Non-Profit News

Lakeland, FL (March 20, 2008) - “When it comes to sex, men are like microwaves and women are like crock pots.”

“Guys brains are like waffles; they are compartmentalized. Girls brains are more like spaghetti; they are great multi-taskers because their brain is interconnected.”

“Do you want sparkler sex, or fireworks sex? Sparkler sex is just a little flame that gets thrown away as soon as someone is done with it. Fireworks sex is much better; it’s the kind that lights up your life.”

These adages were just a few of the quips to be heard as Donna Davis, Director of Education for “A Woman’s Choice” discussed abstinence with adolescent females at the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Villa on March 19, 2008. This is one of many sessions that will take place as part of “A Woman’s Choice” abstinence education program.

Located just east of downtown Lakeland, “A Woman’s Choice” is devoted to providing comprehensive aid for women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. According to Krista Yurchak, the Executive Director, the abstinence education program is just another step in providing that comprehensive care.

“We are on a mission to impact the community” said Yurchak on March 20, 2008.

Incorporated in 1986, this organization has always been privately funded through area donors. Their services include free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and material assistance, as well as the new abstinence education program. According to Yurchak, this first grant-funded project will allow a higher degree of community service, but she hopes the grant itself will not be needed for long.

“The grant was a way for us to get our foot in the door. Hopefully someday soon we will be able to fund our abstinence education another way” said Yurchak.

Yurchak explained that as a faith-based organization, “A Woman’s Choice” wants to infuse that foundation into all the programs they provide. With a government grant funding one of their projects, faith-infusion is a little more difficult.

As they look towards the future, this nonprofit strives to offer a comprehensive look at pregnancy and the options it presents. It is this nonprofit’s hope that the new abstinence education program will inform adolescents of the benefits in waiting for “firework sex.”

 For more information on “A Woman’s Choice” and its services, follow the link to http://awomanschoice1.com/.

YouTube offers some great free publicity for nonprofits. Check out all the tips in this video!

Found a video for a neat nonprofit:

Great news (for the site and for my resume):

 I just completed an on-camera interview with Krista Yurchak, the executive director at “A Woman’s Choice, Inc..” I am so excited about this organization and its mission in Polk County.

 On a selfish note, I am also very excited for my next feature. I know that the video peice will help convey this amazing nonprofit in the best light.

 Hold onto your seats; the finished product will be uploaded soon!

Lakeland, FL (March 8, 2008) - The primary fundraiser for Talbot House Ministries just took place in Polk County. This million-dollar ministry depends on the “Have a Heart for the Homeless Concert” to provide funds for its night shelter, year-long program, and medical clinic.   

The night started off with a silent auction at 6 p.m., and then Rebecca Renfroe, a well-known musical talent, hosted a musical variety show. All proceeds for the event will be used to support the Talbot House and its various ministries.

According to Anthony Fusaro, Director of Development for Talbot House Ministries, this major fundraiser was a success. Fusaro was pleased with the donations received, but was disappointed by the actual crowd present.

“It was one of the smallest crowds we’ve ever had. People donated to the ministry, but they couldn’t make it to the concert,” said Fusaro.

In all, the concert was a success, but you can bet Fusaro and his volunteers will be out to gain a bigger crowd next year.

Changing my mind is allowed, right? Here are my some thoughts for another interview: rather than reporting on a nonprofit that receives general approval, I would like to focus on a nonprofit that receives some dissonance.

I am looking into an organization dedicated to crisis pregnancy care, as well as promoting abstinence in teens. “A Woman’s Choice,” located in downtown Lakeland, is slowly gaining acceptance into the school systems and into local youth groups. However, in a society that often promotes sexual freedom and experimentation in teens, I am interested in how this nonprofit deals with their community.

http://awomanschoice1.com/

Here’s a little something I’ve been working on. Because I am just starting my career, defining my professional hopes and dreams has proven somewhat difficult.

Any construction criticism is appreciated!

It’s time again!

I am considering other local nonprofits to profile in my next feature and am leaning towards the organization most often associated with bell ringers at Christmastime. But what does the Salvation Army do to make the claim of “Doing the Most Good”, and how do they do it?

Started in 1865 and still working powerfully in a multitude of countries, I am sure this nonprofit has some success secrets to share!

To research this organization along with me, go to http://http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_lakeland.nsf