Giving Back
In the season of giving, consider making a donation to a deserving nonprofit or community organization, several of which we profile.
In our midst are dozens of meritorious organizations dedicated to bettering our community and the people who call it home. They are focused on the needs of vulnerable people and demonstrate the capacity of towns and cities and other collectives to be stronger than the sum of their parts. Their combined efforts help feed the hungry, brighten final days and help people manage crises. Following are profiles of several organizations that are forces for good. There are many others, of course. As we approach holidays centered on gratitude and giving, you may wish to support their efforts with a gift in your name or the name of a friend or loved one.
United Partners
The United Partners for Human Services organization could best be summarized in one phrase — people helping those that help people.
Committed to its community, UPHS acts as a collective voice empowering human service organizations through advocacy, engagement and education while positioning each member organization to perform and serve at its highest capacity.
Currently, UPHS consists of over 200 local human service organizations, associations and businesses. Human service organizations are nonprofits that provide services focused on the human condition including food, shelter, health, mental health, transportation and any other aspect a human would need to survive and thrive.
Members primarily benefit through workshops and training, networking opportunities and utilizing UPHS as their voice for advocacy. Monthly in-person and online training opportunities are provided, tailored specifically toward nonprofit work. As well, many networking opportunities are available for members to collaborate and coordinate to make their greatest impacts.
UPHS works alongside Tallahassee-Leon County staff and elected officials to ensure funding supports are in place, as well as policies that are reflective and equitable to the needs of our neighbors their members serve.
In the past year, UPHS has advocated for the City of Tallahassee to implement a policy like the county’s which prevents any eligible agency from being able to come before the Commission for a request outside of the CHSP process, creating a more equitable system. As a result of the growing need for services, UPHS continues to advocate for more funding for the human services sector.
Another way UPHS raises funds is through the Tallahassee Beer Festival. The festival’s 2023 proceeds totaled $64,000. In the festival’s five years, a total of over $225,000 has been raised and provided to the agencies for funding.
In the coming year, UPHS hopes to work alongside city and county officials, child services, 211 Big Bend and other agencies to create a central hub of information so the public can understand what each local nonprofit provides.
“We are always aiming to create more equitable processes and reduce the burden on the end user, especially since many who participate in human service organizations are vulnerable and stem from disenfranchised systems,” said Amber R. Tynan, executive director of UPHS.
It’s important for UPHS to bring awareness to the community the vast network of nonprofits available totaling over 2,700.
“There is no shortage of nonprofits who are changing the lives of our neighbors,” said Tynan. “These nonprofits really are the fabric of our communities, and I hope that any interaction with UPHS leads to a greater understanding of the human ecosystem as a whole.”
UPHSFL.org | (850) 518-6092 | 2477 Tim Gamble Place, Ste. 200
Second Harvest of the Big Bend & Capital City Bank
In a world of countless stressors, families should not have to worry where their next meal will come from. Sadly, food insecurity is a daily reality for residents throughout the Big Bend.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend works to alleviate and eliminate food insecurity as a nonprofit food bank that collects and distributes food to hunger-relief charities, specialized programs and food distributions undertaken with community partners.
The 41,000-square-feet warehouse facility in Tallahassee houses seven shipping docks, freezers, coolers and a fleet of 13 vehicles that process and distribute millions of pounds of food to the 16 counties that are serviced.
As a member of Feeding America, Second Harvest is the region’s primary source for charitable food, serving as the distribution depot for over 150 partner agencies.
In 2023, the nonprofit was able to open a protein repackaging room, allowing intake of large donations of protein to be repackaged into smaller, family-size packages. This innovative program decreases food waste and allows the food bank to offer more protein options such as chicken to their communities in need. Additionally, Second Harvest was able to invest more heavily into the local economy by seeking out local farmers for large food and vegetable quantities.
Looking to 2024, the nonprofit will be introducing systems that slice, dice and shred produce into vacuum-sealed packages with QR codes which link to sites that provide recipes.
Monique Ellsworth, chief executive officerof Second Harvest, suggests there are three main ways to support the nonprofit — advocacy, volunteering and contributing monetarily.
By following Second Harvest on social media and sharing their posts, those neighbors who may be in need can become aware of the services provided. For a hands-on approach, volunteers are welcome to help with packaging at the facility or at one of the large packing events they hold at the civic center around the holidays and during the summer. Monetary funds can always be donated online.
Too, Second Harvest’s efforts are largely made possible through foundational partners like Capital City Bank.
“Capital City Bank has not only contributed greatly monetarily, but has also demonstrated the type of commitment that nonprofits so often need in order to thrive,” said Ellsworth. “They legitimize our work by being consistent supporters of our efforts, serving on our board to guide our direction and providing meaningful counsel for our growth.”
