Ocala Style | September 2023

The Guide To Charitable Giving

352.804.8989

The Laurels of Bellechase

One of Ocala’s most desirable communities. Custom-built home features 6 bedrooms and 4 baths, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to enjoy the views of the beautiful screenenclosed pool and summer kitchen area. $1,225,000

Joan Pletcher, Realtor

Our results speak for themselves. List with Joan today!

5+/- Acre estate in gated community with access to the Florida Greenways and Trails for horseback riding, biking or strolling for miles. Spacious 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home, plus office and theater/ media room. Private backyard offers mature landscaping. Close to all conveniences.

$1,447,000

Exquisite gated modern farmhouse, located on 10+/- acres. Inside this beautiful 2-story home are 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and office/or sitting room. Enjoy the chef ’s kitchen’s custom wood cabinetry, stone countertops, an island with extra seating, and spacious dining area. The family room offers a grand center fireplace, coffered ceilings, and built-ins. The pool, spa, firepit and outdoor living space matches perfectly with the pristine interior and allows for entertainment or private enjoyment. Location is incredibly convenient. Between Ocala and The Villages, and with close proximity to the Florida Horse Park or the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and Trails. $1,694,375

This Ocala horse farm is very private and desirable! Drive into the scenic NW Ocala area and you will find beautiful country living-perfect for equine or cattle enthusiasts. Consider this unique 38+/- acre property on Hwy. 326. Just minutes to WEC and HITS. Beautiful vistas from every view, lush pastures with impressive granddaddy oaks, and mature landscaping. Main residence encompasses 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, open kitchen, spacious living room with impressive stone fireplace and built-in bookcases. The family room offers access to a screen-enclosed lanai and pool area while overlooking lush green pastures. Enjoy the grand owner’s bedroom with luxurious bath and expansive closet, plus 3 more bedrooms, and private office. The equine facilities include a 12-stall stable with tack room, feed room, wash bay and 1/1 apartment. The second story allows for hay storage. Covered parking on each side of barn for horse trailer and other items of your choice. Large 3-bay equipment building with workshop plus RV hook-up. Genuinely nice 4 bedroom 2 bath residence for your farm manager and family. The lush fields are perfect for grazing your horses or cattle with just the right number of scattered oaks for shade and a tranquil setting.

$3,950,000

Equestrian Facility - NW Ocala

244.23 +/- acre horse training facility offers a turnkey equestrian experience! Located in NW Marion County, only 10 miles from the World Equestrian Center and 10 miles to Ocala Breeders’ Sales. The training facility is complete with 6 barns with 198 stalls. 1 +/-mile irrigated dirt racetrack, plus a 7/8 mile +/- turf track. Amenities on the farm include an equestrian swimming pool with a deck and PVC fenced exterior for safety, 7 European walkers, 12 round pens, 3 riding arenas, 42 lush green paddocks, automatic waterers, an office and 2 workshop/storage buildings. The equestrian facilities are top-notch, with all the amenities needed for a top-quality thoroughbred or other equestrian operation.

What

should you expect working with Joan Pletcher?

Expect an unparalleled combination of professionalism, integrity and relentless commitment to her client’s unique needs, interests, and desires.

Joan is a residential, equine property and land development REALTOR® since 1985 and a horsewoman herself so her clients have the benefit of experience and specialized expertise.

Dear Readers,

t’s almost that time of year when we get a brief but quantifiable gauge of how generous our community is, with the Give4Marion initiative, now in its fourth year. Ocala Style has had a front-row seat to this event’s evolution, ever since it was created out of great need during the pandemic by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County.

You’ll understand—when you peruse this Guide to Charitable Giving issue—that it is no small feat to organize and advocate for the numerous nonprofit organizations in our community. We offer kudos to the foundation for consistently stepping up to create new ways to support those who most need help.

And providing that help goes far beyond Give4Marion. Year-round foundation efforts include organizing educational opportunities to help charities run more efficiently, acting as a conduit of information so local governments and donors can catch the pulse of the nonprofits, and serving as a “helper” when local agency leaders reach out in need of resources.

This Guide contains pages and pages of listings of those nonprofits, ranging from animal agencies to those that support veterans. How will you pick which charities you support this year? Will you choose based on need or impact? The goal of publishing these listings is to help you make informed choices.

An article on pages 26 and 27 fully explains Give4Marion, which this year will take place from 10am on September 19th to 7pm on September 20th, and how important those 33 hours of giving are to our nonprofits. During those hours, special incentives such as Matching Moments help propel the momentum. This unique opportunity to help is fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, and it’s easy to get involved.

Every day of the year, businesses and individuals in our community, and organizations like the foundation, are at the heart of creating a place we are proud to call home. On page 16, you can get to know a business owner playing a part in that, David Tillman, of Tillman & Associates, who was honored by the foundation as the Philanthropist of the Year during the Inspire Gala in March.

To all those who give of their time, talent and treasure to help others in our community, we thank you!

Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher

ANY IN-STOCK WIG Must Bring This Ad. 40%OFF*

11203 *Not to be used with any in-house discounts. No special orders. Valid thru 9/30/23

Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Magnolia Media Company, LLC (352) 732-0073

PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478

Art

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Amy Harbert amy@magnoliamediaco.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce Ackerman

Meagan Gumpert, MAVEN photo + film

Kat Harris

John Jernigan

Filip Kuran

Barbara Olsen

Alan Youngblood

ILLUSTRATORS

Jordan Shapot

David Vallejo

CLIENT SERVICES GURU

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CREATIVE CONSULTANT

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauren Deiorio

Ashley Gerds

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Scott Mitchell

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D istribution

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YOU ARE INVITED

MISSION MUSIC

AN EVENING OF AND

featuring a musical performance by members of the AdventHealth Orchestra with AdventHealth Ocala CEO Erika Skula on percussion. The event proceeds will fund our hospital’s Labor and Delivery services.

10 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2023

2:30 PM VIP Reception | 4 PM Performance Starts

THE REILLY ARTS CENTER 500 Northeast Ninth Street, Ocala, FL 34470

FOR TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS: OcalaMissionAndMusic.com

26 GIVE4MARION

This 33-hour campaign helps raise funds and awareness for our local nonprofits.

28 TRANSFER OF WEALTH

Intergenerational shifts of resources can shape a community’s future.

29 GUIDE TO CHARITABLE GIVING

The annual NonProfit Business Council’s Guide to Charitable Giving from the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County provides a comprehensive directory to area nonprofits and charitable giving.

56 THE EQUINE EFFECT

This nonprofit provides equine learning for young girls from financially disadvantaged families.

58 A GENEROUS HEART

The Cathy D. Perry Trust recently donated more than $5 million to 29 charities, many of them local.

63

in this issue

9 SOCIAL SCENE

See who was out and about at some recent happenings.

21 ON THE SCENE

Our guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events.

24

PTSD AWARENESS

The annual PTSD Awareness Day Walk and other initiatives are helping individuals in the community.

56

60 SILVER RIVER

Organizations work together for the greater good.

61 SCHLENKERISMS

Dave explores what to do with epiphanies.

62 CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

John West shares some favorite things.

63 BEST BUDS

Belea visits a place where goodness grows.

on the cover

David Tillman photographed by Meagan Gumpert, MAVEN photo + film at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Images, this page, from top: Lauren Deiorio by Bruce Ackerman; middle: photo by Barbara Olsen; bottom: Cory, courtesy of Kenny’s Place Nursery.

Since1919

INSIDER

Social Scene

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

Lauren Debick and Ashley Gerds at the Back to School Community Giveback event by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, AdventHealth Ocala and Marion County Public Schools, in partnership with the Bullard Family Foundation and Skanska.

Back to School Community Giveback

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

The Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County, AdventHealth Ocala and Marion County Public Schools, in partnership with the Bullard Family Foundation and Skanska, hosted the giveback at 10 locations over several days to help students get off to a good start in the new school year.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Joseph and Lisa Lucas with Michelle Marcic

Dax, Colton and Griffin Tormanen

Faye Peraza, Dani Menolo and Jared Perazaso

Israel, Emmanuel, Titilope and Fabor Adewuyi

Dziyah Smith with Deputy Chief of Marion County Fire Rescue Pam Driggers

Art In The Attic

Treasures galore were on display and for sale in the Marion Cultural Alliance’s fun summer y-ART sale. A VIP sip and shop preview on July 14th added to the fun, with a sneak peak at the art, jewelry and more that was on sale from July 15-22nd.

BRICK CITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Sarah Lankester and Chris Stump

Danuta and Scott Jacob

Dan Anderson, Albert Lynch, Ken Vilanova and Jaye Baillie

Maelyn Parada and Mia Parada

Michael and Barbara Jean Brennan

Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

Specials:

Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2

Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day

Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Blackened Red Fish, Louisiana Gumbo and Garden District Grouper. Other favorites, like French Baked Scallops and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails, such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the Cool Goose Martini. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.

Harry’s

Bar & Grille

24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala (352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com

Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p

Happy Hour Specials: 2-7p every day

$4 Draft Beer

$5 House Wine

$5 Premium Cocktails

$6 Super Premium Cocktails

$7 Harry’s Signature Cocktails

12 Fruits of the Spirit Fashion Show

On July 25th, the gallery, in partnership with the nonprofit Hands of Mercy Everywhere, hosted an evening of fashion, art and personal narratives. The 12 models, in addition to making a fashion statement, created a unique piece of artwork to symbolize their chosen fruit of the spirit.

NOMA GALLERY

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Ladies from Hands of Mercy Everywhere who participated as models in the show

Evita Santana of Hands of Mercy Everywhere

Tina Talton and Dr. Nancy Wood of Hands of Mercy Everywhere

Ann Franck and Susan Leslie Margie Steele, Sylvia Walden and Elaine McPherson

Located off CR 466 and CR 101

Discover the perfect neighborhood with custom single and 2 story homes that include numerous upgrades for all ages.

These include brick pavers driveways, gas stainless steel appliances, quartz surface countertops, porcelain wood-like plank floors, tankless water heaters, 10-foot ceilings, Summer kitchen in some model and more.

Less than a mile away, you'll find various medical offices, popular restaurants like Bonefish Grill, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster, as well as convenient stores like Publix, Fresh Market, HomeGoods, and Marshalls.

On March 3rd, 300 guests gathered at the Inspire Gala presented by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County (CFOMC) to honor philanthropists and thank nonprofits for their support of our community. One of the top honors was awarded to local business and community leader David Tillman.

“David’s exceptional philanthropic e orts have touched countless lives and transformed communities in ways that resonate far beyond measure,” explains Ashley Gerds, director of strategic engagement at CFOMC. “This prestigious award, determined through a rigorous process of peer nominations and voting by four esteemed community foundation agencies, underscores the profound impact David has made in supporting causes that matter most. His unwavering dedication, generosity, and compassionate spirit serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us to create positive change and leave a lasting legacy of compassion.

I was thrilled to witness his well-deserved recognition as the Philanthropist of The Year.”

Tillman is the president of Tillman & Associates Engineering, LLC, Marion County’s leading multi-disciplinary firm providing civil and environmental engineering, land planning, surveying and landscape architecture. The firm’s most high-profile projects have included On Top of the World, Calesa Township, Golden Ocala’s World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC), and The Florida Crossroads Commerce Park.

His success as a businessman can be attributed not only to his extensive experience, willingness to tackle challenges he hasn’t faced before and collaborative management style, but also to his special skill of building strong and lasting relationships.

“That is the most important part to me,” he says. “It’s the part I enjoy the most, building relationships with the clients.”

And he praises many of those clients for their stewardship of the communities they are building.

“These are people that are in there for the long haul—that have a true concern for the people who are living or the people that are coming to their proj-

ects,” he asserts, citing WEC, Calesa Township and On Top of the World among them. “And generally, those are the projects that you do that wind up looking the very best because your clients are spending what is required to make them the very best.”

Tillman is chairman of the Marion County Land Development Regulation Commission, treasurer of the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club (OSSR), past chapter coordinator for Mathcounts sponsored by the Florida Engineering Society and a member of both the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and Horse Farms Forever.

But the honor bestowed on Tillman was in recognition of his work on behalf of the multiple organizations and initiatives that he supports and his e orts to strengthen Marion County for all and build a more vibrant community.

“David is one of the most generous guys I know. He is the type of guy that will give you the shirt o his back. There a lot of nonprofits in our community that have benefited and might even not be here if not for David,” o ers Ocala Mayor-elect Ben Marciano. “We are blessed to have him in this community.”

Among Tillman’s most public e orts is the Brick City Beer and Wine Festival (BCBF) first conceptualized in 2013 by OSSR Club members with the aim to create a signature charity event to benefit worthy local organizations. Tillman, along with Tarn Thompson, James Clardy and Steve Rudnianyn have built this initiative into one of our community’s most popular annual events. Over the years the BCBF has raised critical funds for many of the area’s leading nonprofits and, in recent years, has chosen to partner with the Marion County Literacy Council (MCLC), Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection and Interfaith Emergency Services on the event. This year, a total of $133,500 was raised and these funds will benefit the three charities.

“I first met David in his role as a founding organizer of the BCBF. David helped lead the planning committee, he reached out to his circles of

David is one of the most generous guys I know. He is the type of guy that will give you the shirt

off his back. We are blessed to have him in this community.

— Ben Marciano, Ocala mayor-elect

influence to attract sponsors, he gifted to our e ort the time and myriad talents of his own sta , and he worked from dawn until dusk on the day of the event. But it wasn’t until I spent two hours with David loading bags of ice into the back of a moving truck on a hot, humid Florida day that I realized the depth of his commitment to leaving the world a little better than he found it,” asserts R.J. Jenkins of MCLC. “Loading a truck full of ice when nobody’s watching—that’s what servant leadership looks like. He’s the kind of man you want in your corner.”

Besides his willingness to roll up his sleeves, the beneficiaries of Tillman’s e orts say it is his commitment and the impact he has already had that distinguish him.

“David Tillman epitomizes all that philanthropy is. His resolute commitment to improving the lives of the children and families we are called to serve at Kimberly’s Center is a testament to the profound e ect that one person can have,” explains Executive Director Dawn Westgate. “His contributions will continue to resonate through the lives of all of the children we have been able to serve—having immeasurable impact for years to come.”

Like his highly community-minded clients, notably the Roberts family and Ken Colen, who he praises for their deep commitment to giving and the welfare of others—Tillman’s own legacy will undoubtedly cast a long shadow of service and devotion to Marion County. But legacy is not in the forefront of his mind.

“I don’t stop and think about it very much, because I just want to keep going,” he confides. “I hope that the majority of the things that I do have a positive impact. When you surround yourself with good people with charitable hearts, it just builds upon itself and continues to grow. You have to have the willingness to jump in and be part of it. I’ve gotten involved in a multitude of things and the events that we were doing, that inspires me to keep doing more and participate in other places. I’m willing to meet the challenge. I believe in giving back to my community. It’s treated me well and I want what’s best for us as a whole.”

Above: Tillman surrounded by colleagues and community members at the 2023 Brick City Beer and Wine Festival check presentation to the benefitting community organizations. Left: Accepting his award at the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County’s Inspire Gala.

Below: Tillman volunteering at the Brick City Beer and Wine Festival.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by Hugh Wheeler • From an adaptation by Christopher Bond

Originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince • Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards, in association with Dean and Judy Manos

On the Scene

A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Downtown Ocala

September 1

The monthly event runs September through May and features artists, performers and craftspeople all around the downtown square. Stores stay open late for shopping. For more info, ocalafl.org

OCALA SHRINE RODEO

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

September 1-2

Classic events include team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and bronc riding, all sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Concessions available. The event raises money for the Shriners Hospital for Children and local youth organizations. $25 at the gate. Check out ocalashrinerodeo.com for more info.

