Annual Report 2022-2023 The Source

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Dear Valued Supporter,

In 2023, The Source marked an incredible milestone - 28 years of dedicated service to our community. What began as a humble initiative providing emergency meals has evolved into a comprehensive effort to combat homelessness in our community, featuring initiatives such as the Dignity Buses, a Culinary Training Program, job opportunities to make money on-site, mental health care, free dental restoration to qualifying graduates and more.

With an expanded range of services, increased outreach, and an unyielding commitment to developing impactful programs, we are proud to offer life-changing opportunities to homeless individuals in Indian River County and beyond.

This year, our commitment to making a difference has led to significant accomplishments. Not only do our two Dignity Buses continue to provide 36 beds in Indian River County, but we also renovated and sold a third Dignity Bus to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and a fourth Dignity Bus to Bourbonnais, Illinois, just outside Chicago. The addition of local dentists to our Dignity Smiles Program, the launch of the Dignity Wellness mental health program through the support of an Impact 100 Grant and a Grand Harbor Community Fund Grant, and the initiation of the Community Works program to clean up the City of Vero Beach further showcase our dedication.

Within the following pages, you will discover details about our crucial programs and services, future plans, and the profound impact we’ve had on individuals whose lives were affected by homelessness. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our generous donors, partners, and volunteers.

As you peruse this report, we hope you take pride in the positive changes we are effecting to help the homeless and underserved regain their footing. Your commitment to supporting The Source is deeply appreciated, and together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey toward building a better community.

Executive Director

Founded nearly three decades ago in response to the growing homelessness crisis in Indian River County, The Source has undergone a transformative journey. Over the years, we have emerged as a symbol of hope for the homeless and vulnerable, boasting an expanded vision and cutting-edge programs that position us as pioneers in life transformation. Our holistic programs empower clients, fostering self-reliance and the pursuit of meaningful lives.

With steadfast dedication, we offer hope and a diverse array of support services to those facing adversity. Our mission is to guide individuals towards realizing their full potential for self-sufficiency, facilitating a path to more gratifying and fulfilling lives.

Dining with Dignity

Dining with Dignity is a 6, 12, or 18 week professional program, recognized by The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) for delivering high standards in culinary arts education. This program offers students the opportunity to learn culinary skills and prepare them for employment in the food service industry

The food trucks are geared to selling award-winning food at community events, and with made-to-order foods at specific locations and routine stops, while also providing complimentary food relief in response to natural disasters. With two food trucks in operation, culinary students receive additional training and gain confidence working with the public.

Dignity Catering provides a catering service to local businesses, schools, churches and/or community events. A daily menu is available, or one can be created specifically for private functions or event planning. Culinary students gain hands-on training while interacting with the public.

Dignity Smiles provides free dental restoration to eligible Dining with Dignity graduates. Proper dentistry makes all of the difference with their confidence and employability. The Source partnered originally with Dr. Sadesh Kumar, and Thomas Balshi, DDS, PhD, FACP, and Stephen Balshi. Our first year in operation we included Dr. Claudia Pryszlak, DMD; Dr. Ramon Hernandez, DMD; Dr. Adam Jones, DMD, MS; Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones, DDS; and Denise M. Pieczynski, D.M.D. In 2023 we added: Dr. Eve Napoles, DDS.

Dignity Jobs offer members the opportunity to gain work experience and a dignified income. The Source partners with B.E. Princess, Inc. a private and corporate aviation supplier, who provides on board supplies and accessories to aviation companies around the country. Our members assemble Sic Sac® Motion Sickness Bags and earn a dignified income while feeling productive and appreciated under the supervision of our employment specialist.

Wellness Wellness

On the road to mental health...

The Source manages mental health counseling for the Dignity Wellness Program, offering daily mental health services, community outreach, and education to reduce stigma.

Mental Health

First Aid training is provided and the program aims to help individuals achieve employment mobility and mental well-being.

