Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine’s Giving Guide

By Michele Grosze

It’s the most wonderful time of the year when pumpkin spice can be found in everything from our coffee to our candles, when our temperatures drop below 80 degrees, tempting us to wear our favorite cozy sweater and when we count our many blessings.

November is the season of gratitude. Many worthy charities and nonprofits in our community do admirable work. To help you decide where to give your time, talents and money, Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine has created this giving guide to local charities along with a few national nonprofit organizations.

From charities that focus on helping children to animal care, we hope this guide will inspire you to reach out and help those in need.

Organizations that Serve the Homeless

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

407-295-1066 | feedhopenow.org n Orlando Union Rescue Mission

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 625 feeding partners in seven Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Last year, with the help of numerous donors, volunteers and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributed enough food for 81 million meals to partner programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, daycare centers and Kids Cafes.

In addition to helping feed the line of our neighbors who need help, Second Harvest also transforms dozens of lives directly every year. The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program is a 16-week continuing education opportunity offering adults facing barriers to employment the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a fulltime sustainable career in the food industry. Yet another important activity helps connect people who are eligible to receive SNAP food assistance benefits with the resources they need to access the program and get help.

407-422-4855 | ourm.org n Orlando Senior Health Network

407-425-1033 | orlandoseniorhealth.org n Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

407-652-5300 | centralfloridahomeless.org n Mustard Seed of Central Florida

407-875-2040 | mustardseedfla.org

Children’s Services

Runway to Hope

407-802-1544 | runwaytohope.org n Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida

Through relationships with children’s hospitals, Runway to Hope fosters collaborative efforts among corporations, local businesses and philanthropists to not only raise funds and awareness but also bring new programs and initiatives to the pediatric cancer community, all while providing direct support and aid primarily to Central Florida children and their families impacted through the Family Assistance Program.

407-206-0957 | rmhccf.org n Give Kids the World Village

407-396-1114 | gktw.org n Teen Challenge

407-330-9600 | teenchallenge.cc n Federation of Families of Central Florida

407-334-8049 | ffcflinc.org

Elderly Support Services

Jewish Family Services

2100 Lee Road | Winter Park 32789 | 407 644-7593 | jfsorlando.org n Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter

Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (JFS Orlando) provides services that stabilize individuals and families in crisis and enhance the quality of life across generations for all members of the Central Florida community.

JFS Orlando was founded in 1978 as a human services organization based on the principles of community building, kindness, compassion and concern for the betterment of our world. JFS Orlando reaches thousands of people each year thanks to vital community partners and financial and in-kind contributions, program development and program delivery, as well as dedicated volunteers and their time and service.

2170 W. S.R. 434, Suite 300 | Longwood 32779 | 407-951-7992 | alz.org n Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

350 S. John Young Parkway | Orlando 32805 | 407-295-5371 | guardiancarenursing.com n Meals on Wheels Etc.

407-333-8877 | mealsetc.org

Special Needs Services

Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida

407-478-5621 | dsacf.org n Nathaniel’s Hope

People with Down syndrome can do anything with the right support and resources. If you have Down syndrome or care for someone who does, DSACF is here to help you and your loved ones reach your greatest potential and live the best life possible.

407-857-8224 | nathanielshope.org n Inspire of Central Florida

407-699-4419 | inspireofcentralflorida.org n Primrose Center

407-898-7201 | primrosecenter.org

Arts Organizations

Orlando Repertory Theatre/Orlando Family Stage

407-896-7365 | orlandorep.com n The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

It all began in 1926 when the Orlando Little Theatre was part of the City of Orlando’s Recreation Department. Orlando Repertory Theatre, now renamed Orlando Family Stage, is Florida’s only professional theatre for young audiences serving nearly 100,000 children and families annually. Their mission is to enlighten, entertain and enrich children and adults by producing theatre of exceptional quality. Housed in a three-theatre complex in Loch Haven Park, Orlando Family Stage is also home to the University of Central Florida’s MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences graduate program.

407-770-0071 | orlandophil.org n Orlando Shakes

407-447-1700 | orlandoshakes.org n United Arts of Central Florida

407-628-0333 | unitedarts.cc

Pets and Animal Organizations

A Better Life Pet Rescue

betterlifepets.com n Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

A Better Life – Pet Rescue, Inc. helps to promote the adoption of rescued dogs and cats throughout Central Florida. They believe that every animal deserves a second chance through rescue and rehabilitation. Their mission is to rescue animals from unfortunate situations and empower community members to foster animals until the pet is ready for placement in their forever home.

407-351-7722 | petallianceorlando.org n ADORE Pet Rescue

407-995-6571 | adorepetrescue.org n Happy Trails Animal Rescue

407-270-7074 | happytrailsanimalrescue.com

Health and Wellness Organizations

Federation of Families of Central Florida

407-334-8049 | ffcflinc.org n American Heart Association

The mission of the Federation of Families of Central Florida is to provide support, education and advocacy to parents/caregivers of children experiencing an emotional, behavioral, mental health need or substance use across a lifespan. Through their efforts, they ensure that every family in Central Florida will have access to quality, appropriate and comprehensive mental health services that embrace the System of Care core values.

407-481-6300 | heart.org n Florida Center for Change

407-271-4452 | floridacenterforchange.org n Shepherd’s Hope

407-876-6699 ext. 248 | shepherdshope.org