Lakeland Nonprofits and Charities

Joe and Natalie have been in ministry since they were teens in the youth group of Faith Assembly of God in Orlando. I have watched as they have stayed focused on reaching the lost since then. The passion and dedication this couple have show through all their years of ministry is remarkable, beautiful, and fruitful.

Florida SARC is an amazing program that really makes a difference in Florida by making sure that people are able to evacuate with pets during disasters. They are all volunteers and even have a certified training that they teach all over the country..

I've been aware of Vox Visuals for years, but my association with them really started a couple years ago when I Jonathan Sawyer brought me on as technical advisor on the film project 'Remember.' That has given me the opportunity to review the script as it has been developed, and more importantly, to get to know Jon and others at V.V. I suppose a big part of my work has been to serve as the guy who points out the stuff they got wrong. You can imagine how that could lead to defensiveness and arguing. But my critiques have invariably been well received, follow up questions are thoughtful, and corrections— even where I've noted a matter the viewer would almost certainly not see or worry over— have been quickly and thoughtfully made.<br><br>My conclusion? These guys are the real deal, and worthy of your support.

This is not a legitimate charity, it is a scam run by a woman named Carrie Cook. She has numerous felony fraud charges, and, as of December 2023 there is an open law enforcement investigation in Florida against her for defrauding charities. She hosts events in the names of charities, sometimes without permission to use their namesake and/or logo, she claims profits will go to these charities but never donates. When asked for records, she made donations the SAME DAY she was accused of not donating for small amounts that don’t add up to “profits” of large events with hundreds of people donating.

I’ve been a volunteer and donor at Lighthouse since 2013. My family and I love the mission of Lighthouse and the true ministry of helping others in our community find purpose and fulfillment through and in Jesus Christ. <br> <br>Thank you Lighthouse for being a beacon of hope!

The heart of this organization is truly making a profound impact in the lives of women within the community. They receive renewed hope and faith empowering them to live as a Daughert in Christ. <br> <br>Through a combination of workshops, prayers and empowerment sessions, women are equipped with practical life skills that are invaluable in today's world. <br> <br>I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a path to personal growth, empowerment, community and a deeper connection with their faith. <br>

Danica is a remarkable leader in this space and we consider her a great mentor. Her passion for helping children & families is incredible. We lean on her expertise to help us with our own nonprofit, which also serves children and families in support of successful co-parenting strategies. We highly recommend Danica and Kids Need Both Inc! <br><br>- Jake, Co-Founder & COO, Our Children Have Rights .Org

<br>I made an appointment for my dog and two cats to go for a simple yearly exam, a heartworm test for my dog, and flea prevention for all three of them. When I made the appointment, they told me that the earliest appointment was 2 months out. The price was good, so I took the appointment. A few days before the appointment, the office calls me to tell me that the vet is going to be out the day that I made the appointment. But, there was a shot clinic on Saturday that I could go to, they would wave the exam fee, and I could get everything done then.The hours were from 9:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon. Sounds fair. I took all three of my boys over there at noon. The girl that was checking people in waves me down as I'm pulling into the parking lot, and says that the cutoff time has already passed, that they're no longer accepting any more patients. I said well, it would have been nice for someone to have told me that even they called to cancel my appointment. Before I could finish that sentence, she cut me off, explaining that it takes about an hour to get everyone in, so they had to cut off at noon. I said so, the appointment I made 2 months ago... I got cut off again before I could finish my sentence. She said no no, there's no appointment it's just a walk-in. Getting irritated by the fact that I can't finish a sentence now, I say yes, I realize that, but I made the appointment... Cut off again. No you don't understand, there is no appointment, she says. I say yes, I get that, but they called me and... Cut off again. She says, I will squeeze you in, but you have got to stop with the attitude. Now I'm pissed. I'm the one with the attitude when she's the one who won't let me finish a sentence? I said no thanks, I think I'll find somewhere else to go. I will never go back to this clinic again. I've never been treated so rudely.<br><br>Two days later, I got a phone call to cancel appointment. Do they not make a record of who they call?

We purchased a dog from Polk County Bully Project all back in August 2021. We have reached out to them repeatedly through emails and phone calls about the drug resistant hookworm that Misty came to our home with from their facility. We are at a loss as to how they have completely swept this issue under the rug. They have not responded to our concerns. <br>We paid 400.00 for Misti and we have spent over 1000.00 on a worm issue that your Vet should have treated before selling her to us. What is the purpose of giving us a health certificate?<br>They know about this issue and not one person has cared enough about this puppy to even reach out!<br>So the big question is are they going to help us with these medical bills on a dog that was vetted from this nonprofit organization? This letter was email and messaged through their Facebook site!<br>Valerie <br><br><br><br><br>

What a fantastic opportunity for the Lakeland community. This resource, when tapped into, can be an excellent opportunity for health care. Yes, at times, making appointments can take some time, but the staff seems to care and try their best to make the experience tolerable. If your looking for a step above the health dept but can't afford the traditional doctor (no insurance), this is the place for you. Dental, Medical, and even mental health programs are available!!