Whether a partner, a staff member or a volunteer, Ellsworth is immensely grateful for the engagement and dedication of the souls who feed and service the Big Bend community.
“One of the most tangible impacts we see is neighbors who were once served by Second Harvest coming back and volunteering in order to serve others,” said Ellsworth.
FightingHunger.org | (850) 562-3033 | 4446 Entrepot Blvd.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida
Organization’s efforts make dreams come true through help from community
Trips to Ireland, Hawaii and Disney; the chance to meet Dolly Parton; and swimming with dolphins. These are just some of the wishes that Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida has granted children faced with critical illness.
Faces of children and families radiate, holding possibly their first smiles in months, in photos as they surf Hawaiian waves and snuggle baby kangaroos. Smiles such as these are made possible through funding provided to Make-A-Wish Foundation by private donors, businesses, foundation grants, memorials, gifts-in-kind and events held by clubs, schools and service organizations.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida grants the heartfelt wish of any child over the age of 2½ and under 18 (at the time of referral) that has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.
After determining the child’s medical eligibility through their doctor or care team, a Volunteer Wish Team visits the child and family to determine the child’s wish, approves the wish and sets to work to make magic happen.
“When we meet each family, we learn of the emotional stress they’ve dealt with then learn of the child’s biggest wish,” said Kathleen Hampton, director of development for the Northwest Florida region. “After, we get to witness how the experience brought the family back together to bond, to forget their troubles and to make memories in a happy environment. Then, we get to share with our donors what their investment was able to provide for a child and their loved ones.”
Last year, 35 wishes were granted to children in the Northwest Florida chapter’s 18 counties. The goal is to increase that number to 40 wishes in 2024. On average, each wish costs $8,000.
To obtain this goal, Make-A-Wish depends on the gracious giving of individuals and companies, many of whom host fundraisers and events such as silent auctions, 5K races, fishing tournaments, contests, online contributions and more.
Other companies make service donations, such as a pool company which provided the materials and labor for a backyard pool or a construction company that custom-designed a playground utilizing Braille to meet the child’s unique needs.
These monetary contributions result in a lifetime of memories, often ones that the child gets to reflect on into adulthood. Hampton and others with Make-A-Wish want to clear the perception that wishes are granted only to terminally ill children. While eligible children may suffer from life-threatening illnesses, many wish recipients survive to experience long, healthy lives.
Hampton shared that 89% of health care workers agree in seeing a positive influence on health experienced by children looking forward to their wish coming true.
“Knowing and then having their wish come true often changes the trajectory of their treatment,” said Hampton. “Hope gives children and families the strength they need to keep going.”
Contact the Tallahassee Office at (407) 622-4673, ext. 201, (850) 491-4706 or khampton@cnfl.wish.org.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 14211, Tallahassee, FL, 32317
211 Big Bend
Hotlines provide crucial services to Big Bend communities
No matter the time of day, day of the week or day of the year, you are not alone. Life and the complications it can present are 24/7, and so is the support and response that 211 Big Bend provides.
211 Big Bend provides emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, human service information, referrals and more to eight counties in Northwest Florida. Helpline 211 is a 24/7 hotline providing a specialized staff that connects callers with necessary resources.
The trained crisis counselors navigate callers through emotional distress and suicide crisis whether they call the 211 number or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988. Callers do not have to be actively experiencing a crisis to call the line, there’s no eligibility criteria and the services are free.
“Mental health doesn’t discriminate and can impact anyone, which is why we are open to all people and any crisis they may face,” said Stephen Sardelis, director of hotline programs with 211 Big Bend. “If you feel you’re lacking the support, our trained hotline counselors will take all the time you need to help you feel safe in tense and difficult situations.”
The line exists to help community members be connected with the services they need in a timely and nonjudgmental way. Callers who receive mental health related referrals are also eligible for a follow-up with a mental health navigator. Each call is completely confidential and solely intended to provide solutions and support.
“Bad days are temporary, but we all have them, and we want the community to know they can call at any time for any reason,” said Kay Meyer, director of advancement and social enterprise strategies with 211 Big Bend. “We exist as a gateway to connect people to services they maybe didn’t even know are out there.”
211’s comprehensive database contains contacts with over 2,000 human service agencies and mental health providers throughout the Big Bend region. The website offers ways to search for community resources should someone feel uncomfortable calling.
Alongside suicide prevention, 211 provides services including the Florida Veterans Support Line, Family Health Line, Florida HIV/AIDS hotline, Ride United & Door Dash connections and Help Me Grow® Florida, promoting healthy development for children.
“It is due to the dedication of our staff and volunteers that we are able to provide our community with 24-hour access to information, referrals and mental health support,” said Matt Guse, president and CEO of 211 Big Bend.
In each of these programs, 211 seeks community support to continue expanding their partnerships — building connections with law enforcement and expanding their reach to include a textable hotline option.
