The Lakelander - Issue 48 / The Giving City by The Lakelander

ISSU E 48

The Giving City CELEBRATE RECOVERY HOMELESSNESS IN LAKELAND FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES LAKELANDERS ON MAFIA ISLAND

NEW YEAR. NEW AMENITIES.

New Freedom.

A PICTURE-PERFECT 2019 STARTS AT THE ESTATES.

Harlene & Estates Personal TrMarco, ainer

Mitty Natalie, Charles &

Picture Yourself Here! Paul & Mar

Dean & Tacey

New Year. New Amenities. New Freedom. New You!

For a perfect start to 2019, consider a new life at The Estates. Explore our exciting new renovations in the Lobby and Fitness Center and experience the newfound sense of independence and freedom you’ll enjoy with us. At The Estates, you’re in control. We’re simply here to help you live life your way while making it as full – and joyful – as possible!

JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT OR TOUR TODAY AND LEARN WHY A LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY IS YOUR BEST RETIREMENT OPTION! BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: THE ESTATES’ TELL-ALL EVENT Wednesday, February 6 • 11:00 a.m.

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. Join us as we put our CEO, executives and residents on the spot, while learning and enjoying conversation, food, fun and a tour!

THE 6 MOST OVERLOOKED TAX DEDUCTIONS TO HELP MANAGE YOUR TAX BILL ... AND HOW THEY CAN AFFECT YOU IN RETIREMENT. Wednesday, February 20 • 11:00 a.m.

Presented by Nick Toadvine, CFP, President of Guardian Wealth Management Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? Nick will share key financial data and information regarding the 2019 Tax Rate Schedule, along with deductions and exemptions for 2019. Most importantly, you will learn how to maximize deductions for seniors in most missed areas, and how to make sure you are up to date and on track in 2019. Nick, a local expert well-versed in retirement planning will create a 2019 Retirement Calendar Checklist as your guide to staying on track for you to use all year long.

Save the Date!

RESIDENT PANEL : LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE MYTHS & REALITIES OF A LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY Wednesday, March 6 | 11a.m.

Curious about retirement living, but don’t know if NOW is the right time? Do you want to know why the residents are so happy here? Ask them yourselves by joining our residents for lunch, and learn why they

chose our active, worry-free lifestyle. Reservations Are Limited. RSVP Today to Learn Why So Many of Your Friends Are Moving to a Life Plan Community and Loving It!

863-588-7284

Hear from our residents how moving to The Estates at Carpenters has changed their lives, and has given them comfort, joy and peace of mind – consider what this could mean for you!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT US TODAY! “We moved to The Estates for a fresh, new start and the security of a ‘cared for ever after.’ We travel a lot and enjoy the freedom to come and go as well as the social connections, the endless activities, the heated pool and the great food!” Ed gar & Louise

– Doug & Cheryle

“We LOVE it here! For us, there is a great deal of peace of mind knowing that our investment at The Estates is actually protecting our estate as we grow older, and since both of us are still active, we like the flexibility of enjoying the amenities of The Estates with added freedom to pursue the things we love doing out in the Lakeland community.” – Edgar & Louise Lee

At The Estates, Residents Are enjoying … • A full social calendar – focused on active, healthy and vibrant living – with a wide range of activities and travel opportunities to suit any interest • The choice and convenience of a myriad of amenities, including a pool, art studio, bistro, dog park, woodworking shop and so much more! • Peace of mind knowing any potential future care needs will be met with assisted living, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation on site • Benefits and advantages of Lifecare, such as the ability to protect their assets without the fear of rising health care costs • Updated floor plans – 13 styles ranging from 475 to 2,500 sq. ft. – and customizable options with our Signature Series plans • Chef-prepared meals and flexible dining plans to suit their lifestyles ... ALL THIS – AND SO MUCH MORE – CAN ALL BE WITHIN YOUR REACH.

Bob

“All of our physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs are taken care of here – not to mention the food is some of the best I’ve ever had (better than some restaurants). I would recommend it to anyone.”

Dou g & Cheryle

– Bob

Priority Depositor Program From the incredible response to renovations of our community to the numerous residents who have recently joined us, we’re truly thankful. Because of this, we are including wait list opportunities so you don’t miss out. Enjoy the following benefits when joining this program: • Have the right of first refusal on all apartment homes. • Enjoy insider information and events. • Gain a resident’s perspective by connecting with our Resident Ambassadors. • Have priority access to continuing health care services. • Enjoy realty and moving assistance.

Expires April 1, 2019 22222222 CONTACT MARKETING FOR DETAILS!

863-588-7284

Financial.EstatesAtCarpenters.com 1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 EstatesAtCarpenters.com | 863-588-7284

UNCOMPROMISED RETIREMENT LIVING

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Your Style OUR CREDIT www.badcock.com

ELEVEN POLK COUNTY LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Lakeland-Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866 Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515

Lakeland Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111

Lakeland Christina Lakeland North 1409 N. Florida Ave. 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921 (863) 682-8107

Frostproof Ft. Meade 500 N. Scenic Hwy. 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 635-2645 (863) 285-9757

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144

1350 N. Broadway Eagle Lake (US 98) Bartow 1515 Hwy. 17 S. (863) 533-1611 (863) 294-7749

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I SS U E 44

C O N T E N T S ISSUE 48

ON THE COVER Read Harry Walterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story on how Highland Park Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrate Recovery saved his life and continues to provide long-term healing for many others. Photo by Jason Stephens

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COMPREHENSive

Board-certified OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Tarek Garas and his team of certified nurse practitioners provide comprehensive services for women of all ages.

Tarek G. Garas, MD

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CONTENTS

40 FEATURES

40 • SPORT

52 • FEATURED PARTNER

62 • SHELTER

Beyond the Field

Highland Park Church

Changing Homelessness

Lakeland’s FCA works to be a faithful presence on school campuses in order to equip students and coaches on and off the field.

Celebrate Recovery offers those struggling from past hurts, habits, and hangups another viable option for long-term healing.

A look into the City’s initiatives to help the homeless, along with the many organizations that have dedicated years to doing the same.

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POWERING

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Curious about rooftop solar or other ways to reduce your energy footprint? Lakeland Electric is here to help answer your questions. Schedule a free Energy Audit by calling 863.834.9535 to help you meet your personal energy goals.

lakelandelectric.com

CONTENTS

72 • STYLE

Sustainable is the New Black Shopping at local thrift stores supports organizations that are making a significant difference in our community.

84 • ABROAD

Near & Far Tori and Alix Rasmussen share their journey and how the support of Lakelanders has played a pivotal role in their global initiatives.

96 • TASTE

In the Mix How unexpected opportunities transformed Cafe Roti to being Lakeland’s go-to spot for traditional, gourmet Indian-Pakistani cuisine.

108 • PHILANTHROPY

A Hand Up

A list of additional organizations that dedicate their time and resources to advocate for those who make up our city.

108 DEPARTMENTS

18 • MASTHEAD

22 • CONTRIBUTORS

26 • METRO

20 • EDITOR’S NOTE

24 • LETTERS

114 • HISTORY

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CONTRIBUTORS

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Tara Campbell, Joe Hepler, Anastasia Jones-Downing, Annalee Mutz, Michael Mutz, Robyn Wilson Laura Burke

Creative DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS

STYLISTS

Michelle Simanca Dan Austin, Paul Bostrom, David Dickey, Chelsea Langley, Richard Om, Jason Stephens Naime De La Cruz, Lisa Malott, Hope Shoemaker

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

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Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Carpet

Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 48 The Lakelander is published bimonthly by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Patterson Jacobs

2810 Drane Field Road Lakeland, FL 33811 Phone: (863) 644-5500 Fax: (863) 648-4668

Jason Jacobs

Contact Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com

Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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E DITO R ’ S N OTE FOR THE ONE I’m convinced that we all possess a basic desire to help others. There’s a little philanthropic voice within us, calling us to look at the needs of others more than just our own. However, it takes immense discipline to move past simply hearing this call to eventually responding to it. Generosity makes up our city; there’s no denying that. Many people in our community have committed to giving so much of their time, talent, and resources to helping others. People have started organizations focused on helping the underserved and forgotten. Others have given immense amounts of their finances toward supporting the continued growth of nonprofits and ministries that better our community. No matter how these people have given, they have done so out of an abundance of who they are, and it continues to create a ripple effect throughout Lakeland. Although I ultimately feel inspired

Melissa A. Gravitt Annalee Mutz

MANAGING EDITOR

Lakeland Of�ice Available by Appointment

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by those who have been generous, there have been times in my life when I have felt defeated and incapable of doing the same, whether that be feeling unqualified to lead or not having enough money to truly support. The thing is this: we don’t need to have our lives figured out to be

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed the one.” – Mother Teresa

generous. Our finances don’t have to be at the ideal place. We can be overcoming difficulties ourselves and still give from a place of abundance. Mother Teresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed the one.” Whether it’s to the masses or to the one, we all possess something worth giving away.

