2021-2022 Guide To Charitable Giving by the
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Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County
Building A Stronger Community... ONE PASSION AT A TIME
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352-622-5020 www.OcalaFoundation.org
a letter from
o i r o I e D Lauren @OcalaFoundation
ear Neighbor, The NonProfit Business Council’s Guide to Charitable Giving presents 125 nonprofits impacting local needs right here in Marion County. The NonProfit Business Council, a Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County program, promotes positive economic impacts of nonprofits, strengthens their leadership capacity, and promotes collaboration and philanthropic education throughout the community. Our hope is that you will use this as a resource now and in the future. You’ll find nonprofit listings, articles, infographics on the nonprofits’ local economic impact, a fundraising calendar, and a list of volunteer opportunities – broken down by the service you want to donate.
@OcalaFoundation @OcalaFoundation @OcalaFoundation @OcalaFoundation OcalaFoundation.org (352)622-5020
At the Community Foundation, we understand our nonprofits serve vital community needs. While the needs seem overwhelming, we are your guide, connecting you to your interests. Whether your passion is the arts or education, human services or animals, or anywhere in between, we will connect your passions to purpose. Let us know how we can help with your giving plans.
Photo by Carlos Ramos
Sincerely,
President & Executive Director, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
The inaugural Give4Marion 24-hours of giving event took place in October 2020. Read more about this exciting time and how you can get involved in the future on page 34. How will you choose to Give4Marion?
“
“
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth
Peace
– Muhammad Ali
L o ve
Hope
CenterS tate
CenterState Bank is honored to pay our rent in Marion County.
1632 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala | 352-368-6800 CenterStateBank.com
CenterState Bank N.A. NMLS# 403455
While the Early Learning Coalition
of Marion County, Inc helps to allow 3,500 children to receive quality early education through local small businesses, their
parents can continue to work or seek
education. With an administrative cost
lower than 5%, you can be confident that the Coalition will turn your support and donations into an investment for the future of Marion County.
Roseann Fricks, CEO rfricks@elc-marion.org
352-812-5639
2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 3
More Than Good Feelings When You Give Strategically By Chris D’Avanzo
J
ust like your wealth grows over time, believing in a cause or initiative doesn’t happen overnight. As seeds of interest are planted and cultivated, passions grow for community needs. Whether you care about education or the arts, animal causes or disability services and so many other issues in between, how and when you choose to impact these issues can be more than just writing a check once or twice a year. Giving back creates a sense of peace and joy that can’t be explained. Countless individuals have chosen to give large amounts of their wealth away, because the statement holds true, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” As you consider those warm, fuzzy feelings so many desire, maybe it’s time to make a plan for how to get them. What if your local giving became a part of your financial strategic planning conversations? Tax attorneys and CPAs understand that each year, especially at year-end, it is important to look at different tax savings vehicles to put you and your resources in the best possible position. By developing financial planning strategies that incorporate giving to causes that matter most to you, you can create an enduring community legacy. When the time comes for you to choose nonprofit giving for tax advantage purposes, consider opening a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. A DAF is a flexible tax-efficient option for you to take charitable tax deductions when you need them, while giving you the time to choose qualified
nonprofits and causes to which you want to give. It helps you be strategic while making a huge impact. The most opportune times to consider a DAF are when you’ve had large gains in your investment accounts or just after you’ve sold a piece of property or business. A DAF can help ease any large tax implications. Another good time to open a DAF is when you want to give multiple gifts to one or more nonprofits over a period but don’t want to handle all the pledges and check writing. By setting up a DAF, the Community Foundation can facilitate all your donation management, taking the hassle off you, so you can just enjoy the gift of giving. Perhaps a DAF isn’t for you. There are many other advantages to partnering with the Community Foundation apart from that one opportunity. The Foundation can help with bequests, endowments, scholarships, memorializing a loved one, an alternative to a family foundation and more. With connections to hundreds of local nonprofits, including those represented throughout this publication, the Foundation can help you and your financial advisor plan to connect your passions to purposeful, strategic giving. Talk to your CPA, attorney, or wealth manager about all the options available to you. The Community Foundation will gladly work to get started on a path you can be proud of, so the other financial and tax benefits you receive can only enhance those good feelings you have every time you give.
Adult Medical & Dental
Maternity
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Behavioral Health
Seven locations throughout the county to better serve you! Visit myhfhc.org to find a location near you.
Marion County’s
New One-Stop Medical Home
Call to schedule an appointment 352.732.6599 | www.myhfhc.org
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Estate planning is about protecting the ones you love and is often the last thing we prepare for. Let an Estate Planning professional be your guide to establishing your family’s financial future. Get your plan started today by searching our directory for a professional who can help you. www.ocalafoundation.org/estate-planning-council-directory/ 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 5
The Economic Impact of Nonprofits in Marion County By Chris D’Avanzo
W
hat would happen if the nonprofits in our community simply vanished overnight? While often not as publicized as the closings of other businesses, the loss of a nonprofitorganization is no less significant. Nonprofits help in areas of need within the community that are often less addressed by government and private businesses. If they close, the people who depend on theservicestheyprovide,themselvesenduring tough times, are the ones who suffer. But the impact is not only felt by those who rely on nonprofit services. In fact, the impact is felt by the economy as a whole. Nonprofit organizations make up one of the unsung economic drivers within a community, and their impact is quite significant and quantifiable. According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins University, more than 10% of the U.S. labor force works for a nonprofit. In fact, going back to 2007, the nonprofit industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation. There are presently hundreds of nonprofits operating in the Ocala / Marion County area. According to a recent study on COVID-19’s impact on nonprofits, roughly 68% of nonprofits in our community operate with an annual budget of less than $750,000. When asked if they had been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the entirety of those surveyed, 100% of respondents, said they had been. COVID-19’s dual issues, as both a public health and economic crisis, pose a great threat to the lifeblood of many of these organizations. Most nonprofits operate independently and rely on the contributions from individuals to help keep them sustainable, but 57% expected to see a decrease in donations in 2020. Without the necessary resources, the opportunity for nonprofits to make the same kind of impact in the economy will be weakened. Forty-five percent of the nonprofits in our community saw a spending increase 6 › NonProfit Business Council
during the 2020 calendar year, despite having less overall revenue to work with. However, nonprofits in Marion County do have resources they can use to help keep them afloat. The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County’s first-ever sanctioned day of giving, Give4Marion, helped connectourcommunity’snonprofitsdirectly to donors in an effort to maximize their fundraising. In addition, Marion County made additional grant funding available to nonprofits that qualified. A majority of nonprofits also took advantage of federal assistance through the CARES Act and PaymentProtectionProgram,receivingmillions of dollars to cover their expenses. Having fully funded nonprofits is critical in maintaining a strong local economy. The money they receive is largely put toward purchasing essential items such as nonperishable food items, hygiene, educational resources and pet supplies. In other words, the money nonprofits receive goes right back into our economy. Certain sectors of nonprofits are also economic drivers in and of themselves. If they have the capabilities of organizing live events, their work translates directly into
revenue. For example, nonprofits specifically focused on arts and culture generate an estimated $14.3 million of local economic activity, according to a study published by the Americas for the Arts. Events, like those put on by the Reilly Arts Center and the Ocala Civic Theatre, also generate an additional $42 million indirectly through additional spending from their patrons. With the pandemic still uncertain and ongoing, over 80% of nonprofits have had to cancel events like this, events which typically generate lots of revenue. Contributing to nonprofits does more than just help the less fortunate within our community. It helps our entire community! The Community Foundation and the NonProfit Business Council are taking steps to organize a Nonprofit Economic Impact study for the Marion County community. Throughout 2021, this important research will help put real numbers to the effect our community’s nonprofits have on more than just those in need. The money generated by these organizations, which goes right back to small businesses, and the people they hire, is so important to keeping Marion County’s strong economy thriving.
Annual Nonprofit Budgets 4%
Under $250,000
2%
3% 2%
$250,000 - $499,999 $500,000 - $999,999
15%
Between $1M - $2,999,999 Between $3M - $5,999,999
54% 8%
Between $6M - $9,999,999 Between $10M - $24,999,999 12%
Over $25M
SPONSORED
W
hen Ocala’s City Councilman and Board Chairman of Marion County Junior Golf Ire Bethea was a teenager, he taught himself how to play golf at one of Ocala’s very own community golf courses. He continues to enjoy the game today, applying the core values he learned as a boy that far exceeded the sport itself. An informal version of Marion County Junior Golf (MCJG) has been part of Ocala’s history long before it was officially formed in 2011. Today, MCJG continues to teach our community’s youth about integrity, honor, and respect on the local links. “This isn’t about our kids walking away with a professional golf career,” says Bethea. “We want students to develop values they can implement for the rest of their lives, on and off the golf course.” Through one- and two-hour weekly sessions, students learn to respect and appreciate the beauty and architecture of a golf course. They are encouraged to maintain a high level of decorum and civility, win or lose. Students realize that through practice and dedication, they can improve with each swing. Playing golf is much more than hitting a little white ball down a fairway. Matter of fact, many of the learned skills of golf have little to do with the sport or golf course at all. There’s etiquette, sportsmanship and politeness. It is for this reason that MCJG hopes to offer its programming to more communities throughout the county so
more Marion County youth can benefit, regardless of access to a golf course or golf equipment. MCJG, designed for youth ages seven to 18, focuses on core values. Playing off a golf theme with nine holes, there are nine core values. These values include: Truthfulness, Integrity, Honor, Appreciation, Selfworth, Respect, Dedication, Civility and Commitment. Each session adds a new element or value, using golf to illustrate each lesson. General honesty, integrity, self-worth, and commitment help build strong character in young people, and the game of golf teaches those skills. Until recently, MCJG operated under the national brand of First Tee. In early 2020, however, the Board unanimously decided to amicably part ways with First Tee to ensure that every dollar raised stays right here, directly benefitting youth in Marion County. Now that MCJG stands alone as a local nonprofit, there is an even stronger need for support – through monetary donations AND volunteerism. Local donors grant half-tuition scholarships to students in need. There is also always a need for golf-knowledgeable volunteers to help students ranging in skill levels from just picking up a club to match play. Registrations are open now for spring sessions at the Ocala Golf Club. To sign up or for more information on how you can get involved, visit www.MarionCountyJuniorGolf.com.
Directory of Organizations 911 Cell Phone Bank AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. All About You Angels, Inc. Altrusa International Foundation of Ocala, Inc. Amazing Foundation, Inc. Ambleside School of Ocala American Heart Association Arnette House Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Blissful Life Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Champions for Champions, Inc. Chapter EQ, P.E.O. Childhood Development Services, Inc. Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding College of Central Florida Foundation, Inc. Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County Covenant Children’s Home Creative Services, Inc./Domestic Violence/Sexual Assualt Center Deliverance Outreach Ministries Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation, Inc. Early Learning Coalition of Marion County Episcopal Children’s Services Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center Faithfully Guided Health Center Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) FLIP FLOP Support Groups, Inc. Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Conference Association of SDA Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Florida Kids Helping Kids Inc. Florida Parrot Rescue 8 › NonProfit Business Council
30 18 21 18 30 21 13 18 21 22 18 22 22 30 13 22 32 30 13 30 22 22 18 17 14 14 18 18 12 30 23 32 14 23 10
Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc. Forest Animal Rescue Fort King Heritage Association Foundation for CEP Frank DeLuca YMCA FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA Friends of the Freedom Public Library Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses Grace Christian School Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. Hands of Mercy Everywhere Have a Heart For Companion Animals, Inc. Heart of Florida Health Center Helping Hands His House for Her, Inc. Hope Outreach Help Center Horse Farms Forever Horse Protection Association of Florida Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute H.U.G.S. Charities Humane Society of Marion County, Inc. Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Junior Achievement Junior League of Ocala Kids Central, Inc. Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection Kingdom Goals Corporation Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. Kut Different, Inc. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Magnolia Art Xchange
10 10 14 31 19 19 12 23 14 33 23 23 10 19 24 24 24 17 10 24 19 17 19 10 24 15 31 25 25 25 31 25 25 12
Graphic Design by Simon Mendoza. Cover by Brooke Pace
Marion County Children’s Alliance Marion County Homeless Council, Inc. Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc. Marion County Literacy Council Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Cultural Alliance Marion Senior Services Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Michelle-O-Gram, Inc. NAMI Marion County New Direction Reentry Center of Marion, Inc. Ocala Blue Star Mothers Ocala Housing Authority Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation Ocala On Top of The World Lions Club Charitable Foundation, Inc. Ocala Rotary Foundation, Inc. Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. Ocala Symphony Orchestra Open Arms Village, Inc. Outreach Autism Services Network Pace Center for Girls Patriot Service Dogs Pearl Project, Inc. Perpetual Care P.E.T.S of Marion County, Inc. Phoenix Programs of Florida, Inc. Project Hope of Marion County, Inc. Public Education Foundation of Marion County Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc. QuitDoc Foundation R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Reilly Arts Center Share The Love Ocala Sheltering Hands, Inc. Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida
26 31 20 15 31 12 26 20 15 20 20 26 33 26 20 26 32 15 12 27 27 15 27 27 11 11 21 27 16 16 16 16 13 13 28 11 28 11
Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Centers The Cornerstone School The Friends of Silver Springs State Park The Marion Players, Inc. d/b/a Ocala Civic Theatre Three Angels Clinic, Inc. Together To Thrive, Inc. Transitional Living of North Central FL d/b/a Center for Independent Living of North Central FL Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc Trinity Catholic High School United Way of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA, Inc. Voices for Children of North Central FL, Inc. Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Wear Gloves Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC) Xtreme SOULutions
32 28 21 16 17 13 21 32 28 28 16 29 33 29 11 29 29 29
Join Us Membership in the NonProfit Business Council is open to all designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ocala/Marion County. Visit the new NonProfit Resource Center at 324 SE 24th St., Ocala. Joining the NonProfit Business Council is easy. Visit www.ocalafoundation.org/non-profit-business-council to download the application and mail a check to us with the application.
Guide produced by
2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 9
aGuide
to Giving g
These charities fulfill their missions by tackling a wide range of issues in our community.
Animals
Florida Parrot Rescue Nicole Bennett, President 8597 Juniper Rd., Ocala, FL 34480
(352) 216-6895 › www.floridaparrotrescue.com › info@floridaparrotrescue.com Mission: To provide a safe haven for birds that cannot stay with their owners, have lost their owners, or birds in need, finding the birds permanent homes. Vision: Rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected birds; Find new forever homes for birds who have outlived their owners; Provide veterinary care and adoption.
PROGRAMS › Although the adoption program is the main goal of the rescue, and we have adopted out over 1,200 animals since the rescue’s inception, we have several other programs. 1. Our education program includes participation in community adoption and educational events held throughout the state of Florida. 2. The Florida Parrot Rescue Kids program involves the children of current fostering homes within Florida Parrot Rescue and allows the foster families (with the kids in charge) to extend their reach beyond parrots and to bring foster dogs and cats into their homes. 3. Florida Parrot Rescue Helping Hands is a new program designed to help keep animals in their existing homes rather than relinquishing them. IMPACT › During the past year we have encountered some very large veterinary bills associated with several neglect and hoarding cases. Last year, we lost one of our most prolific fundraising events due to circumstances beyond our control. Despite these setbacks and increased expenses, we have successfully rescued and rehomed over 100 birds, 2 rabbits, 6 guinea pigs, 4 turtles and 2 tortoises. We currently have a wait list of 20 birds waiting to come into rescue.
Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc. Lonny Powell, Executive Director 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 629-2160 › www.ftboa.com › lpowell@ftboa.com Mission: To fund charitable organizations within the thoroughbred industry, the City of Ocala, Marion County, and the State of Florida. Vision: We fund the Second Chances Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a program at the Lowell Correctional Institute, and college student scholarships.
PROGRAMS › 1. Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Program - the Second Chances Farm 2. College Scholarships IMPACT › The successful employment of inmates after release from the Lowell Correctional Institute.
Forest Animal Rescue Lisa Stoner, Executive Director 640 NE 170th Ct., Silver Springs, FL 34488
(352) 625-7377 › www.ForestAnimalRescue.org › Lisa@forestanimalrescue.org Mission: Forest Animal Rescue is a nonprofit wild animal sanctuary and educational facility dedicated to the lifetime care of non-releasable wild animals to prevent them from being destroyed. Vision: To help create a world where animal sanctuaries are no longer needed. Combining natural and spacious habitats with a life free of exhibition and exploitation.
PROGRAMS › 1. Wild Animal Sanctuary: Wild animals ranging from big cats and bears to wolves, primates, bats, and more are rescued from situations of abuse, neglect, or confiscation to prevent them from being destroyed. We provide the animals with quality lifetime care in a non-breeding, fully licensed, and accredited sanctuary setting. 2. Educational Facility: We educate hundreds of volunteers and interns from around the world about the exploitation and mistreatment of wild animals in captivity. 3. Rehabilitation of black bear cubs: We are uniquely qualified to assist and restore the bears to excellent health, so they may be released back into the wild. IMPACT › In the face of 10 › NonProfit Business Council
COVID-19 concerns, we have managed to continue putting the animals first. We have maintained excellent standards of care for 100 rescued animals at our 80-acre sanctuary in the Ocala National Forest. We have helped to set the standard for high-quality care of non-releasable animals with our Bob Barker Animal Care Building. This building contains our state-of-theart veterinary clinic, a large food preparation area, educational center, and administrative offices.
Have A Heart For Companion Animals Inc. Marilyn Marinelli, President P.O. Box 831413, Ocala, FL 34483
(352) 687-4070 › www.haveaheart.us › info@haveaheart.us Mission: Have a Heart for Companion Animals, Inc. operates as an “Information & Referral” resource for those who are looking for help related to animal issues, with emphasis on animal welfare education. Vision: To be a major influence and contributor to the elimination of euthanasia as a means of animal control.
PROGRAMS › 1. Animal Caregiver Education 2. Major resource via website with over 113,000 visitors to date 3. Counseling as time permits via email and phone. IMPACT › Counseling, education and literature distribution.
Horse Protection Association of Florida Morgan Silver, Executive Director 20690 NW 130th Ave., Micanopy, Florida 32667-7100
(352) 466-4366 › www.hpaf.org › atbhsilver@gmail.com Mission: Equine rescue, rehabilitation, education, and adoption services within the state of Florida since 1990. Vision: Giving starved, neglected, and abandoned horses a new lease on life. Teaching natural horsemanship and the proper care of horses.
PROGRAMS › Rescue: emergency care for starving and neglected horses. 2. Adoption: Re-homing the rescued horses once they have been trained with natural horsemanship. 3. Education: Educating horse owners, volunteers and adopters about natural horsemanship and the proper care and handling of horses. IMPACT › Horse Protection just completed our 30th year of operation. Since our beginnings in 1990, HPAF has grown from helping a handful of horses to saving hundreds over the years.
Humane Society of Marion County, Inc. Eddie Leedy, Executive Director 701 NW 14th Rd., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 387-0737 › www.thehsmc.org › eleddy@humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com Mission: To prevent the cruelty, suffering and overpopulation of animals. A No Kill Shelter. Vision: Adoptions of dogs & cats. We also visit the public schools in Marion County on our Bark Bus to teach children humane education which is required per Florida Statue 233.061.
PROGRAMS › 1. Adoption through outreach at local pet retailers and our shelter. 2. Humane Education 3. We are actively involved with TLC in spaying/neutering feral cats. 4. Community food bank for pets for the needy. IMPACT › Our outreach programs have us visiting nursing homes, Boys & Girls Club, and numerous other outreach events. We have donated billboard advertising to help stop dog fighting.
Perpetual Care Virginia Kilmer, Executive Director P.O. Box 773548, Ocala, FL 34477
(888) 355-7091 › www.perpetualcare.org › info@perpetualcare.org Mission: To provide a home for pets orphaned by the death of their owner and education about estate planning for pets. Vision: For a time when orphaned pets will no longer need to go to a shelter or die because they lost their owners.
PROGRAMS › 1. Life Care Center for Pets: Pet owners who have no one to care for their pets in the event of death may leave their pets with Perpetual Care, and we will provide them a loving home. 2. Emergency Care for Pets: In the event of an emergency medical care situation, Perpetual Care will provide care for pet(s) while their owner is given medical care and will return their pet(s) when they return home. 3. Pet Life Care Share Program: When pet owners go into a medical care facility, Perpetual Care can provide care for their pet and visit with their pet so that the pet owner can feel at ease that their pet is comforted and loved. IMPACT › In 2019, we began to give people free File of Life Packets that includes an emergency alert card that identifies the caregiver for their pets. This protects them and their pets in the event of an emergency.
PETS of Marion County, Inc. Nickole Lasher, Executive Director 5701 SE 66th St. Ocala, FL 34480
(352) 598-3646 › www.PETSofMarionCounty.org › Nickole.petsofmc@gmail.com
low cost/high quality spay/neuter services for both pet parents and feral cat caregivers. 3. Adoption- Skilled counselors help people find a cat that will be a great match. We feature home delivery and provide follow-up counseling. Happy families- happy cats. IMPACT › Spayed/neutered 2,700 cats.
SPCA of Marion County, Florida Marcia Van Daele, President 11100 SW 93rd Court Rd. Suite 10 - 115, Ocala, FL 34481
(352) 362-0985 › www.spcaofmarioncounty.weebly.com › marciavan379@gmail.com Mission: We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals in need. Vision: Finding loving homes for unwanted cats and dogs. Supporting individuals or families willing to foster. Reuniting lost pets with their loved ones. Donating to ethical animal charitable organizations
PROGRAMS › 1. Pet meals on wheels, packing food for seniors. 2. Assisting needy families and pets in securing medical care. 3. Fostering pets in our homes. IMPACT › Placing 30 dogs and 40 cats in permanent homes.
