Ocala Magazine 2022 Charity Register

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Ocala Magazine’s

2022 comprehensive

resource for needs and volunteering in Ocala/ Marion County

PLUS:

The COVID Curse: State of Giving in Marion County

Opportunity and Happiness Two of the greatest gifts to give.

Joan Pletcher And Payton Training Center have loved and

supported Marion County, it’s charities, and the equine industry for many years. Their belief is not only in making a difference but in being the difference each day, serving as an example of the charity, hope and spirit of giving found in the Horse Capital of the World.

To buy or sell the finest horse farms, land or estates in Marion County, contact:

R E A LTO R ®

Cell: 352.266.9100 | Cell: 352.804.8989 joan@joanpletcher.com | www.joanpletcher.com

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1 in 5 people in Marion County live with a mental health condition

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Marion County (NAMI Marion County) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with mental wellness issues and their families through support, education, and advocacy. NAMI Marion County has served the local community for over 26 years, and our goals include providing education about mental wellness, reducing stigma, and advocating for programs including research and treatment. We conduct education classes for peers and caregivers, conduct on-going support group meetings at various locations, participate in the Mental Health Court Diversion Program, Hometown Heroes and we have partnered with The Ora Clubhouse. With these programs, the organization reaches hundreds of families in need of support services.

1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition, and that statistic holds firm for Marion County. The chances are that you are battling a mental health condition, or you know someone who is. NAMI Marion County is a local affiliate of the national organization. We are focused on advocating and supporting not only those who may experience mental health conditions, but we also support their families. NAMI is there to provide hope and help to those in need, suffering, and feeling lost in the complex world of mental health.

Marion County

For more information visit www.namiocala.org and the NAMI Marion County Facebook page SPONSORED BY DIANA WILLIAMS

Retiring?

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HOPS Set amid the ambience of the city’s oldest historic district and through the generosity of the homeowners, H.O.P.S. is pleased to showcase some of Ocala’s distinctive architecture, history, and culture. Since 1992, these home tours have provided a rare opportunity for guests to go inside some of our community’s most beautiful private residences.

2022 Historic Ocala Preservation Society Board Members

&

Historic Ocala Preservation Society

HISTORIC Home Tour

April 23rd @ 10:00 am

HOPS House. (Bryant House) | 712 East Fort King Street, Ocala FL

Dr. Lela Kerley — President Rhoda Walkup — Vice-President Rick Perry — Secretary Dennis Phillips — Treasuer Brian Stoothoff — Past President, 2021 Pamela Stafford Linda Anker Daniel Banks Giorgio Berry Bryan Caracciolo Robin Fannon Sean Gallaway Leon Geller Andrew Grunther Stephanie Howard R.J. Jenkins Lela Kerley Trish Kilgore Sarah Kirk Caryl Lucas Leslie McCullough Penny Miller Suzanne Thomas Diana Williams Link Wilson Holly Yocum

ERING COMMITTEE For more information contact Andrew Grunther, Committee Chair, 352-286-8819.

Andrew Grunther (Chair) “Spring is the time of play and projects” Leslie McCullough —Leo Tolstoy Lela Kerley 712 S.E. Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 | (352) 351-1861 | www.HistoricOcala.org Pamela Stafford

NT PLAN

Follow us on Facebook

“Spring is the time of plans and projects”

HIS Compassion Food Bank POUND FOR POUND, PENNIES FOR FOOD

CHALLENGE

His Compassion Food Bank provides FREE food and product valued at more than $47,500,000. As of November 18, 2021, we have given over 19 million pounds of food and goods to the residents of Marion County, 129 agencies, Marion County Public Schools, area restaurants, dentists, veterinarians, and doctors’ offices. All product has been given free and mostly hauled by our trucks.

We need YOUR help.

During January through April, we challenge the community to match us pound for pound, pennies for food.

To obtain collection jars, contact Joy Guydan at 352-351-0732 or email hiscompassionflorida@gmail.com with questions H H H Donations by check or cash convert to pounds, too! H H H

www.HISCompassionFlorida.org PICK UP FREE FOOD ON TUES & THURS MORNINGS (COME EARLY!) AGENCIES & DELIVERIES MON/WED/FRI at 2000 NE 78th St, Ocala, FL 34479

HIS Compassion Food Bank 352-351-0732

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Charity 2021-2022

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Welcome to the 2022 Ocala Magazine Charity Register —

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PUBLISHED BY

OM Ocala Magazine Publications, LLC

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t is my sincere hope that this publication be used as a means to help charity dollars reach their intended targets in the most efficient ways.

The annual Charity Register represents the single-biggest mission for this magazine and it is an honor to be part of such an endeavor. Ocala Magazine OCALA’S #1 MOST AWARD-WINNING CITY MAGAZINE has always dedicated many of its pages to shining a light on local charities both big and small and this effort is CELEBRATING OUR 42ND YEAR! only made possible by the fact that this town is full of such charitable spirit. Within these pages is the contact information for close to 150 Philip Glassman, CCIM | Publisher philip@ocalamagazine.com local charities, all full of volunteers dedicated to helping others and making Ocala a better place to live.

Penny Miller | VP/Corporate Development/Principal In the past year we have brought our readers stories about people helping at-risk penny@ocalamagazine.com kids obtain valuable life skills they likely would not otherwise attain, stories of people Brad Rogers | Contributing Editor with down syndrome enjoying a quality of life and sense of purpose, and stories of brad@ocalamagazine.com abused spouses finding hope and shelter. It has been our mission to bring to light the efforts of citizens who bring help and hope where it is most needed and hopefully Carlton Reese | Senior Writer inspire others to give money or time to the causes that touch them the most. carlton@ocalamagazine.com Putting together an annual charity register and dedicating pages of our monthly magazine to causes that have a profound impact on our community is a Jessi Miller | Creative Director duty completed in no small measure. The last two years have brought undeserved jessi@ocalamagazine.com pains on individuals, businesses and nonprofits alike, but here we all are trudging Ralph Demilio | Chief Photographer forward through these times, often met with hardship and struggle. ralph@ocalamagazine.com It is the resiliency of the people here that is most astounding. In the face of cruel economic hardship, the people and businesses of Ocala have met these times head Sharon Raye | Copy Editor on and with utmost courage. Without the time and efforts of individual citizens and sharon@ocalamagazine.com the monetary support of local businesses, the nonprofits listed on these pages would cease to exist. But they continue to exist with many even thriving to the point where the worst days of this pandemic can be safely said to be in the rearview mirror.

EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES I would be remiss not to mention the two ladies who have had the most in352.622.2995 fluence the past 18 years in forming the vision of this register: Linda Marks and Penny Miller. Marks was the founder and longtime owner of Ocala Magazine and through Miller’s drive and vision we today maintain OM’s commitment to local nonprofits. In Marks and Miller, the city of Ocala has two jewels that are ultimately responsible for the OFFICE 743 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4649, Ocala, longevity of this project.

FL 34478 With that in mind, it is my hope that the last two decades 2022 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR of the Charity Register represent just a small portion of what by mail or email: editor@ocalamagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION One year - $49, I believe will be a long and lustrous history, coinciding with Two years - $95, Single Issue - $5.95. the history of charitable giving for which Ocalans are famous COPYRIGHT ALL contents copyrighted © and beloved.

2022 by Ocala Magazine Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or On that note, I would like to thank Marks, Miller, the staff at Ocadvertising content in any manner without ala Magazine and most of all the great citizens of this town that make written permission is strictly prohibited.

The COVID Curse: Ocala unique among cities in this wonderful state and nation.

State of Giving in Marion County

ocalamagazine.com

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PLUS:

2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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rom battered women to homeless indigents, illiterate adults and even lost souls battling uncontrollable addictions, there are people in need and charitable organizations there to help. With over 130 nonprofit organizations listed here with their contact information, those in need and those with a desire to helping them can peruse the following register in finding a trusted local group with the desired mission.

Animals EARS Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary

P.O. Box 306, Citra, FL 32113 352.266.2859 | www.earsinc.net Susan Nassivera | sportcopy@outlook.com Mission Statement: Preserving with dignity.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Always improving and adding larger turnouts and new enrichment for our animals.

Greatest need: Turnout area for every cat so they do not have to take turns going out.

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Forest Animal Rescue

640 NE 170th Court, Silver Springs, FL 34488 352.625.7377 | www.ForestAnimalRescue.org Vice President, Lisa Stoner | info@forestanimalrescue.org facebook.com/forestanimalrescue Mission Statement: Forest Animal Rescue is a nonprofit wild animal sanctuary and educational facility, dedicated to the lifetime care of non-releasable wild animals to prevent them from being destroyed — and the rehabilitation and release of native wild black bears.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are continuing to expand and improve our facility to rescue even more animals. We greatly need assistance with expansion through funding, sponsors, volunteers, and interns (interns may become eligible for permanent employment).

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | 2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc.

3251 NE 180th Ave., Williston, FL 32696 800.398.6103 | www.medicalservicedogs.org Mission Statement: Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. was created for the charitable purpose of rescuing, raising, training, and then donating medical service dogs to mentally and/or physically impaired individuals to provide aid and independence while improving the quality of life for both the recipient and dog. In addition, it is our goal to promote education about service dogs and pioneer research studies to further advance service dog training.

We also strive to raise public awareness regarding the laws pertaining to service dogs and lessen the dependency of the disabled on the government, communities, caregivers, and families.

Have a Heart for Companion Animals, Inc.

P.O. Box, 831413, Ocala, FL 34483 www.haveaheart.us Founder/President, Marilyn Marinelli Mission Statement: Have A Heart for Companion Animals Inc. operates as an information and referral center for those who are looking for help related to animal issues. Emphasis is placed on animal welfare education through brochures, website articles, and telephone counseling.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our long-term goal is to build a no-kill animal rescue shelter and sanctuary.

The Humane Society of Marion County, Inc.

