Non-Profit News

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 

Here is an organization I have worked with during my undergraduate degree: D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ) Missions is an umbrella service group that works alongside and for all other ministry and service related clubs on-campus. They hope to become a nonprofit organization and start a real-world position in the nonprofit market.

Lakeland, FL (February 26, 2008) – Talbot House Ministries, run on an estimated 1.6 million dollar budget, gives a lot to the destitute in Polk County. But according to Anthony Fusaro, Director of Development for the Talbot House, the poor aren’t the only ones benefiting from its programs.

The Talbot House boasts of being the most comprehensive care center for the poor in this region. With several programs running simultaneously, the employees and volunteers of this nonprofit are determined to make sure it is effective.

Started in 1979 as a soup kitchen, the Talbot House was located in an old wooden building on Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland, FL. After two years, the program became a night shelter, offering 48 beds.

“The program began to expand; a part-time psychologist started the resident renewal program. Then a couple nurses started the free medical clinic.” said Fusaro, 70, on February 26, 2008.

In all, 16 residential beds were offered for members of the resident renewal program, which attempted to bring the residents to full independence by the end of their eighteen month stay. The free clinic occurred each Saturday morning, offering health care to those who could not pay for it.

The Talbot House programs expanded so much, Fusaro explained, that the main room came to be used for everything, including a cafeteria, office, Saturday clinic, and nightly bunk room.

“That went on for about ten years. And when we moved here [814 N. Kentucky Ave], everything expanded again.” said Fusaro.

The Talbot House now has 160 beds, although sometimes the program still uses the main room to house overflow guests. Fusaro estimated that their shelter sometimes gives a shower, fresh clothes, two meals, and a bed to over 200 guests. In addition to the night shelter, the residential renewal program now maintains 60-70 inhabitants at any given time.

“We now serve about 500-600 meals a day. In the community, we send out over 40,000 meals a year to the poor.” said Fusaro.

In addition to the night shelter, residential renewal program, and community meals, the Talbot House also maintains its free clinic five times a week. Fusaro estimated that over 20,000 medications are administered a year through the free clinic.

“No other shelter near here has a medical clinic. It serves an element of the population that no one else does; the homeless. That alone makes our organization much more comprehensive.” said Fusaro.

Several other programs are offered at the Talbot House, from GED or college preparation to music lessons, led by Fusaro himself.

Aside from all the beneficial programs, what makes the Talbot House unique? And who other than the poor benefit from its programs?

“We are the only shelter with a big back yard; our daytime safe haven program provides care for the homeless.” said Fusaro. He noted that this has been good for businesses in the downtown area.

In addition to local businessmen, Fusaro estimates that 70 local churches benefit from the Talbot House.

“We remind churches that we are an extension of their ministry. All Christian churches are supposed to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and heal the sick. They can’t afford to do it all on their own; they do it through assisting us.” said Fusaro.

But with so many extensive programs, what is it exactly that the Talbot House does?

In answer, Fusaro returns to the primary mission of the Talbot House.

“Our main mission was, and still is, to be a homeless shelter. We are here to address the needs of the whole person; not just the physical needs, but the spiritual needs, the limitations, and the aspirations. We are the only shelter I know of that addresses all of these.” Fusaro said.

To read more about the Talbot House, visit Talbothouse.net.

Just found a site listing local help with all the necessary contact info.

This is a good starter list for services offered through the United Way. I’m excited to see all these resources for Polk County residents and can’t wait to research some of these sites further. Especially exciting is that several nonprofits I have already worked with are listed!

Check out Wendy’s site at:

http://wendyusuallywanders.wordpress.com/lakeland-florida-help-with-money-housing-health-food-etc/

 As part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Polk County chapter has done its fair share of emergency relief. From the 2004 hurricane season to recent house fires, this nonprofit organization is out to make a difference with its donated dollars. Phil Attinger, Director of Public Relations, attributes the chapter’s success to volunteers, frugality and not surprisingly, press releases. 

“The Red Cross, on its most basic level, is here to help people in their community with whatever disaster they experience.” Said Attinger, 37. He worked as a volunteer with the American Red Cross for several years, then joined as an employee in June of 2006.

Offering disaster relief, health and safety training, armed forces communication, and international social services, the American Red Cross has broad goals. But in the midst of its numerous programs, the Red Cross has certainly pinpointed its purpose.

“When volunteers created the American Red Cross, their intention was not to be a successful nonprofit organization. Their intention was just to be there. It’s our job to provide aid in a situation when people feel helpless.” said Attinger.

Disaster services in the American Red Cross provide immediate food, water, shelter, and clothing for victims. Health and safety services include classes in CPR, first aid, HIV-AIDS awareness, and other life-saving abilities. Through their links in the armed forces, the Red Cross is able to convey emergency messages to and from troops worldwide. Finally, as part of the International Red Cross Movement, the Red Cross is dedicated to protecting and aiding victims of war and violence worldwide.

As an individual chapter in the Red Cross network, Polk County has stayed busy. From July 2006-June 2007, the Polk County American Red Cross responded to 166 local disasters in Polk and Highlands County, including 154 house fires, according to their website. Their chapter also offered 1,350 lifesaving skills classes, as well as provided emergency contact for 386 families.

With such extensive programming and events, the American Red Cross is a commendable organization. And according to Attinger, their success is no accident.

Attinger emphasizes volunteer involvement as the most significant success factor in this nonprofit organization: the Red Cross in Polk County has approximately 630 volunteers. According to their website, this large volunteer core makes up 97% of their workforce.

“We are a volunteer organization. That’s the only way we can do what we do.” said Attinger.

In addition to volunteer involvement, Attinger lists media coverage as a step to non-profit success.

Finally, Attinger hints at frugality as a source for success for Polk County’s Red Cross. Rather than receive government funding, the American Red Cross is financed entirely through donations. Even the forty percent of funding received from United Way is sponsored through private donations, according to Attinger. However, even with community generosity, Attinger acknowledges that thriftiness is important for nonprofits.

“We pool all the resources we have, and then we stretch them. That’s one big thing that has made the Red Cross a success.” said Attinger.  

For more information on the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter, follow the link to polkcountyfl.redcross.org.

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.