Mission: To recruit and train volunteers to increase pet adoptions at the Marion County Animal Center, improve the quality of life for the Center’s animals, promote spay and neuter programs and educate pet owners. Vision: For all adoptable animals at the Marion County Animal Center to find a forever home and for all pet owners in Marion County to be responsible pet owners.
Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL)
PROGRAMS › 1. Darrin’s Bounty - select animals for adoption are provided with an adoption retention package to help new owners offset expenses such as cages, dog doors and obedience training. 2. Any1Can Movement - fundraiser for monthly donations that provide heartworm and other medications, shelter pet enrichment, community spay and neuter and pet owner education 3. Pawcasso Painting and Pet Photo/Caricature events - a partnership with K9 Fit Club in The Villages where pet owners can bring their pets, get creative and take home a one-of-a-kind memento. IMPACT › We are approaching our organization’s first full year. So far, we have been successful in our Kongs for Christmas drive where we collected over 250 durable toys for dogs.
(352) 289-0800 › www.vocalforpets.org › linda.norman@vocalforpets.org
Sheltering Hands, Inc. Elena Goulet, Executive Director 10397 N. Highway 27, Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 840-0663 › www.shelteringhands.org › elena@shelteringhands.org Mission: To improve the lives of cats through humane care, spay/neuter, adoptions, education, and support services. Vision: Through engagement and education, all cats will have someone who cares for them.
PROGRAMS › 1. Senior for Senior-placing a senior cat (8 years+) in a senior citizen’s home. Sheltering Hands pays for medical care for the cat and provides support services to help the senior integrate the cat into his/her home. The senior parent provides a home and love for these harder to place older cats, and we provide peace of mind that we will take the cat back if they are unable to care for the cat in the future. 2. Low cost spay/neuter- To help end the cycle of unwanted cats, we provide
Linda Norman, President 6393 SW 52nd St. Ocala, FL 34474 Mission: Solve the homeless pet problem in our community through prevention, outreach, adoption, and collaboration. Vision: We envision a time when all dogs and cats have homes or communities that value and care for them. Shelters will exist only as emergency safe havens in extraordinary circumstances.
PROGRAMS › 1. Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) for community and feral cats. Our trappers bring in cats for sterilization at our clinic in order to stop the cycle of overpopulation, and the suffering and death that ensues. We also give these cats needed medical care before returning them to their colonies. 2. Food Program- through the generous donations from Chewy.com we are supplying food to 100 animal groups and humane societies and hundreds of low-income families to feed their animals. 3.Shelter and foster care program for pets that need to come into our facility for care and rehoming. IMPACT › We estimate that our food program provided more than 2.4 million meals in 2019 to pets in need. Many of those pets were in danger of being surrendered by their families because of a lack of resources to feed their pets. The rest were pets in shelter or rescue care throughout north and central Florida. The food supplied to these organizations saved them many thousands of dollars from their budgets for food that could be used for other urgent needs such as medical care, spay/ neuter & overhead. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 11
Arts Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO)
Marion Cultural Alliance
Elizabeth Cannon, President
Jaye Baillie, Executive Director
P.O. Box 6229, Ocala, FL 34478
23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 867-0355 › www.fafo.org › ocalaartfest@gmail.com
(352) 369-1500 › www.mcaocala.org › jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com
Mission: To promote the appreciation of the fine arts and to enhance art education in our community. Vision: FAFO produces two signature art events to enhance the arts in its community. It also supports art education through scholarships and programs and supports local art-based organizations in Ocala. PROGRAMS › The Symphony Under the Stars is a musical evening held outdoors every Mother’s Day. The Ocala Symphony Orchestra plays a program of music that is enhanced by community, food trucks, and fireworks. The Downtown Arts Festival is the only large outdoor arts festival in our area. It brings 150 artists and 20,000 visitors to Ocala’s downtown for a full weekend of visual art, performing art, and culinary art. IMPACT › In 2019, FAFO introduced an Emerging Artist program to its Downtown Arts Festival. FAFO procured sponsorship money to fully support five emerging artists’ participation at the festival.
Friends of the Freedom Public Library Florence Pritchard, President 5870 SW 95th St. Ocala, FL 34476
(352) 875-4036 › www.foflibrary.org › freedomlibraryfriends@yahoo.com Mission: Cooperate with and support Freedom Public Library in the development and promotion of library services, resources, and facilities for the community, encourage and receive gifts and provide assistance. Vision: A richly resourced public library serving a vibrant and thriving community. PROGRAMS › 1. Book sales: including a Semi-Annual Sale, Lobby sales, and bundle tables. 2. Purchasing equipment including digital platforms for the upcoming needs felt within the Library Community. 3. Funding children and adult programs - both fun and educational. IMPACT › Purchased a portable sound system and video projector for use with community presentations and library programs.
Magnolia Art Xchange Justin MacDonald, President 531 NE 1st Ave. Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-8414 › www.maxocala.org › president@maxocala.org Mission: The Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX) is Ocala’s first art incubator that furthers visual artists’ creativity and professionalism in a collaborative resource hub for artists, educators, and art enthusiasts. Vision: The Magnolia Art Xchange will further develop the cultural campus by providing studios, instructional space, and exhibition opportunities for visual artists that encourage professional development. PROGRAMS › MAX offers studio and communal spaces for resident and affiliate member artists, teachers, professional advisors, and students - all open for the community’s interaction; public workshops, classes, and events to enrich the ever-present visual artists’ work and growth. Art enthusiasts have the opportunity to personally connect with artists and their work and to support the artists through the purchase of their art. IMPACT › Magnolia Art Xchange officially opened its doors with three artists in residence, monthly “MAX Nights” open houses, Artist Talk Series, art shows, and community and fundraising events. MAX is housed in a beautiful facility equipped and ready for collaborative creativity.
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Mission: To champion, convene, and create opportunities for artists, arts organizations, and our community. Vision: To make Ocala/Marion County one of the best communities for the arts. PROGRAMS Funding: Cultural Grants - Grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit arts organizations. Four Friends Grant Fund: Provides small grants for artists for training, equipment, or supplies. Korzenny Arts Educator Fund: Provides small grants, up to $500, for k-12 art educators. Arts Advocacy: Convene artists, arts organizations, and the community to increase support for the arts and interest in the arts. Brick City Center for the Arts: An art gallery located in the heart of historic downtown Ocala providing opportunities for local artists to exhibit and sell their art. IMPACT MCA partnered with the City of Ocala for the Master Cultural Arts Plan. This ten-year plan will be our community’s road map for a coordinated effort to expand our arts and cultural landscape that supports jobs, generates government revenue, adds to our quality of life, and is the cornerstone of tourism.
Ocala Symphony Orchestra Inc. Pamela Calero Wardell, Executive Director, Development and Organizational Advancement 500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 351-1606 › www.reillyartscenter.com › pamela@reillyartscenter.com Mission: The mission of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra is to create cultural experiences and opportunities for our community through music. Vision: The Ocala Symphony Orchestra seeks to bring classical and pops music to the community in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where it can be enjoyed together. PROGRAMS › 1. Youth Outreach - The OSO is committed to reaching our youth through the Symphony for Schools, Open Rehearsals and Young Artist Competition programs. The Symphony for Schools program sends musicians into schools, Open Rehearsals invite students to experience the Orchestra at the Reilly Arts Center, and the Young Artist Competition gives promising young students a platform to explore and share their talent. 2. Subscription Series - The OSO has a season of 6 subscription concerts, and multiple special concerts that aim to meet the interests of all music lovers. 3. Coffee with the Conductor - Free program for the community to enjoy coffee, donuts, and a personal time with the Orchestra’s Maestro as he shares an intimate look at music. IMPACT › The Open Rehearsals program, which is free and open to our community’s students and families, is a great way for young people to become acquainted with the orchestra. We serve pizza and soda, and our conductor takes the time to interact with the audience, and share what they see happening on stage. It tears down any notion that to become a musician, or to see an orchestra perform, is unattainable. Music is accessible to everyone - and has the ability to change and inspire!
Education/Research Rainbow Springs Art Inc. Bridget Hanley, Executive Director 20804 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Dunnellon, FL 34431
(352) 445-8547 › www.rainbowspringsart.com › bridget@lcfframing.com
Ambleside School of Ocala Jill Romine, Principal 507 SE Broadway St. Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 694-1635 › www.amblesideocala.com › jromine@amblesideocala.com
Mission: Support art education and scholarships, conduct art related events in the community, and offer displays to the public. Vision: Operate an art gallery for the community, provide educational events and classes, conduct an annual Arts Festival, and provide scholarships for students. PROGRAMS › Arts Festival - Each fall we offer an arts festival for the community. Last year about 4,000 people attended. Art Gallery - We operate an art gallery free of charge for the community and provide an opportunity for about 35 local artists to display their work. The art represents a number of media and styles and is juried. Student Scholarships - Each year $500 to $1,000 scholarships are offered to high school students through a competitive juried process. IMPACT › Last year our two-day Arts Festival attracted about 4,000 people and provided an opportunity for over 50 local and regional artists to participate.
Mission: It is the mission of the Ambleside administration and faculty to provide what Charlotte Mason called a “living education,” where each child is guided and empowered to author a full and free life. Vision: Our primary concern is the kind of student each child is becoming, not the mastery of particular data or technique, for we are confident that the student will reach their full potential. PROGRAMS › Kindergarten - 5th grade 6th - 8th Gr (Middle School) 9th - 11th Gr (High School) Narration is the basic methodology of Charlotte Mason education. Narration is an active retelling of what the student has heard and learned. Such a retelling requires the use of the child’s whole mind as well as his or her memory, and demands careful attention to a single reading of the source, without review and repetitions. Ambleside students do the scholar’s work of the first-hand reading of primary sources of literary merit that present inspiring ideas in all subjects, not dry, predigested facts and texts. Their study also includes direct contact and observation of real objects from nature, art, music, and other human disciplines. IMPACT › We launched two new campuses: Lively House with Kindergarten - 2nd grade, and High School building where we successfully added 11th grade.
Reilly Arts Center Matthew Wardell, CEO
Chapter EQ, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization)
500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470
Christy Cathcart, President
(352) 351-1606 › www.reillyartscenter.com › matt@reillyartscenter.com
9474 SW 86th Street Rd. Ocala, FL 34481
Mission: The Reilly Arts Center exists to meaningfully impact our community through the arts. Vision: The Reilly Arts Center seeks to bring high quality, professional events that create a vibrant arts and entertainment community in an inclusive and inviting environment. PROGRAMS › 1. Live Music at the Reilly, weekly, with national artists, professional orchestra, jazz, country, rock, and more! 2. During 2020, the Reilly partnered with nonprofit and veteran organizations to provide complimentary tickets to more than 500 guests in our community to attend everything from Orchestra to rock concerts. Music is good for the soul - and we love bringing joy and healing to guests through the power of music that they may not experience otherwise! 3. Reilly Digital Series: During COVID-19, the Reilly Arts Center produced a series of 25 live performances for the community to enjoy. The archived performances are still available on the Reilly website, and through Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. IMPACT › During COVID-19, the Reilly swiftly responded to the shutdown of live events through our Reilly Digital Series. This was a series of 25 live concerts that guests could watch and interact with in real time online. They featured artists performing all genres of music - classical, jazz, rock, country, bluegrass, pop, and more. The series connected our community during challenging times and supported the artists and event professionals whose livelihoods were severely impacted.
(360) 981-1551 › www.peointernational.org › cathcart@telebyte.com
The Marion Players, Inc. dba Ocala Civic Theatre Rosie Miller, Executive Director 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470-5001
(352) 236-2851 › www.ocalacivictheatre.com › rmiller@ocalacivictheatre.com Mission: To uplift, inspire, and entertain by providing quality theatrical experiences and performing arts education. Vision: Live plays, youth education, adult enrichment. PROGRAMS › Main-Stage Theatre, Youth Productions, and Youth Workshops. IMPACT › The COVID -19 pandemic shut our theatre down as of March 27, 2020 with an estimated loss of revenue of $500,000.
Mission: Women helping women reach for the stars. Vision: To provide educational resources in the form of grants, loans, or awards for women’s education. PROGRAMS › Cottey College is a post-secondary college in Nevada, MO offering 2 and 4 year degrees. The Educational Loan Fund provides loans for education beyond high school including PhD programs. The STAR scholarship is for high school seniors enrolling in a post secondary institution. IMPACT › This past year we did not have any candidates for any of the programs. However the Chapter provides donations for all of the P.E.O. projects.
College of Central Florida Foundation, Inc. Christopher Knife, Executive Director 3001 SW College Rd. Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 873-5808 › www.CF.edu/foundation › knifec@cf.edu Mission: The CF Foundation’s mission is to identify, solicit and acquire restricted and unrestricted resources to support the college in providing educational services to Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties. Vision: The CF Foundation works to secure restricted and unrestricted dollars in support of students, faculty and the college. The Foundation also provides prudent management of the assets in the Foundation. PROGRAMS › 1. STEPS – “Scholarships Taking Elementary Students to CF” scholarship program: for selected graduating 5th graders to attend CF after high school graduation. 2. Endowed Chairs for teaching excellence: Endowed Chairs is used to fund innovative and exceptional programs that enhance the learning experience of our students. 3. Endowed Scholarships: In our work to help make higher education accessible and affordable, the Foundation awards more than 1600 scholarships to students from over 400 endowed and non-endowed scholarships annually. IMPACT › In 2019, the CF Foundation had a $4.9 million impact on the College and community through its support of student programs and scholarships, college initiatives, and the Appleton Museum of Art. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 13
Education Early Learning Coalition of Marion County Roseann Fricks, CEO 2300 SW 17th Rd., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 369-2315 › www.elc-marion.org › rfricks@elc-marion.org Mission: Lead and foster partnerships to optimize quality early learning for our children through child care, voluntary pre-kindergarten, and parent education. Vision: Children and families in our community will access quality early learning programs to nurture their learning potential and prepare them for success. PROGRAMS › 1. School Readiness – Ensuring that all Marion County’s children are prepared for school by assisting eligible income, working, and attending school parents with the cost of their daily child care. 2. VPK – The voluntary, state-wide pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-old children. ELCMC administers all Marion County enrollments and transfers. 3. Success by 6 – Through our partnership with United Way, SB6 provides Marion County families with education on parenting and early childhood development. SB6 provides programs such as diaper drives, Parents as Teachers, and providing car seats to parents in need of car seats if they attend and complete the required car seat class. IMPACT › Serving over 600 local first responders and essential healthcare workers through the COVID-19 pandemic. ELCMC helped to insure that their children could continue to attend childcare, and that they could continue helping to protect Marion County and its citizens.
Episcopal Children’s Services Connie Stophel, CEO 8443 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 726-1500 › www.ecs4kids.org › connie.stophel@ecs4kids.org Mission: The mission of Episcopal Children’s Services is to create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. Vision: ECS will be a recognized leader in early childhood education and a 501(c)(3) with a strong entrepreneurial spirit that uses research and best practices to help families ensure their children enter school ready to learn. PROGRAMS Our Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive and intensive child development and family-centered services in three critical arenas: 1. Education: Our highly trained teachers build on each student’s learning needs, strengths and abilities. Children grow intellectually, emotionally and socially through safe, age-appropriate play-based learning activities. 2. Family Advocacy: Professional Family Advocates improve family well-being with supportive services and resources. 3. Health, Wellness and Nutrition: Our whole child approach goes well beyond education with healthy meals and snacks to ensure proper nutrition. All children are regularly screened and connected to medical and dental preventive care. IMPACT Episcopal Children’s Services prepares children to enter kindergarten ready to learn. When children begin school armed with skills and knowledge, they are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, be employed, and contribute to their community. Academic success is seen by our results in children’s demonstrating proficiency in the age-appropriate developmental benchmarks for six learning domains - Social-Emotional, Physical, Language, Cognitive, Literacy, and Mathematics.
Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition Ken Ford, Executive Director 15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 387-3050 › www.ihmc.us › kford@ihmc.us Mission: The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities. Vision: IHMC faculty and staff collaborate extensively with industry and gov-
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ernment to develop science and technology that can be enabling with respect to society’s broader goals. PROGRAMS › 1. The IHMC Evening Lecture Series provides a community forum where individuals gather to hear enlightening conversation on a number of topics in subject areas; including science, technology, health and medicine provided by leading experts in these fields. 2. Science Saturdays- a hands-on program for kids in grades 3, 4 and 5. Events take place one Saturday a month during the school year, and are led by an IHMC researcher or scientist from the community. Past activities have included 3-D printing, hacking for good guys, secret codes and game design. 3. Summer Robotics Camps offer current middle school students the ability to work in teams and master LEGO robot challenges, which foster teamwork, problem solving skills, and creativity. IMPACT › IHMC’s podcast STEM-Talk, won the Peoples Choice award for the Skeptics guide to Science and Medicine for the second time as well as being nominated for the Adam Curry’s Peoples Choice and two Webby awards. We have also continued to expand our outreach programs allowing more teachers, students and individuals to take advantage of our programming.
Fort King Heritage Association Craig Curry, Board President 3925 East Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 573-8938 › www.ftking.org › craigcurry3141@gmail.com Mission: To preserve, protect and promote the Ft. King National Landmark Site located in Ocala/Marion County while serving as a citizen support group to cultivate and sustain a public private partnership with private donors and local, state and federal governments. Vision: Ft. King National Historic Landmark will be a living history site that educates and informs the public of the important cultural, historic, and natural resources found at the park, and protects and develops said resources for future generations. PROGRAMS › Annual membership appreciation event. Reenactment of original County Commission meeting in 1842. IMPACT › We completed the building of the Fort wall and block houses and purchased property and buildings to be renovated to become an archeological education center.
Grace Christian School Dr. Bethany McKee-Alexander, Head of School 4410 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala, FL 34480
(352) 387-3090 › www.gcsocala.com › bmckeealexander@gcsocala.com Mission: To prepare our children for life, to honor and glorify God in a Christ-centered environment of academic excellence. Vision: At Grace Christian School our balanced curriculum for grades K-3-8th grade includes the fine arts, technology, physical education, sports, and religion. PROGRAMS › Early Childhood students are provided the opportunity to explore, through educational activities that stimulate fine motor and gross motor development. Through caring and loving methods these practices teach to the whole child. Elementary students are taught to work collaboratively, doing hands on projects and assignments. Real world applications make learning exciting. STEM activities and a strong focus on mathematics create the foundation for these students. Middle school students are placed in a Quest program designed to challenge gifted students. Differentiated classes provide extra support when students need additional support. These students participate in a variety of co-curricular classes to help foster their growth. IMPACT › Grace Christian School provides an Innovative Technology Lab where students are learning to work collaboratively with their peers. This allows our students to stay focused and engaged through the use of cutting edge classroom tools. These tools also prepared students for the on-line learning due to COVID-19. Our students were well equipped to make the quick transition to a new learning method because of the implementation already being taught in our Innovation Lab.
Junior Achievement Jessica Blagdon, District Director of Programs 319 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 727-0178 › www.JAmarion.org › jessica.blagdon@ja.org Mission: Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Vision: Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. PROGRAMS › 1. JA Career Success provides high school students tools to apply soft skills in real life scenarios. 2. The JA BizTown experience provides hands on work readiness to 5th grade students, in partnership with local sponsors. 3. Business volunteers can virtually visit students in all grade levels to share career and entrepreneurship lessons. IMPACT › 13 local 5th grade classes were able to participate in the JA BizTown experience. After 12 in-class lessons, students went to work for the day in various jobs. “Thank you for letting us come to JA BizTown. I loved to be at JA BizTown, but I think other fifth graders should go too so they can experience how to be an adult for one day. Then when they grow up, they know how to work as a team, pay bills, computer work, and I learned that too.” - Shuandre, a JA BizTown citizen.
Marion County Literacy Council R.J. Jenkins, Interim Executive Director 120 SW 5th St., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 690-7323 › www.marionliteracy.org › arge.jenkins@gmail.com Mission: The Marion County Literacy Council enriches quality of life for adults in Ocala and Marion County by helping them build crucial literacy skills. We help people build better lives, one word at a time. Vision: Our vision is of a community in which every adult knows how to read and write. We aspire to be a model provider of literacy education and a place that makes a positive difference in people’s lives. PROGRAMS › Adult Basic Education (ABE) Our ABE program helps adults learn to read and write. Our tutors work one-onone with students at all learning levels to help them achieve their goals. General Educational Development (GED) Our GED program helps prepare students to pass the General Educational Development test, earn their GED, and - if they wish - pursue higher education. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Our ESOL program offers one-on-one and small group English language instruction for native speakers of other languages. We currently serve students from 20 countries who range in ability from basic literacy to advanced English grammar and pronunciation. IMPACT › The Marion County Literacy Council established an exciting partnership with Phoenix House Florida in Marion County, a residential substance use disorder treatment program that helps adults find the inner strength to sustain recovery. Volunteer tutors from the Literacy Council traveled to Phoenix House several days a week to offer GED support to Phoenix House clients. To date, 12 clients have earned their GEDs, and dozens more have passed several sections of the exam.
Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Michelle Shideler, Director of Education 8415 SW 80th St., Suite 2 Ocala, FL 34481
(352) 861-9751 › www.masterthepossibilities.org › michelle_shideler@masterthepossibilities.org Mission: Master the Possibilities, Inc. provides quality instruction and learning experiences for adult students throughout Marion County, Florida and beyond. Vision: We inspire students to explore their interests, uncover their passions, and leverage their talents to make positive changes within their communities.
PROGRAMS › “The Future of NASA” - Greg Clements, Kennedy Space Center - Come learn current accomplishments and forward work being undertaken by NASA to expand human knowledge through scientific discoveries extending human presence deeper into space and to the moon. “A Brief History of On Top of the World Communities” - Kenneth Colen, President of On Top of the World Communities, LLC. Learn how the company got its start, its growth, the corporate philosophy, and where OTOW is headed in the future. “The Silver Springs Story” - Mark Emery, National Geographic and Emmy award-winning filmmaker presents his short documentary film highlighting the historic, economic, and environmental significance of Silver Springs. IMPACT › In 2019, Master the Possibilities began to implement our distance learning program, utilizing GoToWebinar and GoToMeeting. We have been excited to offer speakers from various locations in our curriculum. This also gives our students a chance to participate from home or on the go, if they are unable to come to the classroom. We now offer three different distance learning options - live virtual, pre-recorded, and hybrid programs.
Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. Joan Audette, President P.O. Box 6163 Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 622-7363 › www.ocalaroyaldames.org › joaniaudette@gmail.com Mission: To ensure a strong local/regional effort in the fight against cancer, through funding research and education. Vision: We raise money for cancer research and education programs. PROGRAMS › University of Florida Shands - Grants for cancer research Moffitt Cancer & Research Center - Grants for cancer research College of Central Florida ShopTalk Education Program - Nursing scholarships and contributions to Medical Library. IMPACT › Since 1988, we have allocated more than $3.5 million funding research and at least $100k per year in grants for cancer research, including sponsoring several cancer awareness seminars each year.
Pace Center for Girls Carole Savage, Executive Director 328 NE 1st Ave, Ste 500, Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 369-0571 › www.pacecenter.org › carole.savage@pacecenter.org Mission: Pace provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Vision: Pace values all girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. PROGRAMS › Academic and Counseling Program: Provides year round middle school and high school academics, case management, counseling services, life skill coaching in a gender responsive environment. Reach Program Services: Seeks to decrease or avoid girls’ risky behaviors by providing free access to gender responsive, trauma-informed and strength-based services to increase girls’ resiliency and protective factors by improving relationships with families, peers and their communities and increasing their self-efficacy and self-advocacy to make decisions that will lead to productive, fulfilling and healthy lives. IMPACT › During 2019, Pace Reach therapists began working with 47 girls by bringing the Pace model into Liberty Middle and West Port High schools. The goal of the Reach Program is to decrease or avoid girls’ risky behaviors by providing free access to gender responsive, trauma-informed and strength-based services to increase girls’ resiliency and protective factors by improving relationships with families, peers and their communities and increasing their self-efficacy and self-advocacy to make decisions 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 15
Education Public Education Foundation of Marion County Judi Zanetti, Executive Director 1239 NW 4th St., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 671-4167 › www.pefmc.org › Judith.Zanetti@marion.k12.fl.us Mission: To financially and materially support Marion County Public Schools, its students and teachers. Vision: To focus community interest on public education; initiate, support, and underwrite projects and programs that benefit students and teachers. PROGRAMS › Take Stock in Children is Marion County’s premier scholarship and mentoring program. The Take Stock program helps low-income students achieve their dreams of going to college. By providing scholarships, mentors and hope, this award-winning program breaks the cycle of poverty and provides a promising future for deserving children. Tools 4 Teaching exists for one reason only: to provide free school supplies to Marion County’s students and teachers. In Marion County, nearly 75% of students cannot afford their own lunch, let alone the necessary school supplies. Tools 4 Teaching strives to ensure all students have the tools necessary for success. Grants for Great Ideas is a competitive grant program open to all MCPS teachers & administrators. IMPACT › School buildings closed, but learning continued and the work of the Public Education Foundation became more important than ever. In the last 4 months, 878 virtual mentoring sessions were held with students in the Take Stock in Children program, hundreds of Kits 4 Kids were distributed to students learning at home, Summer Fun Packs were distributed, food was distributed to 500 families, and teachers were given bags of supplies for their at-home classrooms.
Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc. Jerone Gamble, Executive Director 3001 SW College Road, Building 42 Rm 202, Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 854-2322 › www.ppiofmarioncounty.org › jagpray1@cfl.rr.com Mission: To give the community a sense of hope and optimism by creating a broad base of community involvement in identifying, researching, and establishing dialogue on community-wide issues, and then in recommending and helping to implement timely solutions. Vision: By 2015 the Public Policy Institute was recognized regionally as a significant leadership organization that continually helps to improve our community by identifying and researching the major issues that are negatively impacting our quality of life, and by identifying and supporting the implementation of viable solutions to address those issues. IMPACT › 2019 Homelessness - The Long Way Home (published study)
QuitDoc Foundation Barry Hummel, Jr., CEO & Co-Founder 807 SW 3rd Ave., Suite B, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 598-8241 › www.quitdoc.com › bhummel@quitdoc.com Mission: To improve overall community health and wellness by reducing the number of deaths from nicotine addiction. Vision: Curtailing tobacco and nicotine product use within youth and adult populations through research, education, and prevention. PROGRAMS › Tobacco Free Partnerships (Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida): have policies adopted to counteract tobacco product marketing at the retail point-of-sale, create smoke-free multi-unit housing, create smoke-free environments other than housing, create tobacco free worksites, build community partnerships, and grow Students Working Against Tobacco initiative. Vaping 911 with TIPS 2 Quit: Research-based vaping & tobacco education
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curriculum, with facilitator guide and youth cessation support service. Measure Up Marion, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): address chronic diseases, access to affordable healthcare and healthier food, and tobacco free environments. IMPACT › QuitDoc Foundation has assisted several local events, worksites, multi-unit housing, and grounds in promoting tobacco-free social norms to prevent usage of tobacco products by youth and young adults, to encourage and support tobacco cessation, to eliminate the hazards of secondhand smoke, and to decrease the number of deaths due to tobacco products through mobilization of community partners, educating on prevention and policy change, and by providing no cost policy, training, and signage.
R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. Dr. Barbara Brooks, President 1636 SW 31st Ave., Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 873-1319 › www.ramalservices.org › barbarabrooksf@aol.com Mission: To improve the lives of people and the community in which they live. Vision: Educational programs, tutor at-risk students, scholarships for NonTraditional students and at-risk students, advocacy, referrals, outreach services. PROGRAMS › Summer Reading Program to minimize the Summer academic slide. W.O.K.E.- Women of Onward Keep Elevating Program provides mentoring and support. Level Up Opportunity Program is for 10th and 11th grade students to expose and engage students to the arts, health & wellness, finance, education, civics, communication, business, legal, and mental wellness. IMPACT › Reading and writing grade level improvement.
The Cornerstone School Ingrid Wasserfall, Head of School 2313 SE Lake Weir Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-8840 › www.thecornerstoneschool.org › ingrid@thecornerstoneschool.org Mission: Preparing students for success with an innovative curriculum and inspirational teaching that inspires a passion for learning. Vision: Guiding philosophy is to provide and cultivate educational experiences that allow children to develop academic, social-emotional, and creative potential. PROGRAMS › 1. Cambridge Assessment International Program develops students’ critical thinking skills and supports students to become confident, responsible, innovative, and engaged learners. 2. Cornerstone STEM Program allows students to apply science, technology, engineering, and math in real-world activities and situations. IMPACT › Our graduates are compassionate, socially aware individuals who can participate with empathy in a global context. They are self-directed, intrinsically motivated, lifelong learners who can integrate, transfer, and apply the use of technology effectively in the real world.
Trinity Catholic High School Lou Pereira, President 2600 SW 42nd St., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 622-9025 › www.trinitycatholichs.org › lpereira@tchs.us Mission: Trinity Catholic High School, a Christ-centered community, provides students an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, to excel academically and to commit to a life of service to others. Vision: A Trinity Catholic graduate will be a person of integrity and faith who is inspired by a Catholic worldview that fosters a respect for all faith traditions. PROGRAMS › Dual Enrollment program where students receive college credit through College of Central Florida, Saint Leo University, Barry University and Embry Riddle University. Our Agriculture Science program which teaches students about agriculture science through the use of our greenhouse and chicken coop. IMPACT › Trinity Catholic High School paid off its $20 million mortgage to the Diocese of Orlando this past February. A debt free celebration will be planned in the upcoming year.
Environment Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation, Inc.
Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute
Kate Messenger, Discovery Center Manager
23695 W US 27, High Springs, FL 32643
701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
(386) 454-9369 › www.floridaspringsinstitute.org › bknight@floridaspringsinstitute.org
(352) 401-3900 › www.mydiscoverycenter.org › kmessenger@ocalafl.org
Mission: To improve the understanding of springs ecology and to foster the development of science-based education and management actions needed to restore and protect springs throughout Florida. Vision: The Florida Springs Institute is focused on providing a clean and abundant groundwater supply for the natural environment and for humans. PROGRAMS › 1. Springs and Aquifer Public Education – FSI creates and provides numerous educational resources and conducts a broad variety of educational outreach activities, including the Springs Field School, Give Springs a Break, and the Springs Academy. 2. Springs and Aquifer Protection and Wise Management – FSI is the only non-governmental organization conducting springs and aquifer health assessments. Specific projects include our Blue Water Audit, our survey of groundwater nitrate pollution, and our evaluation of agricultural best management practices. 3. Springs and Aquifer Baseline Monitoring – FSI staff scientists and volunteers are constantly sampling spring biota, flows, and recreation. Specific examples include multiple spring baselines. IMPACT › Provided the scientific support needed to improve the efficacy of the Silver Springs Basin Management Action Plan for reducing nitrate pollution (over 800 tons per year) impacting Silver Springs and Ocala’s drinking water.
Mission: To promote, support and raise funds for the Discovery Center, an enterprise of the City of Ocala Municipal Corporation. Vision: The Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation, Inc. provides support for Discovery Center exhibits and community programming. PROGRAMS › Quarterly Interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) based exhibits on various topics open for the public and educational group field trips; Discovery Center Summer Camps offering STEAM programming for students ages 7-15; Afterschool and homeschool classes for ages 2-15, including Lego Robotics, Junior Zookeepers and homeschool science. Each exhibit, field trip program, and class is developed based on FL State curriculum standards for appropriate age groups. IMPACT › In the 2019-2020 school year, the Discovery Center worked with over 30 public and private schools in Marion and Alachua County along with home school and individual families, to deliver exhibit field trips, science outreach events, classes, and special programs to over 7,000 students. The ongoing community relationships with educators, students and parents make Discovery Center a vital part of the community as a provider of supplemental educational experiences for local youth.
Horse Farms Forever Sara Fennessy, Acting Executive Director PO Box 5279, Ocala, FL 34478-5279
Robert Knight, Ph.D., Executive Director
The Friends of Silver Springs State Park David Rossiter, President
(859) 553-5510 › www.horsefarmsforever.com › sara.fennessy@horsefarmsforever.com
1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470
Mission: Horse Farms Forever is dedicated to protecting and preserving the character and culture that the horses, horse farms, and Farmland Preservation Area make unique to Ocala/Marion County. Vision: Horse Farms Forever is focused on a long-term strategy of conserving and protecting horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area. PROGRAMS › 1. Protect the Farmland Preservation Area 2. Promote the equestrian culture and character of Marion County 3. Preserve farmland for future generations 4. Plan collaboratively with government and community stakeholders to ensure that open spaces and beautiful places remain forever. IMPACT › We have tackled two threats to horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Areas in rapid succession. It is not necessary to be in the horse business or to own a horse to appreciate how horses and horse farms create a special sense of place that is worth preserving. We want to represent everyone who cares about the Farmland Preservation Area and protecting it for future generations.
Mission: To enhance the use and enjoyment of the Silver Springs State Park for the people of Florida and its visitors. Vision: The Silver Springs State Park is a natural and historical treasure. The Friends connects the Park with park visitors and the local community to sustain this iconic park for the benefit of all. PROGRAMS › 1. Critter Trail 5K - 6th Annual - 5k Run/ Walk on trails in the park. Brings in visitors who might not otherwise visit the park. A healthy way to enjoy nature. Sponsorships are also received to help defray costs, putting more money into park project funding. 2. Kayak Adventure Drawing - Our drawing of chance giving visitors a chance to win a kayak package. This is a way to talk with people about the park and all it offers. 3. Our volunteers staff the Silver River Patrol and Aquatic Motor Patrol maintaining a presence on the river to help protect our visitors, wildlife, and natural resources. IMPACT › Welcome Center - We maintain and staff a Welcome Center to greet guests as they arrive in the Park. We give them a place to obtain information about the park and surrounding areas along with being greeted with a friendly smile and a hearty welcome. It is a very popular and positive place for visitors and volunteers alike because everyone is happy to be at Silver Springs.
(303) 929-2983 › www.thefriendsofsilversprings.org › drossiter@frii.com
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Health AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Tracye Williams, Executive Director 1500 SW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 690-5623 › www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealthfoundation-west-florida › Tracye.Berry-Williams@adventhealth.com Mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ. Vision: To inspire a culture of philanthropy that impacts the well-being of our community. We begin every day with a commitment to help people tell their best story and live their best lives. PROGRAMS › The Community Care Fund provides lifesaving resources, equipment and supplies that support our patients and care teams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as help us meet our community’s healthcare needs of tomorrow. IMPACT › AdventHealth Ocala Foundation provided over $60,000 to support healthcare programs and purchase equipment needed to care for our patients within AdventHealth Ocala hospital.
American Heart Association Kristina Donohue, Executive Director 1202 SW 17th St., #201-167 Ocala, FL 34471
(727) 563-8083 › www.heart.org › kristina.donohue@heart.org Mission: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Vision: We are committed to saving people from heart disease and stroke by leading efforts on prevention, education, research, and treatment. PROGRAMS › Heart Walk: The American Heart Association’s premier event for raising funds to save lives from this country’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers - heart disease and stroke. Kids Heart Challenge: A fun and exciting event where your student learns about their heart while helping others by raising money for the American Heart Association. It prepares your child for success through physical and emotional well-being. Go Red for Women: To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease & stroke as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women, a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. IMPACT › The State of Florida currently has 37 active research rewards totaling $6.3 million dollars.
All About You Angels, Inc. Lori Timmreck, Executive Director 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ste. 505, Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 208-0467 › www.aaywb.com › AAYAngels@gmail.com Mission: The All About You Angels family exists to support women through the journey of breast cancer and help them to regain the feeling of being whole and natural once again. Vision: To raise awareness of breast cancer, support women fighting, and raise funds to purchase supplies for women that can’t afford them or are not covered by insurance, such as wigs, prosthetics and bras. PROGRAMS › Fundraisers including Bunco Parties and the Angels Annual Fashion Show that features breast cancer survivors as the models, along with the release of the Annual Angels Calendar featuring these same women and their stories as survivors to encourage other women fighting. IMPACT › Receiving a Grant to help 40 local women going through radiation and/ or chemo for breast cancer. We purchased grocery and gas gift cards to help them through these tough days.
Blissful Life Corporation Kelsie Ruff Smith, Executive Director 2100 SE 17th St., Ste. 110, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 694-9642 › www.blissocala.com › info@blissocala.com 18 › NonProfit Business Council
Mission: To heal trauma through wellness, using yoga, meditation, and other modalities. Vision: To become an integral component of a healing path to holistic wellness for all residents of Marion County. PROGRAMS › Donation-based yoga: Daily yoga classes offered on a donation-basis. Donation-based meditation: Weekly meditation classes offered on a donation-basis. IMPACT › Through the use of hour-long yoga and meditation classes as a complementary medicine, offered to all residents of Ocala/Marion County on a donation-basis, our clients improved or maintained their self-reported abilities to cope with life stress, leading to increased mental health and wellness.
Deliverance Outreach Ministries Tyrone Oliver, Executive Director 821 NE 36 Ter. Ste. 10, Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 261-0404 › tyroneoliver50@gmail.com Mission: Is a ministry with a vision to offer free healthcare services to those experiencing poverty in Marion County. Vision: To help the homeless and people in poverty receive healthcare. PROGRAMS › Free healthcare, mental and religious counseling. Teaching CDC classes on healthcare topics. IMPACT › We saw over 1800 people needing healthcare, clothes, mental health counseling and classes for diabetics last year.
Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center Carolyn Adams, Executive Director 819 NW 7th St., Ocala, FL 34471-6879
(352) 875-2226 › www.estellawellness.com › artcarol46@embarqmail.com Mission: To provide accessible unrestricted Preventive Primary Medical and Dental Care Services to the underserved and uninsured residents of Tucker Hill and the surrounding communities in the 34475 zip code. Vision: To render healthcare and other services to individuals in west Ocala and surrounding communities, in a sustainable model, without regard to age, race, gender identity, disability or ability to pay. PROGRAMS › Medical Care - Currently offered through the help of Langley Health Mobile Medical Unit. We started seeing patients in-house, in August 2020. We anticipate being the Medical Home for our neighborhood residents. Dental Care - Supported by Langley Health, using their mobile Dental Unit. We have a dental chair and unit donated and are seeking dental staffing help, and funds to obtain x-ray equipment and new instruments. We also offer Diabetes Education and Empowerment classes for adults. IMPACT › Our zoning changed early this year, from Residential to Business, enabling us to proceed with creating the Medical Home we are planning to be, and on August 4th we welcomed our first medical patients in our Center.
Faithfully Guided Health Center Jamie Schofield, Executive Director 40 SW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 512-0631 › www.fghealthcenter.com › Jamie@faithfullyguided.com Mission: Give abundant life. Vision: To be the way. Core Values: F- Follow Christ. A- Approach Collaboratively. I- Inspire Healthy Culture. T- Teach Accountability and Responsibility. H- Humbly Serve. PROGRAMS › Faithfully Guided Health Center takes a functional approach to help you reach your health goals. Our priority is to spend the time neces-
sary to uncover the root causation, rather than only treating your symptoms. We are the first faith-based center in the country to create a unique collaborative model utilizing Direct Primary Care, Counseling, and Restorative Services to help you achieve complete health. You and your Faithfully Guided Health Center Team of providers will develop a customized health plan based on our unique Five Pillar Model focusing on purpose, nutrition, stress, movement, and sleep. IMPACT › We have a 29 year old mom that came through our process convinced she would always carry the diagnosis of mental illness and be on a list of medications the rest of her life. She has received services from our unique and collaborative membership model to include direct primary care, functional medicine, counseling, movement, social health groups, and detox restorative services. Our whole person approach has enabled her to eliminate medication and re-gain quality of life. She is now full of hope.
Frank DeLuca YMCA Nicole Bloom, Executive Director 3200 SE 17th St., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 368-9622 › www.ymcacf.org › nbloom@cfymca.org Mission: To improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen Spirit, Mind, and Body. Vision: The YMCA provides activities that focus on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility for people of all walks of life. PROGRAMS › Group Exercise Classes: We offer classes for all fitness levels, including Les Mills Bodypump, Cycling, Yoga, Cardio-Dance, Strength Training, and more. Child Development Center: Our family membership includes child development, where members can drop their kids off in a structured environment for up to 2 hours a day during their workout. Children will participate in learning, arts and crafts, and more. Ages 6 weeks to 7 years. Lap Swimming and Swim Lessons: Our outdoor pool provides options for lap swim, water fitness and family recreation all year long. Additionally, we offer swim lessons for all ages, starting as early as 6 months. IMPACT › The Frank DeLuca YMCA awarded more than $400,000 in Scholarships to people in our community in 2019. Our scholarship program provides financial assistance for people in our community who could not otherwise afford the YMCA or our programs. Each year, our campaign has more than 1,000 donors and includes individuals and local businesses.
FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA Ann Burnett, Executive Director 1056 SW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 421-5510 › www.freedomclinicusa.org › ann@freedomclinicusa.org Mission: The mission of FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA is to provide the uninsured and underinsured access to free, personalized healthcare services. Vision: FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA aspires to minimize healthcare disparities affecting our diverse population through creative patient education that empowers and promotes healthier lives. PROGRAMS › Dental - fillings, extractions, examinations, cleanings, and oral hygiene education. Medical - Physical exams, hypertension, diabetes counseling, infectious diseases and general consultations. Optical - eye exam, we provide prescription and reading glasses, refractions, diabetic glaucoma and cataract screenings. IMPACT › Client testimonial: “I have received eye and dental care that I so desperately needed. I also received my pneumonia and tetanus shots which are very expensive. I don’t have insurance, and I am too young for Medicare. So this was a great thing to have. THANK YOU! They are a great bunch of people (all the volunteers).”
Heart of Florida Health Center Jamie Ulmer, Executive Director 2553 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 732-6599 › www.myfhc.org › Jamie.Ulmer@myhfhc.org Mission: Our Mission is to improve the overall health status of Marion County residents by providing quality primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to all residents. Vision: To be the provider of the highest quality, affordable, patient-centered primary health care in Marion County. PROGRAMS › Adult, Family, and Pediatrics Medical Services including: complete medical examinations with age appropriate screenings. Adult and Pediatric Dental Services including: prophylaxis, restorative treatment, and oral education. Adult and Family Behavioral Health Services including: mental health counseling and substance abuse disorder interventions. IMPACT › We provided primary health care to 21,000 patients in 2019.
Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Rick Bourne, Executive Director 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 873-7400 › www.hospiceofmarion.com › rbourne@hospiceofmarion.com Mission: To provide exceptional compassionate end-of-life care to our community. Vision: To enhance the quality of life through innovated care and services in central Florida. PROGRAMS › 1. Comprehensive hospice services anywhere one calls home, provided by highly skilled interdisciplinary teams. We are the only not-for-profit hospice serving Marion County. Named Best Place to Work 2020 by Modern Healthcare (only hospice in Florida). 2. Palliative Supportive Care offers pain and symptom management consulting for anyone at any stage of a chronic illness. 3. Monarch Center for Hope & Healing provides grief care for hospice families and the community at large (children and teens). IMPACT › Attained Level 5 designation for the ‘We Honor Veterans’ program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. This means our veterans outreach and access to care is in the top tier nationwide.
H.U.G.S. Charities Rhoda Walkup, Executive Director P.O. Box 34, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 732-0277 › www.hugscharities.org › rwalkup@rboi.com Mission: To assist individuals of Marion County whose lives have been adversely affected by cancer, through non-medical financial assistance. Vision: To encourage Heartfelt Unconditional Giving, to assist lives who have been adversely affected by cancer, and to collaborate with the cancer care community to educate and support patients. PROGRAMS › H.U.G.S. Patient Assistance Program - provides non-medical financial assistance to those actively in cancer treatment. CAMC- Cancer Alliance of Marion County improves lives in Marion County through collaborative efforts, communication, and education in the cancer care community. IMPACT › Bridge the Gap - Under-served patients from Heart of Florida Health Center and Langley Health Center testing positive for blood in their stool received a potentially lifesaving follow up colonoscopy, while having no means to obtain one, through a cooperative grant program with the H.U.G.S. charity, Cancer Alliance of Marion County and GI Associates. Eight colonoscopies provided. Cancer prevented in 4 patients. Potential savings of $522,000 in healthcare cost. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 19
Health Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc. Dr. Izuchukwu Nwakoby MD FASN, Executive Director 2980 SE 3rd Ct., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 622-4231 › www.marioncountykidneyfoundation.org › inwakoby@ocalakidneygroup.com Mission: We are dedicated to helping individuals affected by kidney disease in Marion County, Florida through financial support and education for patients, their families and the community. Vision: Through empowerment and innovation, we are committed to improving the well-being of persons with chronic kidney disease and our community, while being responsible stewards of our resources. PROGRAMS › 1. The MCKF Bridge to Transplant Grant: to assist residents of Marion County with advanced kidney disease, to qualify for a kidney transplant. 2. Financial Assistance: to assist residents of Marion County with advanced kidney disease with specific financial needs. 3. Education: to educate people with kidney disease, their families and our community with solid information. IMPACT › We have awarded two recipients in our community with a $5000 grant for aid in qualifying for a kidney transplant.
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Pamela Morrison, Executive Director 6850 SE 41st Ct., Ocala, FL 34480
(352) 732-7300 › www.MTRAocala.org › execdirector@mtraocala.org Mission: To provide therapeutic horseback riding and equine facilitated learning to individuals with physical, mental or emotional challenges. Vision: Alternative therapies through horses. PROGRAMS › Therapeutic riding, which provides benefits in health, education, sport, and recreation & leisure. Freedom Reins designed for military veterans, and Equine Experience for Foster Children and At Risk Youth; both programs are equine assisted learning with the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of these individuals. IMPACT › The addition of the Sozo kids has brought children in from the Ocala National Forest to the Equine Experience program which, through equine facilitated learning, they have accomplished self worth, communication skills, social skills and an ability to see a bigger world. These skills can carry forward to help them socially, to find employment, and work toward breaking the chain of poverty.
Michelle-O-Gram, Inc Sherry Roberts, Executive Director 21765 SW 106th Lane Rd., Dunnellon, FL 34431
(352) 469-6006 › www.michelleogram.com › sherryandterry@gmail.com Mission: The Michelle-O-Gram exists to provide breast diagnostic services for the uninsured and underinsured women and men in our community. Vision: The vision of the Michelle-O-Gram is to serve our local community with a variety of breast exams in hope of identifying issues while they are still treatable and curable. PROGRAMS › 1. Screening mammograms to establish base levels and/or identify issues requiring more definitive answers. 2. Diagnostic mammograms w/ultrasound to identify potentially malignant areas. 3. Biopsy, if an area of concern has been identified, then actual tissue samples must be sent for cell identification. Tissue samples that identify a malignancy allow the client, along with their physician, to determine how to proceed with treatment options. A biopsy is necessary to obtain a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and the first step to starting treatment, schedul-
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ing surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. That is our goal! IMPACT › Local organizations, Heart of Florida, Health Department Women’s Clinic & Langley no longer provide breast imaging services & refer clients daily. Referrrals come from physicians’ offices, individual self-referrals, and from imaging facilities when a client cannot afford a large deductible. Free clinics such as Hope Clinic, 3 Angels & Deliverance also refer their clients to us. We want to identify the cancer, and get it treated before a patient presents in the ER with stage 4 breast cancer and little or no hope.
NAMI Marion County John Podkomorski, Executive Director P.O. Box 5753, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 368-2405 › www.namiocala.org › executivedirector@namiocala.org Mission: Dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Vision: In our envisioned future, mental illness will no longer thwart a person’s fulfillment of his or her potential. With early pinpoint diagnoses, interventions, and targeted medications and services there is no pervasive disability. Ultimately, we envision a day when prevention or a cure is found. PROGRAMS › NAMI Family-to-Family (F2F) is a class for families, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. F2F facilitates a better understanding of mental health conditions, increases coping skills, and empowers participants to become advocates for their family members. 2. Peer-to-Peer Education: NAMI Peer-to-Peer (P2P) is a class for adults with mental health conditions. The course is designed to encourage growth, healing, and recovery among participants. 3. Support Groups and NAMI CONNECTION: NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for family members, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Groups meet weekly, every other week, or monthly. IMPACT › The Ora Clubhouse was created. The Ora Clubhouse is a local community center that provides its members with the opportunity to build long-term relationships and reintegrate themselves within the community by supporting their efforts in obtaining employment, education, and housing.
Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation Jim Evans, President P.O. Box 801, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 854-6715 › www.ocalalionsclub.org › audhall033@gmail.com Mission: We serve our community and beyond by empowering club members to volunteer to meet humanitarian needs and improve our community. Vision: To increase the level of fund raising in order to serve the needs of families and individuals in our community. PROGRAMS › Golf Tournament held the first Saturday in December enables us to have a Silent Santa Program for hundreds of kids in the Marion County area with food, toys, and clothing. White Cane Days are held in May and October to receive donations for eye exams, eyeglasses, and eye surgeries including cataracts. Kid Sight is where we screen preschool children from 6 months to the age of 6 for the condition “Lazy Eye.” If found early it can be corrected with eyeglasses or eye surgery. IMPACT › Our Silent Santa Program serves several hundred children and their families, who would not know what Christmas is all about, with food, clothing, and toys. We have seen tears of joy when these children receive these gifts, and that is worth a million bucks.
Human Services Phoenix Programs of Florida, Inc.
Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc.
Maria Alvarez, Executive Director
Frank Sofia, CEO
510 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. 301, Brandon, FL 33511
2800 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala, FL 34471
(813) 538-2297 › www.phoenixfl.org › MAlvarez@phoenixfl.org
(352) 387-2210 › www.mcarc.com › fsofia@mcarc.com
Mission: We are passionate about healing individuals, families, and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions. Vision: Phoenix House Florida provides individualized, holistic drug and alcohol addiction treatment, with a legacy spanning nearly 30 years. PROGRAMS › With short-term and long-term care options, we treat those struggling with addiction wherever they need to be – at home or a treatment facility. IMPACT › In FY18-19, we served over 1,500 patients. However, in FY19-20 we are on track to serve well over 1,800 patients who are striving to overcome their opioid and/ or substance use disorder(s).
Mission: Our mission is to create opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and play to the fullest of their capabilities in Marion County. Vision: Our vision is to foster Marion County, as a model community, to embrace persons with disabilities and to help them support their dreams. PROGRAMS › Life Skills Development/Adult Day Training (ADT): a meaningful day program, including employment through contracted work with manufacturers in the community, training in the activities of daily living, adaptive skills and social skills; Residential Habilitation/Group Homes: provide supervision and specific training activities that assist the recipient to acquire, maintain or improve skills related to activities of daily living; Community Services/Supported Employment-Supported Living Services: an integrated community work setting where waiver recipients and persons without disabilities are employed to perform the same or similar work tasks. IMPACT › Satisfaction surveys continue to confirm that our staff is the best and our clients are receiving great support; third party Qlarant audits and Agency for Persons with Disabilities inspections rate us high in all areas.
The Centers 5664 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 291-5555 › www.thecenters.us Mission: Strengthen lives with compassionate healing. Vision: Exceptional people delivering innovative solutions to create healthier communities. PROGRAMS › 1. Adult Crisis Stabilization - Our 24 bed Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit is available for adults experiencing a mental health emergency and in need of inpatient care. Clients receive compassionate treatment provided by a team of highly trained professionals including psychiatrists, nurses, mental health technicians, social workers, and an activities therapist. 2. Addie Rawls Recovery Center - Our long-term residential program for adults is dedicated to providing holistic care to those seeking addiction recovery. Clients receive individualized care focusing on healing the underlying issues of addiction, gaining the tools needed to live a substance free life, establishing a healthy support system, and practical preparation for their future. 3. Child Welfare-Case Management - The Centers provides protective supervision services to children and their families regarding issues of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation by the child’s parent or guardian. In addition, The Centers provides emergency intervention therapy to individuals and families whose children are at risk of removal. IMPACT › In 2019, The Centers impacted the lives of approximately 14,611 people.
Three Angels Clinic, Inc. Kevin Barrett, PhD, CRT, Executive Director 4817 NE 2nd Loop. Bldg. B, Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 509-6350 › www.threeangelsclinic.org › patientcare@threeangelsclinic.org Mission: Our mission is to provide medical, spiritual, and social support to “eligible” uninsured and working poor residents, who live within the borders of our city and county. We value each and every patient. Vision: Three Angels Clinic provides primary care/ambulatory care/non-emergency care to “eligible” residents having no medical insurance. PROGRAMS › 1. Primary medical care. 2. Limited social service support. 3. Spiritual support/spiritual counseling. IMPACT › 1. Countless success stories of patients no longer visiting hospital emergency rooms for basic medical services that can be provided in a medical office setting. 2. Managing chronic illnesses such as blood pressures and blood sugar medical issues and other instances, have been our common success stories. 3. Successfully helping patients to transition into various State insurance plans.
Amazing Foundation, Inc. Danialle Riggins, Executive Director 211 NW 3rd St.,Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 502-0704 › www.amazing-foundation.com › danialle@amazing-foundation.com Mission: Amazing Foundation Inc., is that helping hand to place and keep families in their homes and fed. Vision: Our organization strengthens the community through its focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. PROGRAMS › The activities and purpose are to award scholarships, funding, and grants to worthy students for the pursuit of higher education, to provide assistance with housing/utilities needs, contribute and volunteer in feeding the homeless, and to support local community programs that mirror our goals. IMPACT › During the last year, we have commenced our community program that supports community organized summer food/meals programs that occur two days per week. The Amazing Feed Success program with a small group of students and adult volunteers provided over 550 meals during the 2019 summer break. With major improvements ‘Amazing’ provided over 1000 cold and hot meals to children and their families.
Arnette House Cheri Pettitt, CEO 2310 NE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 622-6135 › www.arnettehouse.org › cpettitt@arnettehouse.org Mission: Arnette House, Inc.’s mission is to provide safe and effective programs to strengthen youth and families. Vision: Arnette House objectives are to keep families together, strengthen the family unit, and provide programs for prevention and early intervention at the “front end” of the Juvenile Justice System.
PROGRAMS › Emergency Youth Shelter: opened 24/7 for children ages 10 to 17 who are homeless, runaways, locked out, truant, or experiencing parent/ child conflict. We have a Girl’s Group Home and Boy’s Group Home for hard to place teens ages 13 to 17 years old. We provide non-residential counseling for youth ages 6 to 17 in schools and at home. IMPACT › Through all of our programs in 2020, we served over 600 struggling families, 540 at risk youth, and 10 foster kids. Our second year of the SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) program was very successful, helping kids with aggressive, antisocial behaviors. And, this past year in our vocational program, funded by the Sexauer Foundation, the kids built a mini-camper that was raffled off March 2020. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 21
Human Services Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Keith Carson, President, CEO 2775 NW 49 th Avenue, Suite 205-504, Ocala, FL 34482
year – including holidays, Christmas and Easter. 3. Thrift Store: We sell used clothing and furniture to help support our ministry. IMPACT › In 2019 we served over 86,000 free meals at our Soup Kitchen.
(561) 509-5776 › www.BelieveInSanta.com › keith@believeinsanta.com
Childhood Development Services, Inc.
Mission: Dedicated to serving all children in need regardless of race, creed, color, or sexual orientation. Vision: We provide visits to children in need, all year round, from Santa Claus who spends quality time with each child, poses for photos, and delivers gifts.
Luzonia Waters, Executive Director
PROGRAMS › 1. Hospital visits - Santa Claus visits hospitalized children throughout the year bringing love, hope, and joy to each child through quality time, positive interaction, posing for photos, and handing out presents. 2. Toy drives - Through our established toy drives, we are able to not only distribute toys and gifts to children visited by Santa Claus, but we’re also able to support other organizations in their efforts to help children in need. 3. Disaster relief - Following disasters such as hurricanes and fires which destroy people’s homes and belongings, Santa visits shelters and other locations to bring smiles to the faces of children when they need it the most. IMPACT › Since our inception where we helped approximately 20 people that first year, we have grown into an organization that now helps thousands of people each year, a number we have seen grow steadily year after year.
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County April Savarese, CEO 800 SW 12th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 690-7440 › ww.bgcofmarion.com › asavarese@bgcofmarion.com Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Vision: To provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment for youth when not in school, with a focus on academic success, health & wellness, and character & leadership. PROGRAMS Summer Brain Gains - Fun, themed activities that are aligned with common core anchor standards. Youth engage in a process of learning through discovery, creative expression, group work, and a final project or production. As a result, kids develop higher-order thinking skills through the Summer Brain Gain modules while staying on track for the coming school year. Triple Play - A proven health and wellness program promoting the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition through the program’s three components: mind, body, and soul. SMART Moves - discussion and role-playing, practicing decision making in order to promote abstinence from substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement through the practice of responsible behavior. IMPACT The programs at Boys & Girls Club are critical to many of the youth of our community. With positive role models invested in the success of our members, we are creating great futures.
Brother’s Keeper Jason Halstead, Executive Director 320 NW 10th St., Ocala, FL 34475
1515 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ste. 119-1, Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-0055 › www.discovercds.org › lwaters@cdsi.org Mission: To continually improve the quality of life for children and families by partnering with the community. Vision: To Strengthen Families and Nurture Children. PROGRAMS › 1. USDA Food Program - provides free well-balanced meals to children in family child care homes and centers licensed by federal, state, or local licensing authorities. 2. State Mandated Training and Other Training - provides educational training for caregivers such as the mandatory 40 hours training, working with special needs children, and obtaining their Childhood Development Accreditation. 3. Healthy Families - is a home visiting program for expectant parents and parents of newborns who are experiencing stressful life situations. The program works to improve childhood outcomes and increase family self-sufficiency. IMPACT › CDS ensured children birth to 5 years of age enrolled in local early child care education programs (child care centers and homes) received nutritional meals while in care. Over 1,970,645 meals were served to children in poverty.
Covenant Children’s Home Otto Habedank, Executive Director 11350 N Covenant Path, Ste. 100, Dunnellon, FL 34434
(352) 489-2565 › www.covenantchildrenshome.org › ken@covenantchildrenshome.org Mission: Covenant Children’s Home exists to provide children a home where a Christ centered environment promotes hope, healing, and a brighter future in the lives of children. Vision: Our vision is to break the generational cycle of abuse, neglect, and failure, and to nurture purposeful living in children who have experienced the tragic impact of broken families and shattered lives. PROGRAMS › 1. Education – The majority of the children who come into the care of Covenant Children’s Home are one to two years below grade level. The goal of our education program is help children to come up to or exceed grade level. 2. Life Skills – As with the Pro-Social Skills, most of the children in our care do not know basic life skills. The goal of our Life Skills program is to teach each child, (age appropriate) skills we all use in daily life. For many of these children basic hygiene or having clean clothes is a new concept. 3. Transitional Living – One of the most important programs we can offer is transitional living for our older youth. So many young adults age out of the foster care system with little to no knowledge of how to take the next steps. IMPACT › Hope had been badly abused though she was nine years of age. When young Hope arrived at CCH she would hide at every opportunity. She had learned that when adults saw her, bad things happened. So, she hid. Within a few days, she found out that at CCH she was both safe and loved. A beautiful little girl, scared and always hiding is blossoming into a girl who understands both God’s love and the love of the wonderful house parents at CCH.
Creative Services, Inc. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center Dr. Judy Wilson, Executive Director
(352) 622-3846 › www.bkocala.org › jason@bkocala.org
P.O. Box 2193, Ocala, FL 34478
Mission: Brother’s Keeper is the charitable outreach arm of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and is committed to assisting the poor and needy without regard to race, creed, or ethnic origin. Vision: “Do the good that presents itself to be done.” – St. Vincent DePaul. PROGRAMS › 1. Emergency Services: We provide food/personal items, furniture, clothing, utility assistance, rental assistance, medications, and gas cards. 2. Soup Kitchen: We serve a lunch meal from 12:00 to 1:00pm every day of the
Mission: Creative Services, Inc. aids, comforts, and empowers victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Vision: The vision of CSI is a community that has eliminated domestic violence and sexual assault through social change. PROGRAMS › 24 hour hotline. Domestic Violence Shelter and Guiding Hearts Domestic Violence Counseling. Rape Crisis Center. IMPACT › Secured, safe, and affordable housing for DV victims, upon their departure from the shelter.
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(352) 351-4009 › www.ocaladvshelter.org › csi.inc@ocalacsi.com
Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Anissa Pieriboni, President/CEO 1411 NE 22nd Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 873-4700 › www.flblind.org › apieriboni@flbllind.org Mission: Florida Center for the Blind’s (FCB) mission is to provide hope, confidence, and independence in individuals with visual impairments, and to educate the community about preventing vision loss. Vision: Our vision is to light the pathway to independence for people who are visually impaired. PROGRAMS › Youth programs: ages 0-5 - early intervention, vision screenings, and school preparation; ages 6-13 - adaptation and integration into school settings including braille, safe travel skills, assistive technology, skills for independence, and resources. Vocational rehabilitation: ages 14 and up - intensive training including assistive technology, self advocacy, independent living skills (home and financial management), safety, and advanced travel skills. Independent Living: ages 19 and up - skills necessary to remain independent in their homes. IMPACT › For the last several years, we have had 100% college enrollment of our graduating high school seniors. We have been selected to provide post-surgical assessment services to evaluate the effectiveness of the new Argus retinal implants. We continue to provide assistance with graduate/post graduate research through the University of Florida regarding the use of driverless vehicles and associated technological advances as it relates to individuals who are visually impaired.
books & storytelling, Gentle Carousel promotes library participations and reading skills. With the service of highly trained miniature therapy horses, children are informed of the library’s many available services. Veterans and Senior Homes – These are special moments of storytelling and highlights of the residents’ lives. Residents feel free to share their most vivid memories and accomplishments. IMPACT › Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses travel thousands of miles each year. We were able to purchase a custom horse van that revolutionized the charity, providing a high level of safety and comfort for the horses. The therapy horses are now able to safely unload in front of the hospitals, libraries, schools, veteran homes, and hospice programs where they serve. This has been a 10-year goal of the Gentle Carousel team.
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. David Layman, President/CEO 1321 SE 25th Loop, Ste. 103, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-4663 › www.habitatocala.org › dllayman@msn.com
Mission: Empowering our youth through community activities to promote better citizens in the communities in which we serve. Vision: By giving our youth activities that they enjoy doing, we are a preventative service to keep our children out of the judicial system. PROGRAMS › Marion County Fair: A once a year activity, which encourages our community to not only enjoy agricultural activities, but to learn different aspects of plants, animals, and social activities. Our youth work very hard and this year we have the goal of fundraising to purchase land as Marion County does not have Fair Grounds. After School Programs: One of our favorite activities is to build our Christmas Parade Float. The kids learn how to measure, paint, and build our float. We pride ourselves on using recycled items. Community Services: We host a Free Easter Egg Hunt, Free Clothing for those in need, Free Pop Up Toy Store with our Shopping-for-a-Sibling program, and we volunteer to help other nonprofits in our community. IMPACT › We started in 2012 and two of the kids that started our program, now sit on our board of directors as adults. We have had several of the kids that we helped as children, now grown, come and volunteer with us as adults. We feel it is a real success when the kids remember us growing up and give back to us as adults.
Mission: Putting God’s love into action in Marion County by strengthening communities, building hope and providing dignified housing solutions through partnership, and empowerment. Vision: Habitat for Humanity believes everyone deserves a decent place to live and to call Home. Our goal is to build a decent, affordable home for qualifying families who are currently living in inadequate conditions. We must put shelter on the hearts and minds of people in such a powerful way that poverty, housing, and homelessness become socially, religiously, and politically unacceptable as Home is the key to a brighter future. PROGRAMS › Homeownership: Providing affordable mortgages to qualifying low-income families who invest 500+ sweat equity hours. These hours include, construction on new homes, homeownership classes, working in our ReStore and assisting with fundraising events. Residential Builders: With the assistance of volunteers and limited paid staff, we construct new residential homes and rehabilitation of existing structures. Retail: Two locations. Ocala ReStores sells donated items to support paid employees and subsidize new construction. IMPACT › Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival generated enough revenue to construct one new home for a family in our community. We approved 18 families into the Habitat Homeownership Program in 2019.
Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses
Hands of Mercy Everywhere
Florida Kids-Helping-Kids Inc. Gerri Gerthe, President 3560 SE 137th Lane, Summerfield, FL 34491
(352) 347-0883 › www.florida-kids-helping-kids.com › floridakhk@gmail.com
Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, Executive Director
Diane Schofield, Founder/CEO
2775 NW 49th Ave, Ste 205, Ocala, FL 34482
6017 SE Robinson Rd., Belleview, FL 34420
(352) 226-9009 › www.gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com › minihorsetherapy@att.net
(352) 347-4663 › www.handsofmercyeverywhere.org › diane@handsofmercyeverywhere.org
Mission: Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses eases human suffering during times of natural emergencies, violence, traumatic events, medical challenges, and loss with the assistance of trained mini horses. Vision: No one should feel isolated during times of duress. Gentle Carousel is committed to meet the needs of our community through kindness and support by our team of volunteers and miniature therapy horses. PROGRAMS › Hospital Visitation – Working with medical staff to provide patients and their families encouraging visits and life enrichment moments promoting an attitude of “Wellness.” Reading Is Magic: Library & School Presentations – Through
Mission: To provide a Christian based residential group home for teenage girls, and pregnant or parenting teens in the foster care system. Vision: We work to provide our teens with resources as in: education, parenting, life skills, career, and counseling using evidence based programs and support as we transition them into adulthood. PROGRAMS › Florida Coalition for Children Annual Conference - Exhibitors and Participation. Dependency Summit Annual Conference - Exhibitors and Participation. St. Timothy’s Church Annual Holiday Concert. IMPACT › We are proud to have the construction and renovation completed of our new Grace House. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 23
Human Services Helping Hands
Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc.
Brad Dinkins, Executive Director
Mindy Morrow, Executive Director
101 NE 16th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
12680 N US Hwy. 441, Citra, FL 32113
(352) 547-4212 › www.helpinghandsocala.org › bradd@bradfordhomesocala.com
(561) 441-6275 › horsesnheroes@icloud.com › mindyhorsesnheroes@icloud.com
Mission: To help homeless people in need “build a new and better life” by the grace of God. Vision: Helping Hands is a Christian ministry that offers transitional housing, and other forms of assistance, to help those in need transform their lives. PROGRAMS › Affordable and Transitional Housing - Thanks to our supporters, we are able to provide affordable fully furnished housing with low cost living expenses to those trying to overcome the habits, cost, and pain that things like addiction, abuse, incarceration, and other hardships bring. Instruction, Counsel, and Accountability - Helping Hands provides loving Biblical instruction, direct counseling, and personal accountability to help our residents see their value and change their lives from the inside out. Jobs, Health, & Food - Through partnerships and associations we are able assist our residents in securing jobs and receiving dental and medical healthcare, while also providing from our “pantry,” food, paper products, and other home supplies. IMPACT › In 2019 we were able to provide help to 77 residents, mostly women and children, to come off the streets and out of difficult situations. At year end most of our residents were employed at such places as Fidelity Manufacturing, Hobby Lobby, Outback, McLane, and our own Thrift Store. We have also recently had the joy of seeing former residents prosper, secure their own home, and become happily married. Here is a link to video testimonies: https://www. helpinghandsocala.org/about-us/testimonials
Mission: To provide an equine learning and mentoring experience for girls that live at the poverty level. Horses N Heroes is about bringing horses and girls together. Vision: Horses N Heroes partners at risk girls with retired Show-horses. The girls bond and find safety and comfort in the horses while building self-esteem, confidence, and learning about responsibility. PROGRAMS A mentoring program that helps build self-esteem and confidence while the girls learn about responsibility, teamwork, empathy, and leadership. A horsemanship program where the girls learn how to ride, groom, feed, and care for the horses, which benefits their emotional well-being. Horses N Heroes is a lifeline for the girls as well as the horses. Although the odds seem stacked against these girls, this program provides an exceptional life-changing experience for them. One hundred percent of the girls who have completed the program graduate high school, many of them at the top of their class. Over 95% of the girls have gone on to college and graduated with a traditional four year degree or a technical degree. Several of the girls serve in the military. IMPACT Horses N Heroes had three college graduates in 2019. One working in law-enforcement with a degree in Strategic Intelligence and two are registered nurses. All three of the girls spent many years in our program, and all three graduated at the top of their class.
His House for Her, Inc. Renee Arnett, Executive Director 3937 SE 39th Circle, Ocala, FL 34480
(352) 895-5037 › www.hishouseforher.org › renee@hishouseforher.org Mission: Our mission is to share the love of Jesus by providing trauma-informed practices in a supportive housing environment to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of at-risk women in recovery. Vision: Our vision is emotionally and spiritually healthy women who are self-sufficient. PROGRAMS › His House for Her is a recently formed organization with a mission to provide temporary, supportive housing for at-risk women in recovery. Our program provides: 1. Safe, clean housing, healthy meal planning and preparation, and transportation to outpatient programs and employment. 2. Curriculum that will promote healing, define healthy boundaries, and teach proper self-care for living independently and free from substance abuse and misuse. 3. Christ-centered studies and events that will nurture the spirit, build resilience, and teach how to persevere when life gets tough. IMPACT › We are a new organization, looking forward to great success in our future.
Hope Outreach Help Center Rose Vidal, Executive Director 18350 N US Hwy. 301, Citra, FL 32113
(352) 575-0789 › www.hopeoutreachhelpcenter.com › rosev@rosevidal.com Mission: Empowering the families in North Marion County with education, material needs, and emotional support to gain stability and self-worth. We are working to help those individuals who want a better life. Vision: My vision is to have a one stop center that can provide help to all the community in every area of need. Including, bring agencies from Ocala here that would help the locals that don’t have transportation. PROGRAMS › We are basically a community center where everyone comes for help, whatever help they need - food, clothing, food stamps, help with bills, forms, faxing - anything they need help with, we can help. We refer to other agencies when we are not able to help. IMPACT › Clients changed their financial situation and no longer need help, and one client quit drinking and helps us now.
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Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Karla Grimsley, CEO 435 NW 2nd St., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 629-8868 › www.iesmarion.org › karla@iesmarion.org Mission: Interfaith Emergency Services is a community of faith, called by God to offer emergency assistance without judgment to all persons in Marion County. Vision: Interfaith improves quality of life by providing food, clothing, shelter, medications, and other necessities to people in need. PROGRAMS 1. Grocery Assistance - Interfaith offers groceries to those in need through six local pantries in Marion County and operates a backpack feeding program called Food-4-Kids which feeds as many as 1,900 school-age children over the weekends. 2. Sheltering Programs - Interfaith provides safe shelter to women, children, and families experiencing homelessness and operates a permanent supportive housing program for mentally handicapped women who were previously homeless. 3. Prescription Medication Program - Interfaith assists those of low-income without health insurance by purchasing their prescribed medications for them. IMPACT During the COVID19 crisis, Interfaith operated a “drivethrough” food distribution, daily, and helped thousands of people who had lost employment due to the virus; approximately 10,000 were served in May 2020.
Kids Central, Inc. John Cooper, CEO 901 Industrial Dr., Ste. 200, Wildwood, FL 34785
(352) 873-6332 › www.kidscentralinc.org › john.cooper@kidscentralinc.org Mission: Kids Central’s mission is Protecting Children, Supporting Families, and Engaging Communities. Vision: To be the most effective and recognizable lead agency for community-based care, providing child-centered practices that strengthen families to help create, support, and maintain a safe environment. PROGRAMS › Protecting Children: child abuse prevention programming, diversion services, and case management coordination; Independent Living: to help young adults exiting foster care transition to adulthood. Supporting Families through case management coordination and diversion support services, working to keep families together and striving to bring them back together safely. Kinship Care Support: support for relatives raising relative children. Recruit, train and license foster homes. Adoption services provided to find permanent living arrangements for children after judicial involvement; Engaging Communities: assess gaps in available services, evaluate needs of the community and harness its strengths. IMPACT › Served over 18,000 children in prevention services; recruited 100+ foster homes; raised over $75,000 to help support our children in care.
Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection Dawn Westgate, MNM, Executive Director 2800 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 873-4739 › www.kimberlyscenter.org › dawn@kimberlyscenter.org Mission: Kimberly’s Center responds to, protects, and restores children so they can get the help, hope, and healing they need. Vision: Our vision is to reduce the trauma of child abuse and neglect by providing child centered investigations, advocacy, counseling, and education on the path to eliminating child abuse. PROGRAMS › Trauma therapy and advocacy program helps child victims and their non-offending families/caretakers heal after a trauma of child abuse through individual counseling, crisis support, and case management services. Child Protection Team provides expertise in evaluating alleged maltreatment of child abuse and neglect, assessing risk factors, and providing recommendations for interventions, completing medical examinations, and forensic and specialized interviews to assist in law enforcement and/or DCF investigations. Prevention program educates children on ways to prevent, recognize, and respond to all types of child abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, and digital dangers. Adults are also educated on the actions they can take to keep children safe. IMPACT › Kimberly’s Center launched a Prevention program to help children stay safe, and to teach adults practical ways to keep children safe. The Child Safety Matters curriculum is delivered in public school classrooms and teaches children about many topics such as child abuse, bullying, and digital dangers. Before schools were shut down due to the pandemic, over 3,000 students were reached. Adults are trained through the Darkness to Light curriculum. All of the trainings are offered at no charge.
Kingdom Goals Corporation Gary Saintfleur, Executive Director 3035 SE Maricamp Rd. Ste. 104-223, Ocala, FL 34471
(301) 803-8296 › www.kingdomgoals.org › contact@kingdomgoals.org Mission: We are a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit who uses Education, Soccer and Community Outreach to empower youth. Vision: Kingdom Goals empowers youth in the U.S and around the Globe. Kingdom Goals hosts youth soccer programs and has created & operates an elementary school in Haiti to bridge the gap between poverty & education. PROGRAMS › Soccer program - Kingdom Goals Youth Recreation Soccer Program for children ages 4-12. We use soccer as a youth empowerment tool
to impact Marion County & underprivileged communities in Haiti. Soccer keeps our youth active, teaches team work and builds leadership skills all while fighting childhood obesity. Education program - Offering educational workshops on health, sports and leadership in our Ocala community. Kingdom Goals Christian Academy - Elementary school in Port de Paix, Haiti changing the lives of children whose parents cannot afford to send their children to school. Community Outreach - Offering basic resources to the community by partnering with other organizations that can offer support. Hosting food, clothing, and sport drives. IMPACT › Kingdom Goals is proud to announce we have served hundreds of local residents by keeping youth active and fighting childhood obesity through our youth recreational soccer program. Eleven Marion County residents including Dr. Patricia McEachrane-Gross traveled with Kingdom Goals to Haiti to host Health clinics, Vacation Bible School, and outreach to poverty-stricken communities.
Kut Different, Inc. Jamie Gilmore, Executive Director 640 NW 68 Pl., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 497-6752 › Coltrb1@gmail.com Mission: To create programs committed to empowering male students to succeed in the classroom and beyond through exposure, leadership training, mentorship, and the principles gained through involvement in athletics. Vision: To inform, educate, motivate, and expose young men to a successful pathway of academics and athletics. Creating a stronger and more vibrant community. PROGRAMS › Diamond Kut Program: GPS Training: Goal setting, Positive reinforcement, Self-Assessing, Trust-building; Exposure - Building Credit Score: Character development, Establishing credibility, Building relationships, Accountability, Respect; Activate Your Greatness: Execution, Consistency, W.I.N. (What’s Important Now). Kut Mentality (Student-athletes) Speaking engagements focusing on having the right mindset. Presentations on what it takes to succeed in sports. College Transition Program - Create a support system for participants in first year of college. Program includes weekly check-ins via phone, monthly zoom calls, and group outings during breaks from school. IMPACT › We have not completed a full year as an organization, but we are so excited to be on this journey and look forward to making impact/outcome success.
Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Dana Parker, Executive Director 15797 S Hwy 441, Summerfield, FL 34491
(352) 245-8774 › www.loveinchof.org › dparker@loveincheartofflorida.org Mission: Our mission is to mobilize local Christian churches to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ. Vision: To see Christian churches united in purpose and fully engaged in actively living out their faith by lovingly serving their neighbors in need. PROGRAMS Clearinghouse: Call center staffed with Christian volunteers, actively listening to their stories, building relationships, verifying, clarifying, brainstorming, meeting needs, and getting to the root cause. Gap Ministries: Meeting unmet community needs through 19 ministries - Birthday Box, Free Medical Equipment Loan, and Furniture to name a few (no duplication of community services). Transformational Ministry: Life Skills training - 2 nights per week - long-term success. IMPACT Transformational Ministry - 1 out of 4 families who engage with Love In the Name of Christ move from dependency to self-sufficiency - 97% feel more hope - 183 are working their way out of poverty. Furniture Ministry - 102 children no longer sleep on the floor. Transportation Ministry - 34 families are able to get to work and medical appointments. The Rock - 8,500+ middle & high schoolers focused on learning instead of hunger. Birthday Box Ministry - 57 kids celebrated their Birthday for the first time. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 25
Human Services Marion County Children’s Alliance
New Direction Reentry Center of Marion Inc.
Beth McCall, Executive Director
Laresa Scott, Executive Director
3482 NW 10th St., Ocala, FL 34475
5100 West Hwy 40, Ste. 1100, Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 438-5990 › www.mcchildrensalliance.org › executivedirector@mcchildrensalliance.org
(352) 509-7344 › www.newdirectionreentry.org › ndirection2018@gmail.com
Mission: To improve the lives of Marion County’s children. Vision: A voice for children by providing communication, collaboration, and coordination among agencies and individuals who work with children and youth. PROGRAMS › CCASA (Community Council Against Substance Abuse) - Working together to reduce the impact of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs on youth. Family Violence Prevention Workgroup - The goal is to end family violence in Marion County by coordinating community resources and services to assist families in crisis. S.K.I.P. (Supporting Kids Involving Parents) - The goal is to create opportunities for engagement with youth’s families, increase youth’s capacity to excel academically, and provide youth mentoring as a tool for navigating everyday life. IMPACT › 100 youth mentored and/or tutored through the S.K.I.P. program. Provided emergency services to 169 families through the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup. Provided holiday assistance to 437 children. Established the Substance Exposed Newborn Taskforce. Through the Safe Kids Initiative provided 71 car seats to families and did 200 car seat checks for proper installation.
Marion Senior Services Jennifer Martinez, Executive Director 1101 SW 20th Ct., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 620-3501 › www.marionseniorservices.org › jmartinez@marionseniorservices.org Mission: Assisting the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged residents of Marion County and their families with dignity, respect, and compassion to maintain their independent living status. Vision: Working collaboratively with our partners to help provide a safe nurturing environment that empowers all that we serve toward well-lived lives and maintaining independence. PROGRAMS Nutrition: Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels); Warm Meals Warm Hearts (restaurant-prepared, home-delivered meals); congregate dining (multiple locations providing meals in an atmosphere conducive to senior socialization), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (monthly grocery/food package distribution). Transportation: Marion Transit provides public transportation services to all people in Marion County, with the aim being to maximize usage by those that are transportation-disadvantaged. In-home Support: Assists eligible, functionally-impaired elderly persons age 60 and over in living dignified and reasonably independent lives in their own homes or in the homes of relatives or “caregivers” through a variety of services. IMPACT In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we debuted “Warm Meals Warm Hearts” (WMWH), a federally-funded program aimed at improving the nutritional status of and food reassurance for those age 60 and older. WMWH is a partnership between MSS and local restaurants/food vendors. The program provides a restaurant-cookedand-packaged meal delivered right to more than 350 clients’ homes on a select day each week.
26 › NonProfit Business Council
Mission: Our mission is to not only provide for our clients’ physical needs, but to help them build long-term sustainability through empowerment, coaching, mentoring, and on going support. Vision: We provide a wide range of services to female ex-offenders to help their transition back into their families, communities, and lives before incarceration. Our ultimate goal is to build sustainable life. PROGRAMS › Employment Readiness – Assist with gaining employment, dress for success, completing job applications, resumes, etc. GED Prep Education – Each individual will be pre/post tested in various academic as well as non-academic areas, free GED study guides and access to computers to complete online exams. Life Skills – Conflict resolution, anger management, interpersonal skills, and soft skills development, etc. IMPACT › Our inaugural event was held in March 2020 that focused on empowering women and we had great attendance. We had 12 vendors, food, story and games for children, as the parents were involved with presentations from businesses, agencies, and ex-felons, and fun games. We are still being asked about the next one.
Ocala Housing Authority Dr. Gwendolyn Dawson, CEO 1629 NW 4th St., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 369-2636 › www.ocalahousing.org › gdawson@ocalahousing.org
Mission: We are committed to providing and expanding safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the most cost efficient manner to the residents of Marion County; and to provide economic opportunities and housing free from illegal discrimination; and to build better neighborhoods by providing comprehensive opportunities for our residents through partnerships and networking within our community. Vision: Provide affordable housing and economic opportunities to Marion County residents, promoting individual and family self-sufficiency. PROGRAMS 1. Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) - The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. 2. Public housing is a form of housing tenure in which the property is owned, managed and maintained by our local Public Housing agency. 3. Homeownership -The Ocala Housing Authority’s Home buyers club is designed to empower lower income families with the opportunity to purchase homes through credit rebuilding, housing counseling and financial wellness. IMPACT Nine families have been empowered from subsidized housing to home ownership.
Ocala On Top of The World Lions Club Charitable Foundation, Inc. Estelle Michelson, President P. O. Box 772733, Ocala, FL 34477
(352) 861-7358 › otowlion@gmail.com Mission: To empower volunteers to service our community, and meet humanitarian needs. Vision: To be a leader in our community, helping those who are unable to get necessary services: vision, hearing, food, and clothing, and by supporting our community. PROGRAMS › Children: Food, Clothing, Gifts for Christmas. Veterans: Vision, Hearing, Clothing and Food. Providing entities such as Arnette House, Domestic Violence, and Interfaith with needed items. IMPACT › Providing approximately 300 Children with Christmas Gifts and food.
Open Arms Village, Inc. Pamela McBride, Executive Director 1839 NE 8th Rd., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 304-6229 › www.openarmsvillageocala.org › oav.director@yahoo.com Mission: The mission of Open Arms Village is to combat homelessness with transitional housing for homeless men and supportive services to equip them to become independent, productive members of the community. Vision: To be recognized by the community as an organization that is making a difference within the homeless population, offering a program where men can rebuild their lives and feel that they have a chance. PROGRAMS › 1. Financial Literacy. 2. Building a Sober Support System. 3. Mental Health Counseling. IMPACT › Steven came to Open Arms after serving 20 years in prison, with no support outside that institution. He immersed himself in all we offered! Steven left Open Arms after 9 months of case management, counseling and group therapy and strong community support. He moved out with safe housing, sobriety, solid employment, a savings account, a car, all legal fines paid and renewed relationships with his family! He visits Open Arms regularly to visit staff and residents.
Outreach Autism Services Network Karen Vega, Executive Director 7634 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34476
(352) 462-0168 › www.oasn.info › kvega@oasn.info Mission: To facilitate the best outcomes for individuals with autism and related neuroimmune/neurodevelopmental disorders. Vision: Our mission will be accomplished by offering educational programs/services and referrals to the individuals, families & caregivers served. PROGRAMS › Our programs/services change depending on funding. Please visit our services page for a list of services at https://outreachautismservicesnetwork.com/our-services/ IMPACT › OaSN is the only nonprofit providing comprehensive autism services at no cost to the individuals, families, and caregivers we serve. During the quarantine, we were a guiding light to the families we serve through OaSN Zoom Support meetings held twice a week. Many of our staff have children with autism, so we have unique compassion and understanding from walking down the autism road with our own families.
Patriot Service Dogs Julie Sanderson, CEO and Cofounder 10545 SE 42nd Ct., Belleview, FL 34420
(352) 514-9903 › www.patriotservicedogs.org › julie@patriotservicedogs.org Mission: Patriot Service Dogs trains service dogs for veterans in need using the time and talent of women serving time. Vision: To educate the public about the rights of service dog trainers and teams, while focusing on giving disabled veterans back some of their independence lost while preserving ours. PROGRAMS › WOOF - our training program at Lowell CI. This is where our dogs are trained while at the same time providing a way for inmates to give back while serving their sentences. Weekend Raisers - Our dogs come out of prison every other weekend and live in a home environment to provide real life experience. Training Week - This is where our dogs are placed with their veteran and the veteran learns the commands to begin working as a team with the service dog. IMPACT › We became ADI candidates. ADI is the governing body for all service dog organizations worldwide. Our membership will begin after a site visit by ADI.
