BSAO is a private, independent agency 501(c)3 organization not affiliated with any government, religious, political or social group, and in operation since 1979.

It’s important to note that while we may partner with the City of Bonita Springs on targeted projects, we are NOT the social services arm of city government. We rely on private funding from individuals and organizations in our community.

We consider the people that are brave enough to reach for help to be our neighbors who deserve the highest levels of respect and dignity from all staff, volunteers, and board members. That’s why we refer to them as “clients” of our services.

• Preventing Homelessness and Fostering Healing: A client faced unexpected hardship after her husband’s passing, leading to rent arrears due to funeral expenses. BSAO stepped in with emergency financial assistance to prevent eviction. Our case management services then connected her and her 6-year-old twin daughters with Valerie’s House, providing them a healthy space to navigate their grief.
• Boosting Confidence and Career Advancement: A client without health insurance had been unable to afford the removal of her braces for over two years. During her case management assessment, we recognized that her lack of confidence due to the braces was hindering her job search. BSAO provided the $300 needed for their removal and connected her with CareerSource Employment services. With renewed confidence and support, she successfully transitioned from a cashier to a management position within the same company.
• Supporting Academic Success and Integration: A social worker from Bonita Springs High School advocated for a student who had recently immigrated from Nicaragua and was living with his older brother, his only family in the U.S. This student immediately excelled, achieving a high honors GPA. BSAO provided him with a bike and safety equipment for his commute to school. Through his case management assessment, we learned of his interest in further English literacy classes, and we connected him with the Literacy Council, where he attended classes over the summer.
• The BSAO team helped a family who was financially strained because of the extra cost of therapy for their child who lives with a behavioral disorder. When asked how BSAO could help, the family mentioned the child needed new clothes and shoes for school, as the child had outgrown their current items, making it difficult to comply with the dress code. BSAO purchased the necessary pants, shirts, and shoes for the child, relieving a significant worry for the dedicated family.
• A young adult with a disability moved to Bonita Springs from Pennsylvania and needed assistance enrolling in Florida Medicaid. BSAO initiated a case management plan that began with updating the client’s Social Security Disability and Medicare records to reflect the new Florida residency. Following this, we successfully helped the client apply for Medicaid. The application was approved in less than a month, securing the coverage needed for a vital medication that significantly improved the client’s quality of life.