A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT/CEO LEARNING ABOUT SHELTER DIVERSION
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH
e c a Hor S E N BAR From a Coaliti on bed to the Coalitio n Board
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8
A N O T E F R O M O U R P R E S I D E N T/ C E O J O H N H E A R N or providing professional services, our volunteers bring unique skills, boundless compassion, and endless energy to their projects. I can’t thank you enough.
DEAR FRIENDS, April is National Volunteer Month, and I want to thank all of you who share your time and talent to make our community a better place. Last fiscal year, 4,736 volunteers donated 39,681 hours of their time to the Coalition, and that is truly amazing! Whether serving meals, hosting birthday parties, sorting donations,
2018 has been an incredible year at the Coalition so far. We opened our Intake Center in February, which is home to our innovative new Diversion Program (see Page 4). In March, we held our 25th Anniversary Hearts of Gold concert event, raising nearly $300,000 in support of the programs and services that help men, women, and children find their way home. We’ve also introduced a new Health Initiative to give the unsheltered homeless in our area daily access to shower and laundry facilities. Your support makes everything we do possible. Each and every day, I am grateful to be surrounded by a passionate
staff, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and the hundreds of guests we are honored and privileged to serve. When I took on the role of President/CEO, I was prepared to work hard and make an impact on the Coalition – but I wasn’t fully prepared for the impact that this tremendous organization, and everyone involved, would have on me. Thank you for being on this incredible journey with me, the Coalition, and those we serve. Gratefully,
John E. Hearn President/CEO
O U R B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S Chairman Christopher C. Brockman Holland & Knight LLP Vice Chair T. Todd Pittenger GrayRobinson, P.A. Secretary Jane Tebbe-Shemelya Community Volunteer Treasurer Mindy Brenay Orlando Utilities Commission President/CEO John E. Hearn Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Inc. Steven Alexander, PFM Asset Management, LLC Horace Barnes, Jr., Department of Veteran Affairs Liza C. Bonet, SunTrust Bank Brooke R. Bonnett, City of Orlando Bakari F. Burns, Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc. Jacqueline Churchill, Jacki Churchill CPA LLC Fara K. Dantzler, Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Eric David, Expedia Local Expert Miranda F. “Randi” Fitzgerald, Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. Jim Fritz, Orlando Magic Eric D. Gassman, Orange County Government CENTRALFLORIDAHOMELESS.ORG
Gay Geiger, SchenkelShultz Architecture Aaron Hill, Reed Nissan Christine S. Kefauver, HDR, Inc. Fred R. Kittinger, Jr., University of Central Florida Ben Lalikos, IBERIABANK Kris M. Lewis, Orlando Magic Meagan Martin, Baker & Hostetler LLP Sean A. McLaughlin, Sungate Capital LLC Michael Miller, Global Eagle Entertainment Lee Nimkoff, Brio Properties Elena H. Norman, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Inc. Stacey A. Prince-Troutman, Broad and Cassel John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group Ty G. Roofner, Burr & Forman LLP Douglas M. Spencer, Spencer Consulting Services Samuel C. “Trip” Stephens III, ZOM, Inc. Richard G. “Rick” Wack, Mediation Services of Central Florida, Inc. Richard C. “Rich” Wahl, Findsome & Winmore Brian T. Wilson, Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos, LLP Erin Trabel Youngs, Walt Disney World Resort Aaron Zandy, Ford & Harrison LLP
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WE’D LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU! On Saturday, March 10, the Coalition held its 25th Anniversary Hearts of Gold concert event, presented by Reed Nissan, in the Orlando Magic’s private Magic Carpet Aviation Hangar. The evening, which culminated in an intimate performance by Sister Hazel, raised nearly $300,000 in support of the Coalition’s programs and services. Our deepest gratitude to the sponsors, attendees, and community volunteers who have made this event possible for 25 years!