Pearl Project, Inc. Joy Zedler, Executive Director 625 NE 12th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 405-5005 › www.thepearlproject.org › joy@thepearlproject.org Mission: The Pearl Project nurtures children, strengthens families and shares hope through trauma-informed education and support. Vision: The Pearl Project’s vision is to create a trauma-informed Florida. PROGRAMS 1. Trauma-Informed Education: We host monthly Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Caregiver trainings at the Ocala Police Department. We lead Circle of Security Parenting trainings that empower caregivers to raise secure children. 2. Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Support: We host bi-monthly support groups for caregivers and a monthly support group for siblings of children with a history of trauma. Our Kid-2-Kid Closet is open for foster/adoptive/kinship families to get what they need for free. We lead children in nurture groups that teach relational and regulation skills. 3. Healing Homes- This program, funded by the United Way of Marion County, nurtures children, empowers parents, and restores hope and joy to struggling families. Caregivers of children with trauma receive 6 weeks of TrustBased Relational Intervention training, 6 weeks of Making Sense of Your Worth sessions and in-home TBRI Practitioner support. Families are led in TBRI Nurture Groups, to promote healing, social skills and self-regulation strategies. IMPACT We have shared hope and help to over 60 families in 2020. Here’s the story of one recently adoptive family who came to us nearly ready to give up: “In just short two months, we have seen a significant difference in our son. The meltdowns are much less frequent and shorter. We are also able to communicate now during the meltdowns (that was not possible before). He is doing amazing in school. His Guardian Ad Litem cannot believe how happy he is. His case worker has never seen him run and play.”
Project Hope of Marion County, Inc. April McDonald, Executive Director P.O. Box 5548,Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 624-4673 › www.projecthopeocala.org › april@projecthopeocala.org Mission: Responding to Christ’s Call, shepherding homeless families to self-sufficiency. Vision: Project Hope is a faith based 501(c)(3) that provides supportive and transitional housing to homeless women and children of Marion County. The goal of achieving self-sufficiency is met through individualized service provision and onsite case management. Participants in the program reside in fully furnished, two bedroom/ two bath units and have a place to call “home” while they work towards independence. PROGRAMS › Supportive, transitional, affordable housing: Residents are provided a two bedroom/two bathroom unit which is fully furnished upon move in. Residents and their families are provided onsite case management services and are linked to community providers - based on their individual needs. IMPACT › Expansion of additional units for housing program. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 27
Human Services Share The Love Ocala Tiffany Bagasan, Executive Director 33 Banyan Course, Ocala, FL 34472
(352) 426-8664 › www.sharetheloveocala.com › director@sharetheloveocala.com Mission: Create life changing moments for children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. Vision: Provide camps and mentoring programs to support and care for kids and teens in foster care in order to help provide hope, and help build their future. PROGRAMS › Royal Family Kids Camp - summer camp for ages 7-11 for kids in foster care. Teen Reach Adventure Camp - summer camp for ages 12-15 for teens in foster care. T.R.A.C. life – a year long mentoring program for teens who have attended Teen Reach Adventure Camp. IMPACT › Camp has resulted in adoptions, greater involvement in the lives of children/teens from hard places, supporting aging out campers who become homeless, volunteers who have become child advocates, and providing additional support for our campers and their families.
Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. Yolanda East, Executive Director 5930 SE Robinson Rd., Belleview, FL 34420
(352) 347-6575 › www.theshepherdslighthouse.org › yeast7306@aol.com Mission: Dedicated to helping people in need. Vision: Our greatest accomplishment is to help people navigate through life’s storms by rescuing, empowering, and renewing their lives. Lighting the way to become self-sufficient productive people in society. PROGRAMS › 1. Case management shelter for homeless mothers with children. This is up to 6-month program that houses mothers 21 years old and children infant to 9 years old. While in shelter the mothers are helped to become stable with focused life goals to ensure independent living outcome. 2. Supportive Housing solutions with our 6 one-bedroom affordable housing units. These housing units are rentals that give low income families a place to rent while they work on increasing their income and employment skills. 3. Community outreach programs are designed to help families in need with direction, funding for upfront housing costs, referrals to supportive educational programs, and helping to pull our community together. IMPACT › In 2019, we were able to bring our community leaders together to form a group that meets to talk about focused solutions for our community. This group is called B.A.S.S. (Belleview Area Social Service). It consists of church leaders, civic leaders, political leaders, social service agencies and business leaders. We are able to sponsor two events a year that provide much needed supplies for the homeless and low-income families in our area.
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Betty Gray, Executive Director 4246 W Hwy. 318, Citra, FL 32113
(352) 427-3569 › www.stirrupsnstrides.com › execdir@stirrupsnstrides.com Mission: To provide therapeutic horseback riding to anyone with physical, mental, and emotional challenges and to improve quality of life with the opportunity for growth through horsemanship and competition. Vision: To Empower, Enrich, and Inspire individuals of all ages through therapeutic horseback riding by overcoming challenges, building relationships, and providing a safe, fun opportunity for personal growth. PROGRAMS › 1. Our Therapeutic Riding programs help individuals with
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disabilities improve physical strength, coordination and balance. Riders gain confidence, increased self-esteem and enhanced attention span. Individuals also participate in horse shows and Special Olympics Events. 2. Our Stirrups ‘n Stripes Program is designed for active military and veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) often accompanied by physical and mental health issues. We provide a flexible equine therapy program to meet individual needs. 3. Our Equine Assisted Learning activities offer therapeutic riding and creative learning projects focused on life skills in a curriculum for young adults with disabilities and young children in a fun environment. IMPACT › Because of the successful outcomes with veterans from our Stirrups ‘n Stripes program, we have expanded our services offered to our military through our partnership with The Vines Hospital. We provide a flexible equine therapy and therapeutic riding program to facilitate bonding and relationship building between horse and participant, rebuild confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills and offer opportunity for accomplishment. We are providing on site services during COVID-19 restrictions.
Transitional Living of North Central FL d/b/a Center for Independent Living of North Central FL Tony Delisle, Ph.D., Executive Director 2760 SE 17th St. Ste. 300, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 368-3788 › www.cilncf.org › tdelisle@cilncf.org Mission: Our Mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their goals for independence. Vision: CILNCF is a disability resource center operated by people with disabilities. We deliver high quality programs and services that enhance quality of life and increase levels of personal independence. PROGRAMS › Wheelchair Ramp Building – We build Wheelchair Ramps for people who are without the financial resources to provide such home modifications themselves. We mobilize community groups and volunteers who provide the labor, and enlist a strategy of grant writing and solicitation of donations in order to purchase ramp materials. High School High Tech – This is a year-round program for youth with disabilities. HSHT provides the opportunities for students to explore jobs and postsecondary education, leading to technology-related careers. Employment Services – We offer Vocational Evaluations, Pre-Placement Training, Competitive Employment Services, Supported Employment, Self Advocacy training and On-The-Job Training for youth and adults. IMPACT › 99% of HSHT seniors graduated this past spring, and 90% of them have decided to pursue further education! HSHT continued providing services through virtual and individualized learning, ensuring all students still had the opportunities to explore various types of careers and educational opportunities. Additionally, our Coordinators were able to deliver much needed resources to our students, such as food, PPE, graduation gifts and certificates to celebrate this challenging school year.
Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. Lucy Johnson, Executive Director P.O. Box 236, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 877-8999 › www.tlcocala.org › Lucy@tlcocala.org Mission: Transitions Life Center is a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Vision: The vision of Transitions Life Center is to develop a living, vibrant campus with diverse programming to meet the needs of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. PROGRAMS › THRIVE ( Teamwork, Honor, Respect, Independence, Values, Education): A year round day program that provides activities and care for individuals over the age of 18. ENTERPRISES: A program to develop collective entrepreneurial opportunities and community connections for members who attend the THRIVE program. RECYCLABLES: A new program for THRIVE
member attendees wherein individuals get hands-on experience in breaking down computers and other technology equipment readying them for recycling. IMPACT › TLC has completed and now fully occupies the brand new Carmen and Carlos Pascual Community Center on our 22-acre campus. In the future, we will be developing services and new programs for our members. The next phase of our expansion will be the outdoor fitness and recreational area along with a covered pavilion and agricultural training center.
clients manage all aspects of this ministry allowing them to give back and be a part of something bigger than themselves. IMPACT › There are currently 28 families that are in housing because of their hard work and partnership with Wear Gloves.
United Way of Marion County
(352) 620-0477 › www.wildhorsemanshipcenter.com › Ccook.unlimited@yahoo.com
Scot Quintel, President & CEO 1401 NE 2nd St., Ocala, FL 34470
(342) 732-9696 › www.UWMC.org › squintel@uwmc.org Mission: Uniting local resources to help our neighbors. Vision: United Way of Marion County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every resident in Marion County. PROGRAMS › Strong Families is a financial stability initiative that enables families to build stronger financial futures through skill building and case management. Strong Families serves 90 families annually assisting them to reduce their debt, increase their credit, establish permanent housing, develop good financial habits, increase their household income and increase their education. ReadingPals is an early literacy initiative partnering with 19 Marion County Public Elementary Schools serving over 230 students annually. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a free tax preparation services program aimed at keeping hard-earned money in the pockets of our residents through certified tax preparers. VITA completes over 2,500 returns annually. IMPACT › United Way partnered with 23 agency programs, tackling the complex roots of conditions such as hunger, illiteracy, job readiness, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and the challenges of our senior population. These are the issues that have the greatest bearing on our county’s social well-being and economic health, and through these partnerships, we served over 101,578 individuals, children, seniors, and families in Marion County.
Voices for Children of North Central Florida, Inc.
Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC) Chris Cook, President & CEO 8705 NW 120th St., Reddick, FL 32686 Mission: Empower humans to build mutually rewarding horse-human relationships by using empathetic leadership techniques rooted in respect, awareness and encouragement, utilizing the power of the horse. Vision: Focused on improving the quality of the human-horse relationship through the education and training of both. Our methods are based in natural horsemanship, equine psychology and business leadership. PROGRAMS › Strategic Development Coaching - Business Coaching for nonprofit corporations. Funding, Client Services, Grant Writing, Staff Management/Empowerment. Horses Helping Humans- Staff training and problem solving clinics for therapeutic riding centers. International Education - Business Development Internationally in partnership with the US and South Korean governments. Focused on building careers for young people in the agricultural industry. IMPACT › Using WHC’s Strategic Development Coaching one of our local partners in Marion County unlocked State funding for their foster child program. The foster children will now receive additional State funding monthly to help break the cycle of abandonment in Marion County using our Empathetic Leadership curriculum. This program has already produced a 98% positive success rate with the foster students it has served. Now the program will be able to reach and help more children while growing revenue.
Xtreme SOULutions Pastor Blaine Whitt, Founder & President P.O. Box 5487, Ocala, FL 34478
Sue Carpenter, President
(352) 694-4888 › www.xtremesoulutions.org › blainew@xtremesoulutions.com
P.O. Box 4062, Ocala, FL 34478
Mission: SOULutions for 2nd Chances. Empowering people to create a future for themselves and their children, build a strong community with moral values, financial stability and hope for future generations. Vision: Creating a strong and healthy community for the residents of Marion County. Values: Servant Leadership, Integrity, Endurance, Dignity, Dedication & Accountability PROGRAMS 1. Vocational training in key employment areas: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Food Handler and Manager’s Certification, National Supply Chain Management CLA/CLT certifications; 2. Operation Launch (men aged 25+) & New Destiny (men 18-24) 3-year curriculum based program for successful reentry to society, specifically self-sufficiency, family unity, housing, transportation and vocational training; 3. Employment SOULutions partners with DOE Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to assist community members with Employment Readiness Training and job opportunities in Marion and surrounding counties. IMPACT The recidivism rate for those who have participated in Xtreme SOULutions and been released in the last three years is 11.2% - significantly lower than the 24.7% posted by the Florida Department of Corrections on their website. Over 350 men have completed the Phase 1 CDL coursework and taken the State exam in preparation for the practical training and licensing upon release. New in 2020 is the Supply Chain Management certification course.
(352) 484-0319 › www.voices4childrenfl.org › sue@voices4childrenfl.org Mission: To support critical physical and psychological needs of children who have a Guardian ad Litem assigned to them. Vision: Provide essential needs of children in State custody due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. PROGRAMS › Annual Auction & Dinner - largest fundraiser to develop awareness of our organization and raise funds to support our mission statement. Christmas - ensure each child is remembered during the holiday season and receives gifts. IMPACT › We have provided more than $30,000 in clothing, $18,000 for normalcy activities and provided Christmas gifts for more than 2,000 children.
Wear Gloves, Inc. Wendy Kebrdle, Executive Director 98 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 727-0239 › www.weargloves.org › wendy@weargloves.org Mission: The mission of Wear Gloves, Inc. is to Serve, Teach and Advocate for the marginalized in Ocala/Marion County, Florida. Vision: Allowing those in need to EARN what they need by offering job skills training to provide for their needs. A charitable solution that gives Dignity not Dependency. PROGRAMS › Dignity Center - local businesses outsource work to our facility where we offer workforce readiness training. Dignity Roasters - provide workforce readiness training including food handling training/certification. Church in the Garden -
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Public/Social Benefit 911 Cell Phone Bank
Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding
James Mosieur, Executive Director
Nira Colyn, Executive Director
6256 South Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
230 NE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
1-866-290-7864 › www.911cellphonebank.org › jmosieur@911cellphonebank.org
(352) 325-7761 › www.circleupcenter.org › ncolyn@gmail.com
Mission: To provide emergency communications to those in need who are unable to provide it for themselves. Vision: Our goal is to see that anyone who needs a source of emergency communication can be provided a cell phone suitable for that purpose. PROGRAMS › We have only one program – a year round drive to collect unused cell phones, as well as small electronics, from a wide variety of sources, both public and private, to ensure a steady supply of phones which can be used for distribution to our clients. We do emphasize drives when associated with such topics as domestic violence prevention, etc., when we would typically see an increase in the number of requests for units to distribute. IMPACT › In 2019, we distributed over 3,000 phones, and for the first time, we began distributing phones that were actually “live” so the phones could be used for actual talk/text, rather than usable for 911 only. This has been met with a great deal of excitement, particularly when working with shelters.
Mission: We teach practical skills for creating connection, building community, and transforming conflict. Vision: We envision communities where people are equipped to peacefully transform conflict.
Altrusa International Foundation of Ocala, Inc. Mary Cay Landt, Executive Director P.O. Box 4228, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 732-7020 › www.districtthree.altrusa.org/ocala › mclandt@landtlaw.com Mission: To improve our community by providing service, developing leadership, fostering understanding and encouraging fellowship through a network of volunteers. Vision: We strive to improve our community through leadership, partnership and service; focusing on literacy. PROGRAMS › Book Distributions - throughout the year we distribute books via Little Free Libraries, Tools 4 Teaching, and other events we sponsor. Grants and Scholarships - we provide funds for schools to implement new and innovative literacy programs and provide higher education scholarships to high school seniors and returning students. Eye Glasses to See - we work with a local eye doctor to provide glasses to school age children in need. IMPACT › In conjunction with the Early Learning Coalition, Success by 6 and Marion County Parks & Recreation, we completed our second Born Learning Trail at Liberty Park. It included a Little Free Library, that we continue to replenish. The trail provides parents/caregivers a fun and interactive way to increase the learning abilities of the community’s children.
Champions for Champions, Inc. Maria Roman, Founder 240 SE 17th Street, Ste C, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 585-9158 › www.championsforchampions.org › admin2017@championsforchampions.org Mission: The mission of Champion for Champions Inc., is to enrich the lives of individuals and their families with unique needs and abilities by facilitating and providing endless possibilities of programs and services. Vision: Our goal is to unite the community and create a space that addresses the access needs of all of the individuals that we serve, and be a convenient and accessible point of entry for our services. PROGRAMS › Toastmasters Gavel Club - Participation teaches public speaking, leadership skills and builds self-confidence. Music/Arts/Dance - We offer Music Therapy, choir program, dance and different forms of arts from painting to culinary arts. Champions Care - Giving back is part of our core values. Our Champions, volunteers and families support and participate in worthy causes sponsored by various community organizations that promote wealth and well being of our citizens. IMPACT › The major impacts - most testimonials we received from parents indicate - are their child’s transformation, the opportunity to develop their social skills, and gaining self-confidence. Since we started 4 years ago, from just Toastmasters to now, we have 8 different types of programs and services ranging from educational, social, recreational, and community involvement.
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PROGRAMS › Circle Up Live - We meet (currently via Zoom) the first and third Tuesdays at 6 p.m. We use this gathering to teach and practice peacebuilding skills such as Social Emotional Learning and Non-Violent Communication. Community Circles - We use Circle to encourage respectful and effective dialogues to transform conflict and find common ground. Seminar/Webinars - We provide seminars to introduce Social Emotional Learning, Communication Techniques, Trauma Informed Care, Resilience Training, and Restorative Practices. IMPACT › We recently provided a webinar on compassion and self-awareness. The focus of the webinar was to provide tools for navigating difficult conversations in person and on social media during this intense political climate and epidemic. The feedback was extremely positive. Many participants were able to increase their awareness on their own ability to control their response, and in so doing, create a better situation for conflict transformation.
Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County Lauren DeIorio, Executive Director 324 SE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 622-5020 › www.ocalafoundation.org › Lauren@ocalafoundation.org Mission: Our mission is to connect the charitable interest of the donor to build a stronger community. Vision: Build a Stronger Community... One Passion at a Time. PROGRAMS › 1. NonProfit Business Council - The mission of the NPBC is to promote the positive economic impact of nonprofits, to strengthen their capacity in areas of leadership, fundraising, board development, staff development & compliance, and provide collaboration and philanthropic education. 2. Estate Planning Council of Marion County - The EPCMC has served as a source of educational information and networking among estate planning professionals while promoting interdisciplinary communication and cooperation. 3. Nonprofit Resource CenterWe provide nonprofit technical assistance, professional development, capacity building tools, community partnership services, and grant services. IMPACT › The Foundation created partnerships with four founding partners of the Nonprofit Resource Center. Those partners are: The City, The County, The Marion County Hospital District, and AdventHealth.
FLIP FLOP Support Groups, Inc. Jacalyn Brown, Executive Director 1629 NW 4th St., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 361-1206 › www.flipflopsg1.com › flipflopsg1@yahoo.com Mission: FLIP FLOP Support Groups shall thrive in any community that has institutions of incarceration, to assist families by working to create an awareness on their behalf. Vision: Re-aligning the effects of incarceration on families and the formerly incarcerated. PROGRAMS › 1. Monthly support group meetings. 2. Angel Tree Network. 3. Referrals and services for the returning citizens. IMPACT › Collection of gifts for 75 children of incarcerated individuals.
Foundation for CEP Kevin Sheilley, President & CEO
Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. Jeffrey Ruttenber, President
310 SE 3rd St., Ocala, FL 34771
P.O. Box 682, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 629-8051 › www.foundationcep.org › kevin@ocalacep.com
(352) 732-3872 › www.ocalakiwanis.org › jruttenber@habitatofocala.org
Mission: The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit which supports programs and initiatives in the Ocala Metro which advance Entrepreneurship, Talent Development, and Leadership. Vision: The Foundation seeks to support initiatives which complement and support the work of the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership in particular programs that advance equality of opportunity for all people. PROGRAMS › Impact - is an initiative to bring about positive economic growth in the communities of West Ocala, Marion Oaks, and Silver Springs Shores through entrepreneurship. By assisting community members with creating their own businesses, it will not only create direct and indirect jobs but will bring much needed businesses to each community. FCEP supports one-on-one counseling and funds two key efforts: the 6 week FastTrac training program and underwriting Spanish language entrepreneurship workshops. Future plans call for neighborhood incubators. NEXTworks - this talent development initiative seeks to develop and align training programs around skills needed by businesses in the Ocala Metro and that align with local higher education providers. IMPACT › Though a new Foundation, the Impact program in its first four months assisted 250 entrepreneurs in the targeted communities and provided more than 500 hours of technical assistance. The program partners with local government to offer a Microenterprise Loan Program which has provided $250,000+ in funding during this time.
Mission: Serving Children. Vision: We are dedicated to serving our community through various services and fundraising projects focusing on meeting the educational, health, safety and other basic needs of children. PROGRAMS › Camp Kiwanis - In operation since 1948; a partner with Marion County Public Schools. We provide 104 campers a week with an opportunity to experience summer camp. Camp operates four weeks a year. 25% of the attendees receive a scholarship from our club. Young children: Priority One - Address the needs of parents & children from birth to five years old, including safe sleep (pack-n-plays), car seats, swim classes, and Shaken Baby Syndrome, with a focus on literacy activities and book distributions. Youth Services - Address the needs of children ages 6 - 18 through programs supporting character development, improving grades, and swim classes, with focus on literacy activities and book distributions. IMPACT › 100 scholarships annually to youth ages 7 - 13 to attend one week at Camp Kiwanis in Ocala National Forest during the summer.
Junior League of Ocala Charlotte Martin, President P.O. Box 5954, Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 216-8820 › www.juniorleagueofocala.com › info@juniorleagueofocala.com Mission: The Junior League of Ocala promotes voluntarism, develops the potential of women and improves communities through the effective action and leadership of our trained volunteers. Vision: Women around the world as catalysts for lasting community change. PROGRAMS › R.E.A.C.H. - A Junior League of Ocala initiative where the Junior League of Ocala focuses its time, talent, and treasure on helping underprivileged students achieve greatness. Parks Partnership - The Junior League of Ocala has a long-standing partnership with the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks where we help provide family shelters and playgrounds for neighborhood parks. HeART in The Park - A community giveback event the Junior League of Ocala provides for children and families to come together and paint something they love. IMPACT › Through R.E.A.C.H. last year, the Junior League of Ocala was able to donate over 700 new school uniforms, purchase almost 800 books for students and media centers, started a lunchtime reading program, helped create a resource and makers room, and designed 200 take home science kits for students and their families.
