Sandy Chase: “I am retired—not expired”
Project Light is proud and grateful to feature volunteer Sandy Chase, whose generosity of spirit and creative energy inspire everyone around her. Her dedication supports our students and celebrates the many volunteers who make our mission possible — and, in true Sandy fashion, she even turns her name into meaningful acronyms that reflect her joyful heart for service.
SANDY
She brings light where there is shadow
Answers need with kindness
Nurtures hope in others
Devotes her gifts with grace
Yields joy wherever she walks
Sandy Chase’s mantra captures how this creative woman tirelessly spotlights fellow volunteers across Project Light, Truly Valued, CreArte Latino Cultural Center, Mothers Helping Mothers, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, JoshProvides, the Jewish Federation, and other organizations whose missions support a better life for all.
She also mentors teens and adults who aspire to achieve their academic and career goals. To further fuel her creativity, she evaluates plays for Florida Studio Theatre and works with a Women’s Resource Center client, Connie Jenkns, who is writing a nonfiction book.
Writing for Project Light has been a win-win experience: Sandy highlights volunteers while nurturing her own creativity. She has also made many friends, including Elena Farkas, whose Russian roots mirror Sandy’s own family history.
Before the turn of the 20th century, Sandy’s grandparents emigrated from Ukraine, speaking only Hebrew and Russian. Determined to establish themselves in their new home, they attended night school to learn English. Although Sandy knew them as English speakers, she has always been in awe of bilingual individuals—much like the many Project Light students she now supports.
“I want to strengthen the Project Light mission so the school can continue advancing adult learners through English proficiency, literacy, citizenship, and employment skill development.”
Celebrating Sandy Chase: With Joy and Gratitude
“Sandy’s thoughtful storytelling and compelling articles have beautifully captured the voices and journeys of our youth, families, and volunteers.”
“Her engaging storytelling has made our newsletters more captivating and inspiring, allowing us to expand our outreach to new audiences.”
“Through her thoughtful interviews with our partners and families, she brings to life the real stories of resilience, compassion, and community that define our mission. Beyond her skill as a writer, she’s simply a joy to work with and a treasured part of our MHM family.”
“Even in the face of personal challenges, Sandy’s optimism, resilience, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire everyone around her.”
“Sandy has become a dedicated advocate for people living with epilepsy. She’s made a genuine connection with our families and captured their hopes, challenges, and celebrations. The more she learned, the more committed she became… Her compassion and support of our “purple warriors” has been amazing!”
“Sandy is our go-to freelance writer for Jewish News and Shalom SRQ magazine. It’s reassuring to know we have someone we can turn to when we need a feature piece written for our publications.”
“Sandy is upbeat and enjoys helping me as much as I enjoy learning from her. She has so much wisdom and knowledge about writing. She has inspired me, helping me make my book a reality.”
