About Us

Philosophy
Bonita Springs Assistance Office believes in providing a “hand up”. By extending the hand of support we enable clients to retain their dignity and recognize their own capacity of looking for solutions to their situation. We particularly focus on assisting families with young children and seniors.
Vision Statement
In our community, many are familiar with the emergencies that come with major disasters like hurricanes and floods that affect thousands in our area, and we’re here to help at those times. But we also help when everyday emergencies strike, such as layoffs, business closures due to red tide or environmental changes, housing loss, or illness of a family member—crises that may touch only one family at a time.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide temporary assistance to community members who have been affected by an unexpected crisis. Our goal is to provide the support services and bridge the financial needs of the recipients so they may gain independence and foster self-reliance.
Purpose & Objectives
For over forty years, the Bonita Springs Assistance Office has provided social services in Bonita Springs, Florida. We are proud of the fact that we have helped thousands of community members during a time of crisis. We continue to serve our community by:
- Providing emergency financial relief for residents of Bonita Springs and those who serve the Bonita Springs community.
- Providing the support for individuals to gain independence and recognize their full potential.
- Working with and supporting our community partners.
History

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.
Board of Directors
- Cindy Cedeno, Finemark Bank, Chair
- Beverly Gervasi, Bonita Springs Fire Control & Rescue, Vice Chair
- Dawn Brewer, Collier County Pelican Bay Services Division, Treasurer
- Chris Riesen, Inspired Closets, Secretary
- Darcy Eikenberg, Red Cape Revolution, Immediate Past Chair
- John Spear, Henderson Franklin, Immediate Past Vice Chair
- Arden McCurdy, Community Leader, Member
- Jennifer DeWitt, Prysi Cosmetic Surgery, Member
- Chuck Stauffer, Hotwire Communications, Member