September Dignity newsletter 2024 by Judy Graziosi

Home of the Dignity Programs

Dignity News

The

Source Presents

“Hidden Faces,” A Behind the Scenes Look at this Ever-Growing Non-Profit ...An Evening to Entertain & Educate...

BY BEVERLY PARIS

The community is invited to a special event that will please the palate with delicious food and drink, while enjoying music and the mingling with good friends. Most importantly, the event is designed to offer a moving, and uplifting observation of what is happening “Behind the Scenes at The Source.” This nonprofit organization works closely with the most vulnerable of individuals residing in our community…the needy and the homeless in Indian River County.

The third annual “Hidden Faces,” will be held on Thursday evening, October 3 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave. in the heart of historic downtown Vero Beach. The event last year was sold out, so securing tickets early is advisable.

The event will demonstrate what The Source does and the people they help...day after day while presenting a compelling program featuring images of the human side of homelessness in our community through video and in-person commentary. Attendees will hear success stories about the growth of the organization over the past 30 years. They will also have the opportunity to hear testimonials from various members whose lives have been transformed…. those that now have employment, a roof over their head, a reunion with a separated family, or a reinstatement of their license….those who are now living with pride and with dignity!

Attendees will also enjoy award-winning food, cooked by The Source’s Dignity Catering program and served by students of their Dining with Dignity Culinary Training Program, and a cash bar on the outside patio. Register to

win prizes and enjoy a parting gift upon leaving from what is expected to be a most memorable evening.

While homelessness is prevalent throughout the nation, this event will offer insight on how The Source is tackling this issue in our community. You will walk away from the evening with more awareness on the issue of homelessness and proud to learn how it is being eradicated here in Indian River County.

Special thanks go to the sponsors of the event who include: Bailey Family Foundation, Christ by the Sea UMC, Douglas & Susanne Sweeny, George & Toni Hamner, George Shinn Foundation, Harold and Juliet Dixon, Lou Ann Lindsay, Margaret Anne and Emmett Evans, Suzanne Chesser, Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, Chuck Bateman State Farm Insurance, Intercessors for America, Ruth Williams Collier, Surfaces Design Studio, ABC Printing, Berg Insurance, Calvary Chapel Vero Beach, Crown Painting, McCall Agency Insurance, Inc., Mills, Short & Associates, Ophelia Jean Angelone, Action Realty, Robert Lyles & Jeanmarie Hajla, Rennick Real Estate, Auctions-Steve Rennick Home Team, Sunshine Furniture, Vero Chemical Distributors, Inc., Jim Baird, and Lambert Commercial Real Estate. In-Kind Sponsors include Charles Sinclair, J. Scott Kelly - Island Images Prof. Photography Studio, Inc. and Nick & Daria Verola - Verola Media.

There is a $20 per person entry fee. You can buy tickets by calling Jonathan Orozco, Dir. of Development at 386290-4396 or by emailing him at jonathan.orozco@ iamthesource.org, or scan the QR code to buy your tickets online.

Group photo by Brenda Sposato: Operations Manager Jade Alexander (left) with Development Director Jonathan Oroczo (right) flank members Frank, Gena and Jason by the historic Heritage Center as they prepare for the 3 rd Annual “Hidden Faces” event.

More Wheels on The Street for The Source’s Dignity Bus

BY BEVERLY PARIS

The Source launched their newest Dignity Bus at an official launch event on Wednesday, August 28 at the Women’s Club located in historic downtown Vero Beach. The event featured a short program, a tour of the bus and light refreshments. It was attended by nearly 110 people that included local officials, friends and board members of The Source, as well as Cheryl Robinson, the major donor of this newest Dignity Bus and her family.