SUMMER’S END MORGAN AND SADDLEBRED HORSE SHOW

World Equestrian Center, Arenas 2 and 3

September 7-10

A variety of disciplines will include driving, dressage, Western riding, hunter and pony classes. Highlights include academy riders and handicapped exceptional riders. Free for spectators. For more info, fmha.net/summers-end-horse-show

OCALA RECOVERY FESTIVAL

Tuscawilla Art Park

September 9

This event celebrates sobriety with exhibitor booths, recovery resources, food options, entertainment, a kids’ zone and giveaways.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served while supplies last and the first 1,000 guests may receive a free T-shirt. Free to attend. For more info, mcchildrensalliance.org/events-2

EIRINN ABU CONCERT

Countryside Presbyterian Church

September 10

The saxophonist and recording artist will perform hits from his CDs. His song selections are varied and include a mix of hymns, movie themes, and love songs. Free to attend; a love offering is welcome. For more info, call Sally Zarnowiec at (407) 276-5699.

KT TUNSTALL CONCERT

Reilly Arts Center

September 14

Tunstall is a singer/songwriter with folk music and rocker chops, “with sharper teeth,” she says. Tickets are $35-$85. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

Ocala Shrine Rodeo, photo by Alan Youngblood

GALACTIC EMPIRE

Reilly Arts Center

September 16

This is a combination of cosplay and heavy metal versions of John Williams’ movie music. Featuring instrumental covers, the costumed band will play themes and songs from Indiana Jones, Star Wars, The Phantom Menace and more. Tickets are $25 to $75. For more info about this band looking to dominate the universe, see galacticempireband.com

memories. Starring Michelle Berting Brett, accompanied by world-class musicians, the show recreates the Carpenters’ original sound. Tickets start at $31. For more information, visit weveonlyjustbegunshow.com

LAKE LILLIAN FOODIE FEST

Lake Lillian Park, Belleview

September 22

This is the last festival of the season (it will return in January). It features food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, vendors and artists. Free admission. For more info, belleviewfl.org

SHAWN GERHARD’S ULTIMATE TRIBUTE 2 GARTH

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

September 30

Singer/guitarist Gerhard is from Nashville and has won kudos for his faithful takes on hits such as Friends in Low Places , The Dance and Much Too Young Tickets are $34-$49. Check out obopry.com for more info.

UPCOMING

OCTOBERFEST AT WEC

September 30 & October 7

OCALA COMIC CON

World Equestrian Center, Expo 1

September 16-17

The convention spans comics, sci-fi fandom, manga, cosplay, trading cards, gaming, movies and television, and includes numerous special guests. Weekend passes start at $40 and VIP packages are available. Photos with stars and autographs require an additional charge. See ocalacomiccon.com for more info.

WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN: CARPENTERS REMEMBERED

Circle Square Cultural Center

September 17

This tribute show will bring back mellow

Try German foods (bratwurst, knackwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, potato salad, apfelstrudel, lebkuchen and Black Forest cake). There will be music from the Swinging Bavarians, along with a Schnitzel Shuffle 5K run (separate registration needed.) And, of course, German beer! Tickets are $42 for adults, $25 for ages 5-12 and free for youth under 5 with a paying adult. See worldequestriancenter.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA PEANUT FESTIVAL Heritage Park, Williston

October 7

The 34th annual event will feature numerous vendors, plus raffles and entertainment. Activities include photo and pumpkin decorating contests, and the Little Peanut King and Queen contests for kids under age 5. Children’s activities will include games and a mini train. For more info, go to willistonflchamber.com

Ocala Comic Con, photo by Bruce Ackerman

New Look, Same Great Care

Hospice of Marion County is now an affiliate member of Empath Health. This affiliation makes us part of a nonprofit, integrated network of care from Ocala to Naples serving nearly 20,000 individuals in hospice care, home health, elder care and more.

We remain committed to serving our community with the same expert compassionate care since 1983.

HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY

Now an Affiliate of Empath Health. New Look, Same Great Care. HOSPICE of MARION COUNTY empath

HospiceofMarion.com

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The 2nd Annual PTSD Awareness Day Walk in Marion County, and other initiatives, are helping individuals in the community, including veterans and first responders.

By Roger Waddell, Marion County Public Relations

The Marion County community recognizes that many individuals have wounds which are not visible. Through sponsorships, T-shirt and cup sales, and by providing resources, organizations and the public have come together locally to help end the stigma associated with this disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a person experiences trauma including, but not limited to, the stress of combat, abuse, violence, assault and putting one’s life on the line as a first responder. PTSD affects approximately 8 million adults in the United States annually.

In 2014, the United States Senate designated the month of June as PTSD Awareness Month and June 27th as National Teal Out Day in order to raise public awareness about the issues

related to PTSD while reducing the stigmas associated with this illness. The goal of this awareness is to ensure those who are suffering from these invisible wounds receive proper treatment.

PTSD can affect anyone, but it particularly affects many of our first responders and veterans in the community. For these individuals, PTSD can develop after a multitude of events, including life-threatening situations, stressful events and violent occurrences. PTSD, however, can affect anyone—people of all ages and all walks of life.

Throughout the month of June, Marion County teamed up with many local organizations to help spread the message that not all wounds are visible. These organizations included the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion

County, Fire Rescue Support, The Friends of the Ocala Marion Veterans Park Foundation, 10 Can, Ocala Fire Rescue, the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Fire Rescue. Together, these organizations helped share messages and resources designed to help those in need. Additionally, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed June 27th as PTSD Awareness/Teal Out Day in Marion County.

The month ended with the 2nd Annual PTSD Awareness Day Walk in Marion County, held on June 27th at the McPherson Governmental Complex Wellness Trail, to show support to the community and its first responders and veterans. The 2.2-mile walk was in honor of the 22 veterans (on average) who succumb to suicide every day. The goal of this event was to show our local first responders and veterans they are not alone in their experiences and trauma and that they are appreciated for all they do to keep Marion County a safe place to live.

The entire community was invited, in addition to local first responders, veterans and military personnel who participated in the walk, some in full gear. Marion County’s local firefighters, and some from surrounding counties, took on the challenge with courage, leading the walk alongside the community. A retired firefighter, Tom “Bull” Hill, who has dedicated much of his time and efforts toward bringing awareness to the effects of PTSD, also helped lead the walk. He is most known for walking the length of Florida in honor of his fellow firefighter peers who have experienced the effects of PTSD. During the event, attendees heard from numerous Ocala and Marion County officials who encouraged them to take a stand against the stigmas behind PTSD and seek help if needed.

The more than 300 attendees were able to take advantage of the ample resources and support systems available from local vendors and organizations. Multiple medical groups, counseling services and retreat groups were in attendance, all with one common goal; to end the stigma associated in speaking about this silent disorder.

The money raised from this event came from the sales of T-shirts and tumblers, which were designed with the 2023 Marion County PTSD Awareness logo, as well as from donations. The shirts and tumblers will remain available for purchase at marionvetpark.com/ptsd and proceeds will go toward the 2024 PTSD Awareness Day Walk.

This year’s sales and donations brought in an estimated $11,000 to be divided between the Marion County Rescue Support Fund, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County and the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation.

Each of these groups will put the funds toward helping with PTSD awareness within Marion County in different ways. The Fire Rescue Support group helps both Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion County Fire Rescue and will use the funds to provide resources to those in need. The Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County will provide funding to local nonprofits that provide mental health resources and services. The Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation will use the funding to enhance a new program designed to provide support to those who are suffering from the effects of this illness.

The organizers and participants extend their thanks to everyone who attended the event this year and are looking forward to attracting an even larger crowd next year to raise more money for the cause.

Photos courtesy of Marion County Public Relations

DONATION

By Ashley Gerds, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

n the recent history of Marion County, one name stands out as a symbol of compassion, community spirit, and the power of giving: Give4Marion. Hosted by The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, this philanthropic initiative has etched its mark on the county's landscape, transforming lives and fortifying bonds within the local community.

The Origins: A Vision Takes Root

The story of Give4Marion traces back to a pivotal moment in Marion County's history when The Community Foundation recognized the need to address pressing societal challenges during a pandemic. The foundation's founders and local nonprofit leaders envisioned a platform that could mobilize the collective goodwill of the community, providing a channel for donors to support various causes, projects, and nonprofits through

online giving. In 2020, Give4Marion was born— a 24-hour online giving event designed to rally the community around charitable endeavors while still respecting social distancing guidelines and the inability of in-person fundraising. In the inaugural year, just over $310,000 was raised to support 81 nonprofits.

Building Momentum: Marion County Strong, United We Stand

Give4Marion has grown exponentially, earning the steadfast support of local businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Each year, the event galvanized the county, fostering a palpable sense of camaraderie and unity. Locals took immense pride in knowing that their contributions were actively contributing to the betterment of Marion County, making a tangible difference in the lives of their fellow residents. As each year passed, the donations continued to grow not only through the

business and donors supporting the platform, but through online donations. In 2021, donations grew to $532,000 and to $771,000 in 2022.

Empowering Nonprofits: A Beacon of Hope

One of the most remarkable aspects of Give4Marion has been those who have supported the initiative through unwavering commitment to local nonprofits. Recognizing that these organizations serve as lifelines for countless individuals and communities throughout our county, the annual giving event has provided these agencies with a much-needed boost in funding and exposure. Give4Marion became a platform for nonprofits to showcase their invaluable work and foster a stronger sense of interconnectedness within the sector.

An Evolving Vision: Amplifying Impact

As Give4Marion continued to flourish, the participating nonprofits developed remarkable adaptability and forward-thinking. They embraced technological advancements to enhance donor experiences and expand outreach. The event's online nature allowed people from all walks of life to participate conveniently, breaking down barriers to philanthropy. The introduction of matching moments and incentive prizes added a new dimension of excitement, catalyzing even greater giving.

Beyond Philanthropy: Strengthening the Social Fabric

Beyond the monetary contributions, Give4Marion has played an instrumental role in weaving the social fabric of the community together. It has encouraged conversations about the challenges faced by Marion County and stimulated collaboration among stakeholders to address those challenges effectively. The initiative fostered a culture of empathy and caring, inspiring individuals to be more proactive in their pursuit of giving where they live and enhancing community development.

Looking Ahead: The Unwavering Spirit of Giving

As Give4Marion enters a post-pandemic era, it is vital to reflect on its significance and potential for the future. The growth and accomplishments of this initiative serve as a testament to the generosity and compassion inherent in the residents of Marion County. The legacy of Give4Marion demonstrates that, when united in purpose, a community can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and create lasting change.

The Give4Marion annual giving event is a shining example of how a simple idea can transform into an enduring force for good. It has carved a unique space in the hearts of Marion County residents, empowering them to come together and

make a real impact on their community. As we celebrate its history, let us reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting Give4Marion, fostering a thriving environment of compassion, empathy, and unwavering dedication to uplifting those in need. Together, we shall build a brighter and more equitable future for Marion County.

Please join Give4Marion and more than 90 local nonprofits for 33 hours of giving on September 19th and 20th.

To make a donation, visit give4marion.org

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

Embracing the Transfer of Wealth: BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR MARION COUNTY

By Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

Our community faces both remarkable growth and unprecedented challenges. Amid these transformative times lies a unique opportunity to strengthen the very foundation of our beloved hometown. The transfer of wealth, an intergenerational shift of financial resources, presents us with a chance to shape our community's future and leave a legacy for generations to come.

The transfer of wealth is a phenomenon that occurs as assets pass from one generation to another, encompassing property, businesses, investments, and other valuable possessions. With the aging baby boomer generation, this transfer has already begun, and the impact is profound, resonating across the nation. In Florida alone, a staggering $884 trillion in wealth is expected to change hands over the next decade, with Marion County accounting for $16.3 billion of that total.

Now, more than ever, is the time for local families to consider allocating just 5% of their estate plan to support our community's future. One way to assist is by directing this portion to the Community Foundation's Community Fund. This fund gives the foundation the flexibility to support needs in the community as they arise and ensures your gift will make a difference for generations to come.

The transfer of wealth is not only a financial shift but a chance to make a collective impact on the future of our community. By contributing to the community fund, we can build a legacy of prosperity and address critical needs. This fund can create transformative opportunities for our

community, fostering growth, development, and philanthropy in various ways.

1. Community Development: The infusion of funds into community development projects will enhance the region's infrastructure, support education, and improve public services. A stronger foundation ensures a higher quality of life for all, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within our community.

2. Philanthropic Endeavors: By directing wealth towards charitable causes, local nonprofits, and social initiatives, we can create a lasting positive impact on critical community services and support vulnerable populations. It is through these acts of kindness and generosity that we can uplift and empower those in need.

3. Address Catastrophic Events: During catastrophic events, it is important that immediate needs are met to help our community recover. These funds will continue to address current and future needs in Marion County.

As the transfer of wealth unfolds, let us embrace this unique opportunity to invest in the future of Marion County. By dedicating a small percentage of our wealth to the foundation's Community Fund, we can collectively shape a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow. Together, let us leave a legacy of unity, compassion, and lasting impact that resonates throughout our community for generations to come.

THE GUIDE TO CHARITABLE GIVING

2023

by the

We are delighted to welcome you to the 2023 Guide to Charitable Giving, your comprehensive resource for making a positive impact on our community. This year’s guide boasts more than 120 nonprofit listings, each dedicated to fostering positive change in various sectors. Your dedication to philanthropy is the driving force behind these organizations, and we’re thrilled to provide you with the tools to turn your generosity into meaningful action.

In addition to facilitating financial contributions, we encourage you to explore the rewarding world of volunteerism. Your time and talent can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those served by our nonprofit partners. By becoming actively engaged, you can forge a deeper connection with our community and witness the direct impact of your support.

Looking forward, we recognize the immense potential of the transfer of wealth that is set to unfold over the next decade. This presents a unique opportunity for you to leave a legacy for generations to come. By considering legacy investments in our local nonprofits, you can ensure that your resources continue to create positive change well into the future. Your dedication to building a better community is a testament to your commitment to a brighter tomorrow.

Helping us build a stronger community are our beloved donors who participate in Donor Advised Funds. A Donor Advised Fund stands as a beacon of strategic philanthropy, offering a remarkable avenue for you to shape your charitable legacy. Your Donor Advised Fund not only ignites immediate impact but also lays the foundation for enduring change, cultivating a legacy that resonates through time. Your vision, coupled with the flexibility and impact of such a fund, has the potential to redefine the future of philanthropy.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together, we can drive positive change, uplift lives, and create a legacy that resonates for years to come. We encourage you to explore the Guide to Charitable Giving, engage with local nonprofits, and embrace the potential of sharing your time, talent, and treasure. Your kindness truly knows no bounds.

President & Executive Director Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

To learn more about the foundation, go to ocalafoundation.org To make a donation, visit give4marion.org

Lauren Deiorio

Respec t, Rehabilitation and Release When Possible

Forest Animal Rescue helps wildlife that is non-releasable

Forest Animal Rescue (FAR) in Silver Springs has a stellar reputation as a true accredited sanctuary that has provided lifetime care for non-releasable animals such as wild cats, primates, bats and more, for 25 years. FAR is also known for its work to rehabilitate and release black bears in cooperation with state authorities.

“We recently purchased another 20 acres in Marion County for native wildlife release,” shares FAR Vice President and Co-Founder Lisa Stoner. “We are restoring the habitat on the property, protecting it from development, and using it to work with local wildlife rehabilitators. These animals are mostly deer, squirrels, birds, and reptiles; a little bit of everything that is already native to that property.”

Ideally, rehabbed animals are put back where they are found, but too often they are found in a parking lot, development site, or other place inappropriate place for release.

“Private property is usually the only option because rehabilitators are not allowed to release animals on government land. But private property owners with the

correct type of land, who give permission to release wildlife in the absence of humans, are not always easy to come by,” Stoner shares. “We have private land bordered by national forest. These animals must remain wild with extremely limited human interaction.”

FAR will continue to help find sanctuary for animals born in captivity, which cannot be released, even if we don’t take them ourselves.

“Our native animals, however, need help more than ever,” Stoner offers. “It only makes sense to focus our efforts where we are needed most.”

People with a heart for wildlife can help by supporting the program expansion and working on habitat restoration, such as clearing invasive plants and trimming trees. Financial support can be provided through the FAR website.

“We have a wish list” notes Stoner. “You can shop online to benefit the sanctuary, take advantage of $5 Fridays, and even set up perpetual giving, which greatly helps sustain our efforts.”

To learn more, go to forestanimalrescue.org or follow them on social media.

or can be restored to health and returned to the wild.

Animals

Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.

