Success Stories

Treasure Coast Community Health

Stephanie

Stephanie’s fear of dentistry began when she was 11 years old. She recalls that a dentist wanted to break her jaw in order to repair an underbite, or else she would face a lifetime of “looking like a gorilla.” Needless to say, Stephanie fled the office in tears.

The traumatic experienced led to her neglecting her dental health as she grew up. By the age of 30, she knew she needed to address some cavities and other issues, but she was held back by feelings of guilt and confusion surrounding everything related to dentistry.

Stephanie had the good fortune to confide in someone who suggested she make an appointment with Dr. Mark Gaponiuk, a dentist at Treasure Coast Community Health’s Fellsmere location. She made the call and is glad she did.

“From the moment I sat down in Dr. Gap’s chair, he was very warm and accepting and explained everything I needed. I was not nervous about anything,” Stephanie says. A TCCH hygienist also explained that some other health issues were affecting her dental health. These extra efforts to educate Stephanie allayed her fears. Now, she tells everyone how much she loves TCCH.

By the way, Stephanie never did have to fix that slight underbite.

Treasure Coast Community Health

772-571-1986 tcchinc.org

MISSION: To provide accessible cost-effective, quality, comprehensive health care to all persons regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances

MAIN EVENT: Great Duck Derby, Oct. 24, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Patient escort/ambassador, clerical assistant, clinical assistant, foundation and event committee member or resource connection assistant

Founded: 1993

TYKES & TEENS/HEALTHY FAMILIES INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

772-778-1323 tykesandteens.org/healthyfamilies-indian-river-county/

MISSION: To provide families with useful information on parenting and child development by offering tools and support to help families reach their goals and build a bright future for their children

MAIN EVENT: Open House, Nov. 30 and Dec. 2, 2021

Founded: 1996

VNA & HOSPICE FOUNDATION

772-567-5551 vnatc.com

MISSION: To provide compassionate, innovative care of the highest quality, setting the standard for patients and caregivers needing private care, home health, hospice and community health services

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Help in our thrift stores, help hospice patients’ families at home or at the VNA Hospice House, or help staff at the office

Founded: 1975

WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER INC.

772-257-5785 wholefamilyhealthcenter.org

MISSION: To provide high quality, caring, accessible health care services including medical, mental and oral health, to every adult and child

Founded: 2013

WOMEN’S REFUGE OF VERO BEACH

772-770-4424 womensrefugevb.org

MISSION: To provide a live-in Christian program where hurting women can find sanctuary in a healing environment, and to provide healing and wholeness to emotionally and spiritually wounded men, women and families in our community through biblical counseling; to train people to disciple others

MAIN EVENT: Women’s Refuge Annual Christmas Banquet, Dec. 11, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Office help such as answering phones or making phone calls, monthly newsletter mailing and yard maintenance, resale shop

Founded: 1997

History

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.

772-778-3435 irchistorical.org

MISSION: To establish and promote educational programs and experiences; preserve, protect, enhance, maintain, restore and interpret historical artifacts, documents, structures and sites relating to the cultural and natural history of the Indian River County area, the surrounding region and the state of Florida

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Board of directors and advisory members; docents at exhibit center and house museum; standing committees; outreach and educational presentations; school programs; training for teachers, staff and senior citizens; yearly events; fundraising, membership programs and grant writing

Founded: 1984

NATIONAL NAVY UDT-SEAL MUSEUM

772-595-5845 navysealmuseum.org

MISSION: To preserve the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, while honoring the fallen at our Memorial Wall and providing support for the families of those warriors through our Trident House Charities program

MAIN EVENT: 36th Annual Muster and Music Festival, Nov. 5–6, 2021

Founded: 1985

OLD VERO ICE AGE SITES COMMITTEE

772-538-5585 oviasc.org

MISSION: Dedicated to the excavation and preservation of important Ice Age archaeological and paleontological sites in Vero Beach and Indian River County; to promote, in partnership with scientific and academic institutions, the analysis of the findings to deepen the understanding of early human history and to create a public forum for further educational and research purposes

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Educational outreach, excavationrelated activities during periods of active excavation, benefit committee

Founded: 2011

VERO HERITAGE (HERITAGE CENTER AND INDIAN RIVER CITRUS MUSEUM)

772-770-2263 veroheritage.org

MISSION: To preserve, celebrate and share Vero heritage

MAIN EVENT: Call for details on tours

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Tour guides at Citrus Museum and Heritage Center, help at special events

Founded: 1993