701 NW 14th Road, Ocala, FL 34475 352.873.7387 | http://thehsmc.org/ President, Roseann Morton Executive Director, Eddie Leedy | web@humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com Mission Statement: The Humane Society of Marion County is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter dedicated to the care and protection of animals in Marion County, Florida. Our mission is to prevent cruelty, suffering, and overpopulation of animals.

Signature Events: Run for the Mutts, Santa Paws, Howl-oween, Art for Animal.

Patriot Service Dogs

10545 SE 42nd Court, Belleview, FL 34420 352.514.9903 | www.patriotservicedogs.org President/Lead Trainer, Julie Sanderson info@PatriotServiceDogs.org Mission Statement: We honor those who served, while helping those still serving.

Signature Event: Army vs Navy Golf Tournament Juliette Falls- Dunnellon

Perpetual Care

1200 NW 73rd Terrace, Ocala FL 34482 888.355.7091 | www.perpetualcare.org Virginia Kilmer | info@perpetualcare.org Mission Statement: Perpetual Care’s mission is to educate and assist pet owners regarding estate planning for their pets, provide orphaned pets with a pet trust a home at our Pet Life Care Center, and rescue and rehome pets orphaned by death or disability of their guardian.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our goals for 2022 are to celebrate our 20th anniversary, build our intake and special needs buildings for orphaned dogs and to build a cattery in order to increase the number of orphaned pets we can help.

Southern Sportsman Whitetail Foundation

2800 NE 56th Street, Ocala, FL 34479 239-777-1817 | sswf.ocala@gmail.com President, Avery Duval Mission Statement: We strive to build relationships based on our common beliefs and goals that those who have a disability or a handicap, from disabled veterans to handicapped people of all ages, still dream of spending time outdoors hunting and should have the ability to do so. We believe that with a little help from people like us they can overcome their disability or handicap and have fun hunting in the woods.

VOCAL (Voices of Change Animal League)

6393 SW 52nd St., Ocala, FL 34474 352.289.0800 | www.vocalforpets.org Info@vocalforpets.org Mission Statement: Our mission is to solve the homeless pet problem through prevention, community outreach, adoption and collaboration.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our goal for 2022, we anticipate continued expansion of our community clinic services. We serve pets and the people who love them. Our specialty surgeries are priced below market to ensure that pets of lower-income households can receive the care they deserve. We also offer low-cost spay-neuter, drive-thru vaccine clinics, heartworm prevention and treatment, and dental care for pets. Our outreach programs include trap-neuter-return of feral cats, pet food and resources

for the public, as well as pet food and pet items for area shelters and rescues groups. Our shelter houses up to 35 dogs at any given time and our foster program provides shelter for up to 35 cats.

2022 Special Event: Sixth annual Furball “ Mission Pawsible” Sat. February 19th at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

Addiction/ Substance Abuse Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc.

415 NW First Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 352.732.0877 | www.christian12step.org Lonnie Earnest | lonnie@christian12step.org Mission Statement: We exist to give hope in Christ, show love through support, and encourage change through Bible-based recovery from substance abuse, emotional strongholds, and codependency.

Goal of 2022: Fundraise with an eye toward making our program available globally.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra

500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, FL 34470 352.351.1606 | www.ReillyArtsCenter.com Board President, RJ Jenkins |pamela@reillyartscenter.com Mission: Our mission is to create cultural experiences and opportunities for our community through music.

Reilly Arts Center

The Centers, Inc.

5664 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 352.291.5555 | www.thecenters.us Mission Statement: Our mission at The Centers is to strengthen lives with compassionate healing.

Phoenix Houses of Florida

15681 North U.S. Highway 301, Citra, FL 32113 813.881.1000 | phoenixfl.org President/CEO, Maria Alvarez FLAdmissions@phoenixhouse.org Mission Statement: We are passionate about healing individuals, families, and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health condition. With a legacy spanning nearly 30 years, we are a leading nonprofit who provides individualized, holistic drug and alcohol addiction treatment. With short-term and long-term care options, we treat those struggling with addiction wherever they need to be – at home or a treatment facility.

120 SW Fifth St., Suite 106, Ocala, FL 34471 352.867.0355 | www.FAFO.org Maggie Weakley | fafoocala@gmail.com Mission Statement: Formed in 1972 with a simple mission to promote the appreciation of the fine arts and to enhance art education within our community. FAFO continues to support art education through scholarships and various community programs.

Signature Events: FAFO’s Symphony Under The Stars on Mother’s Day, May 8th at the Ocala Golf Club; FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival Oct. 22-23, downtown Ocala.

531 NE First Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352.629.8414 | www.maxocala.org President, Justin MacDonal | president@maxocala.org Mission Statement: To repurpose historic Ocala Union Station and further develop the downtown cultural campus by providing studios, instructional spaces, and exhibition opportunities for visual artists in a collaborative hub that encourages professional development.

23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471 352.369.1500 | www.mcaocala.com Jaye Baille | jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com Mission Statement: Marion Cultural Alliance champions, convenes, and creates opportunities for artists and arts or-

The Marion Players, Inc. DBA Ocala Civic Theatre

4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 352.236.2274 | www.ocalacivictheatre.com Rosie Miller | rmiller@ocalacivictheatre.com Mission Statement: To uplift, inspire, and entertain by providing quality theatrical experiences and performing arts education.

Black Nurses Rock, Ocala Florida Chapter

Fine Arts For Ocala, Inc. (FAFO)

Marion Cultural Alliance

500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, FL 34470 352.351.1606 | www.ReillyArtsCenter.com Board President, RJ Jenkins | pamela@reillyartscenter.com Mission Statement: To provide cultural experiences for the community through arts and entertainment.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are continuing to focus on providing high-quality programming, an excellent customer experience, and community impact, especially in our downtown and arts community overall.

Cultural/Heritage

Arts

Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. (MAX)

ganizations. MCA, was established in 2001, with its inaugural effort, the Horse Fever public art project, our community’s first public art initiative. Four subsequent projects have added more beautiful horses to our community’s landscape.

Goal and Objective of 2022: MCA’s mission is to champion, convene, and create opportunities for artists and arts organizations. The organization has donated over $2.5 million to the arts and other charitable organizations in Ocala/ Marion County, including supporting arts organizations with funding totaling $425,000. To support local artists, MCA also operates Brick City Center for the Arts, a popular art gallery, located in historic downtown Ocala.

Signature Event: Applaud the Arts-Ocala’s largest gathering of creatives, donors, and the business community to celebrate the arts and honor individuals making a difference in the arts sector.

P.O. Box 5544, Ocala, FL 34478 352.208.9412 | www.bnrocalafl.org President, Jokisha King RN | bnrocalafl@gmail.com Mission Statement: To assist dedicated, driven, and determined nurses to grow professionally while addressing healthcare disparities in the Ocala and Marion county area.

Goal and Objective of 2022: To continue getting out in the community to educate and bring awareness about health-related topics and continuing to help aspiring nurses become nurses.

Liberation Ocala African American Council, Inc.

P.O. Box 2693, Ocala, FL 34478 | 352.875.5071 Oscar Brown Mission Statement: Initiate and facilitate programs and activities for the enhancement of the quality of life for African Americans in Marion County.

Disabled Resources ARC Marion, Inc.

2800 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL 34471 352.387.2210 | www.mcarc.com

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Frank Sofia | sofia.frank@mcarc.com Mission Statement: ARC Marion’s mission is to create opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and play to the fullest of their capabilities in Marion County.

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida

2760 SE 17th St., Suite 300, Ocala, FL 34471-5533 352.368.3788 | http://cilncf.org Director, Tony Delisle Office Manager, Andrea Melvin | amelvin@cilncf.org Mission Statement: To empower people with disabilities to achieve their goals for independence. We carry out our mission by advocating for and improving community inclusion, access to services and resources, civil rights and equality.

Signature Event 2022: The Give4Marion Fundraiser, to be held in September. Give4Marion will raise money for local nonprofits, like the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, through a single online donation platform.

This will provide an easy way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most and encourage them to take action.

Champions for Champions, Inc.

240 SE 17th St., Suite C, Ocala, FL 34471 352.585.9158; 352.462.0380 championsforchampions.org Maria C. Roman or Don Nottingham admin2017@championsforchampions.org Mission Statement: Our organization was created to address the lack of programs within our area for those with special needs and to inspire inclusivity within our community and foster a welcoming culture where all individuals with special needs are able to participate and flourish.

Signature Events: Weekday and weekend activities- Music Monday, Bowling Tuesday, Dance and Toastmasters Wednesday, Taste of Champions Cooking Class on Thursday, Art Friday, Saturday varies (please visit our Facebook Page).

A Very Special Prom Night: February 11, 2022 Night of the Brightest Stars: A Christmas Gala held in December, at One Health Center.

Sixth Annual Champions Celebrity Night Dinner and Auction: at Southeastern Auditorium Apri, 2022.

Sixth Annual NFL Caring For Kids Clay Shoot at Robinson Ranch: April, 2022.

UniversAbility Pageant: The Beauty Within, A Virtual Event: October, 2022.

Celebrity Champion Waiters at Celebrity Restaurants: Various times.

Florida Center for the Blind, Inc.

1411 NE 22nd Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352.873.4700 | www.flblind.org President/CEO, Anissa Pieriboni | Development@flblind.org Mission Statement: Florida Center for the Blind’s (FCB) mission is to provide hope, confidence and independence for individuals with blindness and visual impairments, and to educate the community to prevent vision loss. FCB offers comprehensive no-cost vision rehabilitation programs for babies, children, teens, adults & seniors in Marion, Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, & Union County.

Kenny’s Place Nursery

7677 SE 41st Court, Ocala, FL 34480 352.867.1213 | www.kennysnursery.com kennysplacenursery@centurylink.net Mission Statement: Our mission is to create a positive, caring, and accepting environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA)

6850 SE 41st Court, Ocala, FL 34480 352.732.7300 | www.mtraocala.org Pam Morrison | execdirector@mtraocala.org Mission Statement : MTRA strives to offer the miraculous

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benefits of therapeutic horsebacking riding and equine facilitated learning to persons of all ages and capabilities that are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged.

