Brandon Nonprofits and Charities

As a former horse owner and competitor i was searching for a place where I could have the privilege of being around these amazing animals again. The moment I started volunteering there I knew I had found what my heart longed for. The owners are compassionate and dedicated and the other volunteers are amazing. I look forward to going and I try to go several times a week. The bond I am creating with these horses by simply caring for them is the best thing and they care for me just by being them. I am so glad I found this organization and will be there for as long as I possibly can.

I’m so glad I found this wonderful place for my 7 year old son. A unique schooling experience for children with cancer that allowed me to be able to work while he learns and makes friends. A forever resource for our family! I’ve met so many wonderful Moms and volunteers through 1Voice. Our family is beyond grateful for meeting Mary Ann.

Working with them stateside I would say that they are very passionate about the communities they work with. It is a pleasure to keep in touch and learn about developments with the communities.

Our daughter’s experience at Dancing For A Difference has truly transformed our lives. <br>In just two years, we’ve witnessed not only her growth as a dancer but also her development into a confident young lady and leader. <br>The director’s heart for all-inclusive dance is truly inspiring, and it’s clear that this is more than just a studio – it’s a community. The sense of belonging and support we feel here has forever touched our hearts. <br>The teachers are amazing and incredibly talented, and their dedication to each student is evident in everything they do. <br>We are so grateful for the positive impact this dance studio has had on our daughter and on our family!!!

I had a great learning experience with Professor Dan Mikels and I found him to be very professional and punctual. I highly recommend professor Dan Mikels for Spanish classes and looking forward for more lessons!!!

On April 14th 2023 this animal resource responded to a hcso call for my 2 service registered Chihuahuas because we were being incarcerated. Now I get all they know is what they heard which all charges were later dropped ,but still they knew who the owners of these dogs were and that we intended on getting them. Florida state law says we have 5 days to retrieve our animals and that the day of pick up does not count as day one . So on day 1 April 15th 2023 out full blooded min t cup apple head Chihuahuas were spayed and neutered , broken law #1 2 offenses. On day 2 April 17th 2023 our dogs were adopted out , broken law#2 2 offenses. Now my mother in law started making calls for pick up on day 1 April 15th when she was told our male , char was out riding around in the car with the lady who runs the place , she would get a call as soon as they returned, she called back 3 more times never got a return call. On day 2 she called again and , again was told someone would return her calls, never did . On day 3 she finally got a return call except it was not from the shelter it was from the daughter of Cindy MCclean who apparently adopted our dog telling my mother in law if she called again ,she would send Mexicans to her home and that the dog belonged to her mother now. I have hand delivered written letters to the resource center saying we want our dogs ,we've called saying we want our dogs. It's now been 2 months and we've not gotten one return letter, one phone call or any response to our return of our animals that we ha e had since before there eyes were opened so now I'm responding again here on this page. We want our animal back. Your whole dealing has been illegal and for better use of words , very unprofessional. You have stole our dogs and our property and we want them back. We are filing actions of equity on the adoptees and any and all fees will be the responsibility of you and your illegal ways. You broke every statue of the Florida law when it comes to this situation.

I had the opportunity to visit my sponsored child in Kenya and It was the most beautiful experience I ever had. See their work as promised is was rewarding. Maranatha Kids please keep up the good work.

St Jude Helping Hands have fed the homeless for years. They have done a lot of great work in helping these people down on their luck. There are many videos on youtube by HOMELESSinTAMPA, documenting the great deeds that have been done, that you can watch for yourself. Jean the founder of St Jude Helping Hand Foundation went to be with the Angels January 2, 2022. Her children will continue Jean's great work, as this is what she would have wanted. This problem has spread everywhere now, with the recession. Homeless were only spotted in Tampa but now they have went to all surrounding areas. Jean was right when she said "We are all a paycheck away from being in the same type of situation". As far as the negative review on this page, there are 2 sides to every story and Jean is not able to tell hers now.

