Aspirations to Actions

09/04/2026

DeSoto High School students connect with 45+ colleges, trade schools, and local foundations for postsecondary planning and scholarship opportunities.

https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/desoto-county-ahead/desoto-high-school-hosts-college-and-career-fair-for-juniors-and-seniors.html

DeSoto County School District DeSoto County Education Foundation Links2Success William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Community Foundation of Sarasota County The Patterson Foundation

DeSoto High School welcomed more than 45 colleges, universities, trade schools, and local agencies to campus for its College and Career Fair, coordinated by Erica Smith, Dean of Assessment and Student Success. Every junior and senior had the opportunity to attend, moving through the fair by class...

09/01/2026

Written and directed by Beth Duda, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect takes audiences back to 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass met for the first time. Lincoln was focused on preserving a nation torn apart by the Civil War. Douglass was pushing urgently for freedom and racial equality. They did not enter their relationship agreeing with one another, but they were willing to listen, challenge each other, and continue the conversation.

More than 150 years later, their example still gives us something to think about.

https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/a-walk-to-respect/a-packed-house-takes-a-walk-to-respect.html

The Patterson Foundation Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Glenridge Performing Arts Center The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation

Editor's Note: What if creating more understanding in our communities starts with something as simple and as difficult as listening? Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect creates space for different perspectives and meaningful conversation. And the conversation...

08/25/2026

How would you feel if you missed work for a week and no one called to check on you?

Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and Susan Flores, Coordinator of Social Work and Mental Health Services with Charlotte County Public Schools, to talk about one of the Suncoast Campaign's core pillars, attendance! Listen to the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122151/episodes/19678682

The Patterson Foundation DeSoto County, FL DeSoto County School District DeSoto County Education Foundation

08/24/2026

DeSoto Network Interagency Meetings offer a welcoming space for local businesses, organizations, and community partners to gather, collaborate, and keep vital information moving forward.

Whether you're looking to share upcoming events, introduce new programs, swap flyers, or learn about resources available across the county, these meetings bring us all to the same table. When we know what our partners are doing, we can make better referrals and connect residents directly to the services they need.

Why attend?
— Share Your Updates: Introduce your organization and showcase what you offer.
— Stay Informed: Discover new programs and events happening across DeSoto.
— Build Partnerships: Strengthen your local network and make warm referrals.
***All businesses, non-profits, and community partners are welcome!

Contact Sophia Antoine at [email protected] for meeting details and how to join.

DeSoto County, FL Ashley Coone Consulting The Patterson Foundation

08/21/2026

Located inside the DeSoto Habitat ReStore, Bulldog Corner is your go-to spot for DeSoto Bulldogs gear. Every purchase directly supports Habitat’s mission to build safe, affordable housing for local families.

See the excitement from the grand opening, including a signed football helmet presented by the 2026–2027 DeSoto Bulldogs football team! ▶️ https://bit.ly/4ifxZ6b

DeSoto County School District No Margin, No Mission Ashley Coone Consulting The Patterson Foundation

08/20/2026

Florida summer might be bringing the HEAT, but we're bringing the RESILIENCE.

Here are a few tips to stay safe in the heat 😎
*Hydrate — Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
*Avoid peak heat — Limit time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible.
*Dress smart — Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and light, loose-fitting clothing.
*Know the signs — Watch for dizziness, confusion, nausea, rapid pulse, high body temperature, or changes in sweating.
Stay cool, stay aware, and take care of yourself and others 🫠

The Patterson Foundation DeSoto County, FL

08/19/2026

This summer, DeSoto County Digital Navigators are launching responsive digital skills classes shaped around what local adults want and need to learn—from basic computer skills to navigating the internet, starting a business, and preparing for college.

We’re celebrating two Cohort 4 Digital Navigators leading the first sessions:
— Clara Alvarez of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. (Casa San Juan Bosco) will offer beginner computer training for parents in the predominantly Spanish-speaking community she serves.
— Asha Campbell of Jrpreneur Brunch & YMCA will incorporate digital skills into programming for young people and parents interested in entrepreneurship, college, and building wealth.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to digital skills. Digital Navigators meet people where they are and help them move forward.

Learn more about how Digital Navigators are bridging the digital gap in DeSoto County

https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/digital-navigators-flow-with-skills.html DeSoto County, FL Ashley Coone Consulting Maribel Martinez Consulting The Patterson Foundation

After working as a Digital Navigator and training them for over ten years, I still relish seeing the joy people feel when they’re able to pay for a monthly high-speed internet subscription or finally get a computer of their own. Yet what truly creates exponential, lasting impact is when...

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

Today is Election Day!

What's on the ballot varies by county. Here are some things you might see:
1. Several Primary races (you may only vote for the candidates running in your registered political party)
2. School Board races (ALL eligible voters can participate––this is NOT party specific)
3. Proposed amendments and ballot measures (ALL eligible voters can participate––this is NOT party-specific)

Show up and let your voice be heard!

The Patterson Foundation

07/31/2026

Florida's 3rd-grade reading proficiency reached 60% in 2026. Explore FAST ELA assessment results and county breakdowns for Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota.
https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/2026-state-of-florida-3rd-grade-reading-scores.html

The Patterson Foundation Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Editor's Note: The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) is a four-county effort in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties in Florida fostering wide community participation to achieve shared aspirations for the success of families and children. SCGLR is part of...