Marion County Homeless Council, Inc. Angela Juaristic, Executive Director 2300 SW 17th Rd., Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 732-1369 › www.mchcfl.org › angela@mchcfl.org Mission: Eliminate Homelessness in Marion County by providing housing assistance. Vision: All Marion County citizens will live in sustainable, safe and habitable homes. PROGRAMS › Permanent Supportive Housing for disabled homeless individuals and families. This program provides case management and financial support to build housing stability. Case managers work directly with participants on gaining skills to maintain housing and move on to subsidized housing without case management. Rapid Rehousing using Housing First and Coordinated Entry to house most vulnerable homeless living on the street or in shelter. Case management includes working to build sustainability and prevent returns to homelessness.Homeless Prevention funds are used to keep households in housing. Income requirements, case management, and housing sustainability are factors within this program. IMPACT › Marion County Homeless Council continues annually to surpass the grant requirements for Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention assistance. In 2020, thanks to a grant from United Way, our agency was also able to assist over 150 individuals stay housed during the COVID-19 crisis. Working with no increased staff, over 80 additional households were assisted. Applicants were also processed on a case by case basis for longer term assistance based on level of impact from Covid and assessed needs.
Marion County Sheriff ’s Office Foundation, Inc. Robert Morgan, Jr., President 692 NW 30th Ave., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 368-3582 › www.marionso.com/mcso-foundation › Bmorgan@marionso.com Mission: To generate support for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office programs that promote law enforcement, and general public safety and welfare. Vision: Public safety through partnerships and resources for the community we serve. PROGRAMS › Providing Personal Protective equipment and masks for First Responders. Purchase of four K-9 dogs. Providing support for community programs for Children, Citizens and Marion County Sheriff ’s Volunteers. IMPACT › Provided support for programs to combat the pandemic. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 31
Public/Social Benefit
Religion
Ocala Rotary Foundation, Inc.
Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc.
Jonathan Dean, Executive Director
Lonnie Earnest, Executive Director
P.O. Box 104, Ocala, FL 34470
415 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 732-7080 › jondean@deananddean.net
(352) 732-0877 › www.christian12step.org › lonnie@christian12step.org
Mission: Receive and administer funds for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes. Vision: Raise money for charities. PROGRAMS › School in Zimbabwe - Rotary matching grant approved. Provide classrooms, water, and sanitary facilities for rural school children. Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center Wellness I-STAT machine, Rotary matching grant approved. Provides finger stick blood testing with immediate results. Serves an under privileged area of about 6500 residents. IMPACT › Ocala Rotary Foundation held the first annual Marion Rotary Duck Race in 2019 with all Rotary Clubs in the County. We raised over $20,000.00 for the Discovery Center and other nonprofits. The Foundation also received two matching grants from Rotary. One for Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center and virtual field trips for The Discovery Center.
Mission: Encourage inner healing through Jesus Christ to overcome substance abuse dependency. Vision: Giving hope in Christ, encouraging change through Bible-based recovery from substance abuse. PROGRAMS › 1. Publishing Study Guide, Walking the 12 Steps with Jesus Christ; provided free to incarcerated individuals. 2. Correspondence Course, made available to incarcerated individuals. 3.Recovery Groups. Train facilitators and organize local recovery groups. IMPACT › A significant number of individuals obtaining recovery through the program of Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc.
Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Sherry Wheelock, President & CEO 1915 Don Wickham Dr., Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 988-7998 › www.specialolympicsflorida.org/marion › sherrywheelock@sofl.org Mission: The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with disabilities. Vision: We help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society. PROGRAMS › Sports Training and Competition - We believe that sports teach us all important lessons. When we train and strive for a goal, it teaches us to dream. When we struggle, it teaches us determination. Our sports events bring together a large and inclusive community of athletes, supporters and families, coaches, volunteers, and many others. The athletes are at the center of it all. Athlete Leadership - Special Olympics Athlete Leadership allows athletes to explore opportunities in roles previously considered “non-traditional.” Such participation might be on a Board of Directors or a committee. Health Programs - Staying physically active is an important part of training for sport and maintaining and improving overall health. IMPACT › We currently offer 14 sports, Athlete Leadership, and Healthy Athletes programs. We serve 792 athletes thanks to the support and tireless work of over 300 volunteers. Our programs are expanding and we are always looking for volunteers and donations so please consider us if you have extra time and funding!
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Florida Conference Association of SDA Allan Machado, President 351 South State Rd 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
(407) 644-5000 x2101 › www.floridaconference.com › allan.machado@floridaconference.com Mission: Walking Together in Faith, Hope, and Love. Vision: We are of a life-changing movement impacting all segments of society with intentionality and love, with a special emphasis on helping people. PROGRAMS › Community Service - Train, equip, and deploy leaders and members of the local church for service to all people, especially people in need. Our department reaches out to the local churches constantly, and especially to the ones that operate active help ministries to the community. Our Pathfinder and Adventurer Department exists to help families and young people come to experience life to the fullest through activities, level work, service opportunities, trips, and more. Train, Equip, and Deploy Young People to help them discover how they can play a vital role in advancing the community. Through education, we equip students to think and to act with breadth of mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions. IMPACT › We increased access to STEM from five schools to 10 this year. We distributed thousands of pounds of food. We empowered women who experienced abuse.
Together To Thrive, Inc. Susan Belshaw, Executive Director 16068 SW 15th Ct., Ocala, FL 34473
(352) 261-3367 › carriebeth54@gmail.com Mission: We believe the opposite of depression is vitality, and the opposite of addiction is connection. We seek to create a community where peers connect and work together to achieve a higher level of wellness. Vision: We offer support groups and activities that create a sense of connection and accountability among peers as they learn and practice life skills, work on individual goals, and increase resiliency. PROGRAMS › All of our programs seek to help peers connect and become members of a community that encourages growth, self advocacy, and confidence in their lives. Support groups are the basic building block of our program. Within groups, peers connect, share, and become more effective in life as they learn and practice life, social, and wellness skills. Activities are designed to create a social and personal connection among peers, reduce isolation and depression and practice skills they have learned, so they are more confident to be involved in the community at large. One-on-One peer support gives individual peers extra time and support in which to be encouraged to continue in their self defined goals and plans for their lives. IMPACT › In 2020, we saw several members challenged by the groups to take a hard look at how the choices they were making were impacting their lives. Through the caring connection of peers we saw some good changes. One person completely stopped using substances, another chose increasing healthy living habits and a third became aware of, and worked to change, some ineffective negative behaviors. Peers do inspire peers, and we are proud of them all.
Veterans Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Carol Borden, Executive Director 3251 NE 180th Ave., Williston, FL 32696
(352) 789-5016 › www.MedicalServiceDogs.org › Carol@MedicalServiceDogs.com Mission: Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc., was created for the charitable purpose of rescuing, raising, training and then donating medical service/assistance dogs to mentally and/or physically impaired. Vision: Guardian Angels trains medical service dogs to mitigate the challenges of disabilities such as: PTS, TBI, MST, Seizure & Diabetic disorders & mobility issues, & donates them to those in need. PROGRAMS › Service Dogs for Veterans Program: This program takes combat veterans struggling with the debilitating effects of: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Seizure & Diabetic Disorders, Military Sexual Trauma and/or mobility issues, and individually trains medical service dogs to meet their exacting needs. Then, we donate the dogs to them at no cost. We also cover the cost of bringing the veteran to our Williston, FL facility for 10 days of training & pairing with their Service Dog. Of the more than 325 deserving individuals we’ve paired with service dogs in 24 states across the country, the rate of suicide in our veteran recipients, to date, is zero. These incredible dogs deliver a newfound freedom & independence to their recipients every day. IMPACT › In 2019, many incredible things happened at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, but what really stands out is the recognition we received having our Service Dog, Alice (paired with a young boy in Kentucky) named the 2019 Hero Dog of the Year by American Humane during a nationally televised special on the Hallmark Channel.
Ocala Blue Star Mothers Anne Parker, President P.O. Box 770824, Ocala, FL 34477
(843) 504-0032 › www.ocalabluestarmothers.org › president.fl10@bluestarmothers.us Mission: To support our military, our veterans, and the families of the fallen. Vision: To promote patriotism and to bring awareness to our military and veterans. PROGRAMS › 1. Care packages and cards to our deployed military 2. Donations and volunteer hours to the Veterans Hospital 3. To support Veterans Helping Veterans in their food pantry. IMPACT › 150 cloth masks to the VA Hospital in Gainesville and many items of new clothing and gift cards.
Veterans Helping Veterans USA, Inc. Hank Whittier, Executive Director 2730 E Silver Springs Blvd, Unit 200, Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 433-2320 › www.vhvusa.org › vetshelpingvets@vhvusa.org Mission: To assist Veterans and their families who are in need of social services and information to improve their lives and to assist them in maintaining their independence. Vision: Veterans Helping Veterans USA, Inc. has the potential to expand effective social services programs for veterans while there are currently scarce government dollars for needy veterans. PROGRAMS › 1. We assist the Marion County Veterans Treatment Court with veterans’ diversion programs for those veterans who have committed minor crimes. Upon successful completion of the program, charges are dropped. We are proud to partner with the courts and work directly with public defenders and the State Attorney’s Office. Primarily we provide mentors for the program. 2. Another of our successes is the “Heroes Shouldn’t be Homeless” program through which emergency funding for veterans’ housing can be acquired and held with home ownership that is provided through a partnership program with other agencies. These programs help qualified veterans with placement into their own homes with a rent-to-own program. 3. We also have a job placement program. IMPACT › The Veteran Stand Down is a grassroots, community based intervention where homeless and at risk of homelessness veterans and their families are brought together in a single location to access community resources and supplies. This will allow veterans to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives. In 2019, hundreds of veterans attended the Stand Down. They were provided with broad range of social services. 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 33
Come Together By Chris D’Avanzo
F
rom a young age, we are taught that it’s more important to give than receive. Whether you are giving your time, items and supplies, food, or simply cash donations, your giving can positively impact your community in a variety of ways. That is why the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County established Give4Marion, the first event of its kind in Marion County! “Giving days happen all over the country, and the Community Foundation wanted to bring one to Marion County,” said Lauren DeIorio, President and Executive Director for the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. “Weknowitcanfeeloverwhelmingwhen wehavesomanyunmetneedsallaround. The Community Foundation brought Give4Marion to help guide people to make a lasting impact.” Give4Marion is a full 24 hours of financial giving throughout the community impacting nonprofits of all sectors in every part of the four Marion County corners. In 2020, the event ran from 10 a.m. on October 20th and lasted all day and night, until 10 a.m. on October 21st. Donors from across Marion County and beyond came together to provide resources for our wonderful nonprofits. All the contributions made were directed straight to the nonprofits and went to improving the quality of life for everyone in our community. Our nonprofits make such a huge difference, but they need funds to operate. While contributions and donations can be made to nonprofits year-round, the purpose of establishing an official day concentrated on giving created a sense of urgency and celebration. Through 34 › NonProfit Business Council
extensive communication efforts, the community had a heightened awareness of our nonprofit organizations. In turn, each organization had a greater reach than they otherwise would have during the year. “The purpose of the giving day helps the Community Foundation grow our vision to build a stronger community for everyone… one passion at a time,” DeIorio said. “With the minimum gift set at only $10, nearly anyone with a web-enabled phone could get involved.” Inadditiontoindividualdonors,businesses and corporate sponsors generously agreed to participate. Their efforts to match donations helped each nonprofit’s fundraising go even further. Match Minutes, a period where every dollar donated up to a certain amount was matched, helped garner excitement throughout the 24 hours. Donating during one of these periods made twice the impact. If you missed Give4Marion in 2020, plans are already underway for a 2021 giving day. Located at www.Give4Marion.org, you can check out results from 2020 and search for nonprofits or causes to see how they fared. If your favorite nonprofit isn’t listed, contact them to tell them to get involved in the future. Give4Marion.org is still a great resource to learn more about a variety of nonprofits serving our community. The inaugural Give4Marion was a great time for all of Marion County, not only to see the needs, but to meet them as well. Everyone who gave during Give4Marion was truly a hero our community needs. And remember, it’s never too late to ask yourself, how will you Give4Marion?
When life changes in an instant... finding peace in challenging times 2020 has brought changes no one could have believed. Imagine not being with a loved one at the end of life due to the coronavirus. At Hospice of Marion County, families remain together, both at home and in our hospice houses. We make it possible to provide the gift of holding hands and saying goodbye. Donating to Hospice is a meaningful way to remember and give to others. We deeply appreciate your support, which makes compassionate care available to those who depend on us most. Visit www.hospiceofmarion.com/donations to learn about the many ways your gift can help.
Hospice of Marion County • 3231 SW 34th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474 • (352) 873-7400 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 35
Charitable Events 2021
For specific event details and dates, please check with the charity associated with each event.
Recurring Monthly Meetings FLIP FLOP - Support Group Meetings
Magnolia Art Xchange - MAX nights
Kut Different, Inc. - Knock-n-Cut
Howard T. Odum - Springs Academy
January Amazing Foundation Inc - Homeless Giveaway
Sheltering Hands, Inc. - Olaf’s Chili Challenge
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Host of the Special Olympics County Equestrian Games
Public Education Foundation of Marion County - Sneakers & S’mores 5k Fun Run and Walk - Memorial Golf Classic - Moot Thomas Golf Scramble - Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Gala
February Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. - Marion Motor Fest Ambleside School of Ocala - Father/Daughter Dance Boys & Girls Club of Marion County - Annual Campaign Luncheon Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. - Cracker Cattle Drive and Rotary Duck Derby Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday Horse Protection Association of Florida - Open House and Tack Sale Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. - Legacies of Love Junior League of Ocala - HeART in the Park Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida - Melody of Love Marion County Sheriff 's Office Foundation, Inc. - Pasta Dinner at Queen of Peace Church 36 › NonProfit Business Council
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association - MTRA Golf Tournament Michelle-O-Gram, Inc - Southeastern Youth Fair Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation - Southeastern Youth Fair Ocala Rotary Foundation, Inc - Marion Rotary Duck Derby Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. - Tiara Ball Pace Center for Girls - Voices of Pace Luncheon Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Host of the Special Olympics Area Equestrian Games The Friends of Silver Springs State Park - Pancakes in the Park Trinity Catholic High School - Winter Carnival United Way of Marion County - Day of Caring Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) - FURBALL
March Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. - King of the Wing
Kids Central, Inc. - Casino Royale
Altrusa International Foundation of Ocala, Inc. - Altrusa Trivia Night
Marion County Literacy Council - Shamrock Shenanigans - Family Night Under the Stars
Arnette House - Annual Benefit & Auction Boys & Girls Club of Marion County - Fashion Show Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. - Annual Celebration Banquet College of Central Florida Foundation, Inc. - Night at the Farm Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association - HITS Family Day Michelle-O-Gram, Inc - Southeastern Pro Rodeo New Direction Reentry Center of Marion Inc. - Women Empowerment
Florida Parrot Rescue - Veg Fest Ocala
The Friends of Silver Springs State Park - Pancakes in the Park
Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc. - Silent/Live Auction at FTBOA Annual Awards Gala
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Host of the Challenge Horse Show
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. - Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival - Southeastern Pro Rodeo (concessions)
Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. - Special Kids Classic, Tee up for TLC Golf Tournament
H.U.G.S. Charities - Annual Fundraiser
United Way of Marion County - Community Celebration Event
April All About You Angels, Inc. - Spring Bunco Party Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. - Ocala Bike Fest Champions for Champions, Inc. - Annual NFL Caring for Kids Clay Shoot - Celebrity Dinner at Southeastern Pavilion
Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection - Race Against Child Abuse Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. - George Albright Golf Tournament Marion County Children’s Alliance - An Evening of Excellence
Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. - Dining in the Dark
Marion County Literacy Council - Tipsy for Literacy
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday
Michelle-O-Gram, Inc - Bunco Babes Annual Tournament
Florida Kids-Helping-Kids, Inc. - Marion County Fair - Free Easter Egg Hunt Friends of the Freedom Public Library - Semi Annual Book Sale Grace Christian School - Annual Spring Auction Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. - George Albright, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament Junior Achievement - Celebrate JA Breakfast
Ocala On Top of The World Lions Club Charitable Foundation, Inc. - Fashion Show Open Arms Village Inc. - Downtown Wine & Tapas Walk Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Volunteer Appreciation Celebration The Centers - Be You! A Walk for Children's Mental Health Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. - Dream Builder 5K Virtual Run
Junior League of Ocala - Pints for Parks Kids Central, Inc. - HALO Awards - Foster Parent Awards and Training 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 37
May Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) - Symphony Under The Stars
Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation - White Cane
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday
Pace Center for Girls - Derby Day 5k/10k Race
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. - Missy King's Hookin for Habitat Fishing Tournament Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute - Give Springs a Break Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. - Ladies High Tea Party Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center - Kick-Off Event Michelle-O-Gram, Inc - Candler Hills Golf Tournament
Pearl Project, Inc. - Front Porch Partners (Foster Care Awareness Month) Public Education Foundation of Marion County - Spring Fling Bowling Tournament Reilly Arts Center - Fundraising Gala The Cornerstone School - The Ocala Derby Party The Marion Players, Inc. - Guinness World Record Event
NAMI Marion County - NAMI Walk/Run
June FLIP FLOP Support Groups Inc. - National FLIP FLOP Day Florida Conference Association of SDA - USDA Farmers to Families Helping Hands - Helping Hands Golf Tournament
Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc - Brunch, Bourbon & Beer Event/Paddock Mall Voices for Children of No Central FL Inc - Auction & Dinner Champions for Champions, Inc. - Summer Camp In Faith
Marion County Literacy Council - Kiss the Horse QuitDoc Foundation - QuitDoc Summit
July Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. - Dunnellon Stars & Stripes Family Fun Day
Special Olympics Florida, Inc. - Marion County Swimming Competition
Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute - Springs Field School
The Centers - Healing HeART
Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida - Clothe-A-Kid
The Friends of Silver Springs State Park - Kayak Adventure Drawing
Marion Cultural Alliance - Art in the Attic
August All About You Angels, Inc. - Angels Fashion Show Florida Conference Association of SDA - FLC-STEM Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection - 100 Strong Campaign Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. - Annual Sportsman’s Dinner & Auction 38 › NonProfit Business Council
United Way of Marion County - Annual Meeting - Agency Tours
September Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. - Clay Shoot
Marion Cultural Alliance - Exhibit Opening Receptions
All About You Angels, Inc. - Angel Calendar Sales
Michelle-O-Gram, Inc - Dunnellon Youth Sports
American Heart Association - Marion County Heart Walk
Patriot Service Dogs - Patriot Service Dog placement
Arnette House - Annual Regatta Boat Race
Sheltering Hands, Inc. - National Adoption Weekend
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. - Habitat Annual Bowl2Build Bowl-a-Thon
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Summer’s End Silent Auction at Livestock Pavilion - Volunteer Orientation
Hope Outreach Help Center - Raffle Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. - Walk a Mile in My Shoes
The Cornerstone School - Cornerstone Leads the Way 5K
Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida - Trivia Night
October AdventHealth Ocala Foundation - AdventHealth West Florida Division Foundation Gala All About You Angels, Inc. - Fall Bunco Party
Have a Heart For Companion Animals, Inc. - Johnny Mello Show Horse Farms Forever - Conservation Summit
Arnette House - Florida Feast
Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies - Bob Hope and Friends
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County - Golf Tournament
Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. - Florida Feast
Champions for Champions, Inc. - UniversAbility Pageant - The Beauty Within - Golf Tournament
Junior Achievement - Play4JA
Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. - Annual Golf Tourrnament
Kids Central, Inc. - CARE Awards - System of Care Awards and Training
Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County - Give4Marion
Marion County Literacy Council - Beer & Bags: A Cornhole Tailgate for Literacy
Creative Services, Inc. (Domestic Violence
Marion Cultural Alliance - Applaud the Arts
and Sexual Assault Shelter) - Thriller Early Learning Coalition of Marion County - Good Beginnings for Children Breakfast Episcopal Children’s Services - Storybook Drive-In: Reading Under the Stars Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center - Annual Golf Tournament Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) - The Downtown Arts Festival
Michelle-O-Gram, Inc - Dunnellon Woman’s Club NAMI Marion County - Hometown Heroes Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation - White Cane PETS of Marion County, Inc. - Annual PETS Yard Sale Project Hope of Marion County, Inc. - Clay Sport Shooting Event
FLIP FLOP Support Groups Inc. - Angel Tree Gift Collections
R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. - RAMAL Scholarship
Florida Conference Association of SDA - Hope for Hurting Hearts
Share The Love Ocala - Breakfast Fundraiser
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday
Sheltering Hands, Inc. - Pop Up Thrift Shop
Florida Kids-Helping-Kids, Inc. - Marion County Fair
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Country Concert Fundraiser or Festival activities
Florida Parrot Rescue - Fashion, Feathers and Fur
The Centers - Annual Mission Advancement Dinner
Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc. - Charity Golf Tournament
Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. - Champagne Dreams Gala
Friends of the Freedom Public Library - Semi Annual Book Sale
2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 39
November Ambleside School of Ocala - Veterans Day Chapel
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association - Holiday Market
Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. - Toy Drives
Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center - Kick-Off Event
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County - Annual Gala Brother’s Keeper - Fr. Pat’s Birthday Fundrasier Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday
Open Arms Village, Inc. - Jackets & Jeans Gala Pearl Project - Front Porch Partners (Adoption Awareness Month) Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. - Rainbow Springs Arts Festival
Forest Animal Rescue - Annual Appeal
Sheltering Hands, Inc. - National Adoption Weekend
Frank DeLuca YMCA - YMCA Turkey Trot
The Cornerstone School - Marion County Chili Cook-Off
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc.