Dignity Bus® is the firstof-its-kind in the country, an overnight emergency shelter available 365 days a year. The two Vero Beach buses offer a total of 36 climate-controlled sleeping pods. The buses are available 7 nights a week, providing security, comfort, and a safe environment for individuals to get a restful night’s sleep. We also built and sold two additional Dignity Buses® nationally! One bus went to Woonsocket, Rhode Island and the second bus went to the Chicago area. Finally - we have purchased a fifth bus that is designated to serve the Vero Beach community with 19 sleeping pods and additional amenities.

Dignity Village is a hotel/ motel that offers daily, weekly and monthly stays at an affordable rate. 18 Units will be available to individuals and families in our community. The village is a self-contained community offering housing, a chapel, outdoor dining, and activities.

Members participating in Community works are paid by The Source and dressed in uniforms while picking up trash along streets, lawns and alleyways that might smell, need pressure cleaning and do other work to help beautify the city. The Source has an identifiable trailer with all of the cleaning supplies needed to get any job done.

95%* of local Homeless Served by Dignity Buses

• Emergency Overnight Shelters

• The first two in the country

• 10,421 Safe Sleeps in 2023

Almost $242,713 Earned by Culinary Enterprises

•48,631 Meals were served

• 32 Students gained on-the-job training

DIGNITY VILLAGE Now Open!

• 11 One bedroom cottages

• 3 Two bedroom cottages

• 4 Efficiences

• A self-contained community for individuals and families in Indian River County

$49,625 Put Back Into The

Local Economy

• 301,700 Sic Sacs completed

• $49,652 Used for client assistance, ie: new bicycles, gas vouchers, movie and bowling tickets, new clothes, prescriptions, bus and airline tickets home

185+ Lives Uplifted With Free Mental Health Care

• 492 clinical counseling hours provided

• 203 people engaged in Smoking Cessation program

• One Mental Health First Aid Instructor was added to our staff

• 25 members referred to Intensive Outpatient, medication management and senior services.

• 182 Students served by Music Therapy

Four Lives Changed With A New Smile

• Russell (pictured to the left with Denise Pieczynski, DMD & Dignity Smiles founder Dr. Thomas Balshi) is now housed and has full-time employment

• Dr. Eve Napoles, DDS joined the team of Dignity Smiles dentists

VOLUNTEERS are a ray of hope.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

264 Total number of Volunteers

10,421 Safe sleeps on Dignity Bus

39,783 Meals Served In one year

6,340 Loads of Laundry Washed.

32 Dining with Dignity Students

837 Pieces of Mail Received

MEET KAREN

Karen grew up poor in the projects in Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of ten. Karen’s father was a longshoreman who was never around, while her mother cleaned office buildings. Karen was taken care of by her older sister Mary. She lived a dangerous, difficult and sad life, especially once her mother became ill. After her mother passed away, she was invited to move in with a friend in Micco, Florida. For three years, Karen enjoyed the peace and comfort of her new life until she fell ill. While accessing her doctors from this spot, she learned her friend’s home was no longer available. She soon learned about The Source and became a part of our family until her passing in 2023.

Leonard is a hard working man who recently fell on hard times when his wife became sick with cancer and he could not afford both rent and her medicine. In an effort to do the right thing, Leonard found a safe place for his wife with a family member, put his belongings into storage and started coming to the Source for meals, showers and a safe, comfortable sleep on the Dignity Bus®. Leonard soon started working on the crew of Community Works and before long earned the position of crew leader. Since then Leonard has gotten his drivers license renewed and is now supervisor of the Community Works crew.

MEET LEONARD MEET RUSSELL

In December 2022, as Russell’s lease was concluding, he faced a steep rent increase to $1,800 a month, a cost he could not shoulder, resulting in homelessness. Despite this setback, he continued to work, aiming to save enough for a new place, only to encounter another hurdle when his car broke down. However, Russell’s story has since transformed remarkably. From his days in the woods, he has made incredible strides, initially becoming a Food Truck Operator. Through our Dignity Smiles Program, he regained his confidence with a renewed smile and has now secured full-time employment with a local restaurant, along with stable housing.