Theresa Batchelor, President

2951 SE 160th Avenue, Morriston, FL 32668 352-258-9309 › bhfer@earthlink.net › www.bhfer.org

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home equines in need, educate the public about proper horse care, provide information about what to do if they suspect an equine is being abused and/or neglected, provide assistance to horse owners during financial hardship (when resources are available) and to help humans through helping horses.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation: We take the most challenging cases; Adoption: We find the right home for horses that are adoptable; Sanctuary: We provide sanctuary for horses with special needs.

Forest Animal Rescue

Lisa Stoner, Vice President/Co-Founder

640 NE 170th Court, Silver Springs, FL 34388 352-625-7377 › lisa@forestanimalrescue.org › www.forestanimalrescue.org

We are a nonprofit wild animal sanctuary and educational facility dedicated to the lifetime care of non-releasable wild animals and the rehabilitation and release of wild black bears. We teach others best practices in caring for captive wild animals in hopes we will eventually no longer need to provide these services.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Animal-Related: Provide lifetime care and educate the public about the issues facing wild animals in captivity, which includes public education to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Postsecondary Education: We provide full-time training to hundreds of students from all over the world in proper husbandry methods and they learn to understand the issues facing wild animals in captivity and how to educate others to help reduce these problems.

Horse Farms Forever

Sara Fennessy, Director of Community Affairs

PO Box 5279, Ocala, FL 34478 859-553-5510 › sara.fennessy@horsefarmsforever.com www.horsefarmsforever.com

It is the vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts in Marion County, Florida.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Educate the community and stakeholders on the important role of horses, horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area in defining the character and culture of the community and the horse industry’s contribution to the local economy through workshops conferences and other educational events.

Horse Protection Association of Florida

Christine Massinger, President/Executive Director

20690 NW 130th Ave., Micanopy FL 32667 352-466-4366 › christine@hpaf.org › www.hpaf.org

At any point in time, we have between 40 and 60 horses,

donkeys and mules in our care. Although we are a horse rescue organization, we also offer equine facilitated learning programs Our purpose is to provide the best life we can for the horses we rescue, whether it is through adoption or providing them a safe sanctuary for the rest of their life.

MAJOR PROGAMS: Lead From Within: This equine facilitated learning program, which focuses on teaching leadership skills, is designed for law enforcement agencies, crisis intervention teams, victim advocates, educators, private corporations, other 501 (c)(3) organizations and the general community.

Guardian Pony: This is an outreach to school children to provide safe education regarding horses, done through videos shown in the school setting. Spirit Walk: This is experiential learning through one-on-one involvement with a mini horse.

Horses N Heroes of Marion County, Inc.

Mindy Morrow, Executive Director 12680 N US Hwy 441, Citra, FL 32113 561-441-6275 › mindyhorsesnheroes@icloud.com › www.horsesnheroes.org

We provide an equine-based outreach program for girls ages 7 to 18 from low-income families through a place to ride and work with retired show or rescue horses, focusing on leadership, horsemanship, life skills, professionalism, kindness and empowerment.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Horsemanship: Girls learn to groom, tack, feed and care for an assigned horse. Horse Riding: Once the girls learn to care for the horse, they learn to ride, focusing on hunter and equitation styles. Farm Work: Girls work together to take care of the farm with duties such as mucking out stalls, feeding and other items associated with horse and farm care.

Humane Society of Marion County

Eddie Leedy, Executive Director/CEO

701 NW 14th Road Ocala, FL 34475

352-873-7387 › eleedy@humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com

www.thehsmc.org

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and protection of animals in Marion County. Our mission is to prevent cruelty, suffering and overpopulation of animals. By encouraging fostering, we can hopefully reduce preventable euthanasia in kill shelters.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Humane Education: 22,000 children are inspired yearly. An inspired child is a compassionate adult. Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR): In-house and outsourced surgeries on community cats. Happy Paws: Pet food pantry and emergency services.

Perpetual Care

Virginia

Kilmer, Executive Director/CEO/Founder

PO Box_773548, Ocala, FL 34477

Physical: 1200 NW 73rd Terrace, Ocala, FL 34482

888-355-7091 › info@perpetualcare.org › www.perpetualcare.org

Our mission is to educate and assist pet owners regarding estate planning for their pets. Our vision is for a time that all pet owners will have a plan that documents who will care for their pets in the event of an emergency, death or disability so pets will no longer go into shelters or be killed because they have lost their owner. And if someone has no one to serve as caregiver, a Perpetual Care Life Care Center will be able to provide them with a loving forever home through adoption, extended homes or at our life care facility.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Temporary pet care when someone enters the hospital and goes into a nursing facility and has no one to care for their pets. Providing File of Life packets and emergency alert cards for pets to pet owners. Life Care Center for orphaned pets.

Quality of Life Rehab & Foster, Inc.

Aspen Olmstead, Director PO Box 142, Ocala, FL 34478 352-843-6858 › qualityofliferehab@yahoo.com www.qualityofliferehab.com

Quality of Life Rehab & Foster is a grassroots effort to increase the quality of life for all animals. We are especially concerned for those susceptible to entering our shelter systems and those abandoned or injured by run-ins with man. We believe it is important to remember that an animal’s quality of life must be put before its quantity of life.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Adoption: Find approved adoptive homes after animals are brought to health. Trap Neuter Release: Prevent more homeless cats being born into the community. Community Outreach: Provide an umbrella to responsible pet owners (responsible rehoming services, owner foster initiative, emergency medical and spay/neuter assistance).

Rescuing Ocala Wildlife (ROW)

Mikayla Frierson, President

928 SE 42nd Street, Ocala, FL 34480

352-234-6098 › contact@rowildlife.org › www.rowildlife.org

ROW’s mission revolves around providing safe transportation for animals in need, ensuring they receive the necessary help and care. While our primary service area covers Marion, Sumter, Citrus, and Lake counties, we extend our reach by collaborating with rehab partners across nine counties in Central

Florida to ensure that the rescued animals receive the best possible care and support.

Sheltering Hands, Inc

Elena Goulet, Treasurer

10397 N US Hwy 27, Ocala FL 34482

352-840-0663 › elena@shelteringhands.org › www.shelteringhands.org

Our mission is to better the world one cat at a time. We strive to provide cats a perfect home and offer high-quality low-cost spay neuter surgery.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Love for a Lifetime: Matches humans age 75 and older with a cat age 8 and older. We provide medical care at our facility for the cat and medical food as needed. We will take the cat back should the person no longer be able to care for them. There is no fee for this program. Adoption: Cats and kittens are available for adoption at PetSmart in Lady Lake. All cats are up to date on vaccinations and are microchipped and spay/neutered. Low Cost Spay/ Neuter: Our surgical center offers surgery, pain medications, flea control, rabies and FVRCP vaccinations for $50.

SPCA of Ocala, Inc.

Lily Baron, President

400 SW 1st Ave. #413, Ocala, FL 34478-9998 safeacres@aol.com › www.spcaofocala.org

The SPCA of Ocala exists to protect the rights and fill the needs of animals of all breeds. We strive to provide care and services to aid in the health of these animals.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Annual free microchip clinic for pets. Annual free vaccination clinic for pets. Information services to help any animals in need.

SPCA of Marion County, Inc.

Melanie Wittitow, President

11100 SW 93rd Court Road, Ste. 10-115, Ocala, FL 34481 melvitt@cfl.rr.com › spcaofmarioncounty.weebly.com

We are dedicated to making a difference to the lives of animals in need by finding loving homes for unwanted cats and dogs, reuniting lost pets with loved ones, supporting individuals or families willing to foster, donating to ethical animal charitable organizations, offsetting the cost of pet medical care for needy families and educating our community about animal welfare.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Every two weeks we supply and pack food for the Pets on Wheels Program for the senior citizens of Marion County (on a volunteer basis). Several times a year we donate to ethical animal charitable organizations in need.

Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL)

Linda Norman, Board President and Co-Founder

6393 SW 52nd St., Ocala Fl 34474 352-289-0800 › info@vocalforpets.org › www.vocalforpets.org

Our mission is to solve the homeless pet problem through prevention, community outreach, adoption, and collaboration. We serve underprivileged pets and the people who love them through low-cost veterinary care, spay-neuter and specialty surgeries and resources to help them keep their pets in the homes they have rather than adding to an overburdened shelter population.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Community Clinic and Resource Center: Low-cost veterinary services for underprivileged pets. Project Feed: Provides food for underprivileged pets, rescue groups, humane societies and municipal shelters. Trap, Neuter, Return: Sterilization and veterinary services for community and feral cats.

Arts

Fine Arts For Ocala, Inc., (FAFO)

Ashley

Morgan, Administrative Coordinator

P.O. Box 6229 Ocala, FL 34478

352-867-0355 › fafoocala@gmail.com › www.fafo.org

Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) was started in 1966 by community members who wanted to bring art to Marion County. It was incorporated in 1972 and has since been supporting art education through scholarships and community programs as well as supporting local art-based organizations.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Symphony Under the Stars: Established in 1988. The Mother’s Day concert at the Ocala Golf Club features the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and has continually been voted as one of the favorite events in our community. The Ocala Arts Festival: On the fourth weekend in October, the festival comes to downtown Ocala, featuring artists, music, food trucks, beer, wine, artwork from Marion County students, talented young people performing and hands-on art activities. It is now in its 55th year.

Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX)

Jesse J. Daugherty, Administrative Assistant

531 NE 1st Ave. Ocala, FL 34480

352-629-8414 › info.maxocala@gmail.com › www.maxocala.org

MAX will further develop the downtown Ocala cultural campus by providing studios, instructional spaces and exhibition opportunities for visual artists in a collaborative hub that encourages professional development. MAX is designed to further visual artists’ creativity and professionalism; to be a collaborative resource hub for artists, educators and art enthusiasts; and to dramatically expand the cultural presence in Ocala.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: MAX offers studio and communal spaces for resident and member artists, teachers, professional advisers and students—all open for the community’s interaction. Public workshops, classes and events are designed to enrich the ever-present visual artists’ work and growth. Art enthusiasts can personally connect with artists and their art, and support the artists by purchasing their art.

Marion Cultural Alliance, Inc. (MCA)

Jaye Baillie, APR, Executive Director

23 SW Broadway St., Ocala FL 34471

352-369-1500 › jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com › www.mcaocala.org

The MCA mission is to champion arts, artists and arts organizations; convene people to appreciate art, learn about art and build support for art; and create a thriving arts presence

in Ocala/Marion County. The alliance envisions a county in which the economy is fueled, the community is strengthened and lives are enriched through cultural and artistic excellence.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Support: Activities, initiatives and programs relating to the arts, historical and scientific museums through an annual, competitive grant process that has funded $425,000 to local arts and cultural organizations. Operate Brick City Center for the Arts: Provide 12 unique exhibits featuring the work of local artists. Throughout the year, provide workshops, lectures and programming for artists and the general public. Grant Funding: To arts organizations and artists. Professional Development: For artists.

Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT)

Greg Thompson, Executive and Artistic Director

4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. FL 34470 352-236-2851 › gthompson@ocalacivictheatre.com www.ocalacivictheatre.com

Our purpose is to enhance the creativity and quality of performances, to experience growth in our membership, to expand our audience, to increase volunteerism and to meet the needs of our audiences by staying in touch with the community’s desires.

Ocala Steel Orchestra, Inc.

Sean Thomas, CEO & Music Director

1901 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 352-201-3397 › oso@ocalasteelorchestra.org › www.ocalasteelorchestra.org

We aim to build a community where steel drum and percussion music is accessible to all. We do that by providing free music literacy to the Ocala community. We do that through hosting rehearsals, teaching appreciation, and the fundamentals of steelpan music. We also established the International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival Ocala.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra (OSO)

Pamela Calero Wardell, Executive Director

500 NE 9th St., Ocala, FL 34470 352-351-1606 › pamela@reillyartscenter.com › www.ocalasymphony.com

The OSO is a professional orchestra that provides around 20 performances per year and dozens of musical outreach initiatives. Programming includes masterworks and pops concerts that are open and affordable to the public. The OSO opened their Community Music Conservatory in 2023, located in the Reilly Arts Center.

Reilly Arts Center

Pamela Calero Wardell, Executive Director

500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470 352-351-1606 › pamela@reillyartscenter.com › www.reillyartscenter.com

The Reilly Arts Center exists to meaningfully impact our community through the arts, which means creating a change that is tangible and positive in peoples’ lives whether they are on stage, volunteering, in the audience or in the classroom. The center is the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, manages the historic Marion Theatre and is the originator of the Ocala Symphony Community Music Conservatory. The Reilly is available for rent, with discounts available for nonprofit organizations.

MCA Block Party at the Brick City Center for the Arts

Ambleside Ocala

Jill Romine

507 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471

352-694-1635 › jromine@amblesideocala.com › www.amblesideocala.com

It is the mission of 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 a relationship to God, self, others, ideas and all of creation. Thus, our primary concern is the kind of student each child is becoming, not the mastery of particular data or technique, for we are confident that the student who masters the art of learning will attain full potential for mastering data and technique. Our mission is fulfilled through a consistent application of our fundamental convictions as applied to education.

Blessed Trinity Catholic School

Father Patrick Sheedy, Pastor Blessed Trinity Catholic Church/CEO

5 SE 17th St., Ocala, FL 34471

352-622-5808 › pjs@blessedtrinity.org

www.btschool.org

Blessed Trinity Catholic School is a faith community that creates the foundation for present and future generations to grow God’s kingdom. The mission of Blessed Trinity Catholic School is to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning and living the Catholic faith.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Academics: Students participate in a rigorous curriculum that follows Florida state guidelines and includes band, chorus, video production, STREAM, art, PE and more. The Leader in Me: A program that nurtures the individual growth and talent of students by teaching them the habits outlined in Seven Habits for Highly Effective People, a book by Steven Covey. Sports: We offer flag football, soccer, girls’ volleyball in the fall; boys and girls basketball in winter; boys and girls track, and baseball starting in spring of 2024.

College of Central Florida Foundation, Inc.

Christopher R. Knife, VP for Development/CEO

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474-4415

352-873-5808 › knifec@cf.edu › www.cf.edu/foundation

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.

The Cornerstone School

Ingrid Wasserfall, Head of School

2313 SE Lake Weir Ave., Ocala, FL 34471

352-351-8840 › ingrid@thecornerstoneschool.org › www.thecornerstoneschool.org

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.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Education: Pre-school – 8th grade; Cambridge International program; STEM program; arts.

Crossroads Academy, Inc.

Mary Beth Anderson, Director

3681 NE 7th St., Ocala, FL 34470

352-694-4466 › m.anderson@crossroadsacademyocala.com www.crossroadsocala.com

Our mission is to shape learning for the next generation. We are a private school serving students in grades 3-12 with learning differences, including mild autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia and auditory processing disorders.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: We use three Lindamood-Bell programs with elementary and middle school students to positively impact their ability to comprehend, decode and spell. Using special techniques, we help them carve out new pathways in the brain to improve reading, spelling, vocabulary, recall and word recognition. The LiPS program targets decoding. Seeing Stars takes the skills learned in the LiPS program and focuses on speed and accuracy to improve fluency. High school students are positively impacted through woodshop classes that create beautiful and intricate projects that implement all aspects of woodworking from wood burning to lathe turning. The outdoor education program teaches students survival skills, archery, fishing, knot tying and more. This is the first year we have had a music program, which quickly expanded into more of a music therapy program.

Discovery Science Center and Outdoor Foundation, Inc.

Chandler Reeder, Discovery Center Manager

701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, FL 34471

352-401-3900 › discovery@ocalafl.org › www.mydiscoverycenter.org

The foundation’s mission is to support the City of Ocala Discovery Center through fundraising for exhibits, programs and scholarships, and to provide volunteer services for center events.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Hands-on Exhibits: Quarterly changing exhibits open to the public. Afterschool Programs: 10-week classes in the fall and spring for ages 2-12 with varying topics. Education Outreach: Traveling science night and hands-on animal programs that serve local school populations as well as field trip programs held in the facility for schools and daycares.

