FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $10,000 to support Sisters Sowing Seeds, Inc., a nonprofit organization that mentors and empowers teen girls and women in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Neal Communities has supported the nonprofit organization since 2019, with donations now totaling $28,500. This is the largest donation made to date.

Sisters Sowing Seeds was founded in 2015 by Monica Donley, when she was a senior accountant with Neal Communities. Sisters Sowing Seeds hosts tutoring and mentoring programs designed to strengthen the self-esteem of teen girls and young women and help them succeed in school and life. The organization offers community and in-school programs, including a mentoring program and six-week classes on various topics.

Programs are currently being held in Braden River Middle School, Booker Middle School and Lee Middle School. The girls meet with Sisters Sowing Seeds volunteers on Monday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Activities include tutoring, speakers, team building – such as escape rooms – and cooking competitions.

The Sisters Sowing Seeds cook-off competition provided a fun way for participants to learn cooking skills.

“We thank Pat Neal and Neal Communities for continuing to contribute funds and constant support to make sure that Sisters Sowing Seeds, Inc., is able to make a major impact in our community,” said Donley. “We are so grateful for this donation, as it will allow us to increase our participants.”

The $10,000 donation from Neal Communities will be used to purchase curriculum and fund Sisters Sowing Seeds’ community meetings and quarterly outings.
“Sisters Sowing Seeds is empowering young women and launching them toward success,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We are proud that Monica is continuing her impactful work, and we’re happy to support her and this wonderful organization.”

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million that Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.