FIRST CLASS PRESENTING SPONSOR
EXECUTIVE CLASS SPONSOR
Reed Nissan
IN-FLIGHT CULINARY EXPERIENCE
DIAMOND MEDALLION SPONSORS
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PLATINUM MEDALLION SPONSORS
BakerHostetler l Burr & Forman LLP l Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna, Ruffier & Sos l GrayRobinson l Holland & Knight l HUB International l IBERIABANK l Orlando Health l OUC The Reliable One l Park Square Homes l PCL Construction l Quality Labor Management, LLC l Tavistock Foundation GOLD MEDALLION SPONSORS
Brio Properties l Fidelity National Title Group l The Grand Reserve &The Grand Reserve at Maitland Park l Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. l Scott Morris l Rollins College l Rosen Hotels and Resorts l Trip and Laurie Stephens l Taylor Morrison l University of Central Florida l Westgate Resorts l Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A.
e c a Hor S E N BAR Horace Barnes, who officially joined the Coalition’s Board of Directors in February, has a unique motivation for helping us further our mission. Along with having a heart for giving back, he knows first-hand what it’s like to experience homelessness. After 12 years serving our country, Horace left the Army. Feeling lost, he turned to drugs and alcohol. “All the positive things I’d acquired, I destroyed them with the choices I made.” “My alcohol and drug addictions just took off,” he says. “And I was trying to fix everything on my own without reaching out for help. I went from one good job to the next. I couldn’t sustain them.” The turning point in Horace’s life was when he was sent to prison for an outstanding warrant. “After I got out, I was put on probation for three years in Osceola County and sent to a transitional house for homeless veterans,” he says. “That was really when I started to turn my life back around. I met some really good people who took me under their wings and encouraged me to make the best of those three years.” He even began attending Florida Technical College for Cosmetology. When his time was up at the transitional house, he knew that it was just the beginning of his journey.
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In 2013, Horace lived at the Coalition as a client. Today, he is back - but, this time, as a member of our Board of Directors.
“I met with the Director of the Men’s Program at the Coalition who told me about the services and recovery program there. I knew that it was the best place for me to continue down the road that I was already on,” he says. His first night at the Coalition was spent in the former Men’s Pavilion while he waited for a bed in the First Steps Apartments to become available. “I’ll never forget that night. I was lying on the mat and kept thinking to myself, ‘You put yourself in this situation. There is nowhere for you to go but up,’” he says. “It was a real wake up call for me to never let myself get back in this situation if I can help it. I woke up the next day with a clearer vision.” With the help of his case manager and recovery group at the Coalition, Horace continued reclaiming his life one step at a time. He graduated with a 3.8 GPA, got a job, and saved up money to get his own apartment. “A week after I moved into my apartment, the job I had at the temp service had ended,” he remembers. “I was sitting on my couch praying that God would help me find a job.” The very next day, he received a phone call with the news that he was accepted for a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona. “That phone call was a true answer to prayer,” he says. “I accepted the job immediately, and I continue to work for them in the Emergency Medical Services department. In April, I will have been there for four years. I love it.” Now, in his new role as a Board Member, Horace hopes
Horace stands in front of the door to the apartment he called home five years ago. Our on-site apartment units were recently renovated, and they now serve as Bridge Housing for families awaiting placement in permanent housing.
to use his experiences as a former guest to help bring an understanding of what it’s like to walk in their shoes. “I think that as a board member my job is to try to build a bridge, bringing the board members closer to our residents,” he says. “It’s an honor to be back and to be given the opportunity to give back. There’s so much that I want to do for this organization because it did so much for me.” Along with serving in the capacity as a board member, he continues to motivate those who are coming in after him and explains, “I’m on the other side of the fence now. I lived it. These resources are perfect for a person who wants it and will take advantage of it. That’s how I applied myself when I was here, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
“You have to put the work in. It’s no cake walk. I still have hard days,” he confesses. “But my worst day now was my best day when I was homeless.” To learn more about how to Coalition helps men, women, and children find their way home, follow us on Facebook: FB.COM/COALITIONFORTHEHOMELESS
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talking about shelter diversion Diversion Program Manager, Stefanie Bonilla, discusses housing options with a client.
The Coalition’s Intake Center, which launched in February, is home to our brand new Diversion Program, made possible through a grant from Orange County Government. Diversion, which is part of the Housing First approach to ending homelessness, aims to keep people out of the shelter system by helping them pursue other housing options. When Robert, 51, was forced to vacate the room he was renting, he packed up what he could carry and spent the next few days living on the streets. “I slept under the carport of an abandoned house,” he says. “It was so cold that not even my blanket could keep me warm at night.” Feeling discouraged and weary, Robert came to the Coalition seeking a helping hand. That’s when he met Stefanie Bonilla, who manages the Diversion Program.
