CONNECT | February & March 2014

connect THE COALITION

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FEBRUARY & MARCH 2014

* INSIDE CLIENT STORY >>

CHARLETTE AND AUSTIN MOVING UP AND OUT

Meet Jim & Chris Find out how they’re leaving their legacy

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman

Vice Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

President/CEO

Randy E. Schimmelpfennig The Law Offices of Dan Newlin & Partners Elena H. Norman Hilton Grand Vacations Samuel C. “Trip” Stephens III ZOM, Inc. John E. Hearn Orlando Utilities Commission Brent A. Trotter Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Inc.

Carlos A. Barrios PE, Stephens-Barrios Bakari F. Burns, Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc. Timothy R. Baker, AIA, Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. Christopher C. Brockman, Holland & Knight LLP Fara K. Dantzler, Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Eric David, Expedia Local Expert Sylvia Doggett-Jones, Community Volunteer Tracey L. Ellerson, Baker Hostetler LLP Glenn M. Fournier, Fournier & Associates, Inc. Jim Fritz, Orlando Magic

Eric D. Gassman, Orange County Government David Jasmund, PCE Investment Bankers, Inc. Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue Christine S. Kefauver, City of Orlando Fred R. Kittinger, Jr., University of Central Florida Ronald R. Lamb, SunTrust Bank Trevor Larsen, PE, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Sean A. McLaughlin, CNL Financial Group / JDS Holdings, LLC Michael Miller, Miller Air Group Inc. John P. Moskos, Bank of America Lee Nimkoff, Brio Properties T. Todd Pittenger, Akerman LLP Laura L. Pooser, UCF College of Arts and Humanities Stacey A. Prince-Troutman, Broad and Cassel John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group Ty G. Roofner, Burr & Forman LLP Rick Schooler, Orlando Health Douglas M. Spencer, Spencer Consulting Services Scott R. Stahley, Lincoln Property Company of Florida, Inc. Barbara Larson Stuart, The Stuart Group Richard G. Wack, Mediation Services of Central Florida, Inc. Robert F. Wagner, Tupperware Brands Corp.

Bill L. Warren, Reedy Creek Improvement District Michael Weinberg, HFF, L.P. Mark Woodbury, Universal Parks & Resorts Aaron Zandy, Ford & Harrison LLP

Maybe you’ve seen it. I received it by email. The first slide pictures a horse that is laboring to pull a covered wagon on a dusty trail, similar to an old Western movie.

The second slide pictures a pure-bred Arabian, covered with a horse blanket, with his handler gently guiding him into an immaculate horse trailer that is hitched to an equally pristine pickup truck. On the next slide one sees the words, “Well played, horse, well played.” It’s rather amusing to see.

I think the words on the last slide sum up my thoughts as I look back on the holiday season and how you responded to the need. “Well played, donor, well played.” Our donors were extraordinarily generous during this past season.

You came through in ways we didn’t expect.

In similar fashion, I could say, “Well played, volunteer, well played.” Our volunteers mounted a huge effort to ensure that Coalition residents had a bright and happy holiday, despite their temporary setback of homelessness.

You really came through for us. Well played, everyone, well played.

from our

family to yours

In this issue of CONNECT, we highlight Dr. Jim Wright and his wife Chris Stewart, who have invested in the Coalition in so many ways over these many years and have chosen to leave us their legacy. Similarly, volunteer Jim Huber donates his time each week to coach and tutor Coalition children.

These dedicated folks help us transform lives of families such as Charlette and Austin’s. Well played, Jim, Chris and Jim. Well played!

Sincerely,

Brent A. Trotter President/CEO

BBETTE E TT

R L ER I V E

Things didn’t turn out as planned when Charlette and Austin moved to Orlando from Pennsylvania with their four children – one son and three daughters.

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harlette moved to Central Florida with the promise of a job transfer. Austin followed shortly. After moving, her job transfer fell through and money that they had been expecting was delayed. The family was only one day away from sleeping in a nearby park when they were told about the services provided by the Coalition. Initially, there were no rooms available; but the couple got lucky when another resident was in the process of moving out. Upon entering the Coalition for the first time, their thoughts were on getting their lives back together as a family.

