Philanthropy | Nurturing Healthy Families: Susan Travers & Forty Carrots Family Center

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha • Photo by Lori Sax • October 2023

In 2011, Susan Travers and her husband made “The Sunshine State” their new home—a decision that marked the beginning of Susan’s involvement in Sarasota’s philanthropic community, where she continues to serve as a donor and devoted board member of Forty Carrots Family Center.

Prior to their big move, Susan had actively participated in fundraising for philanthropic causes based in Atlanta for more than two decades. Her group, an entirely volunteer-driven organization comprised of approximately 100 dedicated women, annually voted on which causes to champion, focusing their efforts within the North Atlanta area. She wore many hats within the organization. “I was vice president, in charge of PR, and eventually ended up being president,” she says.

Discovering Forty Carrots Family Center

Susan’s first encounter with Forty Carrots came via an invitation from a neighbor to the annual Wine, Women, and Shoes fundraiser event. Although initially unfamiliar with the organization’s mission, Susan and her husband, both wine enthusiasts and collectors, decided to attend.

“I told my husband, you know, we really need to look into what this philanthropy does, so that we can know what we’re supporting. It was a fundraiser, so we knew we were going to be asked to give some money to support the cause.” 

Little did they know that evening would spark a profound connection to a cause that would become near and dear to their hearts.

At the time, Susan’s daughter was navigating single motherhood while pursuing her education at the University of Alabama. Knowing that her daughter would soon be moving back in with her and her husband, Susan, fully aware of the challenges faced by single parents, began researching Forty Carrots to gain a deeper understanding of their comprehensive approach, which included parenting education and support services.

“I didn’t start working with Forty Carrots right away. I met the CEO, Michelle Kapreilian, who’s amazing by the way. We had lunch, and talked about Forty Carrots. I wanted to find out in what ways they could help my daughter,” says Susan. “I also have a son, who just turned 33, and he struggles with mental illness. We didn’t know how to identify it early enough.”

Through Forty Carrots, Susan’s daughter found invaluable support as a young, single mother. She attended parenting classes that equipped her with essential skills and connected her with a network of like-minded mothers. These connections endure to this day, highlighting the organization’s ability to empower and create lasting support systems for families.

Reflecting on her journey as a parent, Susan understood the importance of early intervention in mental health challenges and the critical role that parenting education plays. These were services she wished had been available when she was a young mother. Now, as a grandmother, she recognizes the immense impact these programs can have on families and is determined to ensure they reach as many people as possible.

“I believe in Forty Carrots does. It saves people’s families. Many young children will have a different trajectory due to the support services the organization provides. So, it’s a message of hope.”

Building A New Home

One of the most significant undertakings during Susan’s six-year tenure as a board member has been the creation of a transformational expansion of services including building a third location.  Recognizing the pressing need in the community, in 2017, the board embarked on a growth and sustainability study. This endeavor involved board members forming a dedicated taskforce to assess community needs, and where Forty Carrots fills the gaps in services for children and families. After deep deliberation, the decision was made that expanding services would require an additional facility to house the growing staff of therapists and parenting educators. However, the journey to realize this dream encountered a formidable obstacle—the onset of a global pandemic. Funding streams were abruptly cut off, and annual fundraisers that typically contributed over a million dollars to Forty Carrots’ finances vanished for two years. 

“We had to be real quick about learning how to do Zoom meetings and virtual therapy appointments,” says Susan. “And we’ve got it down now.”

In response to the funding crisis caused by the pandemic, Susan and the board initiated a board match campaign. This unique approach involved members collectively contributing a set amount of money and then reaching out to the community, offering to match donations up to a specified amount. Remarkably, this experiment raised over $400,000 in a year-end campaign, ensuring the organization’s continued operation and progress.

As the new facility on Cattlemen Road nears completion, with $8.5M of the $10M required raised, Susan reflects on the magnitude of the accomplishment. Within her three-year term as board chair, Forty Carrots will have transformed from desperately needing space to accommodate the increasing need for mental health and parenting education.   

A Collaborative Effort

Forty Carrots’ approach revolves around outreach and collaboration. The organization partners with 30 other organizations throughout Sarasota, sharing its expertise in parenting education and mental health support. Through these collaborations, Forty Carrots extends its reach, offering support wherever it’s needed most, including schools, libraries, women’s recovery units, the child welfare system, and many more non-profits.    

“The fact that we go to the other agencies to support what they do is unique. We work with all different age groups and populations, regardless of their ability to pay.”

As Forty Carrots looks toward the future, its vision includes continuous growth and impact. Susan believes that there are numerous ways to expand their reach, including potentially sharing their unique model with other communities. 

For those in the community interested in supporting Forty Carrots, there are numerous ways to get involved. Attend their events, donate, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about their services to friends and neighbors. Forty Carrots welcomes all forms of support, recognizing that every effort plays a crucial role in helping families in need.

From a chance encounter at a wine dinner to becoming a dedicated board member of Forty Carrots, Susan’s story is one of personal commitment, adaptability in the face of challenges, and the power of collaboration. Through her efforts and the mission of Forty Carrots, countless families in Sarasota and beyond have found support, empowerment, and hope. 

“I’m just completely proud to be associated with this organization and to even be considered a board member, and to be board chair has been very fulfilling.” 

The Roots of Forty Carrots Family Center

Forty Carrots was founded in 1993 by Betsy Kane-Hartnett, early childhood educator and Diane Weiss, a parenting expert. The name, “Forty Carrots,” as quirky as it may sound, holds a special meaning. Diane and Betsy, both turning 40 at the time, likened their mission to that of a root vegetable—strong, deep-rooted, and dedicated to nurturing healthy families. 

Now thirty years strong, its name has become deeply embedded in the organization’s identity, appearing on minivans that traverse the town, and at events that have become synonymous with the organization’s mission. It has taken root, just as Diane and Betsy had intended—a legacy, firmly planted in the hearts of the many it has helped throughout these years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Forty Carrots Family Center, visit fortycarrots.com or call (941) 365-7716.