Goal and Objective of 2022: to fill the gaps of lost services for many clients due to covid-19. Provide one on one sessions to protect the clients and volunteers. Fundraise for the extra monies needed to provide these services safely.

Signature Events: Not so Spooky Halloween drive thru trick or treat for the community October 31st November 28th Holiday Market, January 16th Florida Mini Match, February 22nd MTRA Golf Tournament

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic

Riding Center, Inc. 4246 W. Hwy 318, Citra, Florida 32113 Mailing address: PO Box 326, Citra, Florida, 32113 352.591.1042 (office) or 352.427.3569 (Betty cell) www.stirrupsnstrides.com Executive Director, Betty Gray execdir@stirrupsnstrides.com Program Manager | Gail McDaniel | programmgr@ stirrupsnstrides.com Facebook: @stirrupsnstrides Mission Statement: To provide therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to anyone with physical, mental, or emotional challenges and to improve their quality of life with opportunities for emotional, educational, and physical growth through horsemanship and competition. Empower.

Enrich. Inspire. Volunteers are needed to help with these programs to continue to meet the needs of our community.

Student internships and community service hours are available. We are a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.) facility and mentor for PATH certified riding instructor candidates. Please contact us! Stirrups ‘n Strides follows safe practices to minimize COVID-19 and related health risks.

Transitions Life Center

NEW FACILITY at 3360 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL 34475 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 236, Ocala, FL 34478 352.877.8999 | www.tlcocala.org President, Carmen Maines | info@tlcocala.org About: The Carmen and Carlos Community Center (completed in 2019) is a 5,000 sf building housing our THRIVE (Teamwork, Honor, Respect, Independence, Values, Education) program supporting adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This year, we added an outdoor fitness complex through a Community Development Block Grant and private contributions. We are seeking to help our members promote a well balanced, healthy lifestyle where they can achieve their fullest potential Mission Statement: The Mission of Transitions Life Center (TLC) is to provide a safe, caring, and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our 2022 initiative is to raise awareness of our programs and the services available to adults living with an intellectual or developmental disability.

Signature Events: Champagne Dreams Gala, annual fall event & Special Kids Classic Golf tournament, annual spring event.

Education Ambleside School of Ocala

507 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471 352.694.1635 | www.amblesideocala.com Emmy Lilholt | elilholt@amblesideocala.com Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Ambleside administration and faculty to provide what Charlotte Mason called “a living education,” where each child is guided and empowered to author a full and free life, a life rich in relationship to God, self, others, ideas, and all of creation.

Too many educational environments reduce children to test scores, robbing them of their curiosity and wonder.

Ambleside creates an atmosphere in healthy relationships, life-giving habits and timeless ideas so they are known, seen and prepared for what’s next in life.

Goal and objective of 2022: We are currently renovating

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our high school building to accommodate our growing high school. We have built an ADA approved ramp for new and potential students. Our beautiful new pavilion has been built to facilitate an outdoor area used for classrooms, lunch and nature study.

Signature Event: Annual Father-Daughter Dance on February 4th and 5th, 2022 at The World Equestrian Center.

Cornerstone School

2313 SE Lake Weir Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352.351.8840 | thecornerstoneschool.org Head of School, Ingrid Wasserfall | info@thevornerstoneschool.org Mission Statement: In an ever-changing world, our mission is to prepare students for success with a comprehensive educational program of: an innovative curriculum; inspirational teaching that develops a passion for learning; and the Cornerstone values of acceptance, integrity, and mutual respect.

Signature Event: The Marion County Chili Cook-off

Grace Christian School

4410 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala, FL 34480 352.387.3090 | www.gcsocala.com Meredith Garner | |mgarner@gcsocala.com Mission Statement: To prepare our children for life, to honor and glorify God in a Christ-centered environment of academic excellence.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Grace Christian School has been serving Marion County and the surrounding communities Since 1957. With a mission to provide an educational experience that cultivates academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, GCS is a family-focused school community seeking to educate the whole childmind, body and soul.

Signature Event: Off To The Races!” GCS Spring Auction, held at World Equestrian Center on April 30, 2022. Details can be found at www.gcsocala.com/events

Public Education Foundation

of Marion County 1239 NW 4th St. Ocala, FL 34475 352.671.4167 | pefmc.org Meghan Magamoll | meghan.magamoll@marion.k12.fl.us Mission Statement: To financially and materially support Marion County Public Schools, its students, and teachers.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are recruiting mentors for our Take Stock in Children program.

Signature Events: Xglosive Tennis for Take Stock in Children – November, 2020 at the Fort King Tennis Center. This is a fun family friendly glow in the dark tennis-themed event!

For more information call 352-671-4167.

Sneakers and Smores 5K Run and Walk: TBD The Memorial Golf Tournament: Saturday and Sunday, January 22nd and 23rd at the Country Club of Ocala.

Moot Thomas Golf Scramble: Monday, January 17th at the Country Club of Ocala.

Event information at www.pefmc.org or 352-671-4167.

R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. 1636 SW 31st Ave. Ocala, FL 34474 352.875.4237 | www.ramalservices.org Barbara J. Brooks, Ph.D. | barbarabrooksf@aol.com Mission Statement: To improve people’s lives and the community in which they live.

Signature Event: Juneteenth Celebration Dance, June 18, 2022.

St John Lutheran School

1915 SE Lake Weir Ave Ocala Florida 34471 www.stjohnocala.org/ Mission Statement: Saints Alumni & Friends come together to foster continued excellence in academics, athletics, social, and spiritual growth, and Christian Service as exemplified in the founding and continuing mission of St. John Lutheran School.

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Environment Howard T Odum Florida Springs Institute

23695 US-27, High Springs, FL 32643 386.454.9369 | www.floridaspringsinstitute.org Outreach Director, Haley Moody hmoody@floridaspringsinstitute.org Mission Statement: The mission of the Florida Springs Institute is to protect Florida’s springs through sound science and education.

Silver Springs Alliance, Inc.

550B Midway Drive, Ocala, FL 34472 352.537.5499 | www.silverspringsalliance.org Vice President, John Dunn silverspringsalliance@gmail.com Mission Statement: Silver Springs Alliance’s focus is on restoration and prevention of the further deterioration of the Silver Springs ecosystem.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our current project is to help restore the natural functioning of Silver Springs and the Silver River by removal of the Kirkpatrick Dam.

Equine Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc.

801 S. W. 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 352.629.2160 | www.ftboa.com Lonny Powell | lpowell@ftboa.com Mission Statement: Florida Thoroughbred Charities is administered by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association with the mission to fund charitable organizations within the Thoroughbred industry, the City of Ocala, Marion County, and the State of Florida.

Horse Farms Forever

P.O. Box 5279, Ocala, FL 34478-5279 859.553.5510 | horsefarmsforever.com Director of Community Affairs, Sara Fennessy | sara. fennessy@horsefarmsforever.com.

Mission Statement: To inspire the conservation of horse farms through education and awareness so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, and to protect the soil and water on which they depend, while minimizing land use conflicts in Marion County.

Horse Protection Association of Florida

20690 NW 130th Ave., Micanopy, FL 32667 352.466.4366 | http://hpaf.org/ President/Executive Director, Christine Massinger | christine@hpaf.org Mission Statement: Equine rescue, rehabilitation, education and adoption services. Assistance to law enforcement and animal agencies with cruelty investigations and the care and placement of horses. Promoting horse care and humane, natural methods of training for horses.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Horse Protection is actively seeking a gift of land of 100 or more acres with facilities in Central Marion County. Our current facility is no longer adequate to care for the number of horses that are in need.

We, on average, receive four calls a month regarding horses in desperate and life-threatening situations. A gift of land would allow us to rescue and care for the multitudes of horses in our community who are so desperately in need.

Signature Event (s): Horse Protection is now proudly offering to the community their Lead From Within Program.

This is a three-hour workshop dedicated to improving leadership and communication skills. The horses are the teachers in this workshop! Horse Protection currently offers these seminars at no charge to law enforcement in the spirit of giving back to the community. Corporations , educators and private groups are invited to schedule their Lead From Within Workshop by contacting Executive Director, Christine Massinger at christine@hpaf.org

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Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA)

6850 SE 41st Court, Ocala, FL 34480 352.732.7300 | www.mtraocala.org Pam Morrison | execdirector@mtraocala.org Mission Statement: MTRA strives to offer the miraculous benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and equine facilitated learning to persons of all ages and capabilities that are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our goals are to improve infrastructure and retain additional staff to increase impact as the need for our services has increased by 70 %.

Signature Events: Mini Match January 16th, 2022, 6th Golf Tournament February 21st, 2022, HIT Fundraiser: March 4th, 5th & 6th 2022 , Easter Egg hunt April 16th 2022, Not so Spooky Halloween: October 31st, 2022, Holiday Market: November 16th, 2022 Inaugural Gala: in the plans for 2023, a signature event kicking off the 40th Anniversary for Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

Faith-Based Crossroads Alliance and Ministries

P.O. Box 1000, Silver Springs, FL 34480 352.209.8777 | www.crossroadsam.org Email: info@crossroadsam.org Mission Statement: Crossroads Alliance & Ministries is committed to changing lives through compassion for people in need. We accomplish this goal by life-sustaining food, water, and Christian spirituality. Crossroads Alliance & Ministries is a faith-based, non-profit organization empowering individuals, churches, and organizations to positively impact people’s lives in need with essentials such as water, food, and medical supplies. Please consider giving to https://www.crossroadsam.org/donate/

Faithfully Guided Health Center

40 SW First Ave., Ocala, FL, 34471 352.512.0631 | fghealthcenter.com Ashlee Seek and Jamie Schofield | contact@faithfullyguided.com Mission Statement: Guide you to abundant life.

Goal and Objective of 2022: To help make Marion County the healthiest place to live.

FLIP FLOP Support Groups, Inc.