Celebrating some of those who

lift up others Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

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C O N T R I B U T O R S THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

ANASTASIA JONESDOWNING

“Beyond the Field” written by Joe Hepler, pg. 40

Anastasia Jones-Downing is a blog coach, storyteller, and world traveler. Along with owning a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping women find their voice and use their stories to change the world, Anastasia is the author of Blog Like A Boss: The beginner’s guide to next-level blogging on any platform. She is passionate about helping others leave a legacy and launch unique blogs of their own with purpose and intention. stasiarose.com

JOE HEPLER Joe Hepler works full-time at Southeastern University and does freelance content research for churches. He and his wife, Hollie, have two dogs, Bruno and Bastian, who Joe spends an inordinate amount of time with. They are also expecting their first child in June. When Joe isn’t spending time with his family, he enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, watching TV and movies, and supporting his beloved Miami Hurricanes.

Between online and print, you’ve contributed quite a few pieces to The Lakelander. What has been your favorite piece to write to date? Probably “The Coaching Tree,” because, in general, I think teachers and coaches are the most incredible people on the planet and they should all get paid twice what they make. Also, I have an immense amount of admiration for Barsh, Talley, Joe, and Dwayne, so it was fun getting to tell people about them and how dope they are.

the flow of the piece actually is. Once I find that flow, it’s just coffee, The Social Network soundtrack, and zoning out until I reach the bottom of the rabbit hole.

How do you overcome writer’s block? I have to stop and step away for a while. When I’m having writer’s block it’s typically because I’m fighting the story. I can start to obsess over an idea or a few sentences I’ve become so enamored with that I’ll be trying to force the piece to fit around them. Taking a break helps me see where I’m forcing something that isn’t working and where

What does your ideal day in Lakeland look like? Taking my two dogs to the dog park on Cleveland Heights in the morning, with a Starbucks cold foam cold brew and chocolate croissant in hand. Lunch at Mega Mercado and an afternoon movie at the Cobb with my wife, Hollie. Topped off with an order of General Tso’s chicken from Shanghai Express for dinner.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? I have to say Batman here, don’t I? Batman. Partially because I have a Batman tattoo on my chest, but also, Batman/Bruce Wayne is just a G.

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JASON STEPHENS Jason Stephens is a native Florida boy who lives in Lakeland with his beautiful wife, Jess, and children, Isla and Miles. Whether it’s from 500 feet up in a helicopter, on a boat cutting through the water, or locked down on a tripod, Jason loves to be behind the camera capturing the moments that pass in front of his lens. jasonstephensphotography.com See the masthead on p. 18 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

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L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

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A Spirit of Generosity When it comes to fostering a culture of generosity, maybe we’re looking at it from the wrong perspective.

hat does it really mean to live a generous life? The Latin root of the word “generous” means “of noble birth.” This may be why we often associate those who are generous as those who give large amounts of money, and why a culture of generosity and increased giving are often combined and seen as one in the same. However, the two may not be as mutually exclusive as we often believe. Although giving is a common byproduct of generosity (and an important one at that), we must not limit our thinking of generosity to a simplistic view which asserts that increased giving equates to increased generosity. Or perhaps even the other way: that increased giving is irrelevant to increased generosity. Generosity is not limited to these viewpoints. Actually, these perspectives may miss the point of generosity entirely. Our actions are indeed representative

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of our generosity, but truly living a life that is compelled to give may require us to shift our perspective, search inward first in order to truly reflect on how to embody an attitude of generosity in every facet of our lives, and then look outward to attentively focus on others Carrying a spirit of generosity is something that can be fostered today, regardless of our income or status. Perhaps that is the beauty behind generosity: that anyone, anywhere can be generous. Generosity gives each of us a role and has the ability to connect us unlike anything else. Through honest and compassionate engagement and truly showing up, generosity gives us the ability to empower others while drawing meaning from

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REGARDLESS OF THE ACT, GIVING ABUNDANTLY REMINDS US THAT WE HAVE PLENTY TO GIVE AND THAT THERE IS AN UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF EMPATHY AND COMPASSION IN ALL OF US.

our own lives as well. However, the reality is, building a culture of generosity starts first by fostering an environment that truly understands the value of sharing our time, talents, and resources. When we foster this environment and live it out in our lives, it is inevitable that a ripple effect will occur. Generosity gives us vision that everyone can get behind. Generosity looks different based on the person and circumstance. Some days, generosity may look like giving away money. Other days, it may mean giving away your time to listen. Regardless of the act, giving abundantly reminds us that we have plenty to give and that there is an unlimited supply of empathy and compassion in all of us.

METRO

IDOLS ASIDE BANQUET On February 7, Idols Aside Ministries will host a banquet featuring former Tampa Bay Rays players Luke Scott and Carlos Pena. Along with sharing the past and upcoming direction of the ministry, funds raised will go toward furthering Idols Aside’s programs that support the development of young men and women. Those interested in attending the banquet can contact Jeff Shills at jeff@idolsaside.com.

Envisioning a Better Downtown

The City of Lakeland has released an interactive digital report to envision future development plans expected to be completed within the next 20 to 25 years after strategic planning and proper funding is determined. Although it’s looking like the private sector will be responsible for major investments, the City of Lakeland is committed to providing infrastructure and connectivity improvements between all areas of our central city. The interactive report walks us through the development phases within 10 sub-districts, and includes architect renderings and a video where Nicole Travis, director of Community & Economic Development further explains the vision and execution of this projected plan. Travis is hopeful that parts of the project can be completed as early as five to seven years from now. For more information, visit thelakelander.com/ envisioning-a-better-downtown.

THE POLK THEATRE TURNS 90 Celebrate The Polk Theatre’s 90th anniversary by checking out a movie at Lakeland’s most historic landmark. With the help of the Lakeland community, this local nonprofit organization has been able to feature many films, spanning from documentaries to independent movies, for decades. In addition to weekend showings, the Polk Theatre also offers movie showings most nights of the week, making it that more convenient to enjoy its amenities. So check out their calendar and continue to support the legacy of the Polk Theatre. polktheatre.org

THE PINK SCRIPT PODCAST A new local podcast focuses on resourcing young women through vulnerable and transparent storytelling. The Pink Script podcast is a counseling and coaching service for young women to be empowered and encouraged to face life’s emotional difficulties and setbacks. Each month, the podcast will release a new interview followed by an additional educational episode. Available on Apple iTunes and Spotify

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METRO

Make More, Give More Written by Michael Mutz

Five ways to financially set yourself up for generosity.

IT’S

been said, “It is far better to give than receive.” However, it can be difficult to grab hold of a generous spirit when our own finances appear unmanageable and in disarray. It may be difficult to justify giving to others when we feel we are barely making enough money as it is. I was once told, “Show me your budget and I’ll show you your values.” I think there is great truth in that statement. Where we spend our money is a reflection of what we value. If you value generosity, then giving is probably already a part of who you are. If you have trouble with generosity as you face the reality of your circumstances but do desire to become a generous person, then the first step is getting your financial assets in order. At times, it can truly seem like stewarding your finances well can be so unattainable. Many of us have been taught poor financial stewardship from our culture or our families. Although there are resources to help change the way we use money, it takes some intentionality and discipline to get going in the right direction.

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS TO BETTER SET YOURSELF UP FOR FINANCIAL GENEROSITY: 1. Know where you stand. Part of the problem for a lot of us is that we don’t truly know where we stand. With multiple bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, student loans, car payments, retirement accounts, and more, it is hard to truly know the stance of our financial situations. Mint.com is a free, secure way to gather all of that info into one place. After you connect all your accounts and assets to one place, you can see your actual net worth (or lack thereof) and begin intuitively tracking your spending. You can build budgets and evaluate the trends of where you spend your money, too. This is a great tool for getting started. After all, you can’t cut down on spending $200 a month on coffee if you don’t realize you’re spending that in the first place. 2. The easiest money to make is the money you don’t spend. My grandfather would always say this to me, and I am so grateful he did. When you go to purchase something, ask yourself if you really need it. Eat out a lot? Get a water instead of a soft drink — that could save you $2.50 five days a week. This comes out to $650 a year. Want a new car? Get a slightly used car and keep a few grand in your pocket. This is an easy concept to apply everywhere!

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3.Save first. One of my favorite financial books told me to save first. Most people make the mistake of spending money between paychecks with the intention of saving what is left over. The problem is, money leaks, and we usually spend what we haven’t designated. Instead of saving last, determine what you can put into savings and put that in savings right when you get paid. Forty-four percent of Americans have less than three months of savings in their bank accounts. First, just start by getting a $1,000 emergency fund in savings. Then start working to save three to six months of whatever you spend in that time, so if you had no job, you would have no worries. 4. Get desperate. Get desperate in getting rid of debt! Take on a second job or sell your extra belongings, and start taking out chunks of your debt. Pay off the smallest debts first and then apply what you were making as payments on that debt to the next biggest one. Once you free up the money with debt payments, you get to the good stuff … 5. Use money to make money. Once you have some money for emergencies and you’ve paid off your non-mortgage debt, start taking the extra money from savings and putting that into a retirement account like a Roth IRA or 401(k). Take your money and make it work for you — buy some real estate and rent out a second house, or invest in the market.