As a former client of Agape, I would like to get the word out there that a lot of work needs to be done on behalf of the clients who reside there. The owner's wife spends her days and nights and weekends watching over the shoulder's of her staff while she is at home. She has live video being fed in to her home 24 hours a day. Clients often see staff standing up in the middle of the room so she can get a visual on them. This causes severe anxiety for the employees who feel that they are in a "BIG BROTHER" type of environment. The unfortunate part is the anxiety and tension felt by the staff is then passed on to a group of women who already have debilitating problems one of which for many is anxiety and paranoia. The psychiatrist on staff is the husband of one of the directors and he has only showed up once or twice in the couple of months that he has been employed. The women get upset because they need the steady reliable care of a physician who is going to get to know them on a personal basis. It seems like the staff is more interested in creating rules and policies rather than tending to the needs of the clients.

Creative Junk Therapy is a fantastic space to unleash your creativity. The guidance and encouragement from the instructors create a welcoming environment for everyone. I have formed many new friendships while volunteering with this organization. CJT provides both new and established artists with an opportunity to display and promote their artwork, all while fostering collaboration and support.

I am new to the area and was searching for a non-profit charity to volunteer at. When I called Lela Lilyquist she was friendly and enthusiastic. I showed up the following week and jumped into volunteering feet first. Portamento of Hope Inc. accomplishes so many tasks in such a short amount of time my mind was spinning with joy. I had so many areas to choose from that I could help. She feeds the homeless hot meals 5 days a week by acquiring food from multiple different companies that donate. That food has to be personally picked up so that receipts can be given. Choice 1. Then the food has to be prepared into hot meals, 3 lunch meals and 2 dinner meals. Choice 2 and 3 depending on my schedule. She also trys to deliver meals to the low-income and migrant families in Valrico 2-3 times a week. This makes her schedule very hectic when it is only her and she attempts to do it on the same days she has to be back to serve dinner to the homeless…yet she gets it done with a smile on her face. That food has to be acquired, prepared and distributed as well. Choice 4, 5 and 6. I personally connected with the children of the trailer parks and feel that is where I fit in best. So having so many choices of volunteerism in one location is awesome. I go in, prepare the food and then get to see all the faces enjoy the food that is distributed every week. These families depend on the food that this foundation provides them and they look forward to seeing the people of Portamento of Hope. I believe Lela Lilyquist has truly brought Hope back to so many of the Homeless in Brandon and many, many families of Valrico. I feel blessed to now be a part of that.

We have been a part of Brandon Ballet and the associated school, The Dance Center, for several years now. The quality of dance instruction is second to none in the southeast. The high standards and attention to technical superiority has led to many awards/scholarships/recognition in competitions, both state and national. The seasonal performances are always well attended and supported. <br> <br>It takes a village spirit to maintain a ballet company. Please consider making a donation to the Brandon Ballet. You can make a difference.

I admire this family which has taken a tragic event and turned it into a way to honor a son, a brother and give back to the community in his name. This is community based care at its finest, where a group of family and friends work to raise necessary funds to meet the unmet needs of a community. It has been said, government can't do this alone and that we are all responsible for our community and its citizens. This organization is a perfect example of how it can be done successfully. I am proud to be associated with this organization and to support their efforts.

I have been involved with large and small charities alike. I have found the Sylvia Thomas Center to be one of the BEST returns on your donor dollars. The impact they have on the number of children and families each year compared to others and the amount the require to operate is impressive. I have participate in Parent and Children group discussions and believe this is what is right in the area of service to our community and nonprofit leadership.

I met the Founder of this wonderful organization while in prison. Ms. Awilda Velez came to the Bayview Correctional Facility to provide a workshops on how to prepare for re-entry. The topic was credit reports. <br>She was compassionate, thorough and she offered the services the organization provided to anyone who needed upon their release. I told her that after serving 13 years, I was preparing for my release and would visit her. <br> <br>When that day came, I contacted CRER shortly afterwards, she invited me to her office and had a bag of clothes for me and she started an intake and told me I could participated in an entrepreneurial class she was conducting at that time. She worked with me and stayed in touch, provided me with resources and continued to monitor my progress. I was very impressed, grateful and amazed that everything she said she could provide, she did and the best thing was, all the services were free. <br> <br>I am now fully employed working with formerly incarcerated women and their families. I am forever grateful for the support I received from Cultural Renaissance for Economic Revitalization. Although they are small, they have only volunteers but they are very committed and without a doubt, needed in the community. <br> <br>Thank you <br>Shaneeka Jones