Safelink Wireless offers a Smartphone or a SIM card. Along with free minutes, texts, and data each month. There are eligibility requirements that must be met to participate. They are set by each state where the service is provided. There is a limit to one per household. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Enrollment and Plan Changes: 800.723.3546 (800.SAFELINK)
Technical Support ONLY: 800.378.1684

Englewood Helping Hand provides food and help with utilities. They have backpacks filled with weekly necessities for those dealing with homelessness. They can help with applying for SNAP and Medicaid. Please call 941.474.5864 or visit their website to learn more.

Services Include:

• Provide Groceries
• Utilities Assistance
• Backpack Program
• SNAP Appointments
• Medicaid Appointments
• Referrals to government programs when available

This group offers a Family Assistance program. It is for military and veteran families. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Assistance May Include:

• Clothing
• Groceries
• Rent
• Travel Expenses to and From Major Medical Facilities
• Utilities
• Vehicle Payments

The Salvation Army provides family thrift stores in Sarasota and Venice for gently used goods. Proceeds fund their many programs. Please call 941.952.0349 or 941.488.9300, or check their website to learn more.

Venice Family Store Location
1160 US Highway 41 Bypass
Venice, FL 34293
941.488.9300

This program provides assistive technology. It offers a range of services. These are for people with disabilities. It is also for their families. Please call or visit the website to learn more.

Services:
• Device Demonstrations
• Device Reuse & Reutilization
• Financial Loans
• Information & Assistance
• Public Awareness & Training
• Short-term Device Loans

FTRI provides specialized telephone equipment and ring signaling devices. The equipment is loaned to qualified, permanent Florida residents for as long as needed. These devices are loaned at no charge. Please call or visit the website for locations and more information.

Voice: 800.222.3448
TTY: 888.447.5620
VP: 850.270.2641

Friendship Dining provide nutritious, healthy food to people 60+. A suggested donation of $3 is asked to help cover the cost of the meals. While no one is denied a meal if unable to pay, the contribution helps to provide more meals for elders in the community. Please call 941.955.2122 for a list of open dining centers or visit their website to learn more.

Friendship Home Delivered Meals are delivered to people who are 60 or older once a week. They can bring up to 7 frozen meals at a time. They are well-balanced meals that are prepared fresh and quickly frozen to assure that they are fresh when heated. It is a great way for long-distance care providers to be sure their loved ones are receiving healthy, nutritious meals. Please call the Area Agency on Aging at 1.866.413.5337 to see if you are eligible for these meals.