“You might wonder, ‘Why would a shelter want to keep people out of the shelter system?’ But the answer is simple,” says Stefanie. “When we divert someone, it opens up beds for individuals and families who are the most vulnerable and have absolutely no other options.”
You might wonder, ‘Why would a shelter want to keep people out of the shelter system?’ But the answer is simple. When we divert someone, it opens up beds for individuals and families who are the most vulnerable and have absolutely no other options.
“She heard my story, and we talked about my situation and the different options I had,” he recalls. “I had money in the bank, but I was living on the streets because I was trying to do everything on my own.” “Stefanie shocked me when she said, ‘I’m going to try to get you a place in three days.’ I didn’t believe her until 4
sure enough, three days later, she helped me locate a room to rent.”
“Often, people who are down on their luck don’t realize they have alternatives to entering a shelter,” she tells us. “It is our job to help someone examine all the possibilities, so they can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.” In the first two weeks of operation, the Intake Center provided assistance to 150 individuals. “This is a brand new program, so there is a learning curve. We’re learning something new every day, and what we learning today will help us better serve the community tomorrow,” says Stefanie.
The Intake Center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be scheduled by calling 407.872.5790.
april is National Volunteer Month! April is National Volunteer Month, and we want to thank everyone who contributes their time and talent to the Coalition! We simply couldn’t exist without the help of our dedicated volunteers. From nightly meal serves to improvement projects, thousands of volunteers lend their hearts and their hands to our organization each year. In fact, last fiscal year, 4,736 volunteers donated 39,681 hours of their time to the Coalition.
If you aren’t yet a volunteer at the Coalition, there are plenty of ways to get involved as an individual or with a group, including: • • • • • • • • •
Meal service Administrative assistance Sorting donations Activities for children Improvement projects General maintenance and professional services Organizing a supply drive Assisting in the Employment Lab Babysitting
our new volunteer portal launches may 1! Starting May 1, our upgraded volunteer system will make it easier than ever to sign up for volunteer opportunities and track your service hours. We love our volunteers, and we want to give you full control of how and when you share your time with us.
Visit COALITIONVOLUNTEER.ORG to get started!
FOUNDATION GRANTS
Thank you for making our work possible!
Disney World Resorts $75,000
Wells Fargo $10,000
Harper Family Charitable Foundation $5,000
Al and Nancy Burnett Foundation $40,000
Charles R. Jelm Charitable Foundation $10,000
The Chatlos Foundation $5,000
Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation $30,000
The Ryan Foundation $10,000
KaBOOM! $4,500
Abram & Ray Kaplan Foundation $25,000
Holloway Family Foundation $7,500
TJX Foundation $3,500
The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation $20,000
Central Florida Foundation $6,741
Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation $2,500
The JC Foundation $15,000
Socius Foundation $6,000
Harry P. Leu Foundation $2,000
The VNA Foundation $15,000
Charles Schwab Foundation $5,000
The Bond Foundation $2,000
“HOW CAN I HELP?” One of the most frequent questions we receive from our supporters is, "How can I help someone who appears to be homeless?" As a friend of the Coalition, you are part of a tremendous force for good. You are engaged in helping combat the issue of homelessness in our community. We want to make sure you feel empowered and educated in assisting others.
ACKNOWLEDGE
A smile or simple “hello” can mean the world to someone. Homelessness often causes feelings of invisibility and loneliness, and a few kind words can remind someone that others truly do care. Also, forget the stereotypes and stigmas. Every person experiencing homelessness has a unique story and the causes are often multifaceted.
REFER
If you meet a homeless individual or family who is interested in getting help, refer them to our Intake Center at 407.872.5790. Remember, you cannot force someone to accept assistance. However, you can let them know the Coalition offers free nutritious community meals each night, as well as shower and laundry facilities (call for schedule). These resources are available to anyone in need.
DONATE
The most effective way to help your neighbors in need is through financial gifts to a reputable shelter like the Coalition. Our organization relies on private donations for the vast majority – more than 70%! – of our operating resources. The Coalition is the recipient of the highest rating on Charity Navigator (4-Star) for financial health, accountability, and transparency, so you can be sure each dollar received will be maximized to serve as many people as efficiently as possible.
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