Seeing My Community Through New Eyes

By Catalina Grieco

The Bradenton-Sarasota area, where I have lived my whole life, is a coastal community known for its beaches, local charm, and strong sense of tradition. It is also home to a large population of retirees, which gives the area an older demographic compared to many parts of Florida. Because so many people here rely on fixed incomes or government support, even small disruptions can have a big impact. In recent years, hurricanes and tropical storms have added new challenges—from property damage to delayed services—and have left many residents struggling to recover. These experiences have made me realize just how many people in my own community are quietly facing difficulties I was never fully aware of.

I used to think I knew my community. I was born and raised here, went to the local schools, saw familiar faces around town, and felt a strong sense of belonging. But it wasn’t until I started working in public service and handling casework that I realized how much I had missed.

This experience has given me a better and more honest understanding of the place I have lived in my entire life. I was not aware of the challenges so many people around me were facing. Now, I am hyper aware. I see the gaps, the struggles, and the quiet frustrations that exist just beneath the surface.

Working in casework has been humbling. Every phone call and every email represents a real person who is often overwhelmed, confused, or simply trying to be heard. I have spoken with people waiting months for help with basic needs like healthcare or retirement benefits. These are not stories from far away. They are happening to people right here, in the same neighborhoods I have always known.

This experience has reshaped how I view the word “community.” It is not just about feeling connected to a place. It is about understanding and supporting the people who make that place what it is. Community means showing up, listening, and doing your part to help others move forward.

I have not joined a new community. I have just started seeing the one I was already part of with clearer eyes and a more open heart.