1629 NW Fourth St., Ocala, FL 34475 352.361.1206 | www.flipflopsg1.com Mission Statement: Realigning the effects of the bars of incarceration on individuals and their families Goal and objective of 2022: Continue to assist the families of incarcerated and grow our annual Angel Tree network program.

Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center

3200 SE 17th St., Ocala, FL 34471 352.368.9622 www.ymcacentralflorida.com/y-locations/frank-deluca Kelli Garcia | kgarcia@cfymca.org Mission Statement: Our mission at the Frank DeLuca YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build health, spirit, mind, and body for all.

Goal and objective of 2022: We believe everyone deserves the YMCA. That’s why we offer financial assistance to individuals and families. In 2022, our goal is to raise $250,000 so that we can continue to support our neighbors in need.

Harvest International, Inc.

3711 NE 42nd Lane, Ocala, FL 34479 352.622.1818 | harvestinternational.org Director, Danny Thomas | danny@harvestinternational.org Pam Barrett | pam@harvestinternational.org Mission Statement: Physically and spiritually touching lives.

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Goal and objective of 2022: “To continue to provide support for the 9 families serving in 7 countries and to respond to Hurricane Relief with our “Buckets of Love”.

Interfaith Emergency Services, Inc.

435 NW Second St., Ocala FL 34475 352.629.8868 | www.iesmarion.org Sonya Tyler | sonya@IESmarion.org Mission Statement: Interfaith Emergency Services is a community of faith, called by God to offer emergency assistance without judgment to all persons in Marion County.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Enhance our programs for serving individuals and families so that they become and/ or remain stably housed, while we continue to provide for those who struggle to have their basic needs.

Love INC of the Heart of Florida

15797 S. US Highway 441, Summerfield, FL 34491 352.245.8774 | www.loveincheartofflorida.org Mission Statement: To mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Expanding our mission of improving the overall health status of Marion County residents by providing quality primary medical, dental, behavioral, maternity, and pharmacy services to all residents, but in particular to those residents who would not otherwise be able to access the services due to financial limitations and/ or lack of health insurance. Soon we will be moving many of our services to our new building providing the ability to see more patients as well as a one of a kind “One-Stop” Medical Home for patients.

My Life Counsel

24 NE 14th Ave., Ocala, Fl. 34470 352.362.3671 | www.mylifecounsel.com Founder and Executive Director, Scott Inman, M.A., | contact@mylifecounsel.com Mission Statement: Our mission is to renew faith, hope, and intentionality in individuals, marriages and families.

Pay It Forward Outreach Corp

2203 SE 28 Place, Ocala, FL 34471 352.620.8545 | www.payitforwardoutreach.com Bonnie Vitale | Bonnie.vitale@payitforwardoutreach.com Mission Statement: To empower the family unit through educational growth and emotional support so the family will gain stability and self-worth through the Gospel.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our goal this year is to obtain a larger facility, around 10,000 square-feet. With 3,000 square-foot for conference and media rooms, we can expand our educational health and financial teaching programs. We believe education is the next step to freedom and breaking the generational assistance given through the government. Sustainable living not only through a sustainable and secure home but also through education.

Redeemer Christian School

155 SW 87th Place, Ocala, FL 34476 352.854.2999 | www.redeemerlions.com Office Manager, Lisa Villella lisa.villella@redeemerlions.com Mission Statement: Our mission is to serve students through a rigorous, biblically integrated program of instruction, educating them to live in a community with grace and excellence.

Unlimited Discipleship Ministries, Inc.

4560 SE 120th St., Belleview, FL 34420 352.427.8607 | www.udministries.org Mike and Wendy Behar | info@udministries.org Mission Statement: Our mission is to assist men and women in the preparation, restoration, and growth in their marriage.

Wear Gloves, Inc.

98 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470 352.342.5487 | www.weargloves.org Ken Kebrdle | ken@weargloves.org Mission Statement: Serve those that God puts in our path,

teach others to love like Jesus, and advocate for the most distressed in our community.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Acquire our own property to allow more people in need to earn what they need.

Family & Community Services 911 Cell Phone Bank

626 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352.512.0204 | www.911cellphonebank.org Bob Mikler | bmikler@911cellphonebank.org *Moving in the first quarter of 2022 to: 2750 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Suite 300, Ocala, FL 34470 Mission Statement: Since 2004, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has provided more than 125,000 devices to vulnerable and needy residents in communities nationwide — all at no cost. Over the years we have given emergency cell phones to victims of abuse and senior citizens, tablets to women’s shelters, laptops to law enforcement and smartphones to teachers for use in high school app development courses.

Altrusa International Foundation of Ocala

P.O. Box 4228, Ocala, FL 34478 352-509-6747| Districtthree.altrusa.org/ocala President, Miranda Barrineau | altrusaocala@gmail.com Mission Statement: Altrusa International strives to improve our community by providing services, developing leadership, fostering international understanding and encouraging fellowship through a network of dedicated volunteers.

Signature Event: Altrusa Trivia Night will be on March 5, 2022

Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding

www.circleupcenter.com Mission Statement: We teach practical skills for creating connection, building community and transforming conflict.

Circle Up is working to help members of our community improve interpersonal relationships and communication, thereby resolving personal and societal conflict in an innovative, practical and effective manner.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We envision communities where people are equipped to peacefully transform conflict.

Creative Services, Inc.

1910 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352.355.2928 | www.ocalacsi.com volunteer@ocalacsi.com Mission Statement: Creative Services Inc. aids, comforts, and empowers victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Creative Services, Inc. strives to meet the needs of those Marion County residents seeking safe and secure emergency shelter, as well as continuing to aid, comfort, and empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault along their personal journey of healing and recovery through counseling and advocacy. Creative Services, Inc. is honored to serve our community by continually expanding the capacity of our certified Domestic Violence Shelter and providing survivors with advocates.

The Genesis 7 Project

352.512.1120 www.facebook.com/thegenesis7project Robert & Xochi Smith | xochee@gmail.com Mission Statement: To awaken the potential, purpose and promise of today’s youth through community and spreading love.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Many of today’s youth are living unsupervised, in shelters, on the streets or with parents/ guardians in crisis. The Genesis 7 Project is a faith based, 501(c)(3) that enables the community, churches, and local businesses to share Christ’s love to these children, teens,

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and families in our community. Our program collaborates with parents, schools, churches and community leaders to thoroughly support today’s youth and together help provide greater opportunities for them.

Ignite Community Counseling

& Resource Center 3561 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, Florida 352.512.0090 | ignitecommunitycounseling.or Info@igniteccrc.com Mission Statement: Mental health organization offering mental health services for trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, spiritual issues and much more. We specialize in igniting hope and empowering lives.

Kiwanis Foundation-Ocala Chapter

PO BOX 682, Ocala, FL 34478 https://www.ocalakiwanis.org/ Tammy Hoff | KiwanisCampOcala@Gmail.com Mission Statement: The Kiwanis Club of Ocala is dedicated to serving the local community, especially children, through various service and fundraising projects. Our club has been in service to Ocala and the surrounding area for more than 90 years. We are part of KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL, an International organization serving local communities for over 100 years.

L.E.A.D.D – Law Enforcement Agasint Destructive Decisions

https://www.facebook.com/helpLEADD/ Mission Statement: To save the lives of our young people from distracted driving.

increasing the household income of our Strong Families participants by 25%; and providing mental health services to 4,000 individuals. United Way will work with employers and organizations to create their own Day of Action aligned to their interests in support of United Way of Marion Counties strategic priorities.

Signature Events: The Vines Kickball United Way will be Saturday, January 15, 2022. Leaders and Lager Event will be in the Spring of 2022. Events will be posted on the United Way website. www.uwmc.org

Xtreme SOULutions

P.O. Box 5487, Ocala, FL 34478 352.694.4888 | xtremesoulutions.org Shirley Beattie | info@xtremesoulutions.com Mission Statement: Working with currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. We empower people to create a future for themselves and their children, building a strong community with moral values, financial stability, and hope for generations to come. We are committed to partnerships that will lead the way in successfully building up those who are prepared to do their part in positive growth and development and to help break the cycle of government welfare assistance and poverty.

Foundations Believe in Santa Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 772733, Ocala, FL 34474 352.425.6316 | e-clubhouse.org/sites/ocalatow Estelle Michaelson | otowlion@gmail.com Mission Statement: To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, help feed the children and Veterans in Marion County who need our help and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.

2775 NW 49th Avenue Suite 205-504, Ocala, FL 34482 561.509.5776 Ext. 1225 | www.believeinsanta.com Keith Carson | Keith@BelieveInSanta.com Mission Statement: The Believe in Santa Foundation is a public service all-volunteer organization focused on improving life. Without any expectation of compensation, the foundation is dedicated to serving all children in need. We put people before profits, regardless of race, creed, color, or sexual orientation.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are in the planning stages of building a North Pole in this area to serve special needs, terminally ill, and other children in need. It will be open year-round.

Silver Springs Lions Foundation 501c3

College of Central Florida Foundation, Inc.

Po Box 242, Silver Springs, FL 34489 Dick Donaldson | rpdonaldson@centurylink.net Mission Statement: We Serve to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service. We are part of Lions Clubs International, an International organization with 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives for over 100 years.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 352.873.5808 | www.cf.edu/foundation Christopher R. Knife | foundation@cf.edu Mission Statement: The College of Central Florida Foundation’s mission is to identify, solicit, and acquire restricted and unrestricted resources to support the college in providing educational services to Citrus, Levy, and Marion Counties.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Increasing support for Scholarships, Health Sciences education/training, Appleton Museum of Art, and Agri-business and Equine programs at CF.

Unity Family Community Center, Inc.

Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County

Ocala On Top of the World Lions Club

20030 NE 23rd PL, Williston, FL 32696 www.ufccflorida.org Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life of families and individuals by providing services and opportunities designed to create a culture of C.A.R.E. Goal and Objective of 2022: Our goal for 2020-2021 is to implement another after-school program (S.W.A.G. 3.0) at no cost in Marion County. In addition to our other programs, we are now offering vocational rehabilitation services to enhance opportunities for individuals and families.

