in: captionsTHE COALITION

AUGUST 2012

639 W. Central Blvd. • Orlando, FL 32801 • 407.426.1250CentralFloridaHomeless.org

this is going to be big.

Defying the odds…

That is the story in a larger story. After serving 12 years in prison, Angel was determined to defy the odds. He looked for work... and finally found an employer who reluctantly took a chance on hiring him.

But Angel did more than his job. He dared to share his aspirations to go to college. And as his employer’s reluctance turned to encouragement, Angel’s life was changed.

As you watch the video, listen as the larger story unfolds and Angel’s employer learned a lesson we all need to learn. Our preconceptions of homelessness and the barriers that keep people homeless can be overcome…with a little understanding and compassion.

Brent A. TrotterPresident/CEO

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Every member of the Coalition’s volunteer family, regardless of age, makes a huge difference! Take a look at the big things these young volunteers are doing…

In addition to planning her wedding, Laura Crolla is in graduate school and recently started her own law firm, L.C. Legal Group, P.A. Despite this demanding schedule, she still finds time to impact the lives of Central Florida’s homeless individuals.

Laura not only helps the Coalition’s Grants Department every week, she also leads a craft day for our youngsters every month! “This is the best Easter ever,” exclaimed one of our homeless children during Laura’s Easter craft day.

Last month, the Coalition was thrilled to welcome the Cookeville First United Methodist Church (FUMC) youth choir from Cookeville, Tennessee!

Taking time out of their 6-day Choir Tour, the group of more than 50 kids helped the Coalition with a variety of projects. They also surprised our residents with a few songs!

“Our visit was extremely eye opening,” said Craig and Amber, two choir members. “Seeing the joy and thankfulness coming from [the residents] was a truly inspirational experience.”

The FUMC choir continued to give even after they left the state by raising more than $200 for the Coalition to purchase weed killer!

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, one of our wonderful on-site partners, recently brought a group of youth from the Goodwill GoodGuides Youth Mentoring program to the Coalition.

While here, the group of teens put their kitchen skills to the test. They tirelessly cut vegetables before serving lunch to our First Steps Substance Abuse Recovery Program clients.

We’re constantly impressed by our young volunteers, especially when they are as inquisitive and engaged as the Goodwill GoodGuides group was!

Volunteer today!

Laura Crolla

cookeville first united methodist church youth choir

goodwill industries of central florida

she’sjust

startingout

donate now

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{Announcing.... . .the launch of our Journey Home Campaign - a $12 mill ion major gifts fundraising initiative to ensure the strength and viability of Coalition for the Homeless for years to come.

Whether your passion lies with serving the needs of women, children and families or the growing number of homeless veterans, there is a way for you to make a significant difference in their lives and help steer their course as they embark on their…Journey Home.

1 in 4 of our residents is under the age of 18

WHY

and we need your help to do it

get connected: centralfloridahomeless.org

here’s

here’s where

youcome in

theplan

Make a long-term commitment to end the crisis of homelessness for the men, women, and children we serve. Join us in supporting the unrestricted operating needs of our organization now and in the future.

givingsociety

A limited opportunity for 100 women to make a lasting impact on the work we are doing through the Center for Women and Families and Women’s Residential and Counseling Center.

women inphilanthropy

Learn more about what we do and how we do it in this first-hand look at how the Coalition provides more than a meal to 800 men, women, and children every night. Find tour information on our website.

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{1 in 4 residents of the Men’s Pavilion is a veteran and/or disabled

and we need your help to do it

get connected: centralfloridahomeless.org

62% of our operating support comes from the community, not government sources

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A limited opportunity for 100 women to make a lasting impact on the work we are doing through the Center for Women and Families and Women’s Residential and Counseling Center.

women inphilanthropy

Make the gift of a lifetime by including a provision in your estate plan or will to guarantee the sustainability and success of both the organization and those we serve.

legacysociety

The Men’s Service Center initiative will offer donors commemorative naming right opportunities while providing much-needed programs and services for the most under-served homeless population in our community: men.