This Bus is the third for Indian River County, but the fifth in The Source’s fleet; the other two reside in Rhode Island and Illinois with area non-profit organizations operating them. Since 2022, two Dignity Buses have operated in Indian River County as a temporary shelter for the homeless population. Between the two vehicles, 36 people have had the opportunity to sleep off the streets, with a roof over their heads, in a safe and secure location every night of the week, all year round. The newest bus has 19 beds making it a total of 55 safe sleeps each night right here in our own backyards.

While all three buses are very similar on the interior layout, they each have some differences that set them apart: Bus #1 sleeps 20 individuals; Bus #2 is slightly smaller and sleeps 16, while the newest bus has 19 sleeping pods (beds). The bathroom in the new bus has been enlarged to provide a larger hand washing sink, one bedding section offers a triple bunk bed rather than the standard double bunks throughout, and in the baggage area below, a full washer and dryer has been installed. The exterior is also very different, meaningful to the donor and very striking. The other two out-of-state buses also differ with heating elements for the cold weather and one has handicapped access from the rear of the bus and is equipped with one handicapped sleeping pod.

This vehicle is, in part, due to a generous donation made by an area resident who lost her husband and son. Donor Cheryl Robinson has honored her family with additions to the exterior wrapping of the bus, and on the interior, scriptures engraved underneath each bed that offer prayer to each person sleeping in it.

Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source explains that the Dignity Bus is in compliance to the new Florida HB 1365 ordinance imposed by the Florida State Senate. This ordinance titled “Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping,” prohibits counties and municipalities from authorizing or allowing public camping or sleeping on public property. Homeless individuals are prohibited from camping on city streets, sidewalks, and parks and instead placed in temporary shelters monitored by law enforcement agencies under the new law, which takes effect Oct. 1.

For more information on Dignity Bus, please contact Anthony Zorbaugh or Jonathan Orozco at 772-564-0202.

Attendees pray for Dignity Bus

PHOTOS BY BRENDA SPOSATO

City of Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, City Manager Monte Falls and County Commissioner Laura Moss

Anthony Zorbaugh in center with Dignity Bus Donor Cheryl Robinson (immediate right), both flanked by Cheryls friends and family

Bus Builders: Anthony Rommell, Kyle McNeil and “J.R.” Confessor Gonzalez Beverly Paris/Paris

Route 7 Hosts High-Energy Team Building Event for The Source Staff

BY BRENDA SPOSATO GRANT WRITER/EVENT COORDINATOR

The staff at The Source came together for a group retreat to bond, have fun, and de-stress, demonstrating their collective spirit and commitment. Whether you’re at the front desk, on the bus, with volunteers, creating newsletters, assisting with marketing and events, or managing programs and fundraising, every action you take, when combined with the efforts of your colleagues, is a powerful force driving our mission to transition people out of homelessness. Each staff member’s contributions are not just appreciated; they are integral to our success and the impact we make.

On August 14, 2024, more than 30 staff members went to Route 7 in Rockledge, Florida, for a day of fun together away from work. “I Am a Difference Maker” was the theme suggested by Jade Alexander, Director of Operations, which reflected our mission and commitment.

During the lunch program’s opening remarks, Jade highlighted the importance of making

a difference, a core value of The Source. This was followed by words of encouragement from Tony Zorbaugh, the Executive Director, who reiterated our commitment to the purpose and the pride of being part of The Source family, a family united by our mission to transition people out of homelessness and our values of compassion and service.

We began with a meet-and-greet, followed by exciting rounds of laser tag. After that, we had a conference-style lunch, team-building activities, an awards ceremony, go-kart racing, and games. Pastor Wayne Traverse, our Vice President, spoke about spreading the light of Jesus in our work and community.

During the lunch and awards ceremony, Jade shared inspiring words that reminded us of the importance of unity in fulfilling our mission. She emphasized that we are all responsible for supporting and serving the community and leading individuals to have faith in Jesus Christ. Jade noted, “It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations, and we forget we are on

a mission. A mission to serve Christ through serving others, and in doing so, we are making a difference. Let’s remember that what we do and the part we play matters, we are making an impact on people’s lives in a way that will change them forever. When we refocus our hearts on that, we will be in the right mindset to do the most good. No matter what role you play in this organization, you are a difference maker!”

