Taking Care of Family, Clients & Community for Three Decades

Community Cooperative’s CEO Stefanie Edwards receives statewide Spirit of the Community Award

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW) honored Community Cooperative CEO Stefanie Edwards with its Spirit of Community Award during a special ceremony as part of the 2022 LEAD Summit conference June 22.

The recipients of the FCSW Spirit of Community Awards are the embodiment of dedicated community service. Each day these extraordinary Floridians mentor children, advocate for women and families in need, empower and inspire youth. Edwards received a commemorative plaque and a letter of recognition from Governor Ron DeSantis. Edwards’ friend, Florida Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, introduced her.

“The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is proud to celebrate the contributions of unsung female heroes across the State of Florida,” said Commissioner Sophia Eccleston, chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. “These women are true examples of leaders in our communities, and we are so proud to honor and celebrate them for all their hard work and dedication to their communities and our state.”

Edwards was recognized for her positive impact on the lives of women and families and serving as a positive role model for women and girls for both her work with Community Cooperative as well as volunteer work for other organizations, including the PACE Center for Girls Lee County, the American Cancer Society, Girls Going Places, Lee County Continuum of Care Governing Board Member, Lee Health Foundation, Fort Myers High School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Greater Fort Myers Chamber Women in Business, Leadership Lee County, Lee County Planned Giving Council, IMAG Science and History Center, United Way of Lee County and Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club.

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to receive the Spirit of Community Award from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women,” Edwards said. “I am incredibly inspired and honored to be serving with so many impactful women, making Florida a better place for all.”

About the Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW):

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan, statutorily created board of 22-member commissioners who work to collaborate with, educate and celebrate Florida women and girls. The Commission does so through annual events and programs including the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame and Spirit of Community Awards. The Commission acts as a resource for lawmakers, businesses, and residents, so they have a better understanding of the important issues facing women, and by extension all Floridians. Additional Spirit of Community Award information is available on the Commission website at fcsw.net.

About Community Cooperative

For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at Tami@communitycooperative.com or call 239-332-7687. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

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