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Get your friends involved by joining us as a Table Captain at the Journey Home Breakfast on November 13th. You will be responsible for inviting a table of guests to this free inspirational breakfast.

Commit to the cause: make a life-changing investment in the lives of Central Florida’s homeless. Learn more about pledging your financial resources by contacting our Development Department or visiting our website.

commit

eventsWhat is a day at the Coalition like? How do we help homeless men, women, and families with children regain productive lives? Do we really provide services to nearly 800 homeless individuals every day?

Learn the answers to these questions and more at our monthly More than a Meal visit!

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., you and your friends will get an inspiring look behind the Coalition’s doors.

The next More than a Meal visit is August 14, 2012. RSVP to Tracie Morris, Director of Development, today!

Sign me up!

July 2012

August 14, 2012

During the entire month of July, CRAVE Restaurant donated 5% of the proceeds from their CRAVE Cares menu, plus any additional contribution added to the bottom of customer checks, to benefit the Coalition!

In addition, Expedia Local Expert and Expedia, Inc. offered to match the funds raised by CRAVE, up to $1,000 each, tripling your impact!

Although we are still tallying the final result, we could not thank you enough for such incredible support! Because of a thoughtful community and partners like Crave and Expedia, we are able to help thousands of our neighbors every year.

Have a fundraising idea? Reach out to our Development Department and follow Crave’s lead!

Email development@cflhomeless.org.

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November 13, 2012

Share Our Strength’s 23rd Annual Taste of the Nation Orlando is only one month away!

By enjoying culinary sensations prepared by Central Florida’s leading chefs and mixologists, you can do your part to end childhood hunger.100% of ticket sales will support Share Our Strength’s efforts to ensure no kid grows up hungry. Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are the local beneficiaries. Florida Impact is the statewide beneficiary.

To stay informed on this evening of fine dining and entertainment, ‘Like’ Taste of the Nation Orlando on Facebook!

Purchase your ticket!

Join us at the Rosen Centre Hotel on

Thursday, November 13, 2012 for our

annual Journey Home Breakfast.

Through video, song, and live testimonials, you

will receive an up-close look at how the Coalition

returns homeless men, women, and families with

children to independent lives.

In one short hour, this event is sure to

inspire you!

There is no cost to attend and no obligation to

give, so bring your family, friends, and co-workers

along too.

For reservations or more information, contact

Tracie Morris, Director of Development, or reach

the Development Department at 407.426.1256.

RSVP now!

August 25, 2012

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breaking it down: sending your stuff

used stuff

toy stuff

groups to do stuff

food stuff

When we say that the Coalition depends on you for stuff, we mean it. Stuff like soap, diapers, and detergent come exclusively from the community - we do not have a budget for these items. So thanks for keeping us clean, Central Florida.

Here at the Coalition, we have to use space wisely. Unfortunately, that means we do not have storage for used clothing BUT we still need your support!

We partner with local organizations like the Orlando Union Rescue Mission that operate a resale store AND offer our clients vouchers to shop for free!

PLUS we are always in need of the essentials: socks, underwear, and new items for new clients. You can also bring used linens and towels to replenish our always-depleted supplies.

Just like our struggle with used clothing, we do not have space to store used toys for our little ones.

The next best option? Books! Adults and children at the Coalition LOVE to read and crave a new arrival of donated books.

And while you’re at it, reading glasses (no prescription, please) go a long way in helping our senior residents enjoy those book donations!

We simply could not do the work we do without the support of groups. From great activities for our residents to capital improvement projects on both of our campuses, groups dramatically transform the lives of our residents.

A group of 3 or more people can connect with the Coalition through our Director of Volunteer Services, Marty Vevera. Let us know what you want to do and when you want to do it!

Not only does the Coalition depend on the community to provide more than 300,000 meals every year, but most of the food that we prepare is donated through food drives!

The next time you plan a food drive, think about this: we serve between 140 to 500 meals at one time (depending on the location). Soliciting for a specific item, like green beans, instead of canned goods, can help us to prepare larger quantities with your donation!

Take a look at a few guidelines to follow when supporting us with your stuff.

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