Brenda Sposato, Grant Writer and Event Coordinator

PHOTO BY BRENDA SPOSATO

DR. JULIE CROMER

Dr. Julie Cromer of Cromer & Cairns Dental Joins Dignity Smiles

BY BEVERLY PARIS

The Source is delighted to welcome another Dental practice on board for Dignity Smiles. The addition of Dr Julie Cromer of Cromer & Cairns Dental makes it a total of 10 wonderfully talented dentists who are a part of our Dental restoration program and helping to bring healthy smiles to the faces of our graduating members of The Source!

Dr. Cromer’s office is just a walking distance from the Commerce Avenue Campus, located in Suite 3 in the 12th Street Plaza on US 1 in Vero Beach. When it comes to finding a trusted dentist in Vero Beach who is passionate about creating healthy smiles and improving the lives of others, you won’t find anyone quite like Dr. Julie Cromer. With more than 20 years of experience, she maintains a state-of-the-art Dental facility that produces beautiful results for every patient. Also, Dr. Justin Schwartz, who is their periodontist, makes it possible for individuals to embrace a better quality of life with the help of dental implant placement, gum surgery, and tooth extractions. Dr. Jayson Hartman is their phenomenal endodontic specialist.

Where To Go For Help

BY CHARLENE MORRIS LMHC, MCAP DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH

Local Mental Health Associations:

Organizations like the Mental Health Association in Indian River County offer a variety of services, including mental health screenings, crisis intervention, individual and family therapy, and psychiatric evaluations. You can visit their Walk-In & Counseling Center in Vero Beach without an appointment.

Online Resources:

Websites like the Florida Department of Health provide links to general mental health resources and hotlines. These can be a good starting point for finding information and support.

Hotlines and Crisis Services:

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Dr. Cromer graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in chemistry, in 1998 and received her Doctor of Dental surgery degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2002. Following graduation from the school of dentistry, Dr. Cromer practiced dentistry in Morgantown, WV before moving to Palm City in 2005 and she currently resides in Vero Beach, Florida. Dr. Cromer is a member of the American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. She continues to take continuing education courses to keep up on the newest and most innovative treatments to ensure that her patients get the best dental care and treatment available. She has a warm and friendly efficient team and we look forward to working with her.

For more information on Dr. Julie Cromer call 772-562-5051 or visit www.cromerandcairnsdental.com

Primary Care Providers:

Your family doctor can often provide referrals to mental health specialists and resources in your area.

Community Centers and Support Groups: Many communities have support groups and centers that offer mental health services. These can be a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges.

Local places of worship: They have health ministries and pastoral counseling.

Charlene

Morris, LMHC, MCAP Director of Mental Health

Starting is the main objective when seeking help. It takes courage and it takes faith! Believe & Receive.

The Newest Source Initiative: A Coloring Book for The Young and The Old

BY BEVERLY PARIS

When it comes to describing what The Source is all about, it’s a pretty complex explanation. That might not have been the case 5, 10 or even 30 years ago when the programs and services were streamlined to serving the needy by offering free meals and bible study from a tiny 600 sq. ft. Christian Ministry. The Source has since grown into a comprehensive assistance center, operating a 5,000 sq. ft. outreach facility open seven days a week, addressing the complex needs of the poor and homeless in Indian

River County with an on-going growth in programs and services. In addition, there’s also a separate administration office. They are bursting at the seams, yet regardless of who is where, the two teams together work side-by-side to create, initiate, and serve, to its fullest potential, everyone involved with this non-profit. And for this group, it appears, their potential has no ceiling. What started as a simple explanation to younger school aged children about homelessness, suddenly took on a life of

its own. The idea of educating the public about The Source, became as simple as “Let’s make a coloring book… something basic… but fun… and informative enough for anyone at any age to understand,” Tony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source quips. “The team quickly snapped into place and in short time, created The Source Coloring Book.”