Early Learning Coalition of Marion County

Carrie Theall, Chief Executive Officer

2300 SW 17th Road, Ocala, FL 34471 352-369-2315 › ctheall@elc-marion.org › www.elc-marion.org

Our mission is to provide leadership and foster partnerships to optimize a quality early learning environment for children through childcare, voluntary pre-kindergarten and parent education. Children and families in our community have access to quality early learning programs that nurture their learning potential and prepare them for educational success.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Florida School Readiness: Families eligible for temporary aid receive financial assistance so children birth through age 12 receive high-quality childcare.

Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK): All Marion County 4-year-olds are eligible to attend a high-quality prekindergarten program free with a contracted VPK provider to prepare for success in kindergarten and beyond. Help Me Grow Marion: Free developmental and behavioral screenings for children birth through age 8, resources for families and referrals to local and state community services with follow-up and care coordination.

Episcopal Children’s Services

Connie

Stophel, Executive Director/CEO

8649 Baypine Road, Ste. 300, Bldg. 7, Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-726-1500 › connie.stophel@ecs4kids.org › www.ecs4kids.org

Our mission is to create opportunity so the children we serve can achieve their full potential. We operate early learning centers offering full-day, high-quality early education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, including Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Head Start: Head Start/Early Head Start is a free program that provides comprehensive early learning services to children from low-income families. We operate 30 centers in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion, and Nassau counties, serving pregnant women and children from birth through age 5. A home-based Early Head Start program option is also available. School Readiness: Episcopal Children’s Services serves as the school readiness services provider for six counties in Northeast Florida.

Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC)

Laurie Zink, Development and Community Outreach Director

15 SE Osceola Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471 352-387-3050 › lzink@ihmc.org › www.ihmc.org

IHMC pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Evening lecture with experts in the fields of science, technology, space, health and medicine. Science Saturdays, a hands-on science program for kids grades 3-5. Robotics Camp for middle school students with IHMC research scientists that gives an opportunity to master robot challenges and learn computer programming in the Phython language and develop teamwork skills, confidence in problem solving and creativity.

Florida Recovery Schools of Central Florida

Anna Reed, Executive Director

5805 SW 115th St. Road, Ocala, FL 34476 407-476-7512 › recoveryschool407@gmail.com www.floridarecoveryschoolsofcentralflorida.org

Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive learning envi-

ronment to meet the individual educational needs of adolescents in recovery. We support adolescents age 14-19 to achieve their academic goals while thriving in their recovery from substance use disorder.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Academic Program-Grade Results: Nationally recognized academic platform. We can help students graduate with 13 credits. Case Management: We assist students and families with connecting with needed support and resources. Recovery Support: We assist each student to develop their own wellness plan.

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida

Mary Pat King, Executive Director/CEO

4610 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa, FL 33634 813-281-4475 › mking@gswcf.org › www.gswcf.org

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience: A collection of experiences designed to build leadership skills and encourage girls to discover, connect, and take action to make the world a better place. Entrepreneurship & Financial Empowerment: Starting with the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program, the program teaches girls business skills by providing entrepreneurship opportunities with the goal of preparing them for future careers. Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards: The highest awards a Girl Scout can earn when they take action to make the world a better place, solving issues in their communities and beyond through sustainable projects.

Grace Christian School

Thomas Gerds, Executive Director/CEO

4410 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala, FL 34480 352- 387- 3090 › tgerds@gcsocala.com › www.gcsocala.com

Our mission is to prepare our children for life, to honor and glorify God in a Christ-centered environment of academic excellence. We provide an exceptional quality, balanced curriculum for grades PK3-8th, which includes the fine arts, technology, Spanish, physical education, team sports and Christian education.

Madeline Youmans

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Cambridge International: An academic curriculum that helps students become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. Part of the University of Cambridge, this pathway develops young people who are ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s world, who are capable of shaping a better world for the future. Christian Education: Supported by, and carried out in partnership with, Christ the King Anglican Church. The character-building aspect of this program is based on the biblical tenets of the Fruits of the Spirit. Students at all grade levels receive religious instruction weekly and take part in a weekly church service. Co-curricular courses: Spanish, chorus, band, art, physical fitness, IT/ computer and STEM; extracurricular team sports include volleyball, basketball, flag football and track.

Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute

Dr. Robert Knight, Executive Director/CEO

18645 Main Street, High Springs FL 32643

386-454-9369 › bknight@floridaspringsinstitute.org www.floridaspringsinstitute.org

Our mission is to provide a focal point for improving the understanding of springs ecology and foster the development of science-based education and management actions needed to restore and protect springs throughout Florida. We offer ecological monitoring and restoration recommendations, public education about springs and aquifers, student internships and hands-on volunteer opportunities.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: SpringsWatch: Citizen scientist volunteers measure water quality and ecological parameters monthly at 11 springs systems across the state. Springs Field School: This week-long class is a hybrid of online lectures and in-person events, including a paddling excursion with water quality parameter demonstrations. Springs Academy: Provides monthly lectures from an expert in the field, covering a variety of topics, at no cost to participants.

Marion County 4-H Foundation

Beckie K. Cantrell, President

2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470 352-812-6784 › bkcantrell2000@yahoo.com https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/marion-county-4-h

The Marion County 4-H Foundation provides valuable financial support to 33 local 4-H Clubs and underwrites scholarships to our youth for support materials, leadership training, conferences, summer programming, and expenses for state and national competitions.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Florida 4-H legislature: A five-day, overnight leadership program in Tallahassee to introduce members to the legislative process. 4-H University: A fournight leadership program held at University of Florida where all winners of the various district speech contests compete. Senior College Scholarships: $1,000 scholarships for two to three seniors who meet certain criteria.

Meadowbrook Academy

Pastor Tim Gilligan, Executive Director

4741 SW 20th Street, Building 1, Ocala, FL 34474

352-861-0700 › slombardi@mbcocala.org › www.mbaocala.org

Meadowbrook Academy is premier faith-based school for children and youth committed to four priorities: inspire achievement, identify purpose, instill character, and enrich faith. Through these four vision areas we will see all our students move from where they are to where God wants them to be.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Rigorous, faith-based education in each grade level. Honors, advanced placement and dual enrollment courses are offered for secondary students. Competitive athletic programming for volleyball, cross country, golf, flag football, basketball, cheerleading, beach volleyball, softball, baseball, and track. Music program for all grades and choir for elementary and secondary students. Performing arts program for secondary students

Pace Center for Girls, Marion

Carole C Savage-Hagans, APRC, Executive Director

328 NE 1st Ave. Suite 500 Ocala, FL 34470

352-369-0571 › carole.savage@pacecenter.org › www.pacecenter.org

Pace provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Education: Accredited academic facilities for females ages 11-18. Counseling: Each girl receives counseling services every two weeks at a minimum. Culture of Positive Outcomes: Pace’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion empowers every girl to find and use their voice to create a positive impact in their community and the world. Lifting a generation of voices for change: Change that will create a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society.

Public Education Foundation of Marion County

Meghan Magamoll, Executive Director

1239 NW 4th St., Ocala, FL 34475

352-671-4167 › meghan.magamoll@marion.k12.fl.us › www.pefmc.org

The mission of the foundation is to financially and materially support Marion County Public Schools, its students and teachers.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Take Stock in Children: Scholarship and mentoring program for at-risk, low-income youth. Tools 4 Teaching: Free teacher resource store to equip teachers with the supplies needed for students to be successful in their classroom. Grants for Great Ideas: Support for teacher innovation in the areas of STEM education, literacy, assisting low-performing students and career and technical education.

R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc.

Dr. Barbara J. Brooks, CEO/Founder

1636 SW 31st Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 352-873-1319 › barbarabrooksf@aol.com › www.ramalservices.org

Our mission is to improve people’s lives and the community in which they live. We help improve academics and provide educational opportunities, and provide information and referral for connection to social services, seminars and advocacy for the underserved and community.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Tutoring grades K-6 for at-risk students. Mentoring students and adults. Scholarships for non-traditional students.

St. John Lutheran Church and School of Ocala, FL, Inc.

1915 SE Lake Weir Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471 352-622-7275 › church.office@stjohnocala.org › www.stjohnocala.org

Pursuing academic excellence through the relational impact of Christ-centered learning. To inspire lifelong learning while impacting hearts and minds for Christ.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Education in a values-based community for preschoolers through 12th grade with credentialed teachers who help the students grow academically, relationally, socially, and spiritually. A safe place to worship and experience Jesus’ love and teachings. The Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular to spread Christmas joy with lights, games, rides and food.

Trinity Catholic High School

Lou Pereira, President

2600 SW 42nd St., Ocala, FL 34471 352-622-9025 › lpereira@tchs.us › www.trinitycatholichs.org

We provide students the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, excel academically and commit to a life of service to others. TCHS is a college preparatory high school with standards that reflect our Catholic Christian values.

Environment

Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT)

Tom Kay, Executive Director

7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville, FL 32641 352-373-1078 › act.tkay@gmail.com › www.alachuaconservationtrust.org

The mission of ACT is to protect the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida. ACT protects land through purchase, donation, and conservation easements, primarily in 16 counties.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Land Acquisition & Easements: Purchasing land outright or in partnership for the purpose of conservation; holding conservation easements for landowners who retain primary ownership of their land, while restricting development for the benefit of wildlife habitat, forests, and drinking water. Restoration: To help maintain land, ACT helps remove invasive plant removal, prescribed fire, planting, and forest management. Education: Young Leaders for Wild Florida, a two-week summer camp that introduces high school students to North Florida; and Women in the Woods, a women-centered program for students and recent graduates seeking experience in the natural resource sector.

Friends of Silver Springs State Park

Barbara Toeppen-Sprigg, Executive Director 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 330-936-7714 › btsprigg@gmail.com › www.thefriendsofsilversprings.org

The mission of the Friends of Silver Springs State Park is to provide support to the park, enhance public awareness and community involvement, and protect park resources.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Members contribute to the park in a variety of ways: greeting visitors at the Welcome Center, patrolling the river, assisting with special park and Silver River Museum events, and helping rangers with projects within the park from mowing to gardening to painting and archiving.

Health

AdventHealth Ocala Foundation

Amy Mangan, Foundation Executive Director 307 SW 14th St., Ocala, FL 34471 352-690-5623 › amy.mangan@adventhealth.com www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-ocala/generosity-heals Our mission is extending the healing ministry of Christ. Our vision is to inspire a culture of philanthropy that impacts the well-being of our community.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Grateful Patient Fundraising: Working with physicians and clinicians to identify patients who were grateful for the care they received and are looking for ways to give back to programs and services of the hospital that will positively impact future patients. Employee Giving: Allows employees to give back to hospital programs, services and equipment, or to our Caring Hearts fund, which provides employees with financial assistance in their greatest time of need. Service Line and Impact Fundraising: Working with individual donors on major gifts, annual gifts and partnerships for our service lines or patient assistance funds.

All About You Angels, Inc.

Lori Timmreck, President PO Box 4996, Ocala, FL 34478 352-208-0467 › aayangels@gmail.com › www.allaboutyouangels.org

We exist to support women through the journey of breast cancer and help them regain the feeling of being whole and natural once again.

Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center

Kelli Garcia, Executive Director 3200 SE 17th St. Ocala, FL 34471 352-368-9622 › kgarcia@cfymca.org › www.ymcacf.org

Our purpose is to improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen spirit, mind and body.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Swim lessons, youth sports and group exercise.

Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center

Carolyn Adams, ARNP, Executive Director/CEO

819 NW 7th St., Ocala, FL 34475 352-875-2226 › artcarol46@embarqmail.com › www.estellawellness.com

Our mission is to provide accessible services to the underserved and uninsured residents of Marion County, through a patient-centered, communitybased clinic. We offer primary medical care including health education, diabetes management and monitoring, and chronic disease, and see patients without regard to their ability to pay.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Care of discharged patients from the hospital. Diabetes Education and Empowerment

Dr. Lewin of Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center

Program. Access Florida: assisting individuals to obtain food stamps, Medicaid, and small loans. Community referrals, feeding the homeless, wound care and home visits.

Faithfully Guided Health Center, LLC

Jamie Schofield, M.A., CAMT, Co-Founder/CEO

2801 SE 1st Ave. Unit 402 Ocala, FL 34471 352-512-0631 › jamie@faithfullyguided.com › www.fghealthcenter.com

Our mission is to give abundant life by providing access to health services that promote whole person healing and wellness.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Scholarships: Provide 30-100% discounted services for all health center services. Diabetes Program: Live – a 6-month social health group/shared medical appointment for diabetes participants.

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

Lynn Rasys, Executive Director/CEO

5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Bradenton, FL 34211 941-677-7184 › lrasys@flcancer.com › www.fcsf.org

The foundation provides financial support to qualified adult cancer patients in Florida for expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments and car insurance, and utility bills. By giving patients peace of mind in knowing bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment, the foundation allows them to concentrate on fighting cancer.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Patient Grants: Up to $2,000 per calendar year for adult patients currently receiving cancer treatment who meet financial qualifications. The current budget for Marion County grant awards is a minimum of $30,000. Volunteers: Provide Patient Support volunteers to cancer centers to provide compassionate care to patients in infusion rooms. Legacy of Hope: Support for cancer patients in need through planned giving

Heart of Florida Health Center

Matt Clay CEO/Executive Director 2553 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.6599 › matt.clay@myhfhc.org › www.myfhc.org

Our mission is to improve the overall health of Marion County residents by providing quality primary medical, dental and mental health 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.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Adult and pediatric primary medical care, dental, behavioral health, case management and maternity.

Hospice of Marion County

Rick Bourne, CEO/Executive Director

3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474

352-873-7400 › rbourne@hospiceofmarion.com www.hospiceofmarion.com

Our mission is to provide exceptional compassionate end-of-life care to our community. Our vision is to enhance quality of life through innovative care and services.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Hospice Care: Comprehensive, compassionate care for those in the final stages of life. Palliative Care: We offer supportive care and assist with the relief of suffering whether physical, emotional or psychosocial as we work with the patient’s doctor to attain a better quality of life for the patient. Bereavement Services: Grief support services to hospice families as well as members of the community who have suffered loss. Individual and group sessions for adults, teens and children.

H.U.G.S. Charities

Leo Smith, Executive Director/CEO

PO Box 34, Ocala, FL 34478 lsinv@cox.net › www.hugscharities.org

The H.U.G.S organization encourages Heartfelt Unconditional Giving, focusing on the 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 assisting in the discovery of long-term financial solutions through the collaborative efforts of the Cancer Alliance of Marion County.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: HUGS Patient Assistance: Financial assistance to cancer patients in Marion County who are receiving cancer treatments. Fundraising: Annual community “HUG” event honoring a local cancer patient (survivor or in-memory of) and/or a local cancer organization. Cancer Alliance of Marion County: The Leadership Committee consists of representatives from local agencies such as American Cancer Society, Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, AdventHealth Ocala, Tobacco Free Florida Partnership, Hospice of Marion County, Sabal Direct Primary Care, Heart of Florida and We Care, Marion County Medical Society, Langley Health, Department of Health, Crippen and Company, and Rural Women’s Health Project.

Marion County Kidney Foundation

Dr. I. Nwakoby, MD, FASN, CEO 2980 SE 3rd Court, Ocala, FL 34471 352-622-4232 › inwakoby@ocalakidneygroup.com www.marioncountykidneyfoundation.org

Marion County Kidney Foundation awards grants for kidney patients who are eligible to receive a kidney transplant but have exhausted options for meeting the financial eligibility criteria for a kidney transplant.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Microgrants for kidney patients experiencing financial hardship. Bridge to transplant grants for transplant qualification.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Marion County

Carali McLean, Interim Executive Director

PO Box 5753, Ocala, FL 34471

352-368-2405 › executivedirector@namimarionfl.org › www.namiocala.org

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of anyone who is living with or affected by mental illness by providing support, education and advocacy.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Peer-led education programs for adults living with mental health conditions and their families, significant others and friends. Courses are offered free and are taught by specially trained individuals and family members with a lived experience. Support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share experiences and gain support from other attendees. The ORA Clubhouse offers free programs to individuals living with mental health conditions presenting life skills and job skill training to facilitate re-entry into society through supported employment partnerships with local companies.

Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation, Inc.

Tricia Evans, Secretary

PO Box 801, Ocala FL 34478 352-229-4277 › evanstricia1@gmail.com › www.ocalalionsclub.org

The club is 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.

Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc.

Dr. Patricia Sokol, President

PO Box 6163, Ocala, FL 34478 352-622-7363 › patricia@katyavineyards.com › www.ocalaroyaldames.org

Our mission is to ensure a strong local/regional effort in the fight against cancer through funding, research and education.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: University of Florida Cancer Research: Start-up funding for new approaches/treatment for cancer; $50,000 to $75,000 per year depending upon grant proposals submitted and monies available for funding the research. Moffitt Cancer Center: Start-up funding for new approaches/treatment for cancer; $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending upon proposals submitted and monies available. College of Central Florida: Provide money for three to four community education programs per year on cancer treatments and early detection.

Phoenix House Florida

Maria Alvarez, Executive Director/ CEO

15681 US 301 Citra, FL 32113 813-881-1000 › malvarez@phoenixfl.org www.phoenixfl.org

We are passionate about healing individuals, families, and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions. We provide 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.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Adult residential substance use treatment, partial hospitalization services for adults, adult outpatient substance use treatment, adolescent/teen outpatient substance use treatment, counseling services, prevention and education services.

Scarlett’s Babies

Brandi Owens, CEO

12310 SE 49th Terrace, Belleview, FL 34420 205-275-8676 › brandiowens923@gmail.com › www.scarlettsbabies.com

Scarlett’s Babies and its members have made it their personal mission to help couples achieve their dream of becoming parents through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our mission is dedicated to sponsoring one couple per year. We are here to eliminate the overwhelming financial stress of IVF treatments. MAJOR PROGRAM: Providing financial relief for IVF treatment.

SMA Healthcare, Inc.

Jennifer Secor, CFRE, Executive Director, SMA Foundation, Inc.

5446 SE. 60th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474 800-539-4228 › jsecor@smahealthcare.org › www.smahealthcare.org

We transform lives through substance abuse, mental health and primary care services. SMA envisions a community where all have access to the healthcare services needed to find hope, healing and recovery.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Mental health and substance abuse treatment services to include crisis, residential, outpatient, primary care, eCare, prevention, justice, opioid response, community outreach and enrichment. A crisis and response center provides 24/7 emergency screening and admission to mental health crisis stabilization, drug abuse detoxifications and/or referral to other services. SMA offers residential addiction treatment for adolescents and adults, a crisis shelter for adolescents and supportive housing for adults.

Judi Hunter and Nancy Porter promoting Ocala Royal Dames

Human Services

Arts in Health Ocala Metro

Patricia Tomlinson, Executive Director

507 NE 8th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470

352-728-5444 › ptomlinson@aihom.org › www.aihocala.org

Arts in Health Ocala Metro applies the power of the arts to create wellness and improve outcomes with regard to human health.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: ARC Marion: visual and musical arts for those with developmental disability. Hospital District: summer camps, youth leadership for at risk kids. AdventHealth: aiding therapists in the pediatric clinic.

ARC Marion, Inc.

Constance Palmer, Interim CEO

2800 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL 34471

352-387-2210 › kincaid.rhonda@mcarc.com › www.mcarc.com

We create opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ocala and Marion County to live, work and play to the fullest of their capabilities.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Residential Habilitation/Group Homes: Provide a safe and supportive environment for adults with disabilities. Each individual requires a different level of support and staff are there to guide, mentor and assist with all areas of daily living while promoting independence in a family atmosphere. Adult Day Training: Support and training for adults to live their life as independently as possible, with the goal of being active and valued members of the communities where they live, work and play. Transportation: Our fleet and drivers provide transportation to and from a client’s home so they can get where they need to go in the community.

Arnette House, Inc.

Cheri Pettitt, CEO

2310 NE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34470

352-622-6135 › cpettitt@arnettehouse.org › www.arnettehouse.org

Our mission is to provide safe and effective programs to strengthen youth and families.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Emergency Youth Shelter: For ages 10-17. Services include safe shelter, food, hygiene products, clothing (if necessary), counseling, education and recreation. Long Term Group Homes for Child Welfare: For ages 13-17. Supportive living environment with life skills training that assists youth in obtaining independence and self-reliance. Community Counseling: For ages 6-17 years of age. Counseling is provided by master’s level counselors within the youth’s school, in the community or on Arnette House property.

Better Together

Megan Rose, Executive Director

15275 Collier Blvd. Suite 201-284, Naples, FL 34119

239-470-2733 › megan@bettertogetherus.org › https://bettertogetherus.org

To keep kids out of foster care by providing comprehensive support and services to vulnerable families in need, promoting stability, well being, and family preservation.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Better Families: Aimed at preventing

neglect and abuse before foster care by allowing parents who have fallen on hard times to place their children with a loving host family for up to one year. Better Jobs: Partners with churches and local employers to help people find meaningful employment that restores their incomes, as well as their dignity and independence.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County

Chris Letsos, Executive Director 324 SE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34471

352-451-3007 › chrisl@bbbstampabay.org › www.bbbstampabay.org

Create and support one to one match relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Community based mentoring: A volunteer ‘Big’ is paired one on one with a ‘Little’ and meets two to three times a month in the community for an average of eight hours. School-based mentoring: A volunteer ‘Big’ is paired one on one with a ‘Little’ at their school and meets one hour once a week. School to work mentoring: A workplace volunteer ‘Big’ is paired one on one with a high school student and meets once a month at the workplace (not yet set up in Marion County).

Bow in the Cloud Community Services, Inc.

Tierra Ray, Executive Director

3718 NE 4th St., Ocala, FL 34470

352-496-0036 › tierrasray@gmail.com › www.bowinthecloud.org

Our mission is to create impactful events by serving, uplifting, connecting and providing resources to the members of our community.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Mental Health Awareness: A community education event. Back to school drive: Community resource event and family fun day. Feeding the homeless: A street ministry that feeds the needy.

Boys & Girls Club of Marion County

April Savarese, Executive Director PO Box 4109, Ocala, FL 34478

352-690-7440 › asavarese@bgcofmarion.com › www.bgcofmarion.org

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: SMART program: A prevention and education program addressing problems such as drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. Project learn: High yield learning activities to continue learning during non-school hours. Triple play: A dynamic wellness program focused on a healthy mind, body and soul.

Brother’s Keeper

Jason Halstead, Executive Director 320 NW 10th St., Ocala, FL 34475

352-622-3846 › jason@bkocala.org › www.bkocala.org

Brother’s Keeper is the social service outreach ministry of Blessed Trinity Church. The men, women and children we serve are our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. We are committed to assisting the poor and needy without regard to race, creed, sex or ethnicity.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Emergency Assistance: We assist more than 7,000 clients a year with food, clothing, utility payments, rent, prescriptions and more. Soup Kitchen: The kitchen, at 235 NW 2nd St., serves free lunches to the homeless and poor 365 days a year—more than 54,000 meals annually. Holiday Assistance: Helps families with food for Thanksgiving and food and toys for children at Christmas. In 2022, we assisted 250 families and 450+ children during the holidays.

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida

Tony Delisle, Executive Director/CEO

2760 SE 17th St., Suite 300, Ocala, FL 34471 352-368-3788 › tdelisle@cilncf.org › www.cilncf.org

Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their goals for independence.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST): Activities include device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, training; information and assistance; and a financing program. FAAST serves Floridians who have disabilities and their family members, service providers, educators, therapists, employers, health and rehabilitation professionals, assistive technology vendors, procurement officials and others. Employment Services: Vocational evaluations, job readiness, on-the-job training, job coaching, placement and retention services, in concert with the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Employers receive information about hiring incentives including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Disabled Access Credit. Service and training are provided to help with accommodations and problem solving. ADA Paratransit Screenings: Support services for riders with disabilities wanting to utilize fixed route and paratransit services as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide screening, eligibility determination and travel training services in Alachua and Marion counties.

Children’s Home Society/Healthy Families

Andry Sweet, Executive Director/CEO

1800 SE 32nd St., Suite 102, Ocala, FL 34471 352.732.1355 › andry.sweet@chsfl.org › www.chsfl.org

Our mission is building bridges to success for children. Our vision is a world where children realize their full potential.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Healthy Families: The home visitation program for expecting parents and parents of newborns through age 5 improves childhood outcomes and increases family self-sufficiency by empowering parents through education and community support. Parents voluntarily participate so they can learn to recognize and respond to their babies’ changing developmental needs, use positive discipline techniques, cope with the day-to-day stress of parenting in healthy ways and set and achieve short- and long-term goals. Circle of Parents: Share best practice standards with parents and help build a support system. Counseling Services: Provide clinical services for all ages.

Community With a Heart Fund, Inc.

Monica Bryant, Executive Director PO Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478 monica@breakthesilenceonviolence.org

To provide a hand up, not a handout, to families struggling to make ends meet return to self-sufficiency.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Assistance and support to families

during the holiday season who have experienced an unexpected major life event get back on their feet.

Empowered of Central Florida, DBA The Rock Program

Rondo Fernandez, Founder/President 1202 SW 17th St., Suite 201, #309, Ocala, FL 34471 352-304-9288 › blessingtherock@gmail.com › www.therockprogram.org

We provide “essential needs” items to underprivileged youth in our community, giving them hope for the future by providing them with power in the present.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: The Rock Program: With dedicated classroom spaces staffed by volunteers, the faith-based program serves middle and high school students by providing them food, clothing, shoes, school supplies, hygiene items, feminine care products and other resources free of charge. Empowered Wrestling Club: The faith-based wrestling club gives students ages 7-18 the opportunity to get involved in the sport of wrestling. EWC encourages participation from all students, including those from low-income families. The club focuses on character building as well as wrestling by providing coaching staff to engage, equip and empower.

Filipino-American Association, Inc.

Shirley Ellacer, Treasurer

P.O. Box 1347, Ocala, FL, 34478 352-789-5124 › faainc.ofl@gmail.com › www.faaincocala.org

Our mission is to promote and preserve Filipino-American cultural heritage through education and community awareness programs, and to establish and develop community, civic, religious and social service programs furthering our “bayanihan” spirit and harmonious cooperation with various ethnic communities.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Socio-cultural: Cultural festivals such as Philippine Independence Celebration. Civic and educational: Student academic recognition, community education and support. Religious and spiritual: San Lorenzo Fiesta, Simbang Gabi and Healthy Living Development.

Florida Kids Helping Kids

Gerri Gerthe, Executive Director 3560 SE 137th Lane, Summerfield, FL 34491 352-703-5437 › floridakhk@gmail.com › www.fkhk.org

Empowering our youth to help each other through sharing, caring, and giving back through community service projects within the community we serve.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: County fair: Aimed at raising funds to purchase land to host events and hopefully build apartments for graduating students. Summer program: Provides free meals for kids in need and offers team building skills. Pop up shop: Gathers used toys where kids come and “shop” for their siblings for free.

Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc.

Tammy A. Gantt, Executive Director 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 352-629-2160 › tgantt@ftboa.com › www.ftboa.com

Florida Thoroughbred Charities is the charitable arm of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners Association. Since 1990, the mission has been to fund charitable organizations.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Award college and university scholarships to applicants that are a child, employee, or

child of an employee of a current FTBOA regular member in good standing with need and academic considerations. As funding allows, provide funding to 501(c) charities within the thoroughbred industry through the State of Florida and assist thoroughbred retirement programs at the local, state and national levels.

Foster Florida, Inc.

Lacy

Basford, Executive Director

1736 NE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352-895-0161 › lacy@fosterflorida.org › www.fosterflorida.com

The mission is to empower families on the front lines of foster care by mobilizing and equipping their communities to support them. By enabling people to serve using their God given gifts, we can recruit and retain quality foster homes, ultimately growing more connected communities filled with stronger families.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Foster parent training: This is a monthly training course for foster families to help them accumulate the hours needed for relicensing and have fellowship with other local foster parents. Christmas: We provided over 750 children in Marion County care with clothes, shoes and gifts so no child is left without a Christmas. Fast track to foster: This three-day event partners with the local CBC to provide the PRIDE training court to any family interested in becoming a licensed foster home.

Florida Center for the Blind

Anissa Pieriboni, President/CEO

1411 NE 22nd Ave., Ocala, FL 34470

352-873-4700 › apieriboni@flblind.org › www.flblind.org

Our mission is to build skills, confidence and independence for individuals facing blindness and visual impairment and educate the community to prevent vision loss.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Adult and Seniors: Programs that build confidence, safety and independence, including independent living skills, orientation and mobility, braille reading and writing, assistive technology and aids, vocational rehabilitation and job readiness, enrichment classes, support groups and more. Teen Transition: School-to-work program helps ages 14-22 continue their academic achievement. Teen clients develop the independent living skills, advanced orientation and mobility, and other skills necessary to transition from high school to college, or the workforce, and live independently. Training includes independent living skills, orientation and mobility, braille reading and writing, assistive technology and aids, vocational rehabilitation and job readiness, enrichment classes, support groups and more. Babies and Children: Early intervention for blind or visually impaired babies, children and their families.

Parent/infant programming builds crucial development skills, including mobility, motor, sensory and cognitive learning, so children become kindergarten ready. Programming for ages 5-13 offers a diverse curriculum to supplement school learning. We build independent living skills through orientation

and mobility training, braille reading and writing, access technology, foster personal development and enhance academic performance.

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County

Dave Layman, Executive Director

1321 SE 25th Loop, Suite 103, Ocala, FL 34471 352-351-4663 › dlayman@habitatocala.org › www.habitatocala.org

Putting God’s love into action in Marion County by strengthening communities, building hope and providing dignified housing solutions through partnership and empowerment.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Building affordable homes for lowincome families.

Hands of Mercy Everywhere

Diane Schofield, Executive Director/CEO

6017 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420 352- 347-4663 › diane@handsofmercyeverywhere.org www.handsofmercyeverywhere.org

Our mission is to provide a Christian-based child caring agency for teenage girls and pregnant or parenting teens in the foster care system. We and our community work together to provide teen girls with needed resources and support as we lovingly transition them into adulthood.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Residential opportunity for teen mothers and homeless teen girls who are at risk of being sex trafficked. Maternity assistance.

Help Agency of the Forest, Inc.

David Houck, Executive Director 19186 NE 13th Street, Silver Springs, FL 34488 352-299-5830 › david.saltlife@gmail.com › www.fb.com/sozokids

Our goal is to help meet the needs of those living in rural poverty in the Ocala National Forest in order to break the generational cycle of poverty.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Food bank: Emergency groceries to families living within the Forest. Mentor Centers: Tutoring, homework help, food, safe supervision and preventive services three days a week at two different sites. Vocational training: We train in different vocational skills, primarily lawncare, to provide families an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to obtain a job that will provide for their families.

His House for Her, Inc.

Renee Arnett, President/Founder

PO Box 830455, Ocala, FL 34483 352-547-4817 › renee@hishouseforher.org www.hishouseforher.org

Our mission is to share the love of Jesus by providing trauma-informed practices in a supportive housing environment to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of at-risk women in recovery.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: We offer 24/7 supervised supportive residential housing for women in recovery from addiction, trauma and life-controlling issues. Our recovery program consists of three phases with aftercare planning. During a woman’s

Image courtesy of the Florida Center for the Blind

stay, which can be from 12 to 15 months, our goal is to remove the barriers that keep her from healing, becoming whole and transforming her life. Our program serves adult women from various places, such as those being released from incarceration, homeless women or women who have lost custody of their children through the Department of Children and Families and are working reunification plans in dependency court, women involved with drug court or other justice-involved programs and those coming from treatment facilities who need additional drug or alcohol recovery.

Hope Outreach Help Center

Rose Vidal, President/Director

18350 N US Hwy 301, Citra, FL 32113

352-575-0789 › rosev@rosevidal.com › www.hopeoutreachhelpcenter.com

Our mission is to help the poor in Marion County with food, clothes, gas, dog food, bread, items for households and more.