211 Big Bend could not operate without the selfless and empathetic work of its hotline counselors, many of which are volunteers. Training opportunities for hotline counselors are available multiple times throughout the year, and the next volunteer cycle begins January of 2024.
“While we understand that mental health is complex, and may not be completely resolved with one call, we can guarantee that each caller will receive compassionate care and connections to valuable resources to aid their outcome,” said Meyer.
Call 211 or 988 for confidential hotlines 24/7, 365 days a year or visit 211BigBend.org. Donations can be made online.
Big Bend Hospice and First Commerce Credit Union
When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is too fragile to leave hospital care, families can face difficult and heart-wrenching decisions about how to help the person they love transition peacefully in a private, home-like setting. Thanks to the vision of Big Bend Hospice and the generosity of multiple donors, the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care, a new hospice care facility, opened its doors inside Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) in November. The new facility offers families peace of mind by allowing their loved one to receive the skilled hospice care they need without ever leaving the hospital.
To realize its vision, Big Bend Hospice launched a capital campaign to garner support from the community. First Commerce Credit Union, a longtime partner with Big Bend Hospice, stepped up with a $1 million gift over 20 years to help establish this one-of-a-kind option for families in the region. In appreciation, Big Bend Hospice named the new center in their honor.
“Over the years, I have been incredibly inspired by the work Big Bend Hospice does for our region,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union. “As a credit union that helps drive positive transformation in the communities we call home, we believe our foundational gift, combined with the generosity of other donors, will create a beacon of hope in Tallahassee and surrounding areas that will last for generations.”
The First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care staffs highly skilled doctors, nurses, social workers, bereavement therapists, music therapists and trained volunteers that provide loving, specialized care to both patients and families. The center, located on the third floor of TMH, serves individuals with terminal illnesses who are too fragile to leave the hospital to go to Big Bend Hospice’s Margaret Z. Dozier inpatient hospice unit.
Each of the eight rooms exudes comfort and peace in a private, home-like setting, including video “sky windows” on the ceilings that display nature scenes and beautiful artwork on the walls created by local artists. All patients are treated to round-the-clock attention and receive care and transition plans individualized to their and the family’s needs.
The opening of the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care coincides with the celebration of Big Bend Hospice’s 40th anniversary serving as the hometown hospice for eight Big Bend counties.
“First Commerce Credit Union has been a longtime partner to Big Bend Hospice and the community, and we are honored by their legacy gift to our capital campaign,” said Bill Wertman, CEO of Big Bend Hospice.
BigBendHospice.org | (850) 878-5310 | (800) 772-5862 | 1723 Mahan Center Blvd.
Big Bend Cares and Centennial Bank
Every child deserves gifts under the tree. This is a belief held wholeheartedly by both Big Bend Cares and Centennial Bank, one that led to their partnership on the Holiday Angels program.
Since 1987, the nonprofit organization Big Bend Cares has provided assistance to people living with HIV by offering free HIV prevention and educational programs for eight counties throughout the Big Bend. During the holiday season, the organization supports its clients through Holiday Angels, a program that provides assistance with presents for children and grandchildren.
Many Big Bend Cares clients are parents who struggle daily to balance the financial strain of food, utilities, rent and transportation on top of their medical care. The Holiday Angels program aims to alleviate the extra stress and emotional burden the holidays can bring by donating presents and a holiday meal to each family.
“With 82% of our clients living below the federal poverty line, we want to provide them with the happy holidays others get by serving this population that in many ways wouldn’t otherwise be served,” said Rob Renzi, chief executive officer of Big Bend Cares.
Since 2020, Big Bend Cares has partnered with Centennial Bank to spread the word about Holiday Angels and host drop-off locations for presents and donations.
“Big Bend Cares has been a longtime, trusted client of the bank with a wonderful mission,” said Kimberly Smiley, market president of Centennial Bank. “Through this partnership we are able to make a lot of kids happy.”
In 2022, 360 children were given gifts through the initiative. While that many children were served, not every child was assigned an angel. Funds supplied by Centennial Bank covered the costs for the remaining families.
In 2023, the wish is for every child to be adopted by an angel, in hopes that Big Bend Cares can utilize the additional funds to supply gift cards to families to be spent on themselves or other holiday necessities.
Starting Nov. 1, community members can be matched with a child or children by visiting Big Bend Cares and by signing up online. The Centennial Bank locations serve as drop off spots for gifts. The community member can elect to purchase that gift themselves or donate the money for a volunteer shopper to purchase.
Volunteer shoppers are members of the Big Bend Cares team, the Centennial Bank staff and community volunteers. The same team will wrap the gifts on Dec. 16, a week before the gifts are delivered to families from Dec. 19–23.
“We are dependent on the generosity of the community and the places we partner with, such as Centennial Bank, to make the holidays happy for deserving families,” said Renzi.