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METRO

News, the Way It Should Be LkldNow’s reporting and curation of news focuses on efforts to make Lakeland more livable and empower readers with the information they need.

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP After being the first in Lakeland to give away free tacos for a year to its first 50 customers, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop quickly became a local favorite. Lakelanders dine at Fuzzy’s to enjoy the full-service liquor bar, familyfriendly environment, pet-friendly patio, and Baja-style Mexican dishes at a fair price in a fun atmosphere. Now Open in South Lakeland. 3950 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33813

CITY PLAN FOR FIBER OPTICS Lakeland City Commissioners have approved a $139,000 bid from a Denver-based company to create a business plan for a city-owned fiber-optics internet utility. The City of Lakeland continues to research and look to other cities that have already created city-owned internet service providers.

Photo by David Dickey

kldNow is a three-year-old nonprofit news organization whose mission is to engage readers with the City of Lakeland. Editor and Publisher Barry Friedman has spent the last 36 years curating news for Lakeland and Polk County, between serving as an editor at The Ledger and then becoming the founder of LkldNow. “As our public profile increased starting this past spring, traffic to lkldnow.com has picked up significantly, quadrupling our previous average in recent months. We’re gaining Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter followers at a faster rate, and recently passed 6,400 followers on Facebook,” says Friedman. Friedman founded theledger.com in the mid’90s and is constantly watching the horizon to discover new ways readers will be receiving news. “Our most popular article by far last year was our ‘Voter Guide,’ and that pleases me immensely because it shows that Lakeland residents are connecting with our goal of increasing civic engagement,” says Friedman. LkldNow’s fundraising drive through NewsMatch in November and December

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yielded more than $13,400 from 120 donors — the majority of them contributing to LkldNow for the first time. The NewsMatch fundraiser pledged to match 100 percent (up to $1,000) of donations from individuals, resulting in nearly $27,000 funds raised to invest in expanding LkldNow’s newsreporting capacity. This year, LkldNow plans to expand its coverage through the launch of Solutions Journalism, a program that focuses on solving problems within our community by examining solutions that work in other cities. LkldNow has applied for two different grants to support the project. The grants will allow LkldNow to hire a reporter who will be assigned to spend one year researching and immersing themself into three vital and interconnected issues: homelessness, affordable housing, and food insecurity. “Our mission remains to connect our readers to Lakeland through expertly reported and curated local community news and information. And we’re continuing to focus our reporting on efforts to make Lakeland even more livable,” says Friedman.

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Spotlighting National Philanthropy Day and the 2018 Recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award

irst held in 1986, National Philanthropy Day is a day that is set aside to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy and those in our community who sacrifice their time and resources to helping others. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is responsible for generating support toward local philanthropy and has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. This past November, the AFP of Greater Polk County hosted its annual National Philanthropy Day breakfast where attendees were able to reflect

on the meaning of giving, celebrate what has been accomplished in our community from giving, and motivate others to continue giving their time to the work that is still to be done. The AFP of Greater Polk County also honors the outstanding achievements of many individuals, foundations, and corporations by highlighting the many ways they invested their time, talents, and resources toward making a difference in the local community. Specific awards that were given out included Philanthropist of the Year, Spirit of Philanthropy, Philanthropic

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Small Business of the Year, Philanthropic Corporation of the Year, and Youth in Philanthropy. Also among these awards was the Volunteer of the Year award. The recipient of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award was Lisa Moseley after she was nominated by Peace River Center for her dedication and hard work put into this organization throughout the years. Peace River Center is a local nonprofit that advocates for mental health in the community. Founded in the late 1940s, Peace River Center was a response to the concerns raised by the community in regards to the

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We wish to thank all of you who made it possible to continue to preserve the Polk Theatre so that we may celebrate our 90th anniversary. To the donors, board of trustees, advisory board, membership, volunteers, performers, staff members, crew members, house managers, box office personnel, janitorial staff, booking agents, non profits, renters, theatre suppliers and preservation specialists from all over the country, thank you just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t convey our gratitude. Most of all we want to thank you, our patrons, for attending the events that make us who we are!

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to another 90! I SS U E 4 8

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emotional and psychological well-being of children. It has since become a resource for so many more in the community. Peace River Center’s programs focus on reducing incidences of sexual and domestic violence, as well as promoting safety and a higher quality of life through their shelter services, supportive programming, counseling, advocacy, education, and outreach. Moseley has been supporting Peace River Center for several years. She was impressed with the services offered by the organization and the effort toward providing adequate mental-health resources to those who would have otherwise not been able to afford it. Moseley’s involvement has evolved throughout the years. She initially started out simply referring families to Peace River Center to then helping at domestic

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violence shelters. She would then chair the organization’s annual Full Moon Howl fundraising event and make significant strides in fundraising for the organization. “She truly believes in our mission,” says Peace River Center’s Director of Development & Community Relations Ileana Kniss in a video used to nominate Moseley for the Volunteer of the Year Award. “She’s passionate about helping others and just wants to create a better community.” Through Moseley’s leadership, she has been able to make significant improvements to the Full Moon Howl annual fundraising event, raising even more money for Peace River Center. Her leadership and passion for Peace River Center have helped continue to shine a light on mental illness and work toward removing the stigmas surrounding it.

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MCKEEL ACADEMY

BEYOND THE FIELD Lakelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship of Christian Athletes works to be a faithful presence on school campuses in order to equip students and coaches on and off the field.

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Written by Joe Hepler Photography by Richard Om

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), founded in 1954, is a nonprofit organization with the mission of having a transformative impact on the lives of coaches and athletes. Ranging from elementary all the way to college, FCA can be found on school campuses across the country gathering with students and coaches to cheer them on, invest into their lives, and grow in their faith. They operate by partnering with local churches and volunteers, across a variety of denominations, in order to connect the students and coaches with a local faith community. The goal being that the work they’re doing on campus will in turn be able to take root long after a student is done scoring goals or a coach is done running drills. FCA is experiencing unprecedented growth here in Lakeland and across Central Florida, in large part due to the leadership of Mark Wilson and Terry Green. Wilson has

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been with FCA since 2011 and has served as the multi-area director for West Central and South Florida since 2014. Graduating from Frostproof High School in the ’70s, Wilson is very familiar with the area. He understands the significant role that both sports and faith play within the community, which has helped him in developing the buyin of school administrators and coaches, as well as local ministers. Green, who Wilson says is a “rising star and an emerging leader in FCA,” has been on staff since 2015 and serves as the Polk metro area director. He and his wife, Jill, moved to Lakeland from Washington state in 2012. Like the students he now works with, Green was an athlete throughout middle and high school. However, as he will tell you, he didn’t grow up in church. It wasn’t until Green was in his twenties that he went to a church service and decided devote his life to following Jesus, a decision which eventually lead him and Jill to Florida — and ultimately, to FCA. Working alongside Wilson and Green are a number of different staff and interns, all of whom also deserve immense credit for their tireless work. Among them is Caleb Konieczny, the area representative for Lakeland. Konieczny played college basketball in Lakeland at Southeastern University (SEU) and came on staff fulltime with FCA this fall after interning with them while he completed his master’s degree at SEU. Martha Valadez, who is currently interning with FCA, is a testament to the kind of lasting imprint FCA can have on a person. She started engaging with the FCA club at her middle school and continued on throughout high school. Valadez says her decision to continue serving with FCA was due to the impact it had on her life. FCA and her sports teams gave Valadez refuge from a difficult home life. Now she wants to return the favor by being the same source of hope and support that meant so much to her life. Mark Wilson, Terry Green, Caleb Konieczny, and Martha Valadez all sat down with The Lakelander to share about their journey with FCA and to talk about the work they’re doing in our community, on and off of the athletic field.

