To provide housing support to children and their families to prevent and end housing insecurity in South Sarasota County.

Our Mission

Our Vision

To provide comprehensive services to ensure children and their families achieve lasting self-sufficiency and every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Awards & Recognition

2021 Nonprofit of the Year
North Port Chamber of Commerce

2020 Nonprofit of the Year
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

2019 Rookie of the Year
North Port Chamber of Commerce

Our History

Over 1,000 children are identified as housing insecure in Sarasota County each year. 1 in every 18 students in Sarasota County has experienced housing insecurities. About 50% of those students are in South Sarasota County — Venice, Englewood, North Port, Nokomis, Osprey. Venice High School had the highest per capita population of students in a housing crisis in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, that has shifted to North Port High School.

The Problem

The Effects of Housing Insecurity on Children

The Effects of Housing Insecurity on Children

Children who experience housing insecurity engage in health risk behaviors at significantly higher rates than their housed peers due to exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), detrimental to their development.

Youth experiencing housing insecurities are:

  • 9 times more likely to repeat a grade

  • 4 times more likely to not graduate

  • 5 times more likely to be victims of sexual and physical dating violence

  • 6 times more likely to abuse drugs

  • 4 times more likely to misuse prescription pain medication

  • 7 times more likely to attempt suicide

The Gap in Housing Costs for Children and Families

There is a significant gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the country. The estimated hourly wage needed for a 2 bedroom rental in Florida is $26.38/hour. The Florida minimum wage is $12.00/hour.

Many Families Do Not Qualify For the Help They Need

The national definition of housing insecurity includes sleeping the previous night in a place lacking water or electricity. A parent does everything in their power to prevent this from happening for their children, including paying for a hotel with their paycheck or staying with friends and relatives.

As a consequence, these families are not considered as housing insecure and do not qualify for federal and state funds and assistance.

Learn More

Our Families Our Future

Family Promise National provided this video about housing challenges families face. Through our work, we can help provide hope and solutions to children and families experiencing one of the most difficult times of their lives.

  • Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Family and Consumer Science Education and Child Development and Family Studies. Before joining Family Promise of South Sarasota County, she spent nine years working in both school corporations and community colleges, supporting high school students and young adults while also supervising team members. During this time, she focused on teaching essential life skills to help individuals pursue the right education, build fulfilling careers, and gain the consumer knowledge needed for long-term self sufficiency. These experiences gave Jennifer a deep understanding of the population we serve and equipped her with a unique ability to educate clients while strengthening the foundation of our programs.

    Jennifer has been part of Family Promise of South Sarasota County since its opening in 2015 and currently serves as Executive Director.

    To support the growth, impact, and community presence of Family Promise SSC, Jennifer has participated in: Venice Area Chamber of Commerce (VACC) member, 2016–present, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Leadership Class of 2018, VACC CEO Round Table, 2018–2021, Sarasota County Community Action Agency Board (CAAB), 2018–present, Sarasota County Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD), 2019–present, VACC Leadership Class of 2019, Florida Housing Coalition member, 2019–present, Englewood Chamber of Commerce member, 2020–present, North Port Chamber of Commerce member, 2020–present, Osprey Nokomis Chamber of Commerce member, 2020–present, Family Promise National Affiliate Council, 2020–present, National Low Income Housing Coalition member, 2021–present, North Port Leadership Class of 2022, Venice Police Department Citizens Police Academy, 2022, Sarasota County Affordable Housing Advisory Council (AHAC), 2024–present.

  • Kim Ulrich is excited to serve families of South Sarasota County as the Assistant Director of Family Promise of South Sarasota County. Kim was born and raised on the south side of Chicago where she graduated Highschool from Alan B. Shepard High School in 2015. Kim went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a BS in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and a minor in Homeland Security. Kimberly has spent over 7 years in the customer service industry. Kim and her husband moved from the Chicagoland area to Port Charlotte in the beginning of 2021. Prior to coming to Family Promise, Kim served as a Child Protective Investigator with the Department of Children and Families in Port Charlotte, FL. In her free time, Kim enjoys fishing and traveling. She’s excited to utilize her talents with the staff and volunteers at Family Promise of South Sarasota County.

  • Maddie grew up in Champaign, Illinois and later moved to Mackinaw, Illinois where she graduated from Dee-Mack High School in 2016. Maddie moved to Florida in 2018. Maddie attended Florida Gulf Coast University and graduated in 2023 with her bachelor's degree in social work. She plans to further her education by getting her master’s degree in social work. Maddie was in the service industry for 6 years before coming to Family Promise. Maddie enjoys fishing and spending time with family and friends. She is very excited for what her future holds at Family Promise.

  • Shantel grew up in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from Iver C. Ranum High School in Adams County in 1991. The school later transitioned into a middle school and now serves as an extension of Westminster High School, offering specialized programs in technology and medical studies.

    In 2005, Shantel earned her associate’s degree in Massage Therapy from Heritage College in Denver. She has built a diverse and extensive background in customer service and finance through her work with companies such as JP Morgan Chase, Charles Schwab, and Kaiser Permanente, while also practicing as a licensed massage therapist. Prior to joining Family Promise, Shantel worked as a self‑employed delivery contractor for companies including Walmart and DoorDash.

    Shantel now resides in Venice with her two youngest daughters and their two cats. In her free time, she enjoys watching documentaries on nature, science, psychology, and finance; making art; meditating; roller skating; spending time outdoors; visiting amusement parks; and being with her family.

    Shantel takes great pride in her organizational and interpersonal skills and is passionate about using her experience to help others achieve stability, self‑sufficiency, and long‑term success.

  • Alleyna grew up in Lima, Ohio, and spent many years vacationing in Venice, Florida before moving to the area in high school. Venice quickly became her “second home” before making the big move permanently in October 2023. Alleyna graduated from Bath High School in 2018, and continued her education at Rhodes State College, earning her associate degree in early childhood education in 2020. After graduating, she spent several years working in childhood education and care, an experience that shaped her passion for supporting families. In her free time, Alleyna enjoys trying new coffee shops, soaking up the sun, and spending time with family and friends. She is eager to contribute her skills and work alongside the Family Promise team to support families.

Michael Bacon
Will Betterton
Paul Cernansky
Dane DeSantis, Vice President
Brent Dykstra
Rachel Frank
Jess Fronckowiak
Courtney Green, Secretary
David Joyner
Kelly Olliver, President
Maggie Pittala, Treasurer
Travis Sparks
Jake Tate
Todd VanBuskirk
Beau Walker

2026 Board of Trustees

Pictured above, left to right: Courtney Green, Rachel Frank, Maggie Pittala, Jess Fronckowiak, David Joyner, Paul Cernansky, Dane DeSantis, Brent Dykstra, Will Betterton, Michael Bacon, Jake Tate, Kelly Olliver, and Travis Sparks

Advisory Council

Steven Boone, former Board President

Mark Beebe, former Board Member

Susan Hanks, former Board Treasurer

Bob Hite, former Board Member

Beth Piel, former Board President

Julie Pinkerton, former Board President

Matthew Britton, former Board Member