Fish Florida awards $2026 to Goodwill’s Pathways to Opportunity
Benefiting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida has announced that Pathways to Opportunity received a $2026 grant from Fish Florida to make fishing trips possible for the individuals they serve in the PTO program.
PTO is an adult training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The five-day-a-week program features classes focused on breaking limitations by teaching crucial life skills such as financial literacy, digital skills, self-advocacy, cooking, navigating public transit, and more while having fun.
PTO’s fishing club, “The Casters”, meets quarterly at the Goodwill Opportunity Center in Fort Myers. Their Florida angling adventures are not just about mastering the craft. They provide opportunity for participants to share laughter, sociability, and the excitement of discovering new skills together. Every technique learned becomes a shared triumph, making every fishing trip an unforgettable experience.
“We are incredibly grateful for Fish Florida for their generous grant supporting our Casters fishing group,” said Jessica Tursi, Goodwill’s Director of Disability Services. “The grant will give The Casters, the opportunity to go out in the community more frequently and learn more about one of Southwest Florida’s pastimes. Community outings are vital for our participants, as they provide opportunities to build social skills, foster independence, and enjoy meaningful experiences in an inclusive environment. With support from organizations like Fish Florida, we can continue creating a Southwest Florida where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate and thrive.”
Goodwill’s Disability Services offers support through multiple programs: The PTO program, Disability Navigation, and Pathways to Work. To learn more about these life-changing opportunities, call Tursi at 239-995-2106 Ext. 2301.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. For more information on how Goodwill positively impacts the community, visit Goodwillswfl.org.