Interfaith Emergency Services

Karla Greenway, Chief Executive Officer

435 NW 2nd St., Ocala, FL 34475

352-629-8868 › karla@iesmarion.org › www.iesmarion.org

We are a community of faith called by God to provide emergency assistance without judgement to all persons in Marion County. Interfaith serves those of low income or people in financial crisis by providing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medication and housing. We strive to relieve the suffering of those lacking the basic essentials for life.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Food Pantry: Grocery assistance to individuals and families in need. Homeless Shelter: Emergency shelter and case-management for women, children and families. Food 4 Kids Program: Weekend feeding program in partnership with local schools to provide meals to children at risk of hunger. Other: Free clothing boutique, prescription medication assistance, mental health counseling, patient advocacy, work boot assistance, government identification card assistance and permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities.

Kenny’s Place of Marion County, Inc.

Sandon Wiechens, CEO

7677 SE 41st Court Ocala, FL 34480 352-867-1213 › sandon@wiechensrealty.com kennysplacemarion.com

Established in 1993 by the Leo Wiechens family, Kenny’s Place serves intellectually disabled adults of Marion County. We offer members skill training in daily living skills, interpersonal interactions, horticulture training, laundry and homemaking tasks, cooking, interactive game play, arts and crafts and other skills. We do not charge members a fee to attend and operate solely through donations.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Life Skills Development: Members learn and practice daily living skills, based on their individual needs. Vocational Skills Acquisition: Members assist with daily operations and customer interactions. CommunityBased Instruction: Inclusive community outings provide clients with social and financial skills.

Kids Central

John Cooper, Executive Director/CEO 901 Industrial Drive, Suite 200, Wildwood, FL 34785 352-873-6332 › john.cooper@kidscentralinc.org › www.kidscentralinc.org

Our mission is protecting children, supporting families and engaging communities.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Child Welfare: Management and services. Out of Home Care: Foster care/adoption. Prevention: Kinship care/prevention services, Diversion: Family support services.

Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection

Dawn Westgate, Executive Director 2800 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470 352-873-4739 › dawn@kimberlyscenter.org › www.kimberlyscenter.org

One in four children will experience abuse or neglect. Kimberly’s Center exists to respond to, protect and restore these children so they can get the help, hope and healing they need. The board and staff work with community partners to conduct child friendly investigative and treatment services. In 2018, the staff expanded into the work of primary prevention.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Child Protection Team: Assists law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families with child abuse investigations in Marion County. Children’s Trauma Therapy: For children and families. Providers are master’s degree level and highly trained in best treatment modalities for helping children heal from trauma. Child Abuse Prevention: Provides the Child Safety Matters and Teen Safety Matters curriculum throughout Marion County Public Schools which teaches children and teens five basic safety rules to protect themselves from abuse, bullying and online dangers.

Kut Different, Inc.

Jamie Gilmore Jr., CEO 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470 352-789-0513 › jamie.gilmore@kutdifferent.org › www.kutdifferent.org

We open minds of future leaders, affording young men the opportunity to experience the world around them and to use their talents for good, convert their passion into careers, and assert authority over their own lives.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Summer Program: Designed to introduce participants to people, places, and things they

Michelle Collier gets a hug from Dawn Lovell, both with Interfaith Emergency Services.

would not normally have access to and deliver experiences that open participants’ minds and clear paths. Empowerment Program: A psychoeducational empowerment experience for males in grades four through eight who spend quality educational time during the school day with men who serve as role models/mentors. After-School Enrichment Program: Provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Logos Lodge, Inc.

Greg Cronmiller, CEO

213 NE 11th St., Ocala, FL 34470

352- 299-7516 › greg@logoslodgeinc.org › www.logoslodgeinc.org

We disciple men who have lost control of their addiction and families; men who have lost all hope. The men must want help and have been brought to their knees by the weight of living in sin. They must be willing to do whatever it takes to get a new life by living in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We teach that the Bible is the inspired Word of God (Logos), directing us to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We use a tested curriculum taught by men who have experienced victory using the same methods. This new birth in Christ not only offers deliverance from addiction, but a new purpose in living a Christian life.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Men’s Regeneration: Residential addiction recovery program. Servant Leadership Training: Men are taught how to teach the program, run work crews, and counsel/mentor the body. Staff Training: Leaders are taught the finer points of running their crew as a business, fund raising, and community service.

Love INC of the Heart of Florida

Dana Parker, Executive Director

15797 S Hwy 441, Summerfield, FL 34491

352- 245-8774 › dparker@loveincheartofflorida.org

www.loveincflorida.org

Our mission is to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Journey INC: A life skills program set in 12-week sessions throughout the year: Affirming Potential, Putting Your Past in Its Place, Boundaries and Faith & Finances. Pre-class meal, mentorship and children’s program provided. Clearinghouse: A help center where trained volunteers listen to a person in need, then clarify, verify and connect the person to resources within the church, community and beyond. Gap Ministries: Fill in where we lack resources in our community without duplication of services. Centsible Furnishings: Upscale, resale shop at affordable prices.

Marion County Children’s Alliance,

Beth McCall, Executive Director

3482 NW 10th St., Ocala, FL 34475

352- 438-5990 › executivedirector@mcchildrensalliance.org

www.mcchildrensalliance.org

Inc.

Red Ribbon Week, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and You Are Not Alone. CCASA hosts the Opioid & Addiction Task Force. Supporting Kids Involving Parents: To create opportunities for engagement with families, increase youth’s capacity to excel academically and provide mentoring as a tool for navigating everyday life. Family Violence Prevention Workgroup: To end family violence by coordinating community resources and services to assist families in crisis.

Marion Senior Services

Jennifer Martinez, Executive Director/CEO

1101 SW 20th Court, Ocala, FL 34471 352-620-3501 › jmartinez@marionseniorservices.org www.marionseniorservices.org

Our mission is supporting the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged residents of Marion County and their families with dignity, respect and compassion to maintain independent living status. We are the lead agency for the Department of Elder Affairs in administering various programs to assist the frail and elderly by providing adult day care, in-home and in-facility respite, home delivered meals, emergency alert response, personal care, homemaking, nutrition education, case management and emergency energy assistance. Operating as Marion Transit Services, MSS provides paratransit transportation.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Meals on Wheels: For homebound clients and also at six congregate meal sites, providing a nutritious meal and socialization, health education and recreation activities for seniors still able to leave their homes. Transportation: In vans and mini-buses on an individual basis for citizens who have no other means of getting to essential appointments, grocery shopping, etc. Most vehicles are wheelchair and lift equipped. In-Home Support: Non-medical assistance in a client’s home with long-term care activities such as homemaking, personal care, meals and more.

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

Catherine Sears, Executive Director 6850 SE 41st Court, Ocala, FL 34480 352- 732-7300 › catherine@mtraocala.org › www.mtraocala.org

Our mission is to offer the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to persons of all ages and capabilities who are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged.

Our mission is to improve the lives of Marion County children. Our vision is to serve as their voice through identifying and facilitating solutions that meet the critical needs of children, strengthening and engaging leaders to improve the lives of children and connecting community partners and donors.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Community Council Against Substance Abuse: Working together to reduce the impact of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs on our youth using the following strategies: Drive for Life, Natural High, Friday Night Done Right, Know the Law, Hidden in Plain Sight,

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Traditional Therapeutic Riding: Serves individuals with physical, intellectual and emotional challenges (cerebral palsy, stroke or brain injuries, autism spectrum disorder and more). Clients often show improvement in flexibility, balance, posture and muscle strength. It has also been proven to affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions. Relationships formed between horse and client often lead to increased confidence, patience, self-esteem, independence and acceptance. Equine Experience: Therapeutic riding and equine assisted learning and life skills activities serving foster children and disadvantaged youth. Equine facilitated learning, working closely with care providers, case managers and counselors on areas to include horsemanship skills, coping skills with stress, socialization, problem solving, selfimage, communication skills, social interactions, confidence, emotional regulation and ability to follow directions.

Freedom Reins: Works cooperatively with organizations including the Wounded Warriors Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Veterans Helping Veterans, veterans’ hospitals and others to offer equine-assisted activities and horseback riding for veterans and their families.

Mecca 2020, Inc. d/b/a Break Barriers

Robert

Tyler, Executive Director

324 SE 24th Street, Ocala, FL 34471

904-840-5092 › robert@ibreakbarriers.org › www.ibreakbarriers.org

Our mission is to get people off the streets and onto their feet.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Vocational training through Marion Technical Institute. Inmate rehabilitation for previously incarcerated inmates guide inmates on how they paved a path to a better life. Mentorship in building better men within our community.

Ocala Housing Authority

Dr. Gwendolyn B. Dawson, CEO

1629 NW 4th St., Ocala, FL 34475

352-369-2636 › gdawson@ocalahousing.org › www.ocalahousing.org

We are committed to providing safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing to residents of Marion County; to provide economic opportunities and housing free from discrimination; and to build dynamic communities that will foster personal growth and self-sufficiency.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Housing Choice

Voucher (Section 8): Subsidizes lowincome families’ rental obligations, which allows them to rent houses outside of traditional public housing. Public Housing: Subsidized housing to eligible families, which are owned, managed and maintained by the authority. Homebuyer’s Club: Designed to empower homebuyers with knowledge of all aspects of purchasing and maintaining a home.

Ocala Outreach Foundation, Inc.

Sam Betty, CEO

798 SE 171st Court Road, Silver Springs, FL 34488

352-454- 0321 › webmaster@ocalaoutreach.com www.ocalaoutreach.com

Our main umbrella charity helps children, elderly, disabled and veterans, as well as other deserving charities in our community, and it fills in the gaps/ overlaps Kids Kicking Cancer and the Ocala National Forest Alliance.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: General Account: Our main umbrella charity helps as stated above. Kids Kicking Cancer: This part of our charity is used to help families who have children who are actively fighting cancer in our community. Ocala National Forest Alliance: This part of the charity is dedicated to assisting the United States Forest Service in protecting the Ocala National Forest.

Open Arms Village

Dennis Grundy, Director of Program Services

1839 NE 8th Road, Ocala, FL 34470

352-304-6229 › oav.director@yahoo.com › www.openarmsvillageocala.org

Our mission is to combat homelessness by providing transitional housing to men in need and support services to equip them to become independent, productive members of

our community. The residents are provided a safe, drug free environment and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Safe housing, food and basic needs, and intense case management and counseling services at no cost. Weekday feeding program for neighbors and homeless friends.

Ora Clubhouse, Inc.

Leda Perez, Executive Director 1009 NE 28th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352-402-9001 › ledaperez@theoraclubhouse.org › www.theoraclubhouse.org

Foster a peer-support, self-help population that rebuilds the confidence, purpose, and community of adults in mental health recovery. Ending the social and economic isolation by providing and supporting the quality of Clubhouse rehabilitation programs.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Transitional Employment: A highly structured program for members returning to work in a local business and industry. It is designed as a vocational rehabilitation program where a member can gain or re-gain the skills and confidence necessary to have a job while employed in a “real world” position. Supported Employment: A program where there is an understanding between the employer, the member, and the Clubhouse, that the staff will support both the member and the employer in their work relationship.

Independent Employment: A program through which members, when ready, are given help from the Clubhouse to apply for and obtain a job of their own.

Outreach Autism Services Network, Inc.

Karen Vega, Executive Director/ CEO

7634 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34476 352-462-0168 › kvega@oasn.info

www.oasn.info

Our mission is to facilitate the best outcomes for individuals with autism and related neuroimmune disorders. We offer educational programs, services and referrals to individuals, families and caregivers.

Project Hope of Marion County, Inc.

April McDonald, Executive Director PO Box 5548 Ocala, Fl 34478 352-624-4673 › april@projecthopeocala.org › www.projecthopeocala.org

Our mission is responding to Christ’s call in shepherding homeless families to self-sufficiency. We provide faith-based, transitional and supportive housing for homeless women with children.

MAJOR PROGRAM: Transitional/Supportive Housing: Women and their children can live in a furnished apartment for up 18 months as they receive support and work toward independence.

Kecia Matthews

Salvation Army Ocala/Marion County

Maj. Phillip Irish, CEO

2901 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470

352-629-2004 › phillip.irish@uss.saIvationarmy.org

www.salvationarmyocala.org

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian 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.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Emergency shelter: People stranded or homeless have a place to sleep. Feeding the homeless: Meals are served daily to the public. Angel Tree Program/ Holiday Assistance: Toys and food baskets are provided to the needy at Christmas.

Saving Mercy Corporation

Jesse Chaffee, Executive Director

3601 W Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34475

352-433-5920 › jesse@savingmercy.org › www.savingmercy.org

Our mission is to provide housing and case management services to at-risk and vulnerable homeless persons in a faithbased environment.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Homeless prevention: Intervention to prevent eviction for tenants residing off-site in the community. Transitional housing: Providing units to individuals and families while helping them become selfsufficient and/or find permanent housing. Affordable housing: We are working to provide a new development of permanent supportive housing and affordable housing. Site construction to begin soon on 144 units as well as a client services center for resources.

Share The Love Ocala

Tiffany Bagasan, Director

33 Banyan Course, Ocala, FL 34472

352-426-8664 › director@sharetheloveocala.com https://sharetheloveocala.com

Our mission is to create life-changing moments for children and teens who have experienced relational trauma through summer camps and/or mentoring. We provide summer

camps for children and teens who have been neglected, abused or abandoned.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Royal Family Kids Camp: Overnight summer camp for kids in foster care ages 7-11: Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC): Overnight summer camp for teens in foster care ages 12-16. TRAClife: Year-around mentoring for teens from TRAC.

Shepherd’s LightHouse, Inc.

Yolanda East, Executive Director/CEO

5930 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420

352-347-6575 › yeast7306@aol.com › www.theshepherdslighthouse.org

Our mission is to help people navigate life’s storms by rescuing, empowering and renewing their lives, lighting the way to become self-sufficient productive people in society and creating a safe atmosphere of faith, family and friends.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Shelter for homeless mothers and children. Six affordable housing apartments. Outreach to our community, including food drives and community events to help the homeless.

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.

Betty Gray, Executive Director

4246 W Hwy 318, Citra, FL 32113

352-591-1042 › grayhitime@windstream.net › www.stirrupsnstrides.com

Our mission is to provide therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving, equine assisted therapy and Special Olympics to anyone with physical, mental and emotional challenges, and to improve the quality of life for these individuals with the opportunity for emotional, educational and physical growth through horsemanship, competition and the healing power of the horse.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Therapeutic Horseback Riding: Helps improve strength, coordination, balance, confidence, self-esteem and increased attention span. Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning: Helps improve confidence, selfesteem, emotional well-being, learning and achievement. Special Olympics: Programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Pearl Project

Joy Zedler, Executive Director/CEO

625 NE 12th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352-405-5005 › joy@thepearlproject.org › www.thepearlproject.org

We help vulnerable children discover their value by educating, encouraging and equipping families, professionals and communities to bring hope and healing.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Healing Homes: Trauma-informed training and support for foster and adoptive families. Kid-2Kid Foster Closet: Clothing, diapers and baby gear for foster/ adoptive families. Hope Family Camp: Therapeutic camp for foster/adoptive families.

Transitions Life Center (TLC)

Sabrina Hughes, Executive Director

3360 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala, FL 34475 352- 877-8999 › info@tlcocala.org › www.tlcocala.org

Our purpose is to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: THRIVE: Specialized day program

Ida Gerson

for adults, 18 and over, with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Enterprises: Vocational training experiences that provide purposeful learning and enrichment. Navigation Services: Free to families in our community caring for an individual(s) with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/ DD). The TLC navigator can assist with locating services, support and I-budget applications (Med Waiver/CDC+) for individuals with I/DD.

United Way of Marion County

Robert Haight, President/CEO

1401 NE Second St., Ocala, FL 34470

352-732-9696 › rhaight@uwmc.org › www.uwmc.org

Our mission is uniting local resources to help our neighbors. We provide direct services and support programming focused on education, financial stability and health.

Voices for Children of North Central Florida, Inc.

Sue Carpenter, President

PO Box 4062, Ocala, FL 34478-4062

352-484- 0319 › sue@voices4childrenfl.org › www.voices4childrenfl.org

Our mission is to help provide for the unmet needs of children who have been placed in the custody of the state and have guardian ad litem assigned to them.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Normalcy: Provide funds so children may participate in activities with their peers. Tree of Angels: Provide gifts for each child in the program (currently 2,300). Fund everyday needs: Such as clothing, furniture and more.

Wear Gloves. Inc.

