Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

Latest news…
Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

Latest news…
Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark victory for Florida’s future will impact the proposed Bellmar and Kingston Developments, as they cannot receive their permit through Florida’s flawed program. By the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with permission to Engage Estero. February 16, 2024 Federal...

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

(Written by Lee Health for Engage Estero’s Health Council) Much has been mentioned on news programs and other media about Wellness. However, it is seldom explained or fully understood.  During a meeting of Engage Estero’s Health Council earlier this year when this...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

Veterans’ Resources

Engage Estero is committed to assisting our veteran community. We share resources and items of interest here to help our local veterans connect with others and with agencies that can help. Engage Estero is not endorsing any particular organization or business by sharing this information.

Non-Profit Agencies

Make the Connection

Information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Request a Peer Mentor who has experienced military loss and is trained to be a source of understanding for you.

Together We Served

Find your battle buddies by branch and unit. 

Veteran Wellness Alliance

Veterans and service members experiencing difficulties in daily life or in distress can reach out to Check-In and trust that an advocate will find a licensed professional who can help.

Hidden Heroes: Caregiver Support

If you care for a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member, you may need support at some point along your caregiving journey. 

P

American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network

Peers engaged to exchange experience, empathy, education and encouragement

Team Red, White & Blue

Health and Wellness Focused Community for Veterans. 

Student Veterans of America

Their mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.

FGCU Military & Veteran Success

Offers programs to assist veteran/military students and the families to success at FGCU. Also offers programs connecting the school community with the local area. 

Team Rubicon

Disaster relief organization that utilizes the sills of military veterans, first responders and tech professionals to assist in emergency recovery.

The Fire Watch

The Fire Watch is Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide. We are building a life-saving network of community members and organizations trained to identify the warning signs of veterans in crisis and to direct those veterans to the help they need.

Home Base: Florida

Home Base Florida is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war – such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance use – for Veterans, Service Members and their Families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education, and research. 

Lee Health Military Support Program

The Lee Health Military Support Program helps:

  • Military men and women and their families while deployed
  • Returning troops – providing resume building, VA benefits, job placement, re-adjustment to civilian living
  • Homeless veterans
  • Local veterans – providing referrals and assistance

National Govt. Agencies

Veterans Crisis Line

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.

Vet Centers

Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.

VA Mental Health Services Guide

This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.

VA Health News and Email Sign-Up

A list of current articles on health services for veterans. You can sign up to receive information by email.

VA Self-Help Apps

Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.

VA Women Veterans Call Center

The Women Veterans Call Center will help you navigate VA, point you in the right direction, and connect you with the Women Veterans Program Manager at your local VA medical center.

Call or text the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636) or use the online chat feature

VA Caregiver Support Line

VA’s National Caregiver Support Line is a toll-free number for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services. 

Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team at your local VA Medical Center.

Just for Vets

VetTix: Tickets for Vets

Over 2,000 events offer special deals or donated tickets to qualified veterans. 

Private Directories

Emergency Housing Directory

Disasters and personal tragedies can lead to housing issues. This directory lists emergency housing options for veterans. 

Preparing and Paying for College

Resources for veterans seeking to attend and pay for college.

Guide to Starting a Business

Benefits for veteran entrepreneurs.

While Engage Estero tries to review the sites listed here, please use good judgment when evaluating the information these sites provide.

Resources for Veterans Articles

Floridians deserve a whole month to show their pride for our brave veterans.

November should be known in Florida as “Veteran Appreciation Month,” according to legislation filed by Republican Senator Blaise Ingoglia and Republican Representative Jeff Holcomb. Both Spring Hill lawmakers filed measures (SB 346, HB 357) to encourage counties,...