We all know that the issue of homelessness through the country has grown exponentially over the past decade. And The Source has discovered that every city in every state handles the outreach for their needy population in all different ways with or without the infrastructure that The Source has built since its inception in 1995. Taking the basic premise of what homelessness is all about, and carrying it through to the important programs and services that are offered at The Source, was an inspiring and exciting task.

According to Judy Graziosi, Marketing Manager at The Source, “The whole team at The Source was involved in gathering ideas and input for the graphics. We went through several generations of revisions and edits pouring our hearts into getting each scene just right. One really cool thing is that we actually had a group of young children look at it and give their input which really changed the artistic style.”

Jade Alexander, Operations Manager of The Source, has had experience with selfpublishing and has several of her books on Amazon that includes books for kids, bedtime prayers, as well as brainstorming ideas and step-by-step goal organization. “Because of that experience, Tony asked me to take a swing at this project and I was all in,” shares Jade. “Since I know the programs and services at The Source like the back of my hand, and I am also a mom, putting my words to Judy’s graphics came easily. Twenty-four pages came together like clockwork…like teamwork!”

Along with Zorbaugh, Jonathan Orozco, Development Director of The Source is actively pursuing distribution opportunities and meeting with potential businesses and educators in making this book public. “We are super excited to launch our first coloring book for children in our community” Orozco exclaims. “We

know this is about educating people about the homeless and through that it is also wonderful exposure for our organization.”

Zorbaugh concludes, “We are super blessed that our good friends and donors Megan and George of The George Shinn Foundation, have decided to put our coloring book at the Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Boone, NC. We know the idea first came to us for children to use, but this is “A Coloring Book for The Young and the Old.”

“George and I are so proud to be believers in what is being done at The Source and support their efforts by selling copies of this new coloring book from our North Carolina bookstore,” states Megan Shinn.

The Source Coloring Book will be on sale at The Third Annual Hidden Faces event, Thursday, October 3 at The Heritage Center. They are also being included in monthly gift bags to homeless children in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties from the nonprofit Little Birthday Angels. The books, sponsored in part by Paris Productions, may be ordered for $5.00 through Jonathan.Orozco@iamthesource.org .

The books, sponsored in part by Paris Productions, may be ordered for $5.00 through Jonathan.Orozco@iamthesource.org

BY LINDA CUTLER VOLUNTEER AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Pastor Lee Brubaker first arrived at The Source many years ago in hopes of being able to minister and encourage others that there is still hope in every situation and if God did it for him, then HE can certainly do it for them. Pastor Brubaker was born in Pennsylvania and

Volunteer of the Month Pastor Lee Brubaker

relocated to Vero Beach in 1958, and years later in 1970, he dedicated his life to our Savior Jesus Christ at the age of twenty-four. He later married his beautiful wife Alida in 1975. They have five children between the two of them. His son and one of their daughters have transitioned on to heaven to be with the Lord.

Pastor Brubaker remains faithful in his commitment to serving at The Source after all these years by leading 3rd Monday dinner devotion, 2nd Wednesday Bible Study and 4th Sunday worship service. He says his service here has been a blessing and he believes in what The Source stands for.

Pastor Brubaker is always eager to come in and serve our members and staff with a blessed word from our Lord and he does it unapologetically, which we love.

Dignity Jobs

Members Earning a Dignified Income

Did you know over 12% of our budget goes directly into our members hands for the work they contribute to our mission?

Today, our Dignity Jobs program has found so many different opportunities within our organization for our members

to earn a dignified income. Our members today are preparing mail to go out for invitations to our annual Hidden Faces event!

If you’d like to receive an invitation, or any future mail from us, and are not on our mailing list, please reach out to Jonathan.orozco@iamthesource.org