2022/2023 BALANCE SHEET

2022-23 Expenses

$2,220,903

83%

10% 7%

Ministry Services and Clinical Assistance Management & General Fundraising

Go!

Welcome to The Source!

At The Source we believe in reunifying families whenever possible and will help our members to purchase bus tickets or plane tickets home. When this is the case members “do not pass GO and do not need to graduate from any programs!” - they go STRAIGHT HOME!

LIFE IS NOT A GAME OF CHANCE

Homeless Housed

Use “Dignity Bucks” to buy new bike or new clothing

Decide which Dignity Program is most suitable:

Dining with Dignity, Community Works or Dignity Jobs

Dignity Wellness:

First step is a mental health assessment

Don’t roll the dice with your LIFE!

Staff will do an intake and establish new person as a “member” of the Source with a photo ID

The process begins with a full stomach and good night’s sleep

Do some chores and earn some “Dignity Bucks”

3 Free hot meals a day served restaurant style

Reserve a safe sleep for $2 per night on one of our two

Take a hot shower, and use the laundry facilities to wash clothing

Students will choose to participate in one of these three Dignity Programs

Dining with Dignity: A 6, 12, or 18 week Culinary Training Program Students earn ServSafe Cert

Community Works: A 6 Week voluntary job training program, cleaning the city & parks

During this time, members are encouraged to participate in our enrichment programs as well as Bible study and AA if needed.

PREPARING FOR JOB PLACEMENT Members work with an Employment Specialist Interviews are set-up and student is coached and guided.

SMILE!

Dignity Job Opportunities: Earn money by working at The Source

Upon graduation from one of our Dignity Programs, members may qualify for the Dignity Smiles Program. As a recipient of Dignity Smiles - select members receive restorative dentistry free of charge and are now prepared to enter the workforce with a brand new smile.

Our employment specialist works closely with each member, helping them to renew drivers license, get state ID or whatever they need for employability.

Members thrive in community

We support the employer and the student!

Members can return anytime for support. Must return to “GO” and start again.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Giving the honor & glory to God...many members ask for their baptism.

Summary of Major Accomplishments and Celebrations of 2022-2023

Pastor Wayne Traverse, Vice President of our Board and Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director went on a mission trip to Texas during the summer of 2022 for leadership training and to spread the Love of God.

Representatives from Butler County Ohio visited The Source to assess the feasibility of bringing a Dignity Bus® to their area.

Anthony Zorbaugh and several staff members traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to buy a third bus to convert to a Digntiy Bus®.

Jade Alexander, Director of Operations (third to the right) and Charlene Morris, LMHC, MCAP, Director of Mental Health (second to the right) traveled to the Bahamas on a Mission Trip.

The Annual Prayer Breakfast was held at Pathway Church on Oct. 6, 2022. It was a heartwarming gathering, imbued with a sense of community and spirituality, catered by Dignity Catering.

The Source Welcomes

Jonathan “Jonny” Orozco, as new Director of Development

Jonny was the former Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Lead for Brevard County’s Continuum of Care, where he played a vital role in the collaboration between Brevard County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Miss Sue and Executive Director Tony Zorbaugh cross the finish line at the Substance Abuse Coalition 5k Walk/Run

The City Council of Vero Beach recognized National Health Awareness Month with a proclamation to The Source for our positive and untiring work we do in providing programs and services to the homeless and poor.

Our member Kyle, who has worked hard to improve his life, was rewarded with the gift of a car.

A team of volunteers traveled to the hurricane beaten West Coast of Florida to provide much needed service, supplies and support.

A few of our members and staff celebrated the holidays by visiting Universal Studios in Orlando. At the Source we believe in creating experiences that foster community and lasting friendships.

Maryann Braden representing the Evening of Giving program (EOG) under Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program, visited The Source just prior to Christmas 2022 to present a check to our organization.

December 2022, The Source sent an outreach team of mission-minded staff, board members and supporters to Cuba for a visit. While there we offered meals, supplies and the word of God to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Source Promotes Jade Alexander to Director of Operations

The second Dignity Bus® was relocated from Palm Bay to Indian River County, giving us two buses and offering 36 beds to our members for a safe and comfortable sleep.