Ashley Mora

LAKE GIBSON HIGH SCHOOL

The Lakelander: Why was FCA started, and how has it managed to have such a significant impact for so many years? Terry Green: Really, FCA was started because there was a need and a desire from Christians who didn’t want to feel like they had to table their faith when they were on the field or the court. From there, it’s led to a number of different things. For one, FCA has been able to provide a significant opportunity to extend the reach of the local church into the community. Over the years, it has grown increasingly difficult for different organizations to get onto school campuses, so one of the great things about FCA is [that] we are known as a “club,” which has allowed us to get on campus in a way that churches and other groups can’t. TL: What was your journey to FCA like? TG: Growing up as a multi-sport athlete my entire life, I was totally unaware of FCA. I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and there was nothing really like it ever presented to me. So when I first learned about FCA after being here in Lakeland for a little while, I thought it was one of the greatest things I had ever heard. I initially got involved through my church. I was serving at Highland Park when Mark met with my pastor, Brett Rickey, looking for volunteers for FCA and my name was given to Mark. We met to talk about being a volunteer, and then two weeks later we got lunch and he ended up offering me a job, which I didn’t even know was possible. I thought FCA was all run by volunteers, just to show you the amount of knowledge I had on it at the time. Where it all made sense for me though, in terms of coming on staff, was when I examined

“We try to come alongside the coaches to be voices of encouragement and support, as well as an ear for students to talk through their frustrations and issues.” – TERRY GREEN

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my own experiences. I played sports at a pretty high level, but never once was I able to filter my relationship with my coach. My coach would say, “I’m yelling because I care,” but I associated yelling with failure. So when he yelled at me, I had nobody around to help me process it and learn from it. Which is a lot of what we try to do in FCA. We try to come alongside the coaches to be voices of encouragement and support, as well as an ear for students to talk through their frustrations and issues. TL: Why did FCA decide to focus specifically on athletes and coaches? TG: Well sports is, in my opinion, the number-one platform for entertainment

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across the globe. With that, and with things like social media, there’s this added pressure. And for many young people, sports are all they have. At FCA, we have been given the opportunity to build real relationships with these student athletes and talk about the things they’re dealing with, on and off the field. In doing that, I’ve found that there is an extreme pressure for a lot of these students, especially those who might be coming from a difficult situation at home, who think their only goal is to get a college scholarship. But if you look at the numbers, the reality is the majority of high school student athletes are not going to get an athletic scholarship to play in college. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on helping these students see life in its totality — beyond the field, beyond the court.

TL: FCA doesn’t just focus on ministering to the students; you place a strong emphasis on investing into the lives of the coaches. Why is that, and what does that look like? Mark Wilson: Absolutely. We believe that coaches have as much or more influence on a young person as anybody in their lives. “Coach says” is often the two most important words in a student’s life. Coach says to get on the bus, you get on the bus. You don’t even have to ask where you’re going. You do it because coach said so. We know and recognize that reality. We also know that each one of us can’t possibly be on every campus all the time, but if we spend time investing in the coaches and being a resource for them, we don’t have to be. When it comes to the Xs and Os, coaches have that down. Getting their players bigger,

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faster, stronger — coaches know how to do that pretty well. We stay out of all that. Most of the time, the things we’re talking with them about is their personal lives. Coaches face the same issues in life we all face, so we spend a lot of time helping them navigate through those issues. To be a good coach, you have to spend a lot of time with your team which can add even more strain. We want to be there to walk with them through all of that. TL: Caleb, one of your schools is Lakeland High school. What has your experience been with the students and coaches at LHS? Caleb Konieczny: For me the biggest thing is seeing how much these players and coaches

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“Now I just want to be available to be that same person I needed when I was younger.” – MARTHA VALADEZ

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appreciate and value what we’re doing. At first, kids can put up a barrier. They would sort of be tolerating us and then they started to be more cool with us. Once it clicked for them that we’re there to actually build real relationships and to encourage them, that’s everything. And the more time goes by, they see the positive impact we’re having in their lives and within their team, and now they actually want us in their lives. Now students actually ask us, “You’re going to be at our game, right? Is Grace City [the church who has partnered with FCA at LHS] going to be there?” They want us to be there because we’re genuinely a part of their lives. I consider it all an honor. I’m honored that the principal at LHS would take time during the football team’s state championship celebration to acknowledge the influence and the impact FCA is having at their school. That means the world to know he values what we’re doing in the lives of his students and administrators. TL: Martha, you were introduced to FCA as a student. What was it about FCA and the people you encountered through FCA that made such a profound impact on you? Martha Valadez: I first encountered FCA through an area rep named Gloria. She came into my life in sixth grade as my basketball coach before she went on staff with FCA. Once she joined FCA, she continued to be in my life and we continued to develop our relationship. At first, it was really just through basketball: stopping by practices, being at my games. It

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wasn’t like she was just trying to get me to go to church or trying to tell me about Jesus. She really just showed me who Jesus is through her actions. I didn’t really grow up in church or a good home, so Gloria was the first person who shared with me about faith. From there, I started going to FCA camps. I went all four years of high school, and I even ended up being a leader for camp later on. Going to my first camp is what really changed things for me. After I went, I began praying more and reading my Bible on a consistent basis — which I never did before — and I started to be more of a leader on my soccer team. All of that started with sports and then a person like Gloria who was willing to be that person to show me love. Now I just want to be available to be that same person I needed when I was younger. The late Henri Nouwen, a Christian pastor and author, once wrote: “More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence.” Fellowship of Christian Athletes has meant many things to many people, but perhaps Nouwen’s words best capture the heart of FCA: a ministry of presence. Certainly the team at FCA plans and strategizes. But, at its core, FCA is a group of women and men like Martha, Mark, Terry, and Caleb who have devoted their lives to simply being a faithful presence in the lives of the students and coaches.

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LAKELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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Highland Park Church F E A T U R E D

P A R T N E R

A Story of Healing and Transformation In the midst of today’s overmedicated world, Highland Park Church’s Celebrate Recovery program offers those struggling from hurts, habits, and hangups another viable option for long-term healing.

WRITTEN BY ANNALEE MUTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON STEPHENS

merica’s opioid crisis is at an all-time high. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, in 2017 alone the overdose death toll reached more than 49,000 people. But with many medications being lifesaving, or at least life-improving, what’s the right response to truly tackle addiction? As death tolls continue to rise from overdoses, our country is torn between how to better handle our addiction issues. Among the proposed solutions are arguments of tighter controls on prescriptions to public money toward mental health. But, aside from drugs alone, we have also become stuck in unhealthy cycles that draw us to a multitude of bad habits and addiction which perhaps medicate rather than treat the underlying issues. So how do we truly see real and lasting change in the midst of a prevalent issue that

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“CELEBRATE RECOVERY LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE.” – HARRY WALTER

Walter’s addiction prevented him from seeking help until he had nothing left to live for.

seems to have little consensus? Although there’s no easy solution, the power of one story may at least give us more perspective. THE POWER OF DENIAL In 2012, Harry Walter found himself on life support after overdosing on prescription pills. “It came to the point where I was taking so many pills and not even realizing how many I was taking,” recounts Walter. He would come out of life support completely unaware of where he was or how he ended up there. “That’s how an addiction can grab a hold of you,” says Walter. Once his head was clear enough, he exited the hospital with only one thing in mind — feeding his chemical dependency once again. This would turn into another threeyear period where Walter wouldn’t slow down at all. There was a point where he was taking anywhere from 400 to 500 pills a month, and his health quickly started deteriorating. “The more pain you have, the more pills you take. And then it gets to the point where an addiction forms, and that’s all you live for anymore,” he says. In 2016, Walter found himself lying in a hospital bed once again, this time with his daughter by his side looking him in the eyes and saying, “Dad, you’re going to end your life if you keep doing this.” Walter looked right back at her and

said, “I don’t care. I couldn’t care less.” Denial had captured Walter’s heart for years and was not only destroying his body, but the relationships that truly did matter to him the most. With tears rolling down her cheeks, his daughter gathered the courage to muster up the words, “Dad, I love you.” “She was with me through this whole addiction thing,” Walter says. With a glimmer of hope, he became willing to try whatever his daughter had in mind for him. With little knowledge of the program herself, she urged him to attend a program at Highland Park Church (HPN) called Celebrate Recovery. “It’s one of the promises I did keep. I broke so many promises to my little girl,” says Walter. So he went. BELONG FIRST Trapped in depression and isolation, Walter saw something he hadn’t seen in years the first time he stepped into Highland Park Church’s Celebrate Recovery large-group service: happy people.

“HERE’S THE BIG THING I THINK MOST PEOPLE MISS: MOST HEALING OF ANY KIND IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT.” – PASTOR BRETT RICKEY

“The band started playing, and tears started rolling out of my eyes. It’s like a seed was planted there,” says Walter. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step recovery program aimed at supporting anyone overcoming “hurts, habits, and hangups,” such as drug and alcohol addiction, codependency, depression, eating disorders, sexual addiction, and compulsive behaviors. Originally founded in 1991 at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, Celebrate Recovery has since expanded to over 20,000 churches and has facilitated recovery for over three million people. Following a similar structure as other 12-step programs, what differentiates Celebrate Recovery is that each step is also supplemented with biblical-based teaching.

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“There isn’t a whole lot of difference [between other 12-step programs and Celebrate Recovery] except that the higher power is predefined for people. Our higher power is Jesus Christ,” says Cameron Alder, HPN’s Celebrate Recovery pastor. “We have found that getting people to that connection with Jesus Christ offers more than just sobriety from their addiction.” Along with worship and a largegroup meeting/service, HPN’s Celebrate Recovery program also incorporates sharing, accountability, and step-study small groups. “The large group meeting is more of an entry into the healing. The healing comes when we work the steps in a fellowship that is open,” says Alder. He believes that the combination of the

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“Celebrate Recovery helps people who know they are broken, and it feels good to have others admitting the same thing, too. You don’t have to believe in our doctrine or desire to become like Jesus,” says Pastor Brett Rickey, lead pastor of Highland Park Church. “Celebrate Recovery is a place to belong first.” “That’s the only thing that made sense to me at first, that my problem was bigger than me,” says Walter. TRUSTING THE PROCESS

Celebrate Recovery is a Christian 12-step recovery program aimed at supporting anyone overcoming “hurts, habits, and hangups.”

openness that comes from the shared groups along with the step study keeps people coming back. The first step of Celebrate Recovery says to: Admit I am powerless over my addictions and compulsive behaviors, that my life has become unmanageable. Programs such as Celebrate Recovery remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we are all in need of a true, lasting transformation to truly overcome our hurts, habits, and hangups. That first step is what greatly influenced Walter to come back each week. He did not feel a pressure to have it all figured out or even believe in the doctrine of the church. He just acknowledged his desperate need for change and found others who were also desperate for the same.

