Non-Profit News

Tomorrow I will interview Anthony Fusaro, Director of Development for the Talbot House in Lakeland, FL. As you already know, I have been working alongside Fusaro for several weeks on this nonprofit’s biggest fundraise, the “Have a Heart for the Homeless” concert.

 Already familiar with some of Fusaro’s work, I am interested to see a more in-depth take on his nonprofit work: how does he ensure the Talbot House is funded, staffed, and above all, effective?

The American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters each year, including home fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more. When disaster strikes, there are sometimes thousands of victims needing assistance. This non-profit organization has not only me, but all of America impressed.

I am currently communicating with Phil Attinger, the Public Relations representative for the American Red Cross in Winterhaven, Fl.  I hope to interview him over the next few days to discover exactly how Red Cross is funded, staffed, and managed.

I am completing my undergraduate degree at Southeastern University in less than three months. What that means right now is that I will soon be leaving Lakeland to begin graduate work at University of Central Florida in Orlando.

 And what that really means is that I need to find a job.

Currently, I am employed by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. This is the first nonprofit organization I have been involved with and been monetarily compensated for my work. My manager has been so supportive of my job search and is now discussing a possible full-time position for me with Girl Scouts in Orlando.

 I am not sure how this will pan out, but I am very enthused to begin researching the non-profit sector in Orlando.

Lakeland, FL – Running a multi-million dollar business could be considered a normal occurrence in today’s business market. But Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit organization that started in a liquor store, is taking that kind of business to a new level.    
        
Situated in downtown Lakeland, Lighthouse Ministries has been in operation since 1977. Currently, they run nine community programs from their three million dollar budget. The big news is: they receive no government funding. Instead, Lighthouse is funded through donations.

“When you have government funding, you can’t mix your program and your message,” said Sharon Johnson, Operations Manager at Lighthouse Ministries. “But because our mission is sharing the gospel, it has to be in everything we do.”

The vision of Lighthouse Ministries began with two area businessmen, Carl Warnock and Jim Welch. Planning to begin a shelter, Warnock purchased a former liquor store, knowing the shelter had to be near the train and bus stations.

In the beginning Lighthouse served as a nightly men’s shelter where the Gospel message accompanied a meal and a bed. This continued until 2001 when an accompanying women and children’s shelter opened.

Even in their extensive growth, Johnson assures that Lighthouse Ministries has not lost its primary vision.

“We have many different areas, but it’s all within one ministry,” Johnson said.

           
Lighthouse Ministries still maintains both shelters today in its downtown Lakeland location. Its programs include the Gospel Rescue Mission, a night shelter; two thrift stores; a community preschool; and a new hydroponics garden titled “Project Green Thumb.” The Adult Learning and Career center offers self-improvement courses, while the KidCare program offers resident children pediatric, academic, and assessment care. H.O.P.E. Outreach is also available for families in need of case management, food, clothing, household items, furniture, and referral services.

These programs run alongside the Men’s and Women’s One-Stop Care centers, which offer a year-long program where candidates live at Lighthouse and take courses both for self-improvement and career experience. Advancement and graduation from this program are based on individual need and progress.

           
With so many programs running simultaneously, Lighthouse depends on approximately 200 volunteers.

           
“We are a non-profit organization, which means we can’t pay everyone,” said Linda Robinette, Assistant to the Executive Director of Lighthouse. “We interview each volunteer and then place them according to what their passion is.”

Aside from staffing this organization, Lighthouse has the enormous task of raising millions of dollars each year. According to the 2006 statement of funds, Lighthouse received over 3 million dollars in donations.

           
Even with numerous programs Lighthouse is known for its fiscal responsibility. In 2006, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability extended its prestigious membership to Lighthouse. This recognition continued when Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, named Lighthouse Ministries a 4-star organization in 2007 for its financial management.

           
So how does this organization, run by few staff and an army of volunteers, raise millions of dollars? And after the money is raised, how do they manage it with incredible wisdom? Johnson says it all boils down to community involvement and faith.

           
“Letting the community know what you’re doing and what your ministry is all about is so important.” Johnson said. “Also, following God’s direction and seeking His will in all things is important. We don’t do anything around here without prayer.”

For more information on Lighthouse Ministries, follow the link to www.lighthousemin.org.

Pictures are copyright Lighthouse Ministries.

I completed my interview with Lighthouse Ministries yesterday. I am amazed at this organization, and you will be too! Just wait until you hear how this high-budget non-profit organization is funded!

 If you just can’t wait, get a little of the inside scoop at: http://www.lighthousemin.org/about.htm

My first response to Talbot House is: Wow.

Their professionalism and organization of volunteers, clients, programs, events, and donations is impressive. My first project will be under Anthony Fusaro, the director of development. We will be making contacts, printing brochures, and gathering donations for the upcoming “Have a Heart for the Homeless” concert here in Lakeland, FL.

Mr. Fusaro taught me two lessons in our short time together:

(1) Never pay for advertising. (My PR undergraduate degree should come in handy here.)
(2) Non-profit events are nearly 100% legwork. Phone calls, e-mails, and personal visits are essential. (Again, I think my background in Public Relations will start me off on the right foot in non-profit organizations.)

Since I’m the new kid on the nonprofit block, I just have one question: HOW do you do it?

I am going to spend some time with successful nonprofit organizations in Lakeland, FL trying to answer just that question. For my first interivew, I think I will check into an organization that runs multiple programs with lots of volunteers, donors, and events. (Possibly Lighthouse Ministries or Talbot House.) Just dipping my toes in I’m already frustrated at how to make people, programs, and funds work together. 

So, the point of my first article is “Help! How do I make this work?”

I am doing a little research for my first feature story, and here is what I plan to do:

 Lighthouse Ministries, an organization that houses and helps Lakeland locals, has been busy the last few months. They have had an incredible increase in volunteers from Southeastern University, as well as hosted a few community events. Lighthouse was also named a 4-star organization by Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management.

With so many programs, volunteers, and events happening all at once, I want to know the secrets of their success: WHAT is Lighthouse doing to achieve such success?