On this week's episode of In Focus, we sit down with Ronnie Heen of Port St. Lucie's Emergency Management Services department. With hurricane season just around the corner, it's never too early to start thinking about preparingRonnie and I talk about what a realistic plan can and should look like for a family, why it's important to not get complacent, and how the expo will connect residents with valuable resources before a storm ever appears on the radar.

On this week’s episode of In Focus, we sit down with Patrice Bowes of Voices for Children of the Treasure Coast, a local nonprofit that advocates for some of the area’s most vulnerable children.The conversation focuses on human trafficking on the Treasure Coast and why the region is considered a hotspot for the crime in Florida. Bowes also discusses the organization’s wide range of programs designed to support children affected by trafficking and other unstable living conditions.Voices for Children of the Treasure Coast will hold a fundraising golf tournament May 30.

On this week's episode of In Focus, we sit down with Elliot Matta and Valinda Matta of the Tori Rose Foundation, a local non-profit with a mission to help families who are dealing with a child suffering cancer.The two share the story of their daughter, Victoria, and her hard-fought battle. Through the foundation, Victoria's legacy lives on through the donations the group makes to struggling families, providing much needed financial assistance. They will be holding their third annual Warrior Race 5K on May 30, which raises money for those families.

This week on In Focus, we sit down with Eve Samples of Friends of the Everglades, a local advocacy group with a deep history of fighting for the Everglades and its continued health. Together, we talk about the group's current pursuits and the ongoing challenges the ecosystem faces, as well as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her story.On May 6, the Friends will screen a new award-winning documentary River of Grass, which charts Douglas' story and the history of the Everglades itself.

This week on In Focus, we sit down with 4-H, a youth development program that is a part of St. Lucie County's UF/IFAS extension. The group prepares the youth that participate for their future through a litany of opportunities for growth and education.Together, we talk about Volunteer Appreciation Week, their upcoming fundraising opportunities, and their Discovery Camps, which are slated to start this summer.

On this week's episode of In Focus, we sit down with Robyn Orzel and Robyn Thompson with the Senior Resource Association, a local non profit dedicated to giving seniors a chance to age with grace and guide them to a newfound sense of independence. The group offers a wide array of programs to help seniors with their health, social life, and more.Join them on April 23 for their senior expo, a free event offering tons of information for both seniors and their friends and family.

This week on In Focus, we are joined first joined by Sharon Stanish of the Fort Pierce Woman's Club, a local non-profit that unifies women to give back to the community and address their needs. Together we talk about the work the group does, including feeding the hungry and assisting other non-profits, and how they participate in upcoming events.Later on, we are joined by Michelle Backus with the Port St. Lucie Businesswomen, a group which seeks to connect business-minded women with each other. Together, we talk about their upcoming charity fashion show on April 25, which the proceeds of go towards scholarships for women in the community.

This week on In Focus, we sit down with Robyn Young and Margie Jimenez of Friends in Pink, a Treasure Coast nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer.The organization provides financial assistance for treatment to those who are underinsured or unable to afford care, while also offering emotional support throughout the process. We discuss the challenges associated with a diagnosis and the impact on patients and their families. Their Pretty in Pink Gala is scheduled for April 17.

This week on in Focus, we sit down with the Willow School, a non-profit school which focuses on a more hands-on approach to learning. The school makes it a point to connect to the community on a regular basis, inviting folks to take a peek inside the amazing projects students are working on.They are holding a fundraising event on April 10 in the form of a Casino Night.

This week on In Focus, we sit down with Charles Dame of WeDoGood, a local non-profit who lives up to its name by lending a helping hand to our veterans and first responders. Together, we talk about the struggles that come with being part of the military or a first responder, the programs WeDoGood has to uplift them, and it all matters.On March 29, also Vietnam Veterans Memorial day, they will host a special Veterans 5k, which not only raises funds for their organization, but also for one lucky Vietnam vet.

On this week's episode of In Focus, we sit down with Dawn Knupp and Erin O'Brien of United Against Poverty of St. Lucie County. The group seeks to live up to its name by providing programs that give those down on their luck a helping hand, and guide them to a more prosperous future.Together, we talk poverty on the Treasure Coast, what they're doing to fight back, and how the community can get involved through events like their Fools Day 5k, set for March 28.

On this week's episode of In Focus, we sit down with Zoe Stroobosscher and Kim Baumgardner of the Manatee Center, a local group fighting for a better lagoon for manatees and all of its other inhabitants. Together, we discuss the ups and downs of environmental activism, the importance of messaging, and the way the center helps to usher in a healthier lagoon.Their Manatee Center 5k is a major fundraising opportunity for the group, and is slated for March 21.