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The process to recovery was not an instantaneous event for Walter. He did not overcome his addiction after only attending that initial Celebrate Recovery service. But he kept choosing to come back, although he was not ready to give up his pills. “The power of addiction had a hold of me really bad, because I wanted to be happy again,” Walter says, “but I didn’t know how to get there. As time went on, Celebrate Recovery started making sense.” He continued to trust the steps presented in Celebrate Recovery, and the principles he learned would carry him through his darkest hours of addiction. Some of these hours found Walter so desperate that he even begged God to take his life. “That’s how far that addiction will take you,” Walter says. However, the teachings he learned through Celebrate Recovery gave him the strength to carry on another day and then another day and then another after that, until he overcame his addiction. “Celebrate Recovery literally saved my life,” he says. In Celebrate Recovery, participants take personal inventory of their life. They reflect on their past and present, and truly uncover the roots of their hurts and habits in order to move forward. “Here’s the big thing I think most people miss: most healing of any kind is a process, not an event,” says Rickey. Like any process, for it to truly have

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“THE POWER OF ADDICTION HAD A HOLD OF ME REALLY BAD, BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE HAPPY AGAIN, BUT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO GET THERE.”

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Cameron Alder serves on staff at Highland Park Church as a Celebrate Recovery pastor.

lasting change, people must put in the time and hard work it takes to get to where they want to go next. “So if people come and don’t work the steps, I don’t think they’ll find much healing. I think they’ll see hope for healing, but I don’t think they’ll find it unless they actually work the steps,” says Alder. “[Walter] is living proof of the transforming nature of the grace of Jesus,” says Rickey. While Walter’s journey has not been one absent of painful struggle, his ability to choose to do the hard work during the toughest of times built in him the resilience to continue to overcome his unhealthy compulsions and put his hope in something greater than himself. “I’m not sure that anyone really has it all together, so at least we give people an honest place to start the healing process,” says Rickey. Today, Walter is able to celebrate over three years of sobriety. HOPE IN THE MIDST OF TRUTH After working the steps, Walter would continue his journey with Celebrate Recovery as a small-group leader

for those struggling with chemical dependency as he once did. He has been open about his process and journey, and has found great joy in being able to not hide his setbacks, but celebrate the hope that came from being in the open community fostered through Highland Park’s Celebrate Recovery program. “I think the people who keep coming back are people that know the value of honesty and that it’s either be honest or spiral downwards into destruction,” says Alder. As exhibited through Walter’s own story, honesty makes way for long-term healing. When others are honest and open about their own struggles, they quickly break through the power of denial and find that they are not alone in a hurting world. This type of honesty is evident in not only Celebrate Recovery, but in all the ministries that surround Highland Park Church. “Ask anyone what they like about Highland Park and it usually comes back to the fact that we are real and we don’t pretend to have it all figured out,” says Rickey. He is thankful for the stories that have come out of Celebrate Recovery and how it has impacted their church as a whole. “The stories shared from Celebrate Recovery have made our

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church a safer place to be real,” he says. Walter’s ability to not only move past his addiction, but to draw deeper meaning and purpose from it continues to impact many lives in our community. Today, he is a ministry partner for Combee Connection, an outreach that helps those in need in the Combee area. The outreach was created after a need came to help those impacted by Hurricane Irma. The ministry continues to greatly impact the underserved of our community. In a world burdened by hurts, habits, and hangups, “[Walter’s] story is proof to a skeptical world that there is a viable third option,” says Rickey. Programs such as Celebrate Recovery remind us we are not meant to carry the weight of our pain alone. Honesty has the power to create longterm and transformative healing.

HIGHLAND PARK CHURCH 4777 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS ROAD LAKELAND, FL 33813 HPLAKELAND.COM

SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30 a.m. (traditional) 10:00 a.m. (contemporary) 11:30 a.m. (contemporary) CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery meets every Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. Optional Open Share groups follow service at 7:00 p.m.

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SHELTER

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Learn about the early phases of City initiatives to help the homeless along with the many organizations that have dedicated years to doing the same. Written by Tara Campbell

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City commissioners recently approved $190,000 to help homeless pay their first and last month’s rent. Ninety-thousand dollars of that will be for two case workers to help these families throughout the year.

omelessness is a much debated problem when it comes to helping those in need. It’s often thought that people are homeless because of an issue with drugs or alcohol or a general disregard for responsibility. Should we help them? How should we go about doing it? These seem to be the questions many in our community are asking yet few can agree upon. “One of the things that we need to be sensitive to when we embrace the entire topic of homelessness is that we don’t let our preconceptions about what homelessness is affect us,” says Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz. Mutz leads Lakeland’s Homelessness Steering committee which is identifying key issues surrounding homeless and working in hopes of creating long-term sustainable solutions to the issue. “We often come in with perconceptions that it relates only to where we live … and what we’re talking about is a problem nationally and to a huge extent,” says Mutz. The reality is homelessness affects a wide variety of people. It’s described as extreme poverty coupled with a lack of stable housing, and it can affect anyone from children and families to adults with disabilities. Many people have struggled with short-term homelessness at one time or another. We’ve all had friends who have spent some time couch surfing because of disagreements or financial situations. However, long-term and chronic homelessness can be caused by anything from poverty to disability. One factor that affects all levels of homelessness is housing

costs, or lack of available housing. Paying for housing could be too expensive for people who might live off of government-assisted housing (temporarily or indefinitely), or, if you have a felony, you may not be eligible to rent in a lot of areas. For people in severe poverty, housing can be a dilemma where one must choose between eating or having a place to call home. According to Mutz, Lakeland currently has around 3,700 homeless children. They might not be living on the street or at a homeless shelter, but they represent THE REALITY IS a wide variety of the home insecure. A lot of HOMELESSNESS AFFECTS the ministries that work A WIDE VARIETY OF with the homeless are to capacity, and there needs PEOPLE. to be a solution for the chronically homeless. The City of Lakeland itself is investing in reducing the homeless population in an effort to ease this housing crisis issue. City commissioners recently approved $190,000 to help homeless adults or adults with children by helping them pay their first and last month’s rent. Ninety-thousand dollars of that will be for two case workers to help these families throughout the year. This initiative is good for one year. Along with the City’s help, Lakeland is also fortunate to have

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Along with the City’s help, Lakeland is also fortunate to have multiple agencies that work with the homeless or housing insecure of Polk County.

multiple agencies that work with the homeless or housing insecure of Polk County. Each have a heart for a specific need in the homeless community and are working tirelessly to help end homelessness in Lakeland and Polk County. One way we can all be a help is by learning to approach the homeless differently. The goal, as a community, is to get the homeless residents of Lakeland the help that they need. But we also have to realize that even though we’re trying to reduce the amount of homelessness in public, we are doing that most importantly to help Lakeland citizens. We can’t judge the amount of homeless people in public as a measurement of Lakeland’s success with aiding the homeless issue. The homeless have just as much right to be in public places as every resident of Lakeland. The best measurement of success should be based on how many students can we help feed, clothe, and house? How many people can we get job training that might not have been eligible for it before? How many chronically homeless people can we help by supporting them with a place to live, or a job or skill that they can be proud of that helps them contribute to secure housing?

If you’re unsure how to help someone who is homeless, there are several options on how to do so that require little to no financial investment:

WE CAN’T JUDGE THE AMOUNT OF HOMELESS PEOPLE IN PUBLIC AS A MEASUREMENT OF LAKELAND’S SUCCESS WITH AIDING THE HOMELESS ISSUE.

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•

Carry homeless kits in your car. You can purchase them on Amazon, or you can put them together yourself. Kits include small hygiene kits and nonperishable snacks like granola bars. Assembling kits is a great activity to do with children!

•

Be knowledgeable about the local resources that we have for the homeless population in Lakeland.

•

Donate or volunteer at one of the local homeless shelters or programs. Most of these programs are also connected to thrift stores that accept donations to help with partial funding and employ residents in their transition programs.

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MORE THAN SHELTER Lakeland is a generous community filled with people looking to help others. We’ve put together an easy guide for how you can be more knowledgeable of homeless services in Lakeland and how to help.