Jade Alexander is now in charge of overseeing the day-to-day activities of The Source, the staff, and clients as well as maintaining and expanding the organization’s policies and procedures. Ms. Alexander originally came to The Source in March 2021 as Employment Specialist.

The Fred Griffin Legacy Fund, overseen by Fred Griffin’s wife Suzanne Chesser, donated $81,950 to Dignity Village.

The Dignity Food Truck was able to serve the community for several months as Seaside Grill was under construction, providing good food and good will.

The Source’s 18th Annual “Night of Hope” Fundraiser was held on February 6, 2023 at the Emerson Center in Vero Beach featuring Wintley Phipps.

The Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach hosted the 11th Annual Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest on February 18, 2023 and The Source Dining with Dignity program won two first place honors.

The Source partnered with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to provide Music Therapy which started February 27, 2023 at our Commerce location.

Jimmy Jacobson, far right, the founder of a veteran nonprofit organization called “DoYouGiveARuck” donated some much needed items to our members. (A Ruck is the name of the backpack worn by soldiers).

The Source was announced as one of eleven finalists for the Indian River Impact 100 Grant of $100,000 on March 8 at the annual “Meet the Finalists” reception at The Heritage Center.

Casual for a Cause school-wide philanthropy program donated $2,406 to The Source. Each month, district schools raise money to support local organizations. Thank you SDIRC!

The Robin Raiff Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate donated a portion of their commission to The Source. A certificate of appreciation was presented to them and their clients, Linda and Robert, acknowledging a donation to The Source in their name.

The Source Attends the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in California

Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source and Jonathan Orozco, Director of Development attended the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in Oakland, CA. In March 2023 The Source presented at the conference entitled, “Innovations & Solutions for Ending Unsheltered Homelessness.” The Dignity Bus® was well received by attendees who were eager to know more about its operations and success.

In Spring of 2023

The Source started a Member Advisory Council to address challenges faced by our members. The goal was to empower members to come up with solutions themselves and see those solutions implemented.

Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club gave a $10,000 grant to The Source. This generous donation will directly support our Dining with Dignity Culinary Training program.

A leadership team from The Source participating in the Indian River Impact 100 “Share to Care” Community Fair

Left photo: Receiving the $100,000 grant from Impact 100, left to right - Director of Mental Health Services at The Source, Charlene Morris, Mary Ellen McCarthy (Impact 100) and Executive Director of The Source, Tony Zorbaught. Right photo: $12,000 grant award, left to right - Grant Writer Robin Herow, Susanne and Doug Sweeny (Grand Harbor), Tony Zorbaugh and Charlene Morris.

The newest program launched by The Source is Community Works. It is designed to help the streets of Vero Beach become clean again, while at the same time allowing Source members to earn a paycheck.

Jonathan Orozco, Director of Development, Jade Alexander, Director of Operations, Antoinette Hamner, Robin Herow, Grant Writer and Jeffrey Pickering hold check for $12,000 from IR Community Foundation.

Following Easter Services at Pathway Church, Sunday, April 9, 1,000 happy parishoners enjoyed a full breakfast courtesy of Dignity Catering.

An assistant (far left) to Senator Marco Rubio joins the Dignity Bus® team from The Source, (left to right) Jonathan, Tony Z., Anthony R., and Kyle pictured here outside Senator Rubio’s office in Washington, D.C.

Anthony Zorbaugh was invited to participate in a national webinar, where he is seen here speaking about the Dignity Bus® and presenting our Dignity Bus® Toolkit, a step-by-step guide for transforming a bus into a Dignity Bus®.

Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source addresses City Council at a Call Meeting on the Pocahontas Park rejuvenation and how The Source is determined to help the City.

Community Partnerships

3 Mavins’

3001 Park Place Building

32963 Newspaper

53rd Neighbors Magazine

ABC Printers

Aiello Landscaping

Altitude Dental

Archers Tax Services and More LLC.