United Way of Marion County

1401 NE 2nd St., Ocala FL 34470 352.732.9696 | www.uwmc.org Scot Quintel | squintel@uwmc.org Mission Statement: Uniting local resources to help our neighbors.

Goal and Objective of 2022: United Way of Marion County and its partners are working to build a prosperous community by focusing our efforts in the areas of health, education and financial stability, including: having 65% of ReadingPals students reading on grade level by the end of the year;

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324 SE 24th St. Ocala, FL 34471 352.622.5020 | www.ocalafoundation.org Lauren Deiorio | lauren@ocalafoundation.org Mission Statement: Connecting the charitable interests of the donor to build a better community.

Tagline: Building a Stronger Community…One Passion at a Time.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation

P.O. Box 1987, Ocala FL 34478 352.368.3582 | www.marionso.com/mcso-foundation President, Bob Morgan | president@mscofoundation.org Vice President, Jay Vertuno | vp@mscofoundation.org Facebook page: Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation Mission Statement: Our mission is to be a supplemental funding source and resource to the Volunteers and Sheriff’s Office Projects not funded via the normal budgeting process.

Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation

P.O. Box 801, Ocala, FL 34476 352.854.6715 | www.OcalaLionsClub.org Audrey Hall | pdgaudrey@ocalalionsclub.org Mission Statement: The Ocala Lions Club is a collegial, congenial group, dedicated to the proposition that collectively we can do more than we can as individuals. Our focus is on the preservation and enhancement of sight and hearing.

Goal and Objective 2022: Our goal is to be able to expand our outreach and provide services to even more people in need. We are actively involved with the Summer Olympics being held in June, 2022 in Orlando. Another never ending project is eye screening children from 6 month to 6 years old to avoid Lazy Eye, these are all done at pre-school and day care centers.

Signature Event: The Ocala Lions Club Jerry Cullison Memorial Golf Tournament which is played at Ocala Golf Club on the first Saturday of December every year, which was December 4, 2021 this year. This was our 28th annual tournament. It is limited to only 30 teams, (120 golfers).

We have hole-in-one prizes on every par 3, include a car, a boat, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, Golf cart and $10,000.00. We provide coffee and doughnuts, drinks, and lunch, and have door prizes including a big screen TV. These funds are used in our Silent Santa Program which provide clothes and gifts to needy children. This year we reached 625 children.

Ocala Rotary Foundation, Inc

P.O. Box 104., Ocala FL 34478 Ocalarotaryclub.com Mission Statement: To receive and administer funds for scientific, education, and charitable purposes.

Events: Marion Rotary Duck Derby

QuitDoc Foundation

807 B SW Third Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 www.quitdoc.com Chief Executive Officer, Barry Hummel | BHummel@ quitdoc.com Mission Statement: To improve overall community health and wellness by reducing the number of deaths in the United States from tobacco addiction and curtailing tobacco use within youth and adult populations through research, education, and prevention.

Homelessness / Poverty Brother’s Keeper (Blessed Trinity Catholic Church)

Office 352.622.3846 | Thrift Store 352.732.7988 Soup Kitchen 352.789.8139 | www.bkocala.org Jason Halstead | jason@bkocala.org Mission Statement: Brother’s Keeper, in cooperation with the pastor of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and community agencies, is committed to assist the poor and needy of Marion County and other areas without regard to race, creed, or ethnic origin.

Deliverance Outreach Ministries

3001 SW Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 100, Ocala, FL 34475 352.261.0404 www.domofocala.org Felicia Miller | info@domofocala.org Mission Statement: Our mission is to help people with their needs and conduct humanitarian outreach.

Goal and Objective of 2022: To continue to help as many non-insured and homeless citizens as possible.

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc. P.O. Box 5578, Ocala, FL 34478 352.351.4663 www.habitatocala.org Tori Arens | tarens@habitatocala.org Mission Statement: Seeking to put God’s love into action.

Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Our Vision: a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Signature Events: 8th Annual Strawberry Festival taking place on March 5th, 2022, 11th annual Bowl2Build Bowl-athon September 23rd, 2022, 2nd annual Dunnellon Duck Race September 25th, 2022, Elvis: Era Of A King Concert January 21st, 2022, Southeastern Pro Rodeo March 18th & 19t, 2022, 3rd annual Fishing tournament May 21st, 2022.

Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.

101 NE 16th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 547-4212 | www.helpinghandsocala.org Executive Director, Ken Dinkins Mission Statement: Helping Hands is a nonprofit charity, serving distressed and disadvantaged people of Ocala/ Marion County. They provide transitional housing in a safe and compassionate environment, and assist with food, clothes, medical and dental, jobs, transportation, and Biblically based counsel. To provide opportunities for a new and better life, Helping Hands provides transformational discipleship which includes Bible study, fellowship, worship, prayer, and service opportunities

Ocala Housing Authority

1629 NW 4th St., Ocala FL 34478 352.369.2636 | www.ocalahousing.org Mission Statement: The Ocala Housing Authority is committed to providing and expanding safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the most efficient manner, to the residents of Marion county; to provide economic opportunities and housing free from illegal discrimination; and to build better neighborhoods by providing comprehensive opportunities for our residents through partnerships and networking within our community.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are working towards increasing our rental housing stock and expanding homeownership opportunities for low-income families.

Project Hope of Marion County

830 NE 28 St., Ocala FL 34470 352.624.4673 | www.projecthopeocala.org April McDonald | april@projecthopeocala.org Mission Statement: Responding to Christ’s call – shepherding homeless families to self-sufficiency.

Goal and objective of 2022: Expansion of units available for transitional housing.

Signature Event: Blackjack Sporting Clays- 3372 Co Rd 526, Sumterville, FL 33585, November 4, 2022 at 8 a.m.

Open Arms Village, Inc.

1839 NE 8th Road, Ocala, Fl. 34470 352.304.6229 | openarmsvillageocala.org oav.director@yahoo.com Mission Statement: Open Arms Village exists to create a safe and healthy residential community that treats homeless men with dignity. We provide a full array of programs and services that men can use to move themselves towards independence.

Goal and Objective of 2022: With our continuing success, we are working to create a greater community awareness!

Many of our men are available to speak with your church, club, or civic organization. The stories are amazing and will certainly encourage needed growth of our donor base.

The Salvation Army Marion County

2901 NE 14th St Ocala Florida 34470 352-629-2004 | www.salvationarmyflorida.org Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian

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Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Saving Mercy

3601 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, 34475 352.629.6902 | www.savingmercy.org info@savingmercy.org Mission Statement: We are hope and help for the homeless in Marion County.

Goal and Objective of 2022: The Mercy Inn & RV Park will be working to develop and provide affordable housing options, case management, and wraparound support services for the homeless.

Institutes Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC)

15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352.387.3050 | www.ihmc.us Laurie Zink | lzink@ihmc.us Mission Statement: The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities. IHMC faculty and staff collaborate extensively with industry and government to develop science and technology that can be enabled with respect to society’s broader goals.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Continuing to offer our evening lecture series to the community at large, expansion of our Science Saturdays and Robotics Camp scholarship programs and continuing our work on a collaborative STEAM public art project with Ocala Electric Utilities.

Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc. The Enterprise Center, 3001 SW College Rd, Suite 202, Ocala, FL 34474 352.854.2322 ext. 1457 | www.ppiofmarioncounty.org ppi@cf.edu Mission Statement: To give the community a sense of hope and optimism by creating a broad base of community involvement in identifying, researching, and establishing dialogue on community-wide issues and then in recommending and helping to implement timely solutions.

Goal and Objective of 2022: The goal for 2022 is to run a study on all the issues related to healthy children — physical, mental, social, and educational.

Libraries/ Literacy Early Learning Coalition of Marion County

2300 SW 17th Rd Ocala, FL 34471 352.369.2315 | www.elc-marion.org Mission Statement: To provide leadership and foster partnerships to optimize a quality early-learning environment for our children through childcare, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), and parent education.

Goal and Objective of 2022: The Coalition team will be implementing the Help Me Grow program in Marion County. This program helps to identify children in need of developmental, behavioral, or learning support, and connects them with community-based services at no cost.

Services include screenings, information, resources and materials, referrals, and family networking opportunities.

Two key partners are United Way’s 2-1-1 and Healthy Start of North Central Florida.

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employees projects, and –Mike Poucher, Director, Ocala Electric Utility • Public Health with programs, • Environmental Programs organizations that serve the needs of • Safety • Economic Programs Ocala including: • Education • Youth Development • Public Health • Safety • Education • Environmental Programs @OEUinfo /OcalaElectricUtility • Economic Programs ocalaelectric.org | 352-629-2489 • Youth Development Powering a Strong Community ocalaelectric.org

Friends of the Forest Public Library, Inc.

905 S. Hwy, County Road 314 A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 352.438.2540 Mission Statement: The ongoing purpose of the Friends of the Forest Public Library to promote and develop the Forest Public Library facilities in Forest Corners and Marion County by enhancing community awareness, understanding, and use of the library in cooperation with the Library Board and the Library Director through supplemental financial assistance and direct voluntary support.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Promoting new members for bringing fresh ideas and talents, with hands-on abilities to continue to support the Forest community and library.

Friends of Freedom Public Library, Inc.

5870 SW 95th St., Ocala, FL 34476 352.438.2580 Susan Sullivan | sullivansayles@yahoo.com Mission Statement: To cooperate with and support the Freedom Public Library in the development and promotion of library services, resources, and facilities for the community and to encourage and receive gifts, endowments, and bequests to the library to provide supplemental financial assistance.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Creating awareness of the Freedom Friends’ work across the library’s service area.