When asked what aspects of the Coalition contributed the most to their success, Austin cites Andre Howard, the Employment Specialist for our on-site partner Goodwill Industries of

ITIE

S

Central Florida, Inc. He says that André has been very helpful in connecting both of them with job resources they need to get back on their feet.

They also credit their case manager, Whitney Soto, for helping them to develop a plan and obtain everyday needs, such as clothing and shoes. Austin says that they have always been motivated individuals, citing their upbringing for keeping them driven to get things done.

Between work and school, Charlette and Austin are always on the move. Their hard work is paying off as the couple shares that they are planning to put a security deposit down on a rental home and hope to move in the coming weeks. We wish Charlette and Austin the best of luck.

CLIENTS

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having fun

&

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Hearts of Gold SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 5

You’re invited to our upcoming Hearts of Gold concert featuring Gainesville rock band Sister Hazel. The concert will be held on Saturday April 5, 2014 at B.B. King’s Blues Club. For tickets and information, visit heartsofgoldconcert.com. For sponsorships, contact Tracie Morris, Director of Development: tracie.morris@ cflhomeless.org or 407.426.1265.

More Than A Meal

FEBRUARY 11, MARCH 11 & APRIL 8 During one of our More than a Meal sessions, you will see for yourself the amazing work the Coalition does to return people to a life of self-sufficiency. A light lunch will be provided along with an informational tour of our main campus. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Development Department at 407.426.1256 or development@cflhomeless.org.

Interested in supporting the Coalition? Host a cocktail hour, train for a 5K race, or forgo presents and donate your birthday! Visit our website for more information.

WWW.CENTRALFLORIDAHOMELESS.ORG/EVENTS/

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EVENTS

Golf Challenge MAY 2

Please join us May 2, 2014 for our annual Doug Spencer Golf Challenge. All levels of expertise are welcome. By participating in this challenge you will be supporting much-needed services for Coalition clients.

Visit our website or contact Tracie Morris, Director of Development, at tracie.morris@cflhomeless.org for more information.

PLANNED

G I V I NG How Dr. Jim Wright and Chris Stewart are leaving their legacy to the Coalition.

W

hen we met with Dr. Jim Wright and his wife, Chris Stewart, they were preparing dinner service at our Women’s Residential and Counseling Center (WRCC). Jim is no stranger to the Coalition, as he had spoken at several Board meetings before being invited to be a member himself. Although he has termed-off of the Board after nine years of service, Jim continues to be a valued member of our Program Committee. Chris became involved with the Coalition six years ago, volunteering in our on-site daycare facility. Also, the couple has served meals twice a year with their Kiwanis group for the last five years, and even has the WRCC kitchen named in their honor.

Jim and Chris’ drive to help those in need is truly inspiring. When asked what they wish others knew about homelessness, Jim says he wishes others would “stop relying on prejudices and stereotypes.” Chris says she wishes people weren’t so afraid of those who are poor. “They are just like us,” she shares. She also says it really warms her heart to see families go from being lost and afraid to having a plan and being happy.

In addition to their dedicated volunteer service, Jim and Chris are members of the Coalition’s Journey Home Legacy Society. and have included the Coalition in their will. They have chosen to make such a lasting commitment to the Coalition because they simply want to make others’ lives better. Jim and Chris feel a sense of loyalty to the Coalition, and according to them, this has been their “most sustainable and meaningful non-profit experience.”

For Jim and Chris, the decision to remember the Coalition in their estate plans was an easy one. Adding a codicil in your will naming Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Inc. or making the Coalition a beneficiary of an insurance policy or IRA are all perfect vehicles through which to make charitable gifts to us. This type of gift enables you to leave your legacy and help ensure future services for our homeless neighbors.

