Empowering Resource Advocates to provide hope and solutions for our most vulnerable neighbors
Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring granted Seniors in Service $5,000 to mobilize a team of Resource Advocates to help the MOST vulnerable individuals with the MOST urgent needs.
In perfect alignment with the mission of Florida Medical Clinic’s Foundation of Caring to support individuals, children, and families in need, our Resource Support Services leverages volunteerism and funding to provide hope, opportunities, and solutions to those who need it most, enriching lives and creating measurable, immediate, and ongoing positive changes in our community.
We’ve partnered with The Resource Empowerment Centre (REC), which has years of experience engaging volunteers at Pearlena’s Adult Activity Center to help clients with needs beyond adult activities. When a client had fallen on hard times they found affordable housing and enrolled him in SNAP. When a client couldn’t afford her utilities due to unexpected car repairs, they found a more affordable mechanic and emergency utility assistance. Appreciative clients asked to learn, to help others.
Volunteers help clients identify and access the resources that promote long-term well-being, including food assistance, affordable housing, healthcare, economic stability, education, and emergency assistance. There are other agencies that direct people to resources, but Resource Advocates DON’T merely direct clients; they verify eligibility, get them Document Ready, guide enrollment, and most critical, FOLLOW UP to ensure benefits are received. Through financial support from the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring, the experience of The Resource Empowerment Centre, and the person-power of our volunteers, we’re GEARED UP to empower vulnerable individuals and families toward a brighter future.
Helping nonprofits overcome critical needs
When the air conditioning unit for our main office unexpectedly stopped working, Community Foundation Tampa Bay was there to help! Thanks to generous support from the Robert H. and Carolyn L. Cooley Fund and the matching donation from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, we were able to replace it and avoid significant disruption to service.
The Community Foundation Tampa Bay understands nonprofits can face unexpected emergencies that threaten the vital services our community needs. They saw this challenge as an opportunity to provide a solution by creating the Critical Needs List. These critical needs are met through local philanthropists with additional funding matched by the Community Foundation Tampa Bay. We’re so grateful that the Community Foundation Tampa Bay connects local philanthropists with nonprofits to provide solutions when they are needed most.
Support for homebound seniors in Pinellas County
The Senior Citizens Services fund at the Pinellas Community Foundation granted $5,000 to help Seniors in Service expand Senior Companions to serve elders in Pinellas County.
We know from experience that Senior Companions have a powerful influence to improve the life of a homebound senior from being a caring friend when they need it most to helping with daily tasks so they can remain independent in their home where they feel most comfortable.
Thanks to this grant volunteers will be able to harness the power of social connection to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being for a new population of seniors.