Friends of the Marion Oaks Public Library, Inc. (FOTMOPL)

294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, FL 34473 352.438.2570 Vice President, Irma McNeal | artmcneal@embrqmail.com Mission Statement: The mission of the FOTMOPL is to promote the perpetual existence of the library by supporting it and cooperating in the development of services, resources, and facilities of the community.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Continued support of the library in all its functions.

Friends of the Ocala Public Library

2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 352.368.4591 | www.FriendsoftheOcalaLibrary.org Vice President, Bridget Kiefer | folbookmarketocala@ gmail.com Mission Statement: To promote and develop the public library in Ocala by enhancing community awareness, understanding, and use of the library in cooperation with the library director through supplemental financial assistance and voluntary support.

Marion County Literacy Council

120 SW Fifth St., Ocala, FL 34471 352.690.7323 | www.marionliteracy.org Yamila Acosta | yamila@marionliteracy.org Mission Statement: All adult citizens of Marion County should have a resource available to help them improve their literacy skills.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are working towards more community partnerships to offer our programs to more potential students as well as growing our correctional institution programs, public school programs, and working with probation and parole.

The Friends of the Fort McCoy Public Library

14660 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy, FL 32134 352.438.2560 Mary L. Thomas | fortmccoyfol@gmail.com Mission Statement: This corporation was formed for the advancement of education by distributing its funds for the promotion and development of the public library facilities in the city of Fort McCoy, Florida, as well as to encourage the use of such facilities.

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Local Friends of the Christmas Parade

5184 SE 20th St., Ocala, FL 34480 352.624.2022 | www.ocalachristmasparade.org William Taylor | william@combinedinsuranceservices.com Mission Statement: To support the Ocala Christmas Parade tradition for over 60 years.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We are working each year to make the event more enjoyable for the community.

Ocala Main Street

405 SE Osceola Ave. Ocala, Fl 34471 352.421.0047 | https://ocalamainstreet.com Executive Director, Jessica Fieldhouse| executivedirector@ ocalamainstreet.com Mission Statement: To create a thriving, unique, and livable downtown that enriches the community, embraces history, celebrates the arts, and promotes quality events to instill a sense of place in our community.

Health and Medicine American Heart Association

www.heart.org/en/affiliates/florida/marion-county email@heartemail.org Mission Statement: To be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.

Signature Event: Go Red for Women

Cancer Alliance

2020 SE 17th St. Ocala, FL 34471 352.732.0277 | www.canceralliancemc.org Director, Linda Koontz canceralliancemarioncounty@gmail.com Mission Statement: Founded by H.U.G.S. Charities because Marion County needed a collective cancer care community that could collaborate, communicate, and educate together for the greatest impact.

Community Cancer Education, Inc., DBA 21st Century C.A.R.E. 2234 Colonial Blvd.,Fort Myers, FL 33907 239.936.3756 | www.21stcenturycare.org info@21stcenturycare.org Mission Statement: Provide cancer education at the community level to patients, cancer care providers, and the general public; support cancer research and provide financial assistance to cancer patients in need.

Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness & Community Resource Center 819 NW 7th St. Ocala, FL 34475 352.875.2226 | www.estellawellness.com CEO, Carolyn Adams, ARNP | artcarol46@embarqmail.com Medical Director, Pamela Lewin, M.D. paroma62@hotmail.com Mission Statement: To provide accessible preventive primary care, medical, and dental services to the underserved and uninsured residents of Tucker Hill in the West Ocala, FL area, without regard to age, race, gender identity, disability, religion, or ability to pay.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We would like to become accredited to see medical, dental, and mental health patients in our facility.

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Heart of Florida Health Center

2553 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 352.732-6599 | www.myhfhc.org Mission Statement: Our mission is to improve the overall health status of Marion County residents by providing quality primary medical, dental, and mental health services to all residents. In particular, to those residents who have financial and insurance limitations.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Continuing to expand our mission of improving the overall health status of Marion County residents by providing quality primary medical, dental, behavioral, case management, maternity, and pharmacy services to all residents, but in particular to those residents who would not otherwise be able to access the services due to financial limitations and/or lack of health insurance. HFHC is excited to offer a “One-Stop” medical home providing comprehensive, quality, healthcare...My Family, My Healthcare, My Center

H.U.G.S. Charities

P.O. Box 34, Ocala, FL 34478 | www.hugscharities.org Rhoda Walkup | rwalkup@rboi.com Mission Statement: The H.U.G.S. organization encourages Heartfelt Unconditional Giving, focusing on the common goal of meeting the financial needs of the community’s patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis. This is accomplished by providing immediate temporary relief, while also assisting in the discovery of long term financial solutions through the collaborative efforts of the Cancer Alliance of Marion County.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We hope to continue helping meet the non-medical needs of those facing cancer in Marion County and equipping them to get to treatment, nourishment, and shelter.

Signature Event: 12th Annual HUGS Fundraiser spring of 2022 at Bank Street Patio Bar & Grill – 120 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34471.

March of Dimes

3495 Piedmont Road NE, Building 12, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30305 352.502.5752 | www.marchofdimes.org Regional Executive Director, Monica Patel | mpatel@ marchofdimes.org Mission Statement: March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

Michelle-O-Gram

21765 SW 106 Lane Road, Dunnellon, FL 34431 352.469.6006 | www.michelleogram.com Sherry Roberts | michelleogram@gmail.com Advanced Imaging, Justin Lamb ustin.lamb@hcahealthcare.com | 352.816.2812 Ocala Health/Advanced Imaging Centers Mission Statement: The Michelle-O-Gram exists to provide breast imaging services for the uninsured and underinsured women and men in our community. We are celebrating our 11th Anniversary and are proud to have served nearly 1500 individuals, both women and men. Men do get breast cancer. The healthcare situation continues to change, referrals come to the Michelle-O-Gram via physician offices, free clinics, Heart of FL, American Cancer Society, Marion County Health Department as well as self referrals.

Goal and objective of 2022: We hope to increase exposure in the community — after 11 years we continually learn of those who have never heard of the Michelle-O-Gram.

AdventHealth Auxiliary, Inc.

1500 SW First Ave. Ocala, Florida 352.671.2153 | www.munroeauxiliary.com Mission Statement: As a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) service organization, the AdventHealth Auxiliary, Inc. is committed to supporting good health in our community. We actively sponsor programs and services which enhance the lives of our community residents in their homes and in the hospital.

Utilizing the skills and dedication of volunteers and staff, the Healthy Home program provides the elderly patient after a hospital discharge, non-clinical services such as food,

Founded 1924 Kiwanis Club of Ocala provides a positive influence and creates opportunities for local children to be curious, safe and healthy. Please join us at one of our meetings to network and highlight local community speakers.

well-check telephone calls, transportation to their doctor and safe home modifications. These social determinants of health, when met, assist in providing for a healing home environment for our elderly neighbors. All services are provided free of charge. The revenue from the AdventHealth Hospital Gift Shop funds this nationally recognized volunteer program.

NAMI Marion County, Inc.

P.O. Box 5753, Ocala, FL 34478-5753 352.368.2405 | www.namiocala.org Diana Williams | ocaladiana@aol.com Executive Director, John Podkomorski | executivedirector@namiocala.org 352-875-9890 Mission Statement: Educate, support, and advocate for people diagnosed with mental illness and their family and friends.

Goal and Objective of 2022: The standing goals of NAMI Marion County it is to educate the public about mental illness, work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness, advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness. Through programs such as Family to Family, Peer to Peer, support groups, Mental Health Court Diversion Program, and The ORA Clubhouse, the organization reaches hundreds of those in need of mental health services and support programs. We look to increase our outreach to hundreds more by offering more programs and support groups to meet the increasing needs to for mental illness education and support in Marion County

Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. P.O. Box 6163, Ocala, FL 34478 www.ocalaroyaldames.org Madame President,Patricia Sokol | Ocalaroyaldames@ gmail.com Mission Statement: To ensure strong local and regional effort in the fight against cancer through funding research and education.

Signature Event: Royal Gatsby Gala on May 14, 2022.

For more information contact co-chairs Nancy Porter 352.817.0099 or Sheri Turner 813.476.2062

Three Angels Clinic

4817 NE Second Loop, Bldg. B, Ocala FL, 34470 352.509.6350 | https://threeangelsclinic.org Executive Director/Trustee, Dr. Kevin Barrett | patientcare@threeangelsclinic.org Mission Statement: A private, independent, faith-based clinic priding itself on having a wonderful selection of experienced and caring medical professionals and volunteers dedicated to serving the sick in our community.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We hope to increase community ownership through individual financial support and donations, increase the number of Marion County and Ocala residents served who have no medical provider or are uninsured, and obtain at least one hospital support for select patients to get labs, diagnostics, and pharmacy services.

Senior Care Hawthorne Village Retirement Community

4100 SW 33rd Ave Ocala FL 34474 352-237-7776 Mission Statement: Providing state-of-the-art treatment with the benefits of a not-for-profit provider. Our priority is to ensure every resident is treated with respect, love, and the best possible care available.

of patients in the era of COVID-19 without missing a beat, HMC rose to the challenge during 2021-2022, spending more than $2 million in PPE, and associated testing and equipment to keep our staff safe and patients receiving the same high level of care and attention. 2) Palliative care expansion - the Center for Comprehensive Palliative Care, now known as Carewell Supportive Care, includes 2 physicians and 5 advanced nurse practitioners to provide consulting services with local physicians to treat pain and symptoms in patients at any stage in their disease. The staff works with hospital patients as well as those in their homes.

3) Dementia Training for Caregivers – a new initiative with a dedicated facilitator provides educational programs for caregivers for people living with dementia using state-ofthe-art virtual tours.

Signature Events: Due to the ongoing pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, we moved our Signature Event “Soundtrack of Your Life” to March 10, 2022 which will be held at the World Equestrian Center.

Outdoor events: held in our Memorial Park and include a 9-11 Commemoration and Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans tribute. All ceremonies are free and open to the public.

