals, organizations, and communities can achieve their goals by working together. By engaging people, businesses, nonprofits, government, and media around shared aspirations, The Patterson Foundation fosters wide participation to create positive...

Want to know what to do before, during, and after a storm? Attend a free Hurricane Expo to get expert advice, preparedness tips, emergency resources, and answers to your questions. These community events are open to everyone and can help you make a plan before a hurricane is on the horizon.

📍 DeSoto County Hurricane Expo
Saturday, June 6
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4g09cC1

✅ Build your emergency kit
✅ Create a family plan
✅ Connect with local resources
✅ Be ready for hurricane season


DeSoto County, FL

Hurricane Expo Join us for the 2026 Hurricane Expo — a free, communitywide event designed to help residents get storm-ready before hurricane season begins. Event Highlights.

🧠 Last chance to register for the National New Civic Path Book Circle happening tomorrow.

Hundreds of Floridians across the Suncoast region stepped forward to participate in The Patterson Foundation’s New Civic Path book circles in 2025. Since then, many have continued putting those conversations into practice by building relationships, exchanging perspectives, and stepping more fully into their roles as Agents of Hope.

If that’s you, this is your next step.

Tomorrow, June 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET, The Harwood Institute is hosting a National New Civic Path Book Circle. It will bring together people from across the country who have participated in local circles like yours.

Together, we will explore how we can:
• Address our country’s toughest challenges
• Reclaim our shared agency
• Take meaningful action starting locally and spreading nationwide

This isn’t just about revisiting a book. It’s about continuing the work by reframing challenges, rediscovering shared values, and activating ourselves as agents of hope.

We would love to see you in the circle.

Register here: https://theharwoodinstitute.org/events-calendar/national-book-circle

Questions? Please email Cheri Coryea: [email protected]

The New Civic Path National Book Circle — The Harwood Institute America needs more agents of hope. America needs you .  That’s why we’re holding a New Civic Path National Book Circle on June 2 at 12:30 pm ET . This virtual event will help you step forward and be an agent of hope in these divided times.  Through small and large group discuss

5 Years of Learning, 1 Big Celebration! While this 5th Anniversary Breakfast is a huge thank you to the adults who help make the magic happen, it’s also open to anyone who's just finding out about us and wants to learn more.

Join us as we celebrate five years of neighbors, educators, and families building something incredible!

📅 When: Tuesday, June 9 | 8:30am – 10:00am
📍 Where: The Ora (578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota)
👔 Attire: Come as you are! (Business casual or casual)

Pro-tip: Team members, volunteers, and new friends are all welcome.
RSVP HERE https://bit.ly/4nXBmQe

The Patterson Foundation Ashley Coone Consulting DeSoto County Library DeSoto County Historical Society Take Stock in Children Serving DeSoto, Hardee, & Highlands Counties Links2Success

The future is now! Today, we are spotlighting two inspiring local youth in DeSoto County who are turning their passion and creativity into thriving businesses.

Meet these remarkable local changemakers:
🌟 Jayla Coone | Freshman Student, Links to Success Student Ambassador, & Owner of Jazzy Jay Bakery.
Jayla's passion for baking started at just 10 years old, learning alongside her grandmothers and hosting her very first bake sale on MLK Day. Backed by a tight-knit family of local entrepreneurs, Jayla doesn’t just bake to make people smile—she understands the true meaning of giving back, even using her business to run an amazing bake sale fundraiser for a grieving friend's family in middle school.

🌟 Tre’sor Mitchell | 7th Grade Student, Links2Success Youth Exploration Program Member, & Owner of Sweet Sassy Sips
For Tre’sor, DeSoto County is home, and it’s the community that pushes him to keep going. He decided not to wait until he was older to bring his creative ideas to life. Driven by consistency and trust in his vision, Tre’sor lives by the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12: "Let no one despise your youth..."—proving that being young doesn't hold you back; it makes you stand out.

Click below to read their incredible stories!
https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/desoto-county-ahead/from-vision-to-venture-young-entrepreneurs-shaping-desotos-future.html

Ashley Coone Consulting

From Vision to Venture: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping DeSoto’s Future Across DeSoto County, young people are doing incredible things, not only pursuing their passions but also giving back to the community that supports them. In the DeSoto Digest, we’re spotlighting two local youth who are using their talents, creativity, and drive to make a meaningful impact...

Alicia Chalmers hosted a conversation with Michael Prihoda and Menal Khanna from The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, exploring what it means to work alongside communities—listening first, turning outward, and meeting people where they are.

At the center of the conversation: The New Civic Path by Rich Harwood and a growing movement of people coming together through local and national book circles.

At a time when many are questioning trust and connection, communities are showing that belief can be rebuilt one conversation, one gathering, one action at a time.

Inside: listen to the podcast and find details for the national book circle on June 2 (12:30pm – 1:30pm).

Choosing Hope: Reflections From a Podcast Conversation on Civic Possibility I recently had the pleasure of hosting a podcast conversation with a dynamic duo from The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation: Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager. Together, we explored The Harwood Institute's powerful approach...

Looking for a reliable way to stay plugged in? The DeSoto Digest is your go-to monthly resource for everything local!

Now available at 40 locations throughout the county, this publication celebrates DeSoto's spirit, spotlighting the incredible work of people and organizations serving the community.

Inside each issue, you'll discover upcoming social events and local happenings, features about your friends and neighbors, and ways to get involved with the DeSoto County Ahead initiative.

The DeSoto Digest is available in English and Spanish in print and digital!.

Click the link below to dive into the June 2026 digital edition and see how the community is moving from solutions to actions!https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/images/initiatives/newsletters/DeSoto_Solutions_to_Actions/ENG.June%202026.E4-compressed.pdf

⭐ Want Physical Copies? If you’d like copies delivered to your business or organization, email Sherry Oehler at [email protected] to join the distribution list!

Jazzy Jay Bakery Ashley Coone Consulting William G. and Marie Selby Foundation DeSoto County, FL Arcadia-DeSoto Co. Habitat for Humanity Maribel Martinez Consulting Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. DeSoto County Library DeSoto County Historical Society Take Stock in Children Serving DeSoto, Hardee, & Highlands Counties

Often described as an outdoor museum, Patriot Plaza is a space of reflection featuring stunning sculptures, moving artwork, historic photography, and a 2,800-seat amphitheater designed to honor veterans, inspire patriotism, and embrace freedom.

Conceived, funded, and gifted by The Patterson Foundation, Patriot Plaza has welcomed more than 73,000 visitors who have come to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

Patriot Plaza is open daily from sunrise to sunset with free admission, and free guided tours are offered every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Click the link to learn more, explore tour opportunities, or plan your visit this Memorial Day. https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/patriot-plaza/sarasota-national-cemetery-sarasotas-privilege-to-home-this-national-honor.html

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Sarasota National Cemetery: Sarasota's Privilege to Home this National Honor Editor's Note: Patriot Plaza is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free. Weekly tours of Patriot Plaza take place on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. except for federal holidays. Participants should meet at the east entrance of Patriot Plaza near the bronze sculpture Home, which depicts...

America needs more agents of hope. America needs you. The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation is holding a New Civic Path National Book Circle on June 2 at 12:30pm ET to convene Americans nationwide who’ve participated in a book circle. Through small and large group discussions, we will deepen and expand the conversation about how you can help address our country’s deep challenges, reclaim our shared agency, and take real action that starts locally and spreads nationwide. Register now. https://bit.ly/4tEvVXR

Questions? Please email Cheri Coryea: [email protected]

Ashley Coone Consulting