SALVATION ARMY SERVICES • Immediate private housing for families • Transitional housing for up to two years for families that qualify • Meals and childcare for children • Resources for adults trying to find jobs and get established The Salvation Army Center of Hope moved a few years ago to help expand their services to the community. They used to be located downtown in the area that now houses The Collective at Mass Market and what used to be Your Pro Kitchen. They now reside on 49 acres in north Lakeland off of Kathleen Road. The impressive facilities help families and individuals with immediate housing needs that are often beyond their control. Those that qualify stay in private, fully furnished rooms and can stay for up to two years in their fully furnished houses if they meet the Salvation Army’s requirements. Even if they don’t stay for the full two years, families are guaranteed at least two weeks to help get them back on their feet. At the Salvation Army, children receive two full meals each day and have access to their childcare center, and adults have access to laundry, computers, and any other resources they might need to get back on their feet. The Salvation Army hopes to help at least 25 families a year in their long-term program and 120 families a year through their short-term programs. HOW YOU CAN HELP The Salvation Army has multiple ways you can serve and help. You can sign up to work with children and families through class time and mentoring, prepare welcome kits for new families, put together activities for children, and help with specific tasks that help them reach the homeless. For more information about how you can volunteer at the Lakeland branch of the Salvation Army, you can visit their website at salvationarmyflorida. org/lakeland.

TALBOT HOUSE SERVICES • Good Samaritan Free Clinic • Renewal Program for the chronically homeless dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues • Three- to six-month Step Program that gives help with money and budgeting as well as employment skills and training • Basic needs services: men’s and women’s overnight shelter, warm meals, clothing, and showers Talbot House is a basic-needs shelter located in downtown Lakeland. They provide overnight shelter for men and women, daily meals and food distribution, clothing, and showers. One of the oldest homeless shelters in Lakeland, Talbot House was started by St. Joseph’s church and moved downtown in 2001 to start programming that still exists today, as well as having a medical clinic that provides primary health care, dental care, and other necessary medical help for the homeless. HOW YOU CAN HELP You can volunteer your time at Talbot House in a number of ways. You can sign up to serve a meal, help in the free clinic, or in one of their transition programs. They also accept clothing donations. You can learn more about Talbot House Ministries at their website talbothouse.org.

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ONE WAY WE CAN ALL BE A HELP IS BY LEARNING TO APPROACH THE HOMELESS DIFFERENTLY.

LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES

GOSPEL INC.

SERVICES

• Private housing for women, and women with children in transition

• Repurpose Art Studio for Women

• Immediate beds, food, and showers for 36 men each night

• Local neighborhood help for the homeless and chronically homeless

• Life skills, counseling, pastoral care, continued education, and addiction recovery programs • Preschool and afterschool care, and transportation for families at the shelter • On-the-job training and potential for part-time to full-time employment for program participants Lighthouse Ministries in Lakeland sits just north of downtown between Tennessee and Kentucky Avenue. The compound offers a wide variety of service to men, women, and families and helps provide residents with a wide variety of services. Women with children have the opportunity to stay in one of 17 apartments or two common rooms with 18 beds in them. There are 36 open beds for men at the facility. Lighthouse also holds an onsite preschool for the women and staff at Lighthouse. This provides moms with the much-needed childcare so that the women can work, continue education, attend addiction recovery groups, or spend time with a licensed mental health counselor. Residents have the opportunity to stay for free up to three nights a month (or seven dollars per night after that), or they can commit to a 14-24 month transitional program. Residents that come to stay for the night are welcome to snacks, a hot dinner and breakfast, showers, a warm bed, and a chapel service each evening. Long-term residents have to commit to a free 14-24 month “life learning program,” but they must commit to have between $3,500 and $5,000 in savings and work their way from part-time employment to full-time employment opportunities so that they can be eligible for permanent housing opportunities outside of Lighthouse Ministries. Lighthouse helps employ their residents through their outreach centers and thrift store. At their Hope Centers, they help families with prayer, spiritual support, and identification of needs as well as material aid as far as food, clothing, and household items. They also offer referral services to those in need. The Family Stores are thrift stores in Central Florida that help fund the mission of Lighthouse Ministries and provide vital, on-the-job training for the residents of their transition program. HOW YOU CAN HELP There are plenty of ways for individuals and groups to be involved with Lighthouse Ministries in Central Florida. Volunteers are welcome to help in their stores or at their central campus in numerous ways. They can help with everything from preparing meals in the kitchen to spiritual advancement and administration.

• Coming Soon: Gospel Town — housing for the chronically homeless In the last two years, Brian Seeley and Gospel Inc. have fundraised almost half a million dollars to help build something new for the homeless in Lakeland — permanent housing for the chronically homeless. The chronically homeless are people that have been homeless for at least three to five years, if not more, and more than likely have a disability that keeps them from holding down a job. “On the practical side of things, there’s nothing that a chronically homeless person, or even just a low-income person, can do to afford rent,” Seeley says. “If you’re on disability and have a fixed income, $750 a month might be your entire check.” In 2018, a team from Gospel Inc. visited a community like this in Austin, Texas, to see how it was accomplished and managed. The Community First Village has been a great model for Seeley and his team in establishing a village like this in Lakeland. The hope is to start with 50 homes and expand to at least 250. Gospel Inc. staff will be onsite to help and encourage, and to help residents work jobs at Gospel Inc. and in Gospel Town that will help them pay rent for their homes — the first rule of living in Gospel Town. Currently, Gospel Inc. works in the areas north of downtown Lakeland near the same areas as Lighthouse Ministries, Talbot House, and Parker Street Ministries. Their Repurpose Art Studio shares space with the Market Lofts near Haus 820, and they work with women through art and teach them skills through creating. You can often see Seeley and his Gospel Inc. team walking through the downtown neighborhoods, especially on Friday nights, building relationships with the homeless of the city. They hope that they can help engage with them and build relationships with them, and assist them in getting the help they need where they’re at. They’re also creating a program where men can learn skills that can help them develop a trade. HOW YOU CAN HELP Gospel Inc. welcomes anyone from Lakeland to be a part of their community, whether it’s taking the time weekly to join them in the neighborhood or through setting up a Serve Day with a local church or organization. Gospel Inc. is also funded primarily through private funding. For more information about Gospel Inc. you can visit them on Facebook or at their website gospelinc.org

You can find more information by visiting their website at lighthousemin.org.

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Learning and innovation go hand in hand. That’s why LCS applies 21st Century instructional methods to equip students with not only knowledge, but with critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. The LCS experience also inspires students with a vision for Christian influence as they pursue their passion. Visit our website, then call Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment, for a tour.

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1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland | 863-688-2771 1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland • 863-688-2771 • lcsonline.org

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skirt Ralph Lauren Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe jacket vintage Levi’s Goodwill belt stylist’s own

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More important than finding one-of-a-kind fashion gems and designer pieces for a fraction of the cost, shopping at local thrift stores supports some all-star organizations making a significant difference in our community. Being a philanthropist doesn’t mean you have to be a millionaire. It’s easy to think of a philanthropist as a superwealthy person living in a huge mansion with loads of expendable cash. But, really, every single time we choose to spend our money at a charitable thrift shop, we are giving back to our community, which essentially makes us philanthropists. The charitable thrift shops in Lakeland fund everything from meals to clean beds for the

homeless to providing low-to-no cost mental health care for people in our community that need it. Our support is truly essential in keeping these programs alive and healthy. Choosing to shop second hand and donating your unwanted items to charity regularly keeps you in a mindset of giving back. And, to me, giving back just feels good. Aside from that, we’re helping our planet. Every day, perfectly usable

clothing and household items are thrown away. These discards then go into landfills. It is an unnecessary and destructive cycle that can be easily broken if we all do our part. Added bonus: you can find literal treasure while doing your part. I have personally found everything from vintage Chanel and Ralph Lauren to an antique vase that appraised for thousands. You just never know what you might find if you're willing to look.

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shop where it counts. Every single time we choose to spend our money at a charitable thrift shop, we are giving back to our community, which essentially makes us philanthropists.

Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe 2934 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863.647.4224 Peace River provides low-to-no cost psychiatric services as well as domestic shelters, group homes, and rape recovery resources. Pro tip – Do not let the shop’s size fool you. It’s small but mighty. Designer clothes abound!

You just never know what you might find if you’re willing to look.

coveralls vintage circa WWII Salvation Army shoes Lighthouse Ministries jewelry vintage, stylist’s own

Salvation Army Family Store 3915 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33813 863.648.0047 This organization does everything from serving veterans and the homeless to stopping domestic abuse. Pro tip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Every Wednesday is half-off day. Also, on every first Saturday of the month, you can buy by the pound! You can also make donations at this location.

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shirt vintage workwear Goodwill skirt Nasty Gal Goodwill shoes vintage Lighthouse Ministries necklace vintage Chanel Lighthouse ministries

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shirt vintage white tee Goodwill pants vintage Imperial Army Lighthouse Ministries shoes model’s own

Lighthouse Ministries Lakeland Family Store 711 North Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 863.687.4076 Lighthouse Ministries provides food, clothing, shelter, and a variety of programs for the homeless communities in Central Florida. Pro tip – Wednesday is sale day with many items being half off.