Marion Senior Services

1101 SW 20th Court, Ocala, FL 34471 352.620.3501 | www.marionseniorservices.org Community Care Director, Cassandra Jackson | CJackson@marionseniorservices.org Mission Statement: Assisting the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged residents of Marion County to maintain independent living status.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Gaining additional financial and volunteer support for In-Home Support services. We have over 800 seniors requesting additional support with their daily living activities and if we could address their needs, we could avoid those seniors becoming at risk for further health issues.

Sports Special Olympics Florida, Inc.

2800 S.E. Maricamp Road, Building #2, Ocala, FL 34471 352.988.7998 | specialolympicsflorida.org/marion Director Community Engagement – Area 3, John Robles | Johnrobles@sofl.org For more information or to volunteer: https://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved/2022-SO-USA-Games Mission Statement: The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Goal and Objective of 2022: The ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

Signature Event: The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and Disney hosts it.

During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events.

Hospice of Marion County

3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 352.873.7400 | www.hospiceofmarion.com Cindy Moody | cmoody@hospiceofmarion.com Mission Statement: We provide exceptional compassionate end-of-life care to our community.

Goal and Objective of 2022: 1) Meeting the care needs

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Veterans Ocala Blue Star Mothers

8470A SW 92nd Lane, Ocala, FL 34481 843.504.0032 | www.bluestarmothers.org Anne Parker | annewparker@yahoo.com Mission Statement: Our mission is to support our active duty military, our veterans, and the families of the fallen.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Provide items for veterans who receive services through the Gainesville VA Hospital in the form of new clothes and shoes as well as flip flops and other items requested by the hospital to help veterans who are going into transitional housing, i.e., dishes.

Veterans Helping Veterans USA., Inc.

2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 200, Ocala, FL 34470 352.433.2320 | www.vhvusa.org Hank Whittier | vetshelpingvets@vhvusa.org Mission Statement: To assist veterans and their families who need social services and information to improve their lives and to assist them in maintaining their independence.

Goal and objective of 2022: Provide social services to veterans and their families.

Women’s Charities GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocala, Inc.

P.O. Box 4444, Ocala, FL 34478 www.GFWC.org President, Sonia Palmer | groundhoglady2@yahoo.com Mission Statement: Working together to strengthen our community and enhance the lives of others through community service.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Our goals for the coming year are two-fold: increase membership and fundraising. These would enable our club members to volunteer in more areas of need in the county and also to have more funds available for schools and other charitable organizations.

Our Hearts Align

179 NE 51st St., Ocala, FL 34479 352.274.4214 | www.ourheartsalign.org Kara Mangum | ourheartsalign@gmail.com Mission Statement: To provide physical and emotional comfort to moms, and their family, during and after a pregnancy loss. We provide this support through physical resources, personal support, prayer, and love.

Goal and Objective of 2022: To develop additional resources to support the entire family unit during the loss of a baby. We want to not only support the mom but the father and siblings as well. We hope to do this by developing new books, print and digital resources, and community events.

PACE Center for Girls

328 NE First Ave., Suite 500, Ocala, FL 34470 352.369.0571 | www.pacecenter.org/locations/marion Executive Director, Carole Savage carole.savage@pacecenter.org Mission Statement: PACE provides all girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.

Goal and Objective of 2022: To serve the needs of teenage girls in Marion County.

Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.)

9474 SW 86th Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481 360-981-1551 | www.peointernational.org Christy Cathcart | cathcart@telebyte.com Mission Statement: P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, loans and

The Rotary Clubs of Marion County:

Giving Back Through Service Rotary’s 2 official mottoes are:

The Rotary Clubs of Marion County Support Many Charitable Causes. Some of those include:

• Service Above Self • He Profits Most Who Serves Best

• Interfaith Emergency Services • Discovery Science Center • Annual Rotary Discover Fest Fundraiser

Rotary International serves to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and to advance goodwill and peace not only in their own communities, but around the world. There are over 35,000 member clubs worldwide and over 1.2 million individuals known as Rotarians.

• Boys & Girls Club of Marion County • Wear Gloves • Kimberly's Center • Marion County Literacy Council • Domestic Violence Center of Marion County • Honey Packs, Inc. • Pace Center For Girls

To learn more about joining Rotary, please visit: www.RotaryInternational.com Follow Rotary On Facebook

stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate each other to achieve their highest aspirations.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We continually raise money to support all of our funds that support women’s educational goals.

Women Veterans In Crisis (WVIC)

Post Office Box 770306, Ocala Fl 34477-0306 352.533.2789 | WVICrisis.org Executive Director, Mitchell Coulton Mitchell.coulton@wvicrisis.org CommunityOutreach@WVICrisis.org Mission Statement: First in the nation to expand community-based resources to provide comprehensive mental health and social services to women veterans and their children, doing so with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity.

Education for Life DBA Women’s Pregnancy Center

1701 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL 34470 352-629-2811 | val@educationforlife.org Interim Executive Director, Val Reed Mission Statement: Education for Life provides education through medically accurate, truthful information surrounding the ongoing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sexual health and pregnancy decisions to women, men, and families.

Youth Arnette House, Inc.

2310 NE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34470 352.622.4432 | www.arnettehouse.org CEO, Cheri Pettitt | cpettitt@arnettehouse.org Mission Statement: To provide safe and effective programs to strengthen youth and families.

Goal and objective of 2022: We have several programs for families to choose from when they are in crisis for kids ages 6 to 17 years. We are celebrating our 41st year in providing services for families in Marion County.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marion County

800 SW 12th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352.690.7545 | www.bgcofmarion.com CEO, April Savarese | asavarese@bgcofmarion.com Mission Statement: To enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to become caring, productive, responsible citizens.

Goal and objective of 2022: World Class Club Experience.

We want every young person to want to be a member of the club and every parent to want their kids to be members.

Children’s Home Society of Florida

226 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.1412 | www.chsfl.org Regional Executive Director, Jessica Davis jessica.davis@chsfl.org Mission Statement: Building bridges to success for children.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Expansion of the Mid-Florida Community Counseling Program in Marion County to include tele-health services which will alleviate delay to services and provide the opportunity to serve more individuals.

Covenant Children’s Home

11350 N. Covenant Path, Dunnellon, FL 34434 352.489.2565 | www.cchfl.org Debbie Davis | deborah@covenantchildrenshome.org Mission Statement: Covenant Children’s Home exists to provide children a home where a Christ-centered environment promotes health, hope, healing, and a brighter future in the lives of children who need the care and support of a loving community.

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Florida Kids Helping Kids

3560 SE 137th Lane, Summerfield, FL 34491 352.347.0883 | www.florida-kids-helping-kids.com Gerri Gerthe | floridakhk@gmail.com Mission Statement: Empowering kids to help other kids while making them better citizens as we give back to our community in which we serve.

Motto: Small Voices Big Ideas.

Goal and Objective of 2022: We need volunteers for the Marion County Fair in February at the Marion Military Academy off Baseline Road.

Hands of Mercy Everywhere

6017 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420 352.347.4663 | www.handsofmercyeverywhere.org Diane V. Schofield | diane@handsofmercyeverywhere.org info@handsofmercyeverywhere.org Mission Statement: To provide a Christian-based residential group home for teenage girls and pregnant or parenting teens in the foster care system.

Junior Achievement (JA)

319 SE Broadway St., Ocala FL 34471 352.629.1715 | www.jamarion.org Mission Statement: Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Let’s bring JA BizTown in person or virtual Adventures for 5th-grade students to Marion County schools. This experience combines classroom learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town, allowing students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor. The program would help Marion County students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.

Signature Event: The annual Celebrate Junior Achievement Event is a premier networking event to hear about the work that Junior Achievement is doing in our own community, see and hear from kids who have directly benefited from JA programs, and learn about opportunities for community partnerships.

Kids Central, Inc.

901 Industrial Drive, Suite 200, Wildwood, FL 34785 352.387.3419 | www.kidscentralinc.org CEO, John Cooper | info@kidscentralinc.org Mission Statement: Kids Central Central’s mission to protect children, support families and engage communities leads our agencies services and programs to ensure every family is successful. In 2022, Kids Central will continue to work to lead the state in child welfare outcomes and innovate to continue to meet the needs of the children and families we serve in this ever changing environment.

Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection

2800 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34471 352.873.4739 | www.kimberlyscenter.org Development Director, Kristina Donohue | kristina@ kimberlyscenter.org Mission Statement: Our community working together to protect, serve, and advocate for abused and neglected children.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Kimberly’s Center will continue to educate the community on child abuse prevention and awareness.

Signature Events: Art & Soul: Thursday, December 1, 2022 (location TBD) 10th Annual Race Against Child Abuse: Saturday, April 9th at Calesa Township

Marion County Children’s Alliance

3482 NW 10th St., Ocala, FL 34475 352.438.5990 | www.mcchildrensalliance.org Executive Director, Beth McCall | executivedirector@ mcchildrensalliance.org Mission Statement: To improve the lives of Marion County children.

Vision: To provide resources that enable nonprofit organizations serving the children of Marion County to operate more efficiently by providing safe and effective services of

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | 2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER

the highest quality.

Goal and objective of 2022: To continue efforts to better serve our children by providing prevention services through the Community Council Against Substance Abuse (CCASA) and our SADD Clubs (Students Against Destruction Decisions), by providing prevention services and help women and children in unsafe and dangerous environments, to provide mentoring, tutoring and family engagement opportunities to at risk students and families.

Marion County Junior Golf, Inc.

3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 352.629.8412 | marioncountyjuniorgolf.com ocalagolfclub.com Jason Lenhart | jlenhart@ocalagolfclub.com Mission Statement: We are organized to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that provide character development, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Continuing to provide a safe environment in which young people can excel in learning, experiencing life, and being involved in a sport that could result in educational advancements as they near the college time frame.

Southeastern Youth Fair

2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470 352.629.1255 | https://seyfair.com Executive Director, Sara LeFils | seyfair@gmail.com Mission Statement: To recognize the outstanding youth of Marion County through the Southeastern Youth Fair as a showcase for competition, exhibition, enhanced educational opportunities, and to promote self-esteem, personal growth, and development while aiding in the education of the Citizens of Marion County regarding the importance of agriculture and related industries in our area.

