Newtown Nation is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit and grassroots leadership organization serving the historic Newtown community of Sarasota. Backed by more than 35 years of lived and professional expertise in housing policy, resident advocacy, community wellness, and neighborhood resilience, Newtown Nation champions equity and opportunity by equipping residents with the tools, skills, and structures needed to influence their own futures. Since 2015, the organization has advanced food access, housing stability, youth programming, and cultural preservation through innovative, resident-led initiatives.
Core Competencies
Housing & Policy Expertise
- 33+ years of experience in HUD regulations, evictions, housing policy, and resident rights.
- Commissioner Certified by the Sarasota Housing Authority.
- Active with the National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing (NAR-SAAH).
- Skilled at navigating and explaining complex housing regulations to residents, policymakers, and community partners.
Community Development & Revitalization
- Led or contributed to major initiatives including:
- Janie’s Garden Development
- Kingstone Apartments
- Front Porch Revitalization
- Newtown Farmers Market expansion
- Community resilience initiatives and neighborhood planning efforts
Nutrition & Wellness Advocacy
- Creator of the Newtown Farmers Market (est. 2017) in response to Newtown’s food desert designation.
- Founder of Big Mama’s Collard Green Festival, celebrating culture, health, and community pride.
- Partnerships with Feeding Florida and SNAP to ensure affordable, accessible, healthy food options for families.
Community & Grassroots Leadership
- Inaugural member of the Grassroots Leadership Initiative, SRQ Neighborhood
- Expert, and multiple resident-led advocacy councils. Leadership across Sarasota Housing Authority Resident Council, Women on Commissions, and Nuisance Abatement Boards.
- More than 6,000 residents impacted through policy navigation, advocacy, and leadership programming.
Training & Capacity Building
- National training in ethics, communication, conflict resolution, grassroots organizing, and HUD compliance.
- Facilitates community workshops, resident leadership trainings, and policy education sessions.
Youth Engagement & Education
- Creator of Rhythm & Roots (2024), a program blending agriculture, nature exploration, and rhythmic arts to strengthen youth development and cultural connection.
- Strategic Partnership with Billionaire Babies to provide business education, market opportunities, and community service for young entrepreneurs of Sarasota, Manatee, and Palmetto Counties.
- Ongoing mentoring, community engagement programs, workshops, and leadership development for youth and families.