“Zanna kept telling her parents that her right ear was “broken”. AAer inconsistent results from other clinics, we were able to test Zanna and determine that she had an unusual hearing loss. Now, Zanna wears hearing aids and receives speech therapy down the hall! She is well on her way to catching up to her peers in school .”

As one of Lakeland’s nonprofit organizations with the highest community investment return, CFSHC’s supporters not only play a crucial role in overall community impact, but the Center’s unique ability to...

change lives. Remember, when you are a patient and purchase services, you are subsidizing those who need help. • Speech-Language Evaluations

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Our support is truly essential in keeping these programs alive and healthy. shirt vintage athletic tee Lighthouse Ministries jacket vintage Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Goodwill skirt vintage Liz Claiborne Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe

Goodwill Lakeland Superstore 5411 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33813 863.646.4301 Goodwill provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities as well as training programs for them as well. Pro tip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I like to give a bag and take a bag. Spend a little time gathering up some unwanted items. They have a really easy drop off.

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Near & Far Currently serving as full-time missionaries to Mafia (an island just off the coast of Tanzania, Africa), Tori and Alix Rasmussen reveal how the principles of generosity span near and far, and how the support of Lakelanders has played a pivotal role in their global initiatives.

Written by Anastasia Jones-Downing Photography by Chelsea Langley

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

portrait by Dan Austin

Propelled by a clear vision, Tori willingly gave up multiple full rides to colleges around the country for an opportunity to study theology at Southeastern University (SEU) in Lakeland.

o doubt about it, there’s something special about Lakeland. Roughly 40 miles east of “the most magical place on earth,” among abundant oaks and towering palms, amidst the sparkling waters and ethereal swans, one will find a vibrant city bursting at the seams with creativity, history, and, most importantly, hope. Lakeland is home to a wealth of philanthropic initiatives and entrepreneurial endeavors, but the true magic of our dear swan city can be found in the boundless spirit of generosity among its people; people whose stories have created greater opportunities for us to exercise generosity each day, raising awareness on important issues around the world and moving us toward action. I have witnessed the powerful generosity of this community and the far-reaching impact their actions have made around the world. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down at Hillcrest Coffee with two fellow Lakelanders who have dedicated their lives in order to make a positive global impact. Tori and Alix Rasmussen currently serve as fulltime missionaries to Mafia, an island just off the coast of Tanzania, Africa. Tori was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and spent part of his life in the far west of Tanzania in a town called Kigoma. Raised by two loving and faith-filled parents, his family placed a great emphasis on giving what they had to empower the community around them. “My grandfather and my father have always been the sort of people who live on 10 percent and give away 90 percent,” Tori says. With the selfless influences of his father, a missionary; and grandfather, a pastor in rural Minnesota, he learned first-hand that choosing to become a pastor would be more than a simple career choice; it would mean a commitment to living a life of constant generosity. Though Tori ultimately chose to follow in his

father’s footsteps and become a missionary as well, the decision didn’t come easy. “Growing up, I really struggled with knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I was always so afraid that I would pick the wrong career, or go down the wrong life path, and then regret it later on in life,” he says. When Tori was 16 years old, his family moved to New York City. Then, at 20, Tori returned to Africa for eight months to work with a certain tribe in Tanzania. It was during that time when he chose to become a missionary. “It wasn’t until I was back in Africa working that I knew I was going to work with unreached people groups in some capacity for the rest of my life. I knew I was going to be a missionary from that point on, and I haven’t wavered from it since,” says Tori. Propelled by a clear vision, Tori willingly gave up multiple full rides to colleges around the country for an opportunity to study theology at Southeastern University (SEU) in Lakeland. To this day he admits, “It’s one of the better life choices I made.” His time in Lakeland and at Southeastern continues to have positive ripple effects throughout his life and career. Years after graduating from Southeastern, Tori and a group helped build a 72-mile road through extremely dense brush in the Kigoma region of

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Tanzania. In 2013, SEU produced a documentary which highlighted the project. It was a grueling process that ultimately granted the locals greater access to healthcare, public transport, and an easier way to transport their goods to the market. “The relationships I made in Lakeland and around the world, while attending SEU, have continued to have a profound impact on my life, even to this day,” says Tori. “Yes, I learned valuable life skills at SEU, however, it was the people I befriended that have been the most influential in my life ever since.” And that’s no exaggeration. It was during his time at Southeastern University that Tori was first introduced to his now-wife, Alix, a vibrant woman with a passion for missions and a deep love for people. Alix was born in small-town Iowa but had lived in different parts of Florida all her life. Though she grew up stateside, missions still played a vital role in her family. Her grandparents served as missionaries, and her parents led countless mission trips over the years. “As soon as I got interested and started doing missions, they were immediately for it,” Alix says. After spending one year away at a college in Ohio, Alix then transferred to Southeastern University in pursuit of her degree in missions. “I knew, almost immediately, that it was a perfect fit for me,” Alix says. It wasn’t long thereafter that her family chose to make Lakeland their home as well. “It’s become a family thing now. My parents now have jobs at Southeastern, and my youngest brother went to Southeastern as well.”

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“WE HOPE TO PROVIDE TUTORING, HOST SPORTS LEAGUES, AND CREATE TEAMS, SO THE YOUTH HAVE A PLACE TO EXCEL ACADEMICALLY AND BELONG TO A COMMUNITY.” – TORI

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Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

Tori and Alix have chosen to live a life of generosity as full-time missionaries, grounded in the unshakable principles of their faith. Their most recent projects include opening a youth center in Mafia. “There will be sports fields (soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis, etc.), a recreation hall, two classrooms, and an auditorium,” says Tori. “We hope to provide tutoring, host sports leagues, and create teams, so the youth have a place to excel academically and belong to a community.” The addition of the youth center is a part of their goal to renovate local elementary schools. “We plan to raise $10,000 USD for each school on Mafia [32 schools in total]. We will use the money in whichever area needs the most help renovating [school toilets, roofs, floors, windows, furniture, etc.]. This will continue school by school until we have renovated all 32 schools on the island,” says Tori. While undeniably rewarding, their missionary journey has not come without its fair share of challenging times. This past year while in Mafia, Tori and Alix had a close friend in the ministry set out to join them. However, while traveling to the island, he was lost at sea. “For two weeks we were looking for him,” says Alix. “To this day he has never been found. We found his boat, but we never found him. Losing J.R. was

“THE RELATIONSHIPS I MADE IN LAKELAND AND AROUND THE WORLD, WHILE ATTENDING SEU, HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON MY LIFE, EVEN TO THIS DAY.” - TORI

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a ministry crisis, personal crisis, and logistical crisis.” This news rocked them both to the core. But it was their faith in God and the generosity of the local community that kept them grounded during this tragic event. “Many times it felt like we were on a spiritual respirator. The church was our support, breathing for us,” says Alix. It begs the question, how do we grieve while still being a blessing to other people? What role does generosity play in the grieving process? Tori believes, “You can’t put things on hold in order to navigate difficult times. I think civil servants and ministry people feel this tension the most. We must keep carrying on, learning to experience grief while still being available to serve others.” An often unspoken truth necessary to sustaining a generous lifestyle is learning to receive generously as well. Tori says, “You must allow people to be gracious and minister to you as well. There is no person that can only give, give, give. You must be ready to receive when you are going through a grieving period.” The couple’s extensive experience ministering

“YOU MAY NOT THINK PEOPLE NEED YOUR HELP, BUT WE ALL NEED HELP AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER.” - ALIX

Tori and Alix have chosen to live a life of generosity as full-time missionaries, grounded in the unshakable principles of their faith.

to unreached people groups in Africa has taught them first-hand how the principles of generosity span across cultures, religions, and geographic locations. “The importance of giving of yourself is also the same in every people group,” says Tori. “Everyone in the world needs to be more loving and generous, and they can be more loving and generous. Everyone in the world needs to be more selfless, and they can be more selfless. None of us are at the place we’d like to be, or should be — but we all ought to be more, and we all can be more,” says Tori. When we become more intentional about practicing generosity, we experience the reward of actively contributing to something greater than ourselves. “You may not think people need your help, but we all need help at one point or another,” Alix says. No matter how long you’ve called Lakeland home, you’ll find that the magic of this city lies in the generous spirit of its people and how they carry that same spirit of generosity with them wherever they may go.