The Friends of Silver Springs State Park - Critter Trail 5K Run/Walk - Kayak Adventure Drawing
- Elvis Concert (featuring Cote Deonath) Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies - Hackin’ It for Hospice Golf Tournament Humane Society of Marion County, Inc - Share the Love (Subaru)+Run for the Mutts
Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. - Painting With a Twist Trinity Catholic High School - Jeans & Jerseys
Junior League of Ocala - Autumn Gift Market
December Boys & Girls Club of Marion County - Reindeer Run 5K
Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation - Golf Tournament
Champions for Champions, Inc. - Night of the Brightest Stars
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. - Seasonal Fundraiser Dinner Social
Florida Conference Association of SDA - FLC-STEM Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - Evening Lecture/Science Saturday FLORIDA KIDS-HELPING-KIDS INC. - Free Shopping for a Sibling Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies - Lights of Love Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection - Art and Soul Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. - Annual Pancake Day Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida - Christmas Blessings Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center - Holiday Extravaganza NAMI Marion County - End the Stigma: NAMI Luncheon for Mental Health Ocala Blue Star Mothers - Wreaths Across America 40 › NonProfit Business Council
Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. - Holiday Bazaar Trinity Catholic High School - Christmas at TC
SPONSORED
Marion County’s Senior Superheroes With a population that includes more seniors than ever before – a number that will only continue to grow – one organization is meeting the increasing need head on.
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or nearly a half-century, circumstances as needed. In the Marion Senior Services past few years alone, new prohas been the superhero gramming has included helping for Marion County’s sewith hurricane supplies and nior citizens. Providing an array relief, as well as expanding the of programming and services in number of meals and nutrition three key pillar areas (in-home programs offered (to meet the support, nutrition, transportaincreased needs caused by a pantion), the organization has led demic). With society’s growing the way in positively impacting commitment to focusing on and saving lives for the disadimproving our mental health vantaged elderly in a geographic and wellbeing, Marion Senior sector larger than Rhode Island. Services has also launched a With Marion County being Human Services department that among the oldest-skewing counwill directly focus on these areas ties in Florida (approximately a of its clientele. third of the county’s population The organization recently is age 60 and older), this is no led the way in getting both small feat. A team of passionate Marion County and the City staff, wholehearted volunteers, of Ocala designated as AARP and a dedicated board of direcLivable Communities. As time tors all combine forces to ensure marches on, the senior popula• More than 40 paratransit buses make an that thousands of seniors’ needs tion will only grow – as will the average of 350-450 one-way trips each day are continuously met. needs of those seniors. Working Marion Senior Services is now to help in making Marion • Approximately 75,000 meals are served the county’s lead agency for the County’s communities become annually to nutritionally at-risk seniors Department of Elder Affairs, cremore friendly to aging in place ating change for seniors in our will help everyone that choos• More than 700 clients annually receive communities since 1973. The es to live and visit here. The in-home services chief services provided include age-friendly focus also extends to adult day care, in-home and a new monthly speaking series, in-facility respite, home-delivered meals, emergency alert response, Art of Aging, that convenes community leaders in discussion to personal care, homemaking, nutrition education, case management, help destigmatize aging, generate awareness for the problems we all and emergency energy assistance. On the transportation side, Marface as we age, and advocate for positive changes that everyone can ion Transit (the county’s Community Transportation Coordinator benefit from. since 1982) provides public transportation services to people of all Marion Senior Services yields miraculous outcomes, but they ages in Marion County, with the aim being to maximize usage by can’t do it alone. If you are able to help continue as well as those that are transportation-disadvantaged. grow the warm-hearted work they do on a daily basis, please Not one to rest on its laurels, Marion Senior Services has been do not hesitate to reach out by calling (352) 620-3501 or savvy with anticipating needs and making modifications to current visiting www.MarionSeniorServices.org
Mission: To support the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged residents of Marion County and their families with dignity, respect, and compassion to maintain independent living status.
Volunteer Opportunities Here’s how you can help our local nonprofits better serve our community. Contact each organization for details. ACCOUNTING
Champions for Champions, Inc. Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Friends of the Freedom Public Library Kids Central Inc. Kingdom Goals Corporation Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Cultural Alliance NAMI Marion County New Direction Reentry Center of Marion, Inc. Pearl Project, Inc. Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Together To Thrive, Inc Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC)
ATHLETIC/SPORTS PROGRAM
Arnette House Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Champions for Champions, Inc. Frank DeLuca YMCA Kingdom Goals Corporation Kut Different Inc. Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Outreach Autism Services Network Pace Center for Girls Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc Trinity Catholic High School
BOARD MEMBERS
AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. All About You Angels, Inc. American Heart Association Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Blissful Life Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Champions for Champions, Inc. Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding College of Central Florida Foundation, Inc. Covenant Children’s Home Creative Services, Inc. 42 › NonProfit Business Council
Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Florida Parrot Rescue Friends of the Freedom Public Library Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. Hope Outreach Help Center Horse Protection Association of Florida Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Junior Achievement Junior League of Ocala Kids Central Inc. Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Marion County Literacy Council Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Senior Services Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Michelle-O-Gram, Inc NAMI Marion County Open Arms Village, Inc. Pace Center for Girls Pearl Project, Inc. Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. Phoenix Programs of Florida, Inc. Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc. QuitDoc Foundation R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Sheltering Hands, Inc. Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park The Marion Players, Inc. Together To Thrive, Inc Transitional Living of North Central FL d/b/a Center for Independent Living of North Central FL Trinity Catholic High School Voices for Children of No Central FL Inc
Wear Gloves Xtreme SOULutions
CONSTRUCTION WORK/ PAINTING/MAINTENANCE
Ambleside School of Ocala Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Childhood Development Services, Inc. Creative Services, Inc. Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Episcopal Children’s Services Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Forest Animal Rescue Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. Hands of Mercy Everywhere His House for Her, Inc. Horse Protection Association of Florida Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Marion Senior Services Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Sheltering Hands, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park The Marion Players, Inc. Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Wear Gloves Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC)
DRIVERS
Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Brother’s Keeper Champions for Champions, Inc. Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Hands of Mercy Everywhere Hope Outreach Help Center Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Marion Senior Services Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Wear Gloves
EVENT SUPPORT
AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. All About You Angels, Inc. Amazing Foundation Inc American Heart Association Arnette House Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Blissful Life Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Champions for Champions, Inc. Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding Creative Services, Inc. Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Episcopal Children’s Services Faithfully Guided Health Center Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) FLIP FLOP Support Groups Inc. Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Florida Parrot Rescue Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc. Fort King Heritage Association Frank DeLuca YMCA Friends of the Freedom Public Library Grace Christian School Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. Hands of Mercy Everywhere Horse Protection Association of Florida Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute HUGS Charities Humane Society of Marion County, Inc Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Junior Achievement Junior League of Ocala Kids Central Inc. Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. Kut Different Inc. Magnolia Art Xchange Marion County Children’s Alliance Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Marion County Literacy Council Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Cultural Alliance Marion Senior Services Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Michelle-O-Gram, Inc. NAMI Marion County Ocala Blue Star Mothers Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc.
Pace Center for Girls Patriot Service Dogs Pearl Project, Inc. Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. QuitDoc Foundation R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Share The Love Ocala Sheltering Hands, Inc. Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Cornerstone School The Friends of Silver Springs State Park The Marion Players, Inc. Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc Trinity Catholic High School United Way of Marion County Voices for Children of No Central FL Inc
FUNDRAISING PLANNING COMMITTEE
AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Advocacy Resource Center Marion, Inc. All About You Angels, Inc. Amazing Foundation, Inc. American Heart Association Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Blissful Life Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Champions for Champions, Inc. Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding Creative Services, Inc. Deliverance Outreach Ministries Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Episcopal Children’s Services Faithfully Guided Health Center FLIP FLOP Support Groups Inc. Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Florida Parrot Rescue Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc.
Forest Animal Rescue Fort King Heritage Association Frank DeLuca YMCA Friends of the Freedom Public Library Have a Heart For Companion Animals, Inc. His House for Her, Inc. Hope Outreach Help Center Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Humane Society of Marion County, Inc Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Junior Achievement Junior League of Ocala Kingdom Goals Corporation Magnolia Art Xchange Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Marion County Literacy Council Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Senior Services Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Michelle-O-Gram, Inc Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. Pace Center for Girls Patriot Service Dogs Pearl Project, Inc. Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. Project Hope of Marion County, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Sheltering Hands, Inc. Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida Special Olympics Florida, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Cornerstone School The Friends of Silver Springs State Park Three Angels Clinic, Inc. Together To Thrive, Inc. Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc. United Way of Marion County Voices for Children of No Central FL, Inc. Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC) Xtreme SOULutions 2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 43
R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. Special Olympics Florida, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park Together To Thrive, Inc Transitional Living of North Central FL d/b/a Center for Independent Living of North Central FL Veterans Helping Veterans USA Inc. Wear Gloves Xtreme SOULutions
OFFICE/CLERICAL WORK
GREETERS/USHERS
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Frank DeLuca YMCA Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Magnolia Art Xchange Marion Cultural Alliance Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Ocala Symphony Orchestra Reilly Arts Center SPCA of Marion County, Florida Special Olympics Florida, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park The Marion Players, Inc.
LANDSCAPING
Ambleside School of Ocala Arnette House Blissful Life Corporation Brother’s Keeper Covenant Children’s Home Creative Services, Inc. Deliverance Outreach Ministries Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Forest Animal Rescue Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. His House for Her, Inc. Horse Protection Association of Florida Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. 44 › NonProfit Business Council
Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park The Marion Players, Inc. Transitions Life Center & Community, Inc United Way of Marion County Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Wear Gloves Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC)
MENTORS/TUTORS
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Champions for Champions, Inc. Episcopal Children’s Services Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Hands of Mercy Everywhere His House for Her, Inc. Hope Outreach Help Center Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Junior Achievement Junior League of Ocala Kids Central Inc. Kingdom Goals Corporation Kut Different Inc. Marion County Children’s Alliance Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Literacy Council New Direction Reentry Center of Marion, Inc. Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation Pace Center for Girls Pearl Project, Inc. Project Hope of Marion County, Inc. Public Education Foundation of Marion County
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Champions for Champions, Inc. Covenant Children’s Home Deliverance Outreach Ministries Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center Faithfully Guided Health Center Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Fort King Heritage Association Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. Hands of Mercy Everywhere Hope Outreach Help Center Horse Protection Association of Florida Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Kids Central Inc. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Magnolia Art Xchange Marion County Children’s Alliance Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Literacy Council Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Cultural Alliance Marion Senior Services Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center NAMI Marion County Ocala Housing Authority Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. Pace Center for Girls Pearl Project, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Centers The Marion Players, Inc. Together To Thrive, Inc United Way of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA Inc. Xtreme SOULutions
SOCIAL MEDIA
All About You Angels, Inc. Amazing Foundation, Inc. Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Blissful Life Corporation Champions for Champions, Inc. Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding Covenant Children’s Home Creative Services, Inc. Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Frank DeLuca YMCA Friends of the Freedom Public Library Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute HUGS Charities Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Junior League of Ocala Kids Central Inc. Kingdom Goals Corporation Kut Different Inc. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Inc. Marion Cultural Alliance Michelle-O-Gram, Inc Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Reilly Arts Center SPCA of Marion County, Florida Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park Together To Thrive, Inc Trinity Catholic High School Wear Gloves Xtreme SOULutions
SUMMER WORK (CAMPS, ETC.)
Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Champions for Champions, Inc. Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. Forest Animal Rescue Hands of Mercy Everywhere Kiwanis Club of Ocala, Inc. Kut Different Inc. Marion Senior Services Outreach Autism Services Network Pace Center for Girls Special Olympics Florida, Inc.
The Cornerstone School United Way of Marion County
TECHNICAL SKILLS/ WEBSITE
Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Champions for Champions, Inc. Episcopal Children’s Services Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) FLIP FLOP Support Groups Inc. Florida Kids Helping Kids, Inc. Forest Animal Rescue Friends of the Freedom Public Library Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute HUGS Charities Kingdom Goals Corporation Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion County Kidney Foundation, Inc Marion Cultural Alliance Marion Senior Services Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Michelle-O-Gram, Inc Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. Rainbow Springs Art, Inc. Sheltering Hands, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park Together To Thrive, Inc Voices for Children of No Central FL, Inc.
TELEPHONE SUPPORT/ CUSTOMER SERVICE
Blissful Life Corporation Boys & Girls Club of Marion County Brother’s Keeper Childhood Development Services, Inc. Creative Services, Inc. Frank DeLuca YMCA Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc. Kids Central Inc. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) of the Heart of Florida Marion County Homeless Council, Inc Marion Cultural Alliance Marion Senior Services Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center Michelle-O-Gram, Inc NAMI Marion County Sheltering Hands, Inc. Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida
The Marion Players, Inc. United Way of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA Inc.
WORKING WITH ANIMALS
Boys & Girls CLub of Marion County Discovery Science and Outdoor Center Foundation Inc. Florida Parrot Rescue Forest Animal Rescue Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. Horse Protection Association of Florida Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc. Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies Humane Society of Marion County, Inc Marion Therapeutic Riding Association Patriot Service Dogs Perpetual Care PETS of Marion County, Inc. Sheltering Hands, Inc. SPCA of Marion County, Florida Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. The Friends of Silver Springs State Park Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Wild Horsemanship Center (WHC)
SPONSORED
any people love cats and dogs. However, they are easier to love when they are kittens and puppies. Even if we adore little animals, we can lose our affinity for them. Sometimes, we just cannot care for them appropriately. No matter how much our heart goes out to them, we cannot manage them the way we ought to. What about other types of animals? Every animal is cute when it is young. So, why not adopt a baby monkey, bear cub, or tiger cub? It’s obvious that challenges arise when these beautiful creatures mature and grow. Suddenly, we realize those adorable animals need way more space, food, and care than we could ever give them. So, we must give them up, or some even just abandon them. Thankfully, there are organizations like Forest Animal Rescue, a local Marion County nonprofit in the business of picking up the pieces of the wild animal pets that have outgrown the “cuddly” stage. “We rescue wild animals from abuse and neglect,” Lisa Stoner, the organization’s co-founder, says. These animals get stuck in the middle, and nonprofits like Lisa’s are caught in the middle as well. Most donors and granting foundations don’t consider abused and neglected wild animals when they write their animal donation giving philosophies. “The closest they come is assuming we are a tourist attraction or zoo,” says Lisa. “Many of these animals have been rescued from situations of exploitation, and they deserve better.” You see, the statement holds true - most people love cats and dogs, or domestic/companionanimals.So,it’seasy for people to give to organizations like the Humane Society or the SPCA, because they feel they are helping companion ani-
mals like these organizations support. Then there is an opposite end of the spectrum. There are foundations, that donate to nonprofits focused on “wild animals,” but Lisa finds, “The wild animal part is for native wildlife as opposed to non-releasablenonnative animals…” And that is the “middle” that Lisa finds herself and Forest Animal Rescue occupying. Forest Animal Rescue is not a zoo; it is a sanctuary as Lisa believes the animals she saves do not need to be exploited. It can be frustrating being stuck in the middle, but for over 22 years, Forest Animal Rescue has continued to help the animals in their care. From tigers to spider monkeys, black bears to bats and many other animals in between, Forest Animal Rescue could use your support. The sanctuary is fully licensed and accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, assuring that they will always uphold excellent standards of animal care in a true sanctuary setting. The animals receiving lifetime care have large,naturalhabitatsandtheywillnever be bred or exploited in any way. The long-standing challenge and “shaking a lot of trees” helps their devotion not to waver, and their hope to carry on. To learn more or donate to help the animals, visit www.forestanimalrescue.org
Where adults with intellectual disabilities are ✔ Strengthening Independence ✔ Expanding Their World ✔ Building Friendships ✔ Growing In Faith
TLC
TRANSITIONS LIFE CENTER
ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS 3360 NW GAINESVILLE ROAD • OCALA FL 34475 (352) 877-8999
A Special Place ~ ~ For Special Needs
TLCO C A L A . O R G
W W W.
Transitions Life Center and Community, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Ref. # CH40461.
Making the blind visible. Delivering hope to all affected. Educating the community about vision loss. The Florida Center for the Blind has served Marion County and beyond since 1989 with programs and services. Our mission is to provide support and resources, at no cost, to the visually impaired and their caregivers; empowering them to live safely, productively and independently. Let's do more together. The Center is expanding to meet the needs of our clients in North Central Florida. Call to learn about our multi-million dollar expansion plans and how you can be a part of this exciting project.
Soaring to new heights! 1411 NE 22nd Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 873-4700, flblind.org Schedule a tour to see for yourself the great things happening at FCB!
2021-2022 | Guide to Charitable Giving › 47
youth
philanthropy in action
T
he spring 2020 pandemic didn’t slow down the Youth Philanthropy in Action (YPIA) classes at two local middle schools. Since 2012, the NonProfit Business Council (NPBC)’s philanthropy education program has taught more than 900 students in 11 different middle schools how nonprofits meet needs impacting our local community. Just before spring break, Osceola Middle School and Grace Christian School were wrapping up YPIA. Once per week for six weeks, volunteer instructors talk with students about the different societal sectors, and how nonprofit businesses operate by turning a profit and reinvesting it back into their mission. Students then develop their own personal mission statements based on causes that interest them, and they deliver group presentations on why their chosen nonprofits deserve support. The exciting part of YPIA happens when students see their hard work and philanthropic interests put into action. Their group presentations are built around a nonprofit case for support for “an imaginary” $500, except through generous donors, those imaginary dollars have always been real. “Witheachclass,wehavehaddonorswillingtohelpstudentsmake
Online check presentation: YPIA students & the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
an impact in a real way,” said Lauren DeIorio, President & Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. The NPBC is a program of the Foundation. Through the years, 29 different nonprofits have received gifts totaling $21,000 from YPIA students. In the spring of 2020, the four classes at Osceola and Grace had virtual check presentations when COVID-19 closed their schools following spring break. Fortunately, they had completed their presentations and the voting for the best case for support presentation. The NPBC plans to continue taking YPIA to middle schools across the county, but we need your help! Every $500 gift to the program funds another classroom and more students’ dreams of impacting our community for good. Won’t you consider donating to help keep their dreams alive? Contact the Community Foundation at (352) 622-5020 or OcalaFoundation.org to learn more.
PARTNER VOLUNTEER
SUPPORT
We at Xtreme SOULutions empower people to create a future for themselves and their children, building a strong community with moral values, financial stability and hope for generations to come. We are committed to partnerships that will lead the way in successfully building up those who are prepared to do their part in positive growth and development and to help break the cycle of government welfare assistance and poverty.
(352) 857-8060 We invite you to join our efforts to create a strong and healthy community for the residents of Marion County. Although our focus is on Marion County, we also serve inmates that go home statewide.
www.sre4kids.org
SOULutions for Seconds Chances 352-694-4888 www.xtremesoulutions.org
With more than 200 men enrolled in Xtreme SOULutions programming at MCI, there is always a full schedule of classes for them to choose from. Our objective is to spend up to 36 months prior to the end of sentence date working with a man to develop his spiritual, social and community skills so that when he walks out the gate he will be ready to re-enter society. Classes include anger management, marriage and family counseling, employment readiness, financial management and much more.
48 › NonProfit Business Council
BUSINESS COUNCIL
Since 2010, The NonProfit Business Council (NPBC) has served local 501(C)(3) businesses in Marion County. The mission of the NPBC is to promote the positive economic impact of nonprofits; strengthen their capacity in areas of leadership, fundraising, board development, staff development, & compliance; and provide collaboration and philanthropic education.
Join Now! www.OcalaFoundation.org
Membership Benefits
• Attendance to monthly professional development meetings on a wide variety of topics relevant to nonprofits • Networking with other nonprofit leaders to create collaboration and share ideas • Access to post-meeting speaker presentations and materials • Access to member-only nonprofit resources • Advertise your nonprofit’s upcoming events through the Nonprofit Event Calendar • Reduced rates for paid professional development • Reduced rates for Give4Marion annual-giving day participation • Invitation to quarterly CEO Roundtable meetings for member nonprofits • Invitations to exclusive “member only” events and benefits made by partnering area businesses and sponsors • Uniform “Roadmap to Success” recommendations for all high-performing nonprofits • Cost effective partnership with more than 125 other area nonprofits
@OcalaFoundation.NonProfitBusinessCouncil
Membership is open to all designated 501(C)(3) nonprofits in Ocala/Marion County.
(352) 622-5020
Helping Helping students students and and families families gain gain digital digital access access faster faster than than ever ever Through the Connect2Compete Through the Connect2Compete program, Cox has connected lowprogram, Cox has connected lowincome families with K-12 students to income families with K-12 students to low-cost, home internet with Wifi and low-cost, home internet with Wifi and launched the Cox Digital Academy. launched the Cox Digital Academy. Now, we’ve expanded eligibility to Now, we’ve expanded eligibility to help even more families connect at help even more families connect at faster broadband speeds. faster broadband speeds.
Faster internet access through Cox Faster internet access through Cox Connect2Compete helps them achieve: Connect2Compete helps them achieve: • Better grades • Better grades • Access to homework and research • Access to homework and research • Higher graduation rates • Higher graduation rates • Easier access to job opportunities • Easier access to job opportunities
Learn more at Cox.com/C2C or call 855-825-1466. Learn more at Cox.com/C2C or call 855-825-1466.