Signature Event: Southeastern Youth Fair 2022, February 25 thru March 5.

The Pearl Project

625 NE 12th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352.405.5005 | www.thepearlprojectcf.org Executive Director, Joy Zedler | joy@thepearlproject.org Mission Statement: We help vulnerable children discover their value.

Goal & Objective of 2022: We are committed to building a trauma-informed and healing-centered community. We provide Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) and Circle of Security Parenting training and support groups for caregivers of children with trauma. We also train professionals (teachers, case workers, guardians ad litem, group home moms, and more), as we believe everyone who works with vulnerable children can be a part of their healing. We lead caregivers in the Making Sense of Your Worth Program, as we know that caregivers can only lead children to a place of healing that they have experienced themselves. Our Kid-2-Kid Closet provides foster and adoptive parents with diapers, clothes, shoes, baby gear and more. We train cuddlers for Advent Health’s Cuddle Care Program for substance-exposed newborns, to give them the best start in life. We provide ongoing support and training to the caregivers of SEN babies.

Voices for Children of North Central Florida, Inc.

P.O. Box 4062, Ocala, FL 34478-4062 352.484.0319 | voices4childrenfl.org President, Sue Carpenter | sue@voices4childrenfl.org Mission Statement: To support critical physical and psychological needs of children who have a Guardian ad Litem assigned to them. To support recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers who advocate for these children.

Goal and Objective of 2022: Expand the scope of our impact on the children who are in the judicial system and who have a Guardian ad Litem appointed to their case; assist the Guardian ad Litem program in recruiting additional Guardian advocates; maintain our Normalcy program and increase our Tree of Angels program.

Signature Event: Watch for our annual auction dinner in early summer, 2022.

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | 2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER

STAT E O F G I V I N G I N M A R I O N C O U N T Y:

The

Covid Curse

BY BRAD ROGERS

Marion nonprofits see demand for services surge while funding slumps

I

t is no surprise that during the pandemic Marion County’s nonprofit organizations have seen the demand for their services surge. A recent survey by the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County found that 60 percent of the nonprofits here have seen an increase in requests for assistance.

At the same time, however, almost as many – 55 percent – say they have seen donations decline and they have been forced to cancel a significant portion of in-person fundraisers, a major source of private donations, due to the pandemic.

The findings are part of a recent report by the Community Foundation called “A Year-End Assessment of COVID & the Nonprofit Sector in Marion County, Florida.”

“Based on results, it is evident that the Ocala/Marion County nonprofit sector was negatively impacted in 2021 by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” the report states.

“Many of the nonprofits experienced an increase in demand of services due to the pandemic’s impact on the local community, while at the same time losing a significant level of general donations and fund-raising revenues. Therefore, it is important for non-

profits to receive continued support from government partners, for-profit peers and the general public as they deal with the various challenges to their operations during these difficult times.”

Community Foundation Executive Director Lauren DeIorio said the report confirms what those in the nonprofit sector have been warning.

“The nonprofit sector is not doing well,” she said. “ It’s not.”

There are more than 1,300 nonprofit organizations in Marion County – everything from food banks and domestic violence shelters to churches and child care programs. For the purposes of its report, the Community Foundation focused on 40 nonprofits representing a cross-section of social sectors, including animal care, the arts, education, faith-based initiatives, health care, human services, public/societal benefits and veterans’ causes.

As the report notes, these organizations serve some of the most vulnerable populations among us. “… nonprofits have a deep impact with food distribution, outreach to the most despondent and disparate populations, support

There are more than

1,300 nonprofit organizations in Marion County – everything from food banks and domestic violence shelters to churches and child care programs.

2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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for people with disabilities, enrichment and educational opportunities for children, quality health care, and more,” the report states.

That makes keeping the nonprofit community healthy and vital to the overall health of Ocala/Marion County community, DeIorio said.

WHAT THEY FOUND A look at some of the key findings of Community Foundation’s report: More than 70 percent of the nonprofits included in the survey said that in-person fundraisers were a “revenue line item” in their annual budget. The majority of those surveyed said they had to cancel at least one in-person fund-raising event, with 16 of them saying they had to cancel two or more such events.

As an alternative, two-thirds of the nonprofits surveyed said they hosted virtual fund-raising events, but 58 percent said they raised less money than with in-person events.

Of the 40 organizations included in the survey, just 27 percent said they saw donation levels comparable prior to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, 22 of the 40 survey participants said their donations were down from pre-pandemic levels. Six said their donations had increased. A major impact for many came in the loss of recurring monthly or quarterly donations, which were down for more than half of the nonprofits.

Grants are an important source of funding for nonprofits, and what the Community Foundation found in its survey is that in 2021 local nonprofits as a whole did not fare as well as they had in the past. While massive federal programs like the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or ARPA, provided lifelines to many for-profit and nonprofit organizations, most of that was stopgap funding to keep people employed and buildings open. For grants that are earmarked for programs and the workers required to run them – which account for an overwhelming number of all the grants sought – a majority of local nonprofits saw the same or lower level of grant funding.

“When viewed as aggregated data, the frequency of a nonprofit to be awarded

30

at the same or lower levels than requested was more common than a nonprofit to be awarded at a higher level,” the report states.

“Therefore, many of the nonprofits did not receive adequate grant awards to cover the costs needed for their increased demand for services and programs.”

Of the 40 nonprofits surveyed, 25 indicated that they had seen an increase in demand for their services during 2021, with 24 saying they were still seeing an increase moving into the 2022 calendar year. The reasons for the increased demand for services included increased substance abuse, rising homelessness, people becoming uninsured after COVID-related layoffs, increasing

mental health problems and rising drug addiction and greater demand for food.

At the same time demand was rising, nearly half of the nonprofits reduced or closed at least one program or service in 2021. Reasons given for cutting programs included reduced funding, a lack of staff and volunteers and social distancing protocols.

At the time of the survey, 70 percent of the nonprofits were in the process of preparing their 2022 budgets. Of these 28 organizations, eight noted that they had to make decreases or eliminations to operational line items during the budgeting process.

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | 2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER

The reasons for the increased demand for services included increased substance abuse, rising homelessness, people becoming uninsured after COVID-related layoffs, increasing mental health problems and rising drug addiction and greater demand for food.

Among “supplemental findings” the Community Foundation survey revealed that staffing is an ongoing problem for nonprofits, just as it is for the general business community.

“The most eye-opening of such findings was the growing struggle for nonprofits to compete with for-profits in the battle to hire staff in the current labor market, which has been referred to as a ‘war for talent,’” the report states. “According to a recent study

by John Hopkins University, the nonprofit sector is the third largest employer in the United States with over 12 million paid em-

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ployees, behind only the for-profit industries of retail trade and accommodation and food services. With the growing federal support for unemployment, rising minimum wage, and an expanding amount of vacant parttime jobs in the for-profit sector, nonprofits are struggling to compete in the job market.”

WHAT WILL 2022 BRING? From DeIorio’s perspective, the No. 1 goal right now for Ocala/Marion County and its nonprofit community is to figure out how to get donations back to pre-pandemic levels. This is especially critical because grants typically do not cover programs and operational costs.

Compounding the concerns is the fact that CARES and ARPA funds, which have helped cover payrolls and other expenses during the pandemic, will be running out unless Congress passes another relief package.

Currently, the city of Ocala has directed $600,000 of its ARPA funds – about 10 percent of its total ARPA allocation – to nonprofits, while the Marion County government has set aside $4 million of its $70 million in federal COVID-19 money for helping the community – $2 million for nonprofits and $2 million for affordable housing.

DeIorio said what is confounding to so many is that the economy, especially here in Ocala/Marion County, is not just good, but booming. Yet, she added, too little of that new prosperity is making its way into nonprofit coffers.

“How many of those businesses that are doing so well are using that uptick in income and giving back to the community?” she asked.

Scot Quintel, executive director of the United Way of Marion County, said the organization he leads is a prime example of how COVID-19 funding has poured into the community but has not resulted in more donations for the United Way itself.

For example, the local United Way has overseen the federal relief programs for rent and utilities during the pandemic, doling out some $12 million over the past year.

Yet, like DeIorio and the Community Foundation survey, Quintel said that the pandemic has led to a decline in overall

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charitable giving. The United Way, he said, saw a 9 percent decline in donations last year.

“Obviously the lack of fund raising that nonprofits have been able to do has had an effect on the resources that are available to them,” he said. “Fundraising is relationship oriented and relationship based. When you can’t meet face to face, you can’t build those relationships.”

When asked what would happen if some essential services provided by nonprofits, for example child care, began to fail due to lack of funding, Quintel said there would be a ripple effect.

In the case of child care, he said we would likely see kindergarten readiness rates drop and we would see some people in the workforce who are receiving child care assistance quit their jobs because of the inability to shoulder

child care costs on their own. Ultimately, the impact would hit businesses, too.

“If you don’t keep families stable, it’s going to affect businesses’ ability to remain stable,” Quintel said.

But Quintel believes Ocala/Marion County has taken steps to make sure that sort of thing will not happen.

“I think Marion County has made a good effort to keep nonprofits going,” he said.

He cited what he called the Critical Services Group that has met throughout the

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | 2021-22 CHARITY REGISTER

“Fundraising is relationship oriented and relationship based. When you can’t meet face to face, you can’t build those relationships.”

The majority of those surveyed said they had to cancel at least one inperson fund-raising event.

pandemic to ensure essential nonprofits are buttressed against the scourge of the pandemic and lost donations. Made up of the the city of Ocala, the county government, the Marion County Hospital District, the United Way and the county’s Emergency Operations Center, the group crafted a response plan focused on nonprofits in the event that “critical needs are not being met.”

If an organization were to fail, Quintel said, this group would immediately “have an immediate conversation.”

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