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TASTE

With over 15 years in business, Café Roti’s story is mixed with unexpected opportunities that transformed it to being Lakeland’s go-to spot for traditional, gourmet IndianPakistani cuisine. Written by Annalee Mutz Photography by Paul Bostrom Styled by Lisa Malott

coveted cuisine around the world, Indian food has captured the hearts — and taste buds — of those near and far. Typically comprised of heavy doses of cardamom, cayenne, tamarine, and other bold flavors, the complex pairing and mix of spices that make up this cuisine can often sound overwhelming to the unfamiliar palate. But, once experienced, it leaves an unforgettable memory that keeps customers coming back for more. At least, this has been the case for local Indian-Pakistani restaurant Café Roti. “About 80 percent of the people that have sat in my restaurant have not eaten Indian food,” says Dr. Saqib Khan, owner and founder of Café Roti. “But they love it when they do.” With over 15 years’ experience behind them now, Café Roti’s beginnings seem made up of opportunities generated by immense human inquisitiveness. “The first part of any human endeavor is to have inquisitiveness,” says Khan. With few people in the Lakeland community exposed to

Indian-Pakistani cuisine, he says it’s no surprise that “people’s inquisitiveness transformed into an adventurous spirit.” With minimal marketing in place, it was the intrigue of a community that began to sustain the adventurous spirit of those who partake in the Café Roti experience. But what inquisitiveness even sparked Khan to start an IndianPakistani restaurant here in Polk County? Well, it wasn’t through an intrigue for culinary pursuits. Originally from Pakistan, Khan first moved to the U.S. to continue pursuing a career in the medical field. He would go on to do research and surgical training throughout the country. After passing

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the boards in anesthesiology, pain management, and critical care, Khan continued his critical care training. He then started a practice in Plant City. Khan’s medical pursuits have taken him to many cities and garnered him impressive experience in the field of medicine. Yet, how did Café Roti make it into this mix? While applying for privileges in Lakeland, Khan noticed a piece of land for sale next to Lakeland Regional Health. With a love for medicine and a love for food, he thought the location was the ideal spot for him to start a small restaurant for his staff and other doctors to experience the same fondness he had for the food he grew up on.

“SLOWLY AND STEADILY, WE STARTED GETTING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN CAFÉ ROTI.”

In addition to owning Café Roti, Saqib Khan is a doctor who specializes in anesthesiology, pain management, and critical care.

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“ONCE PEOPLE GET IN AND EAT, THERE IS NO WAY THEY WILL NOT LIKE IT.”

However, the place did not stay small for long. “We have never marketed the restaurant,” says Kahn. “But, slowly and steadily, we started getting more and more people interested in Café Roti.” Café Roti would eventually need to expand their back room and make space for even more people to experience the traditional ethnic and gourmet IndianPakistani cuisine. This past year, they made a big move to a new location in the heart of downtown Lakeland. As Café Roti continues to grow and customers continue to return, Khan assumes that it must be greatly due to the transformative powers of our senses and our close bond with food. “We are closely tied to food because of our senses. The sights, the taste; all are tied to food,” says Khan. And like any cuisine, it all starts with the aroma. Indian food is highly regarded for its bounties of spices that leave an impressionable aroma. “As soon as you enter or even pass by Café Roti, you

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will smell the aroma of basmati rice in the air. You will smell the coriander, a little bit of cumin.” Obviously, the aroma alone is just a part of the impressionable experience. Those familiar with the cuisine served at Café Roti know that it is the taste that brings them back. Like many traditional Indian-Pakistani dishes, it is a mélange of not only flavors, but also influences. Dishes vary from place to place, and Khan worked to infuse recipes that captured this. “We just use the traditional recipes, and it is a very modified version,” says Khan. “I would say, all my dishes are made for the taste of the locals.” These intentional yet simplified recipes are done to capture the essence of what makes up Indian-Pakistani food while making it accessible for all. “It is a version that everybody can essentially enjoy and is not expensive,” says Khan. “My goal is that everybody, whatever their pocket is, should be able to eat here.” In an effort to continue to

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“AS SOON AS YOU ENTER OR EVEN PASS BY CAFÉ ROTI, YOU WILL SMELL THE AROMA OF BASMATI RICE IN THE AIR. YOU WILL SMELL THE CORIANDER, A LITTLE BIT OF CUMIN.”

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“THIS IS WHY I AM SO FOND OF A RESTAURANT, DESPITE BEING A DOCTOR.”

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make Roti accessible for all, Khan is also currently working on a book filled with all of Café Roti’s recipes. “I’m finishing a book, and anybody can pick the book up at our restaurant and make those dishes,” says Kahn. Beyond creating a restaurant filled with delicious recipes, Khan inspires to create a gathering place that encourages its guests to venture into new territory while meeting our neighbors. “Honestly, I don’t know anything about cooking. All I know is about eating,” Khan admits as he recounts where his fondness for the cuisine stemmed from. Since a young age, he has been

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inspired by how meals have the ability to bridge gaps and draw people together. Largely inspired by past experiences, Khan aspired to create a meeting place that garnered similar soulful gatherings that surrounded a good meal throughout his life. “This is why I am so fond of a restaurant, despite being a doctor,” says Khan. So whether you are familiar with IndianPakistani cuisine or ready to venture into trying something completely out of your element, you are in for an amazing experience at Café Roti. Because, as Khan says, “Once people get in and eat, there is no way they will not like it.”

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PHILANTHROPY SPECIAL

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FLORIDA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME | ONE MORE CHILD

It truly is impossible to capture all those who give back to Lakeland and the organizations that advocate for the people who comprise it. There are many who have continued to dedicate their time and resources to the welfare of others. In this issue of The Lakelander, we’ve highlighted many who have done just this, but we could not create this issue without mentioning these additional organizations as well.

Since opening their first orphanage in 1904, Florida Baptist Children’s Home and One More Child have been providing life-changing services to vulnerable children. Annually, the organization impacts more than 200,000 children and individuals domestically and globally at more than 50 locations worldwide through efforts in anti-trafficking, foster care, child hunger, family support services, and single moms programs. Whether it’s providing clean diapers to a newborn baby, food for a hungry child, safety for an abused child, or foster or adoptive homes to children in crisis, this organization works to share with children who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned the protective and healing love of Jesus. fbchomes.org | onemorechild.org 1015 Sikes Boulevard Lakeland, FL 33815 863.687.8811

VISTE Started in Lakeland in 1983, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is a community-based non-profit organization with a primary goal to help frail senior citizens continue living independently and safely in their own home. By providing the elderly with resources that help them remain in their homes, VISTE is able to greatly support the fastest growing, and often financially unprepared, age group. This United Way agency is primarily volunteer-driven and partners with schools, churches, civic groups, and local businesses. viste.org 1232 East Magnolia Street Lakeland, FL 33801 863.284.0828

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DREAM CENTER OF LAKELAND The Dream Center of Lakeland is a Christ-centered community center that serves the at-risk neighborhoods throughout Lakeland. Through programs including Street Reach and Adopt-A-Block (programs where volunteers distribute hundreds of bags of food), cleaning and mowing neighborhoods, hosting kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; carnivals, and distributing clothing, the Dream Center of Lakeland serves the community by meeting real needs and offering resources for positive change. Additional programs are also available at the Dream Center campus and surrounding area for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. dreamcenterlakeland.org 635 West 5th Street Lakeland, FL 33805 863.413.0088

PARKER STREET MINISTRIES Since 1996, Parker Street Ministries has been committed to Gospelcentered community development. This is done through advocating for Lakelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parker Street neighborhood by helping facilitate individual, family, and community restoration, reconciliation, and revitalization. There are a number of programs and services offered through Parker Street Ministries. Those interested in volunteering can serve through their academic enrichment program as tutors or enrichment leaders; facilitating drives for toys, snack, backpacks, and uniforms; neighborhood or facility workdays; participating in community gatherings; and classes for adults on a variety of topics. psmlakeland.org 719 North Massachusetts Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 863.682.4544

PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS

Founded in 1985 in Jacksonville, Florida, PACE Center for Girls provides girls and young women with an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy. PACE serves more than 3,000 at-risk girls annually in 20 centers throughout the state of Florida by providing appropriate counseling and education in a nurturing environment. PACE has received national recognition for its research-based and gender-responsive model of program delivery, including academic support, counseling, and life-skills training. pacecenter.org/locations/polk 213 Tyler Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 863.688.5596

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LVIM Lakeland’s Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) is a volunteer-run medical clinic that provides primary medical care, dental, and counseling services for the working uninsured. LVIM provides a medical home for medically underserved in our community and offers access to doctors’ visits, diagnostic testing, lab tests, ultrasound scans, and x-rays at no charge. They also offer more extensive diagnostics, such as CTs and MRIs. Funded by the United Way of Central Florida, LVIM also operates a full-service pharmacy and fills approximately 30,000 prescriptions a year. LVIM is funded through a capital campaign, grants, and ongoing fundraising. lvim.net 1021 Lakeland Hills Boulevard Lakeland, Florida 33805 863.688.5846

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA The United Way originally served the Greater Lakeland area in 1944 and has since grown considerably, merging with the United Ways of Greater Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven in 1980. Today they engage about 2,000 volunteers and work collectively to provide solutions for helping children succeed in school, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health. With their mission to improve lives and strengthen our community, The United Way of Central Florida invests in about 105 service solutions delivered by 58 partners to create positive and lasting change. uwcf.org 5605 US 98 Lakeland, FL 33812 863.648.1500

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HISTORY

A young woman in Lakeland urges people to donate to the Army-Navy relief drive to assist the families of servicemen during World War II. Date: 1942 Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library.

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