Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Saturday Shops and Hidden Voices briefs draw praise; council highlights workforce and wraparound services
Summary
Council heard updates on Saturday Shops' vendor and Food Truck Academy efforts and PERC’s Hidden Voices program, which serves returning citizens with trauma-informed services and workforce connections.
Two community initiatives — Saturday Shops and Hidden Voices — received extended praise and questions from council.
Saturday Shops: Founder Renee Edwards described a vendor academy and a retail "Everyday Shops" location at Brandon Mall, reporting 114 markets (about 80 vendors each) and $1.14 million in small-business revenue over four years. Edwards said the Food Truck Academy is planned with partners including the Fire Department and Duke Energy to launch in 2026; councilmembers congratulated vendors and asked about vendor selection and job creation. "We currently have 5 minority business owners inside the chamber store," Edwards said, noting vendor supports and measurable sales gains.
Hidden Voices (PERC): Esther Saini, director of programs and staff development at PERC, described a trauma-informed program for returning citizens and residents affected by gun violence. Saini said Hidden Voices has reached more than 3,000 unduplicated individuals and currently has about 50 active clients. She detailed wraparound services, workforce development, a tiny-homes connection and partnerships with St. Pete Works and CareerSource to provide job pathways. Saini highlighted a pilot in which an employer conducted on‑the‑spot hiring for participants in the tiny‑homes program.
Council response: Members thanked presenters and asked about program overlap (RISE youth program and Hidden Voices), vendor selection for Saturday Shops and RFP outreach timing for nonprofit grants tied to CDBG-DR. Council asked that city staff notify council offices when RFPs are released so local nonprofits can apply. Both presentations drew applause and unanimous council thanks.
Why it matters: These programs are part of the city’s broader recovery and resilience ecosystem: Saturday Shops supports small-business revenue and local jobs, while Hidden Voices seeks to reduce recidivism and support mental-health and employment pathways for returning citizens and families affected by violence.
