The F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center is now a designated United Way House and can offer enhanced services to our clients. Several United Way agencies in Lee County are working with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel to develop more effective, cost-efficient social service programs.

                           F.I.S.H. SERVICES

                          (Advanced arrangements are required)

TRANSPORTATION:  Volunteers transport individuals needing assistance both off-island and on-island. Off-island transportation is provided for non-emergency activities such as medical and dental appointments only. On-island transportation is provided for essential non-emergency activities such as medical, dental, grocery shopping and banking. Volunteers provide their own vehicles.

VISITATION:  Volunteers provide friendly visits for brief periods to those who would like some companionship in their own home environment. Non-professional respite care is also available for brief periods to allow a caregiver some time to themselves or to run errands.

MEALS BY F.I.S.H.:  Volunteers deliver hot, inexpensive meals for lunch on Monday through Friday. Meals are prepared by a local establishment. They can be delivered on a temporary or permanent schedule. There is a small cost for the meals. Delivery is free.

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT:  Small, non-electrical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, commodes, raised toilet seats and shower chairs are available for temporary loan. There is no charge for this service. 

Health Care Equipment may be picked up at the Walk-In Center or, if necessary, delivered to your home, condominium or hotel. . .service with a smile!

PERSON TO PERSON:  This service, available on Monday through Friday, provides a reassuring, daily phone call with immediate investigative response if there is no answer. It functions in cooperation with the Sanibel Police Department.    

ALZHEIMER SUPPORT GROUP: This group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the conference room at the Bank of the Islands (corner of Periwinkle Way and Casa Ybel Road). A professional staff member of the http://www.alz.org/flgulfcoast/ facilitates the group. Those who are caregivers to Alzheimer patients and would like some helpful hints and support are welcome. There is no charge for these sessions.

HOME HEALTH REFERRAL AND SUPPORT GROUP INFORMATION: A listing of home health care services for islanders is available at the F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center for those islanders needing medical, physical therapy or personal care. These agencies are known, licensed and bonded groups with which F.I.S.H. has developed a relationship on Sanibel. Clients pay the agencies for services rendered. Information about available support groups on Sanibel and Captiva for caregivers, grief counseling and other needs is also available at the Walk-In Center.

CLIENT INTERNET SERVICE: F.I.S.H. now has high-speed Internet access and a computer room for clients who wish to research programs, which could assist them, and apply for benefits from a variety of government agencies. F.I.S.H. volunteers are available to help clients navigate the web, find programs for which they might qualify for assistance, and help them to fill out the often confusing paperwork.

HURRICANE INFORMATION:  F.I.S.H. partners with the City of Sanibel and maintains an updated list of emergency contact numbers and shelters (including those that are equipped for special needs, are pet-friendly and handicapped accessible). Anyone needing this information may pick it up at the Walk-In Center or call (239) 472-7575.

FRIENDLY FACES LUNCHEONS:  On the second Tuesday of each month, F.I.S.H. sponsors its Friendly Faces luncheon. Anyone interested in meeting island neighbors and making new friends is invited. Prices are reasonable; reservations are required.