Wendy Kebrdle, CEO

98 NE 9th St., Ocala, Fl 34470 352-727- 0239 › wendy@weargloves.org › www.weargloves.org

Our mission is to allow those in need to earn what they need. We provide employment and education opportunities for the distressed in Marion County.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Dignity Center: We partner with local manufacturers who outsource work to our facility. Dignity Roasters: We roast, package, ship and sell coffee as a way to train our clients in food handling. Church in the Garden: A monthly outreach to the distressed community.

Public/Social Benefit

The Charitable Recycling Foundation, Inc. (911 Cell Phone Bank)

James Mosieur, Executive Director/CEO

2750 E Silver Springs Blvd., Unit 300, Ocala, FL 34470 352-512- 0204 › jmosieur@911cellphonebank.org www.911cellphonebank.org

We provide emergency phone communication to law enforcement agencies and shelters for distribution to abuse victims, including domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual trafficking, to assist in their recovery process.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: We solicit contributions of cell phones from any/all possible sources where cellular devices might be donated or, if lost, be donated by the recovering agency.

Cleared phones are provided to law enforcement agencies and/or shelters for those advocates to distribute to victims as they determine the need. Phones are provided free of charge.

Circle Up Center for Practical Peacebuilding, Inc.

Karin Dean, Co-Director and President

230 NE 25th Ave., Suite 300, Ocala, FL 34470 352-325-7761 › info@circleupcenter.org › www.circleupcenter.org

We promote best peacebuilding practices and teach practical skills for creating connection, building community and transforming conflict.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: S.E.L.F. (Social-Emotional Life

Focused Renewal) Renewal: This is a 12-module program with a focus on emotions of self and others, processes for responsible decision making, tools for transforming conflict and learning how to have a positive influence on others through effective communication and empathy. From Conflict to Connection: This workshop is helpful for team building in organizations and workplaces. Circle Facilitation Training: Three levels of interactive workshops, starting with the basics of the circle process and how the circle can be used in daily life as well as in team and community building. The next step provides understanding and tools to help transform conflict and facilitate healing. The final step provides instruction on facilitating challenging conversations and restorative circles.

Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

Lauren Deiorio, Executive Director/CEO

324 SE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34471 352-622-5020 › lauren@ocalafoundation.org › www.ocalafoundation.org

Our mission at the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of our community by fostering philanthropy and stewarding charitable resources. We strive to identify and address the most pressing needs in our area, and to support innovative solutions that create positive, sustainable change. Through partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and other community leaders, we seek to build a thriving, inclusive, and resilient community that provides opportunities for all to succeed.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Fund Management: We help donors maximize their local impact by ethically and effectively managing various types of funds and assets. The foundation

Image courtesy of the United Way of Marion County

Mustache Madness at United Way

ensures that charitable gifts given through these funds help the local community and will remain effective and relevant over long periods of time. Nonprofit Resource Center: The foundation offers professional development training, strategic planning, board development, grant services and consultations to ensure nonprofits can operate at their highest levels of proficiency. NonProfit Business Council: A professional association of nonprofit organizations that meet monthly to share best practices through networking and promote the positive economic impact of nonprofits. Estate Planning Council of Marion County: A professional association of local attorneys, financial planners and tax advisers that provides a source of educational information and a forum for networking among disciplinarians who practice facets of estate planning.

Foundation for Chamber & Economic Partnership

Natalie McComb, Vice President

301 SE Third Street, Ocala, FL 34471 352-629-7651 › natalie@ocalacep.com › www.foundationcep.org

Our mission is to support programs and initiatives that grow talent development, promote entrepreneurship and cultivate leaders in the Ocala Metro area.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: IMPACT Entrepreneurship Initiative: Provides direct and group base entrepreneurship assistance to the communities of West Ocala, Silver Springs Shores and Marion Oaks. Leadership Ocala/Marion Program: Assists professionals in developing their leadership skills and knowledge of our community through an engaging nine-month program.

NEXTworks: Brings together local education providers and the business community to develop and align training programs around skills needed by businesses in the Ocala Metro now and in the future.

Friends of the Christmas Parade

Sue Mosley, Executive Director

814 E Silver Springs Blvd., Suite H, Ocala, FL 34470 352-624-2022 › ocalaparade@gmail.com › www.ocalachristmasparade.org

Our mission is to support the Ocala tradition of the Christmas parade by planning, organizing and facilitating the largest nighttime parade in Florida.

Junior League of Ocala

Sara Allen Lambert, President PO Box 5954, Ocala, FL 34478 386-344-8840 › info@ocala.jl.org › https://ocala.jl.org

Our mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Marion County Diaper Bank: Starting the 2022-2023 year, we will be founding a diaper bank to help mothers and children in need. City of Ocala Recreation & Parks: We make annual donations through fundraising efforts. Marion County School Board: We volunteer and serve through volunteer opportunities and by providing supplies and assistance as needed.

Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS)

Dr. Lela Kerley, Executive Director

712 SE Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471 352-484-0502 › lelakerley@hotmail.com › www.historicocala.org

Our mission is to preserve, conserve, and memorialize the history of Ocala and Marion County.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Educational lectures: Board members regularly share the history of Ocala/Marion County at events. Walking/driving tours: The Oncell signage program consists of signs installed throughout our historic districts, allowing visitors to learn the history of the area through self-guided walking tours. Resource Center: At our offices, HOPS regularly researches and archives information about each of the more than 400 historic properties in our four historic districts.

Next Generation Cares, LLC

Joseph Vorwerk, Executive Director

1720 SE 16th Ave., Bldg. 200, Ocala, FL 34471 352-387-2383 › jvorwerk@sellstatenextgen.com

The Sellstate Cares mission is to show love for our community by using strengths and resources to give support for those in need and to assist with the efforts of organizations that provide relief.

Ocala Rotary Foundation, Inc.

Gary Simons, Executive Director/CEO

PO Box 104, Ocala, FL 34478 gsimons@savagekrim.com

Our mission is to receive and administer funds for scientific, educational and charitable purposes.

Ocala Silver Springs Rotary Foundation

David Kramer, Executive Director PO Box 67, Ocala, FL 34479 ossr.general@gmail.com

The Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Foundation assists local nonprofits and provides scholarships to students. Annual fundraising efforts greatly benefit the community.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Fundraising events: Brick City Beer & Wine Fest, Ocala Rotary Golf Tournament and Casino Night.

Public Policy Institute of Marion County, Inc.

Barbara Robinson Fitos, Chairman of the Board

3001 SW College Road, Building 42, Room 202, Ocala, FL 34474 352-854-2322 › ppi@cf.edu › www.ppiofmarioncounty.org

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.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Comprehensive studies on child development to stem youth violence in 2023 and the subject of homelessness in 2019. Additionally, a dozen other studies ranging from managing growth, mental health, transportation, housing, fatherhood, and the true cost of justice. Currently, we are exploring the topic and theme for the 2024 study and implementing recommendations from the youth violence study.

Special Olympics Florida

Sherry Wheelock, Executive Director/CEO

1915 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont, FL 34711

352-243-9536 › sherrywheelock@sofl.org › www.specialolympicsflorida.org

Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Unified Champion Schools: Promotes social inclusion by bringing together young people with and without disabilities on sports teams through inclusive student clubs, together in schools or community wide initiatives, and by fostering youth leadership. Also offers competitive team formats in a program for all grades, emphasizing our partnership with the Florida State High School Athletic Association, wherein we have athletes competing along with students without disabilities (Unified Partners) and possibly qualifying for a varsity letter. Young Athletes: An innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 designed to introduce students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to sports, improving cognitive and physical skills, balance, movement, striking and hand-eye coordination as well as social skill development and, for many, introduction to the resources and support available within Special Olympics Florida families, agencies and schools. Health & Fitness: Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population. Special Olympics Health is creating a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have every opportunity to be healthy. Staying physically active is an important part of training for sport and maintaining and improving overall health.

Strategic Community Alliance, Inc.

Dr. Sheni Meghani, Executive Director

9111 SW 60th Court Road, Ocala, FL 34476 267-575-1227 › shenimeghani@yahoo.com › www.scacommunities.org

The Strategic Community Alliance, independently or in cooperation with others, promotes diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities and civility through education, coaching, outreach, the arts, culture, economics, public policies, and community engagement.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Self-sufficiency: Provide tools and opportunities to individuals and communities for professional development and economic prosperity. Diversity & Inclusion: Provide training, advocacy, and facilitate partnerships to improve community relations. Cross-cultural experiences: Explore the arts, history and culture of different ethnicities.

Religion

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) of Marion County

Beef Branard, Area Director PO Box 269, Reddick, FL 32686 321-412-2339 › bbranard@fca.org › www.northcentralflfca.org

FCA’s mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. FCA sends students to camps, hosts spiritual training, sends coaches and spouses to marriage retreats, pass out Bibles and hosts huddles on school campuses.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Night of Champions event for students, coaches and volunteers to spread the Gospel, encourage and provide a time of response and prayer for students.

FCA breakfast for fundraising and celebrating the ministry of FCA. Leadership training for volunteers, teachers, and student leaders to give them the tools to minister on campus in a safe, effective and legal manner.

New Day Christian Fellowship, Inc.

Lawendell Price Sr., Executive Director/CEO 13795 SW 36th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34473 352-717-5004 › lawendellprice91@gmail.com › www.newdaycf.com

Our mission is to do good to all people when opportunities arise as we are directed in Galatians 6:10—As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men; to win the lost to Christ through demonstration of love toward one another as John 13:35 declares—By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another; to live lives of genuine holiness and to proclaim the full Gospel of Jesus Christ as the bridge to transformation for all lives.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Feeding Families Initiative: Our goal is to provide 30 families with a two-week supply of food each month. Women’s Empowerment Support Group: A caring, loving and supportive group that encourages you to nurture yourself and other women. Men’s Family Relations Support Group: We welcome undisclosed thoughts and feelings that may impact relationships within the family. Share experiences to gain insight and support. Both support groups have mental health benefits, such as clearer thinking, improvement in relationships and a sense of calm and inner peace.

Veterans

10-Can, Inc.

Dr. Matthew Burke, Executive Director 2600 W Old Hwy 441, Suite 1912, Mount Dora, FL 32765 352-502-5355 › matthew.burke@10can.us › www.10can.us

To honor, revive and grow military and first responder families through outdoor recreation, education, and rehabilitation.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Hunting: Youth, veterans and women’s seat to meat program. Aquatics: Gator hunts, scalloping, lobstering, etc. H3: Healing hometown heroes.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc.

Carol Borden, Executive Director/CEO

3251 NE 180th Ave., Williston, FL 32696

352-789-5016 › carol@medicalservicedogs.org

www.medicalservicedogs.org

We are a national organization that provides donors, advocates and volunteers to impact communities through the charitable purpose of raising, training and donating medical service dogs to do tasks for disabled individuals that they are no longer able to do themselves, thus lessening the burden on caregivers and families. It is a goal to also pioneer education and scientific study for the advancement of service dog training, raising public awareness of the laws regarding disabilities, and thus eliminating prejudice and discrimination.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Donating Medical Service Dogs: Dogs are custom trained, then donated with a lifetime of follow-up/ assistance. We pay all travel expenses for recipients to come to our headquarters for two weeks of pairing. Borden Institute of Higher Learning: Provides a college accredited/VA approved apprenticeship program that gives students the opportunity to learn our industry. The institute will teach animal-related courses providing various career opportunities. Borden Veterinary Hospital: New onsite veterinary hospital cares for 50 to 100 dogs in training and assists in the care and well-being of 400 working teams across the country.

Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, Inc.

Stephen Petty, President

2306 SW 20th Court, Ocala, FL 34471 352-216-6724 › memorialhonorguard@gmail.com www.memorialhonorguard.com

The mission of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard is to provide funeral honors and assistance to all military veterans and their families during their time of need, and to provide any and all patriotic services when requested.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Military funeral honor ceremonies: Our chaplain comforts veteran’s family. We provide a rifle salute, a bugler for the playing of taps, folding and presenting of the flag, a final salute, and mementos of service to honor the departed veteran. Color Guard Presentations: Correct military posting of the colors at patriotic events and ceremonies. Honor Guard: Participation at area veteran parks and patriotic events.

Marion County Veterans Council, Inc.

Col. (Ret.) R. Craig Ham, President

2730 E Silver Springs Blvd., Unit 100, Ocala, FL 34470

352-843-2357 › craig.ham@p8riot.us fb.com/mcvetcouncil

Our mission is to achieve camaraderie among all veterans’ organizations in Marion County

and promote the general aims and common goals of members of the council. We provide information about services and promote awareness of legislative issues important to veterans and their families.

Marion County Veterans Park

Ron Oppliger PO Box 744, Silver Springs, Florida 34470 352-804-6953 › info@marionvetpark.com › www.marionvetpark.com

Our mission is to promote awareness of the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park via our communications platform, strategically marked events, student tours and veteran-related activities. We also plan for and assist in the acquisition of new displays honoring post-Vietnam era veterans, preserve the integrity of current foundation archives while welcoming new artifacts, and actively seek out and secure monetary donations to fund future foundation projects.

Outdoor Valor, Inc.

Matthew Schwanke, CEO

3910 S Pine Avenue, Suite C, Ocala, FL 34480 352-857-7157 › outdoorvalor@gmail.com › www.outdoorvalor.org

Our mission is “freeing the minds of our warfighters one fish at a time.”

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Offshore group therapy fishing trip with up to four veterans at a time. Inshore one-on-one trips for more in-depth peer-to-peer counseling.

Patriot Service Dogs

Julie Sanderson, President

1576 Bella Cruz Drive, Suite 429, The Villages, FL, 32159 352-626-2305 › julie@patriotservicedogs.org › www.patriotservicedogs.org

We train quality service dogs for military veterans struggling with mobility, PTSD and MST, using the skills and dedication

The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park

of women incarcerated in Florida’s largest women’s correctional facility. This allows us to serve veterans and uplift incarcerated women with life and job skills.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: WOOF: Inside Lowell Correctional Institution. We train inmates to train dogs. Patriot Service Dogs Summer School: Allows local families to help in the training process and socialize the pups in training. Team Training: Ten days of training with the veterans and their dogs.

Veterans Helping Veterans USA Inc.

Hank Whittier, Executive Director/CEO

2730 E Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470

352-433-2320 › vetshelpingvets@vhvusa.org › www.vhvusa.org

Our mission is to assist veterans and their families who need social services and information to improve their lives and help them maintain their independence. Prevention and early intervention programs assist veterans before they are in crisis.

MAJOR PROGRAMS: Direct social services: Assistance to homeless veterans with emergency shelter, food and personal items. Veterans and their families may receive limited financial assistance, household goods, food, personal items, clothing, medical equipment, gas vouchers, utility bill payments, emergency rent assistance, employment referrals and employment expenses (uniforms, licenses, work-related tools and equipment) and scholarship programs for short-term training in health care, security and childcare by paying for tuition and occupational license. Heroes Shouldn’t Be Homeless: Provide opportunity for home ownership with rent-to-own program. Veteran Treatment Court: Assisting the court in a diversion program for veterans who commit relatively minor crimes.

Jim Michaels with Millie

LIVING The Giving Kind

This month we highlight the good works of two women who have made a lasting impact on our community—in two distinctly different ways—through their passion for giving back and love of animals, and catch up with our compelling columnists.

EQUINE effect the

Citra-based Horses N Heroes is one of 13 equine-related nonprofits in the country, and the only one in Florida, to receive part of a $128,000 grant this year from the U.S. Equestrian Federation Opportunity Fund.

By JoAnn Guidry

Thanks to her parents, Mindy Morrow was fortunate enough to grow up with horses in her life. And now thanks to Morrow’s nonprofit Horses N Heroes, young girls, who would otherwise not be able to be around horses, have that opportunity.

"As my parents, who did not come from wealthy backgrounds, began to do well in life, they wanted to find a hobby to do together,” explains Morrow, who grew up on Long Island, New York. “My mother had always loved horses and there was a horse farm near us, so the hobby they chose was horseback riding. They would bring me along when they went for their riding lessons. I started riding when I was 4 years old.” Morrow got her first horse when she was 6, and by age 10 she and her father were foxhunting together. To the latter endeavor, Morrow added showing hunter/

jumpers until she was 18. Horses then dropped out of her life while Morrow bounced around to colleges in Florida and Massachusetts.