B.E. Princess Bank of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters

CJ Cannons

Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church

Christ Church

Community Church

Clear SEM Solutions

Crossover Mission

Crown Painting

Dillard’s

Dyer Mazda and Dyer Subaru

ESS Manufacturing

George E. Warren Corporation

Gifford Youth Achievement Center

Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce

Hope for Families Center

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Indian River Chamber of Commerce

Indian River County Hospital District

Indian River Exchange Packers

Indian River Restaurant Supply

Indian River Magazine

Indoor Air and Odor Management

iTHINK Financial

Legendary Teejay’s Awards and Generation Cotton

Marsh Landing

Nuva Dental

Pathway Church

Phoenix Rising

Premier Estate Properties

Princess Liquors

RCL Development

Route 60 Hyundai

Shile Insurance

Southstate Bank

St. Vincent de Paul

Streetside Showers

Sunrise Rotary

TCPalm.com

The Gifford Florida Youth Orchestra, Inc.

Truist (formerly Suntrust)

Indian River County Chamber of Commerce

Vero Beach Country Club

Vero Beach Magazine

Vierra Smile Studio

Volunteer Ambulance Squad

Waldo’s

Walmart

Whole Family Health Center

Wickham Dental

Youth Guidance

Gifford Youth Achievement Center donated a wheelchair to Tyrieff and the Volunteer Ambulance Squad takes Ty to his doctor appointments.

Businesses Employing

Dining with Dignity Students

3D Fencing LLC

7 Eleven

American Grill and Bar

American Icon Brewery

Asian Chow Oriental Eatery

BBG (Ft. Pierce)

Baci Trattoria

Beef and Barrell (Crossville, TN)

Bonefish Grill

Blue Ribbon Pet Spa

Burger King

C.J. Cannons

Captain Hiram’s

Chili’s

Chipotle

Citrus Grill House

Classic Car Wash

Cleveland Clinic

Dollar General

Dollar Tree

Five Guys

Green Marlin

Halpern’s Steak and Seafood

IHOP

Indian River Restaurant Supply

Kilted Mermaid

Larry’s Roadside Restaurant

Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant

Lowes

MJM Car Wash

Marsh Landing

Mr. Manatee’s

Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station

Ocean Grill

Omni Tax Help

Outback Steakhouse

Phatz Chicken Shack

Phil’s Side Jobs LLC

Portside Pub

Post and Vine

Publix

Route 60 Hyundai

Ruby Tuesday

Sea Oaks

Sebastian Sandwich Shack

Ski’s Hideaway

Sonny’s BBQ

Spiro’s Taverna

Steil Oil Co.

Taco Dive

The Lemon Tree

The Source

The Wave Kitchen and Barr at Costa d’ Este Resort

Too Jay’s

Vero Beach Country Club

Vero Beach Elementary

Vero Bowl

Wes Backyard BBQ Grill

Waldo’s Restaurant

Waves Car Wash

Winn-Dixie

Mike proudly wearing his Mr. Manatee’s uniform.

From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023

264 people volunteered at The Source

15 Members were Housed

13 Members got their State ID

4 Lives were changed with a new smile!

To learn more about The Source Scan QR Code

A Total of 32 Dining with Dignity Students were Enrolled

17 Dining With Dignity Students Graduated

95% of local Homeless Served by Dignity Buses

22 Students Gained Employment

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bobby Lindsey, President

Pastor Wayne Traverse, Vice President

Marjorie Gaskins, Treasurer

Melinda Berg, Board Member

James Dornan, Board Member

Margaret Anne Evans, Board Member

Michelle Griffin, Board Member

Robert Ulevich, Board Member

Diantha Harris Board Member

Thomas Balshi, DDS, PhD, FACP

Joanne Balshi

Stephen Balshi

Dr. Sadesh Kumar, DMD

Dr. Ramon Hernandez, DMD

Dr. Claudia Pryszlak, DMD

Dr. Eve Napoles, DDS

Dr. Adam Jones, DMD, MS

Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones, DDS

Denise M. Pieczynski, DMD