Pure Florida’s newest partner is St. Matthew’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the elements of poverty in the community at their base. Pure Florida’s partnership launches a new program to support employees of St. Matthew’s House and graduates of the organization’s Justin’s Place Recovery Program, a long-term program for men and women aimed to combat drug and alcohol abuse. Graduates of Justin’s Place Recovery will earn a Pure Florida Fishing trip and a complimentary sightseeing cruise. It is estimated that the recovery program will have 120 graduates annually. Pure Florida is also providing tickets to Pure Florida’s sightseeing cruises for the 215 employees at St. Matthew’s House as part of the organization’s employee reward and appreciation program.
The mission of the Naples-based St. Matthew’s House is to change lives in a spiritual environment that is both compassionate and disciplined, as well as provide housing for the homeless and food for the needy. The Justin’s Place Recovery Program at St. Matthew’s House is a one-year Christian recovery program incorporating the 12 Step model and their biblical equivalents. The Celebrate Recovery core curriculum is used to help clients overcome their hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Participation is voluntary and open to all men and women who want to change their lives.
“Our new program provides a great opportunity to thank the many dedicated employees of St. Matthew’s House and to commemorate a new chapter of life for graduates of the Justin’s Place Recovery Program, and we are honored to have the opportunity to join in the celebration of their most praiseworthy accomplishments,” said Capt. Harry Julian, co-founder of Pure Florida. “St. Matthew’s House does so much to care for the many individuals and families in Southwest Florida that are in need, and we are excited to launch this new partnership that will allow program members and employees to enjoy a day of fun on the water.”
“For our people to have fun, to celebrate success in a healthy way, to rejoice with friends, and to celebrate the victories and triumphs over one of life’s greatest struggles is such a blessing,” said Rev. Vann Ellison, president and CEO of St. Matthew’s House. “We thank Pure Florida for sponsoring these trips and look forward to the impact they have on our program participants.”
“It is a blessing to be able to get out on the water with the guys from Justin’s Place who don’t have the equipment to fish,” said Joe K. member of Justin’s Place Recovery Program. “We are so grateful for this opportunity to build closer relationships with everyone in the program.”
About Pure Florida
In 2009, father-and-son duo Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian acquired the Naples-based Double Sunshine and Lady Brett fishing vessel, and have grown the company to include 19 vessels and two locations providing a variety of unique eco-excursions for its visitors that incorporate maritime history, tourism, sightseeing and entertainment. With locations in Naples and Fort Myers, the water attraction company offers sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and Jet Ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students. In addition to Pure Florida, the founders are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fourth and fifth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call its Naples location at 239-263-4949 or its Fort Myers location at 239-919-2965.
About St. Matthew’s House
For almost 30 years St. Matthew’s House has provided innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida. We are a 501(c)3 which accepts no government funding, and our 100% donation model allows all operating expenses to be covered by unique social enterprises. For more information, visit www.stmatthewshouse.org.