“I originally majored in fashion design and then business,” says Morrow. “I never graduated with a degree but did go into retail management at 22 in the Fort Lauderdale area. My retail career began in 1987, when I was hired as an assistant manager. Over the years, I kept moving up the ladder and did quite well.”

But being around horses again started being on her mind more and more.

“In 1994, a friend told me about an opportunity in Lake Worth where I could teach riding to young girls and I started doing that in my free time,” notes Morrow. “Soon, I started getting calls from mothers whose daughters wanted lessons but couldn’t afford them. My parents had always taught me to give back

and that’s how Horses N Heroes got started.”

Morrow’s retail management career ended in late 1997 and Horses N Heroes became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In 1999, Horses N Heroes moved to an equine facility in Del Ray Beach, where it would remain until 2005.

“I was dating Colin Morrow, my farrier, who was from Ocala,” says Morrow. “We wanted to get married and had to decide where to live. I had never been to Ocala but loved it the minute I first visited. We moved to Citra in 2005, got married in 2006 and Horses N Heroes continued on.”

Impacting Lives

Horses N Heroes is based on the Morrows’ 16-acre farm, which is currently home to the 25 horses used in some way in the program.

“The majority of my donated horses come from the hunter/jumper world,” says Morrow, who is the executive director and lone staff member of the program. “These horses are the heart of the program. Through horsemanship, the focus of the program is teaching girls responsibility, teamwork, time management, compassion, self-esteem and independence.”

The girls, ages 7 and up, come to the Horses N Heroes program mainly by word of mouth, often by another girl who is or was involved. Morrow generally has 20 to 25 girls in the program at one time, many of whom stay through high school graduation. No fee is charged.

Morrow notes, “The majority the girls live at the poverty level and below. Some have a parent who is incarcerated or are being raised by a grandparent or relative. One of my former students came to me through a hospice program where her mother was dying. Last year, four of my girls lost a parent due to a drug overdose.”

While Horses N Heroes is a safe haven for these girls, it is not a summer camp.

“We generally run seven days a week; the girls come after school, on weekends and through the summer,” explains Morrow. “It’s a hands-on working program, from cleaning the barn to washing water troughs to grooming, feeding and riding the horses.”

There is no shortage of Horses N Heroes success stories.

“In the 29 years that I’ve been doing the program, all of the girls that have completed it have graduated from high school and gone on to college, trade school or the military,” boasts Morrow. “One of my girls graduated from the University of Florida veterinarian school and is now a small animal vet. Another is studying nuclear propulsion in the U.S. Navy while one owns her own film production company. From nurses to a welder, the success stories go on and on.”

And Morrow is especially proud of the Horses N Heroes graduates who still live in the area and return to the program to volunteer.

“Our graduates who volunteer can relate to the young girls in the program and be role models for them,” says Morrow. “That is very important, as are all our volunteers and donors. We couldn’t operate without them, and we can always use more of both. We did receive a grant from the U.S. Equestrian Federation this past June and that money will go directly back into the Horses N Heroes program.”

To learn more, visit fb.com/horsesnheroes

A Generous Heart

Several charities, including many local agencies, recently received donations totaling more than $5 million from the Cathy D. Perry Trust.

By Susan Smiley-Height

Cathy D. Perry loved dogs, especially Westies (West Highland Terriers) and Scotties (Scottish Terriers). She and her husband, Roger, owned pet food supply stores in the mid-West, and their son Brandon, grew up in the industry.

They couple opened their first Pet Food Superstore in 1986 and rapidly expanded. In the early ‘90s they changed the name of the business to Petzazz. By this time, they had 20 to 25 superstores, a corporate office, a large distribution center and well over 1,000 employees. In ’93, they expanded into Chicago, which was a market that PetSmart was entering at the same time. Brandon says they were preparing to go public with the company but PetSmart made an offer they couldn’t refuse and they sold the business.

In 1994, Roger and Cathy moved to Ocala and

bought the Classic Acres horse farm, where they raised quarter horses, appaloosas and paints.

Brandon, who was in college at Ohio State University, took a position with PetSmart and moved to the corporate office in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in business management, he moved to Ocala in 1996 to help his family.

Brandon and Diannah met in 2000. She had grown up with thoroughbreds and they shared a common interest in the breed. They bought a piece of the Classic Acres operation and lived there until 2003 when they started Paragon Farms and then moved to Lexington, Kentucky and bought Newgate Stud.

By this time, Cathy and Roger were divorced and she had bought the Hearthside estate on Fifth Street in Ocala, the former home of the Ray family,

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

From left, Monteen Daniel, Bill Steward, Patti Lumpkin, Eddie Leedy, Roseann Morton and Brandon Perry

best known for helping develop the Silver Springs Attraction. Cathy enjoyed refurbishing Hearthside and traveling with her good friend Connie Brown, a fellow member of the Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc.

“She built this haven at Hearthside, and she would get up every morning and work out in her gym and then garden. She loved to shop. I think she really enjoyed her time with the Royal Dames ladies and spending a lot of time with her best friend Connie, like Thelma and Louise,” Diannah shares.

“We had a lot of good times together. I was in banking, in trusts and investments, and she was a customer. We became good friends,” says Brown. “We went to a lot of places. If we had a notion to go somewhere, we took off and went. Or we’d sit on her front porch and watch traffic go by and talk about anything and everything.”

Brown says her friend was “a very beautiful person and was very loving and giving to family and community. If someone was in need, she was there.”

At the end of 2014, Brandon and Diannah moved back to Ocala and opened Newgate Realty.

In 2017, Cathy was diagnosed with glioblastoma. She received treatment at Duke University, is a leading researcher in that form of aggressive brain cancer. She passed away on Feb. 1, 2020, at home in Ocala.

Cathy wanted a portion of her estate to be given to charity but did not cite specific entities. When Brandon and Diannah and the trustee began to talk about dispersing the funds, he says the fact that his parents made their money in the pet food industry played a role. He says his parents, to his knowledge, were the first company to allow pet adoptions inside pet stores.

“Now that is common, but back then it was cutting edge,” he offers. “And pets were always allowed in our stores. My mom always had dogs, had animals, so a lot of the charities we chose, not all of them, but a lot of them, had something to do with animals.”

In late July, 29 charities received in excess of $5 million from the Cathy D. Perry Trust, including the Humane Society of Marion County, Voices for Change Animal League (VOCAL), Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, Final Furlong, Horse Farms Forever, Sheltering Hands, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Thoroughbred Charities of America and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation. Among the beneficiaries were the Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Interfaith Emergency Services, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Hospice of Marion County, Junior League of Ocala and the Duke University Brain Tumor Cancer Center.

Cathy D. Perry with some of her beloved canines.

From left: Connie Brown, Brandon Perry, Patricia Sokol and Diannah Perry.

Supporting Local Students

This local gem shows how organizations can work together for the greater good. legislature, along with a heft y contribution from the St. Johns Water Management District, jumpstarted construction of the initial exhibits building and classrooms in 1991. A multitude of private donors then assisted with cash, countless volunteer hours and professional expertise.

By Scott Mitchell

The Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center is an innovative program of Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) and has been in operation since 1991. It is a great example of how charitable giving can impact communities for the better.

The center is located within the Silver Springs State Park and operates in partnership with the Florida Park Service. In addition to museum exhibits highlighting our natural and cultural history, there are classrooms, a library, a replica pioneer settlement, a wood-fired pottery kiln and a tour boat that provides eco-tours for students on the Silver River. Charitable giving of money and volunteer time have allowed this impressive program to grow and thrive.

As the parent organization, MCPS deserves praise for always putting students first.

In 1987 the Christa McAuliffe Foundation (named after the teacher who tragically died in the first space shuttle disaster) provided funding for a feasibility study and architectural plans.

Several appropriations from the Florida

The Felburn Foundation has funded numerous capital projects, including construction of a new exhibit wing featuring Native American dugout canoes (the exhibit was loaned to MCPS by the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida). Duke Energy and Lockheed Martin have also supported science education for students through the Public Education Foundation of Marion County.

And we are most appreciative of those who have donated hundreds of pieces of local history, such as priceless relics from centuries ago as well memorabilia from the golden age of tourism at Silver Springs.

Since joining the Silver River Museum staff in 2004, I also have been continuously impressed by a league of dedicated volunteers.

Through hard work and generous giving, the museum has become one of the many local jewels that make Marion County a great place to live.

Scott Mitchell is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, located at 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, inside the Silver River State Park. Museum hours are 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the park is $2 per person; free ages 6 and younger. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com.

Photo by Bruce Ackerman

What To Do With Epiphanies?

By Dave Schlenker | Illustration by David Vallejo

Ihad a handful of nonsense to write about mid-summer; column topics with guffaws and lessons and perspective.

For example, I accidentally dipped my hand in hot, quickly drying cement while installing a mailbox. The hand was caked with glop, like something out of a Marvel movie. Then, because I always learn from my mistakes, I tried to tamp down a lump of the drying cement with my relatively new shoes. The result was, of course, cement shoes fit for Jersey waters.

Other possible topics included heat safety, world peace, barbecue, two more delightful mailbox-related anecdotes and—without question the biggest debate raging through Ocala these days—why Chick-fil-A is not building a store on the east side of town.

But I shifted gears when my wife walked in from a neighborhood party recently and said, “I need you to listen carefully.”

Those words are important because (1) I have selective husband hearing, especially while watching Bob’s Burgers, and (2) at 55, I have the attention span of house plant.

The look on Amy’s face indicated this was no time for jokes.

Two longtime friends were in a serious car accident. They survived, but they were in bad shape; one was airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, the other transported to a hospital in Jacksonville. There is an astonishing number of broken bones. They are lucky to be alive, but the road to recovery will be long.

These are good guys—fathers, friends, community leaders, music lovers. We run into these gents often and we stop to catch up, we look at our watches and we vow to have a beer together soon.

And we mean it. But we never do.

There is always tomorrow. We’ll get together when life calms down. She’s in college now? Yowza, it has been way too long.

I listened intently as Amy filled me in on every detail she knew. Then came that awkward sigh that introduces a complicated question: How can we help?

It is a tough question for the families, as it puts the onus on them during an intense swarm of stress. Casseroles? Balloons? Interpretive dancing? One mutual friend is taking care of a lawn. Nice. Practical.

As I write this, we are conferring with the families and figuring out a plan. Yet that plan needs to extend beyond recovery. That plan, like all good plans, needs beer. That plan is to follow through—finally and definitively—with getting together one day. Find that one day, make it more than one day, slow down, sit down, talk, laugh, toast, and make the most out of “lucky to be alive.”

Don’t just recognize epiphanies, take them as shoulder taps from God. Act. Adapt. Embrace.

Make sure the people you love know you love them. That is better than any casserole (except ones with bacon). Also, a Chick-fil-A sandwich from the east side of town would be nice, too. But don’t get us started …

Family

1

I find joy, love and support from my wife, Audra, son Liam, and our two puppies Watson and Shamus.

2

Above all, I believe in the power laughter has to unite people and lift spirits through the most challenging times.

Coffee

It is an essential part of my daily routine, invigorating me for the day ahead. Can’t go without a cup from Symmetry Coffee Company.

John West

SHARES THE THINGS HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Laughter

John is the co-founder of The Guest House Ocala, where he helps individuals overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. He is also the founder of Sober Companions, a specialized organization that provides personalized support to high-profile individuals, and is a board member for the Public Education Foundation of Marion County.

4

Books

As an avid reader, I find solace and enlightenment in books. Reading allows me to broaden my knowledge and offers an escape from the daily grind.

Travel

I love exploring different cultures and creating cherished memories. My favorite destinations to note would be Iceland, Turkey and Hawaii.

Nature

5 6 7 3

Being outdoors rejuvenates my spirit, providing inspiration and a sense of peace. We love going to Santos Trail, Baseline Park and Silver Springs.

Movies

My father was a movie actor and I’ve also worked setting up movies. So every time I go to the movies, I connect in some small way to my father, who has passed away.

Wedding photo by Kat Harris

Growing Goodness

With locally grown plants and a program to assist adults with special needs, this charming garden center will entice you with its greenery and you can do good by shopping there.

By Belea T. Keeney Illustration by Jordan Shapot

Down a tree-canopied road off US Highway 441, amidst residential parcels and small farms, a lush, green lot beckons to those of us who are plant people. Nestled on three acres of a former tree farm, Kenny’s Place Nursery, at 7677 SE 41st Court, in Santos, offers a greenhouse full of succulents and houseplants, a covered nursery of landscape plants and a selection of sun-loving outdoor plants. Several species of butterflies flit between the neatly arranged rows of plants that include herbs, heirloom vegetables (even an Everglades native tomato that puts out smaller-thangrape sized fruits), propagated and native plants.

And it’s not just a plant nursery.

“It’s a place for disabled folks to work, learn and feel productive,” says staffer Betsy Poore. The program is unique, she says, because Kenny’s Place doesn’t charge clients or their families for the Monday through Thursday care services. The adult clients, who have a range of disabilities, learn about plant care, of course, and the staff expands their learning into other subject areas, along with playing games and doing crafts. Poore mentions that

their clients have a special enthusiasm about the study of other countries and enjoy sampling foods from those countries, which they do at the end of the study week. They also learn life skills like cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and socializing. It’s not an occupational therapy program so there’s no emphasis on necessarily developing job skills.

Program clients help load plants for customers and help maintain the hundreds of plants on-site. In April, the program received a proclamation recognizing their 30 years of “dedication and selfless service” to the community from the city of Ocala.

A team of three staffers—Poore, Matt Langley and Janie Kirk—loosely divide work into administrative tasks (Kirk), plant and site care (Langley) and the day care programs (Poore). They report to a board of directors.

Leo and Rosellas Wiechens began the program in the early ‘90s when they saw how working at his brother Kenny’s tree nursery provided solace and help for their developmentally disabled son Jerry. When Kenny passed in 1990, the family decided to formally open a program for

others. Even though Leo and Rosellas Wiechens have since died, the family foundation continues to provide much of the funding for the nursery and its programs. Further funding comes from plant sales and donations.

Langley, who has been with the team for 18 years, is the plant “guru,” and talks easily about the varieties of plants available and their needs. He shares the story of a local couple who planted a ficus in their yard to memorialize their son and when they moved, they asked Langley and the nursery team to “babysit it.”

“They even come in to visit it once in a while,” he shares.

Years later, the ficus is more than 12 feet tall and full of healthy new growth and multiple branches.

Another long-time resident is an angel wing begonia that is nearly 5 feet tall and serves as the source for new plant propagation.

“That one is probably 20 years old; it was here before I started,” Langley notes.

A flashy specimen available for sale is a 3-foot-tall coffee plant that will indeed produce coffee beans if grown outside and protected from cold. Eventually, Langley admits with a laugh. “It’s fussy,” he adds. “It’s a better houseplant but won’t produce the beans indoors.”

Kirk produces most of the succulents available. Cold-hardy, drought-tolerant and natives make up the stock, both perennials and annuals. Vinca, lantana, Mexican heather, lorapetalum and more waft in the breeze of the shade house. Houseplant selections include caladiums,

white butterfly, pothos, philodendrons of several varieties and ferns.

Langley estimates about half of the plants for sale are produced on-site by cuttings, seeds and divisions, and the rest are purchased from wholesalers.

Because many of the plants are propagated there, the prices for plants are lower than the chain big-box stores and the range of selections is amazing. Gardening supplies—pots, trowels and the like—are often donated and these are resold for low prices. Most of the plants are 1-gallon size, with a few 3-gallon sizes that make managing and moving the plants easier for staffers and customers. A fall nursery sale is slated for October.

“The integration of the clients and shoppers is best,” Langley says. “This is far from the old-fashioned institutions” that segregated developmentally and mentally disabled people from society.

Instead, under shady trees and in humid growing houses, the plant nursery and the client care program bring people—and plants—together.

Learn more at kennysplacemarion.com or fb.com/kennysplace.marion

A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Client BJ Client Anne Staff member Betsy Poore with client BJ

Client Jeffrey

Client Kayla

Client Cory

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