Tales of Our Volunteer Heroes and Life-Changing Community Service Programs
Want ideas for volunteering in the Tampa Bay area? Enjoy articles and volunteer and contributor spotlights that offer insights and firsthand experiences with our programs.
Painting Brighter Days for Seniors Living with Dementia
Art and creative expression serve as powerful tools in improving the quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We had the joy of hosting an art day at Ruth’s Promise Adult Day Program in Pinellas County. Participants lit up as they created art, shared...
CEO Corner
Robin proudly accepting “Leadership with a Golden Heart” nomination at the 2025 SAGES Golden Hearts Awards.Hope isn’t just a feeling, it’s a process we build together, one steady block at a time. Each kind word, every encouraging smile, every moment of genuine...
The Power of Showing Up
Operation: Veteran Connect has been learning the power of belonging. Initially we thought stability for veterans meant a roof over their heads, furniture in their apartments, and the basics to make life manageable. And we did that helping 75 veterans transition out of...
From Backpacks to Bigger Dreams
Ezekiel cannot stop smiling! He just recieved a brand-new backpack from his Classroom Grandma! His mom shared that he could barely contain his excitement as he showed her all the fun supplies that were loaded in the backpack. Each school year our Classroom...
Geared Up News- August 2025
Highlights: Rolling With Purpose: Our New Outreach Van Hits the Streets! CEO Corner & Teamwork and a Touch of Trash Talk We're Delivering Fresh Food with Real Impact & The Ripple Effect of One Phone Call A Golden Night for a Great Cause! &...
The Bell is Ringing… Will You Answer?
Classroom Grandparents are gearing up to get back into the classrooms this fall! At Oak Grove Elementary’s Open House, Ms. Volpe couldn’t hide her smile or resist a hug when she reunited with Classroom Grandpa Givens. Proof that these volunteers are more than helpers;...
Classroom Grandparents Are Everywhere You Need Them
In the Classroom Grandma Maudelene is always smiling, and quietly working her magic with students who need a little extra help. Whether guiding a struggling reader or helping an English learner with new vocabulary, she’s become more than a volunteer, she’s family....
How One Volunteer Became a Lifeline
Sometimes, a volunteer becomes more than a helping hand, they become a lifeline. That’s what happened when Tia joined Ms. Vera through our Senior Companion Program in Pinellas County. For nearly two years, Tia has shown up with compassion, consistency, and heart as...
Health Buddies Takes the Stage at the Florida Conference on Aging!
Shoutout to our very own Aria, Health Buddies Program Manager, who recently shared our mission with professionals from across the state at the Florida Conference on Aging! Aria took to the stage to share how Health Buddies is a simple yet powerful program, pairing...
From Vietnam to Volunteer of the Year
Some people retire and slow down, but not Keith Smith. For this Navy veteran, retirement wasn’t the end of the road. It was the start of something extraordinary. More than 50 years after his service in Vietnam, Keith found a new mission: helping fellow veterans build...