If you have already named the Coalition as a beneficiary in your estate plans, please let us know so that we may recognize you in the Journey Home Legacy Society. For more information about planned giving, please contact Lisa Hicks, CFRE, and Vice President of Philanthropy, at Lisa.Hicks@cflhomeless.org or 407.872.5791.

$1,000,000 Anonymous Family Foundation $1,000 - $4,999 Charles Schwab Foundation CNA Foundation Harry P. Leu Foundation Johnnie P. James, Jr. Family Fund at the Central Florida Foundation Robert B. White The Bond Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Joe and Judy Wiginton Family Foundation $10,000 - $19,999 Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation Florida Blue Foundation Lagniappe Fund at the Central Florida Foundation The Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation VNA Foundation $20,000 - $29,999 Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation PNC Foundation The JC Foundation $40,000 - $49,999 The Bank of America Charitable Foundation $100,000+ Dr. Phillips Charities

GRANTS CONTRIBUTORS

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For the 21st year, Orlando Magic players and management brought smiles to the faces of Coalition residents on Thanksgiving morning.

A hot breakfast with eggs, potatoes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit and pastries, was served to the men, women and children who call the Coalition home.

The Women’s Business Resource Team of SunTrust Bank, N.A. donated more than $500 worth of gift cards and a large box of presents for our teen residents to enjoy this holiday season.

YOUR DOLLARS

As the temperatures dropped in Central Florida, the need for blankets rose. Thank you to MIX 105.1, their fantastic listeners and Too Jays Gourmet Deli! Because of you, hundreds of Coalition clients are keeping warm this winter.

AT WORK

The Coalition could not do what we do without

YOU!

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CONTRIBUTORS

As we continue to put the final touches on our Men’s Service Center, we wanted you to have a sneak peek at what we have been working on.

We are very grateful to Bank of America Charitable Foundation!

Their recent $40,000 “critical needs” grant will help fund two crucial programs: veteran services in our Men’s Service Center and services in the Center for Women and Families.

GIVING BACK MEET JIM HUBER

How did you become involved with the Coalition?

I originally came to the Coalition as an individual simply wanting to give back to my community. I knew that there was no feeling like the one you get when you do something for others, more importantly, those who have not been as fortunate as you.

What has surprised you most about working with the Coalition?

After a long time of thinking, “I really should get involved in something,” I was asked to get involved with the Coalition. Like many do, I figured that I would be a part of a kitchen line. When I first went to orientation, I was shocked to learn (and see) that SO many other things were needed.

How often and in what capacity do you volunteer?

Every Saturday, rain or shine, a group of volunteers headed by Mark Cavalleri meet at the Coalition and take the kids out to play flag football off campus for about three hours. I thought this was something that would be a great deal of fun, as well as something that can seriously make a difference in someone’s life.

In addition to the football program, Mark and I – along with two other dedicated people (Stephanie and MC) – arrive every Wednesday evening to offer homework help for those that need it.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?

Outside of the Coalition, I am a mild-mannered account manager for a telecommunications company. I play a lot of tennis – probably too much!

What do you wish other people knew about the Coalition?

When I tell people about what we do every Saturday and with whom, most of the responses are something to the effect of, “Hey, that’s great….wait, what? There are homeless children?” After explaining to them what the Coalition is all about and the specific needs of the organization, most, if not all, are amazed. Many never thought that the guy sitting on the corner with a “will work for food” sign was just a small part of the issue.

If you have time, passion, or a special talent, you can help give back to the Coalition by volunteering. Visit our website for more information.

Jim at Lake Eola for the Coalition’s Day of Awareness, spreading the word about the 2013 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Why do you continue to help?

I don’t volunteer at the Coalition for ME. I’m there every week to help people, specifically the children, in any way that I can. Usually, when I arrive I post something on Facebook – a “check in,” for no other reason than to get someone to think, “Hey, if Jim can do that, maybe there is a need in MY community.”

VOLUNTEERS

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

639 West Central Boulevard Orlando, FL 32801

PAID

407.426.1250 CentralFloridaHomeless.org

Orlando, FL Permit #2580

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