Our son was one of the first students to attend CFAA, and it was an excellent opportunity and experience. The quality of education and is top-notch, and the staff seems to care about all involved. If you're looking for a superior education in aviation, then this is the place for your up-and-coming student or young adult.

The Nest is a fantastic place for new or expecting mothers to get support! From lactation consulting or prenatal education, there is something here for all new or expecting families. The staff and volunteers are compassionate and eager to lend a helping hand or ear. So if your looking for a comfortable, warm environment, look no further.

We adopted Bear (now known as Alcide) in the summer of 2012. This was shortly after our kitten passed away unexpectedly. We were heartbroken.. we happened to stop by an adoption event and there he was. Alcide, known in the house as Big Fluffy is my absolute love. He's now living in Dallas, TX with a couple other rescue cats and a pair of corgi puppies. I was inspired to help, so I now volunteer for an animal rescue group in our area. Thank you for taking care of these sweet furbabies, Feral Fanciers.

We have been blessed spiritually mentally by this great ministry. We are never hungry bec as use of you feeding our community<br>Thank you for your day of sunshine and love f ok r people.

We solicited our congregation to collect school supplies for elementary children. Although there were many congregants living on a fixed income, they were able to purchase and donate enough supplies for 3 different schools in the <br>Lakeland area! I hope we will do the same for The next semester in 2021. What a privilege to work with these folks.

Our Son has been living there since day 1 and he loves it. It did start out a little rocky but is currently a great affordable place for ones that can live independently or have supports in place. Whenever this many individuals are let loose like they never have before you can end up with lots of drama but it all works out for the best most of the time. Some discover that Noah's Ark is not for them and that's fine, they learn and move on. I would highly recommend Noah's Ark as a place to grow and learn real life lessons for the future of your loved one. I will say this, Parents or Guardians must stay involved (Volunteering in activities) and most have found that living close by(within 50 miles) is a must for their loved ones to succeed in this life changing endeavor.

We aren't only volunteers, but ironically ended up being clients served without knowing it.<br><br>kidsPACK is an amazing organization that brings our community together to give weekend meals to elementary aged children who have been designated by the school system as homeless. Not only do they provide the meals, but they also have family packs that they deliver to the families (through the school) that have extras in it that have been donated from individuals and corporations.<br>When we moved back to Florida we became involved in a local packing through a friend of ours. We became so passionate about feeding these little guys that we took on a school delivery route and have been doing that for about 3 years now. We do whatever we can to assist when we can.<br>It is amazing to go into the schools and see how relieved the teachers are that we are there and we always receive many thanks to send back to the gang at headquarters. To know there won't be hungry belly's on the weekend is very fulfilling for the heart and soul.<br>Not too long ago, one of our grandchildren came up to us and asked if kidsPACK was what we delivered to the schools and what they had helped pack up a few times. We told them "yes, it is - do you know a child who is homeless and hungry?" That's when we found out that there were troubles at home and they had been put on the list and were receiving meals. It was very humbling to know this was going on in our own family, and that their mom was too embarrassed to ask us for help. KidsPACK was there for our grandkids when we had no clue what was going on. To say the least, we were able to step in and help out and get them back into a good situation and get them off the list so that others could benefit. If it wasn't for kidsPACK, we never would have known.<br>On the flip side, the organization has given my husband and myself something else to focus on other than the daily grind of life - we see deeper into the community and are able to respond. He is a disabled Veteran, and here he finds he is able to continue his service to country - by helping feed those he's helped protect.<br>I think one of the saddest things we see is at the beginning of the year, when donations are slow, and children who are used to getting the meals give us that sad look and we know there aren't enough meals to go around yet. It's heartbreaking to know that so many are still going hungry even with organizations like kidsPACK. It makes your heart break. And it makes us thrilled when extra packs get sent back to the warehouse - then we know a families situation has improved and that life is getting better. That's when we are all smiles going home. There are organizations that help hungry children all over the world, kidsPACK works to feed the hungry children here on our own doorsteps and in our own schools.

Parker Street Ministries is a great organization that is working to create systemic change within Lakeland, FL. I interacted with the organization through a week long mission trip. Our group of college students worked with different aspects of the organization all week--from working with the after school program to outreach to assisting in lot clean up. The week was powerful. The Parker Street staff was all so welcoming. They were in communication with us before our arrival and planned our time well. I am so thankful for what this organization is doing and that I got to experience it for even just one week! God Bless!

Offering FAKE drug screening to kick out any and all people who have problems they are not equipped to provide for... Miss Carrie spearheaded this idea...

They had me assisting with Wounded Veterans as Part of the Team that went to Puerto Rico and one of the Leaders of this Non Profit would openly discuss the medical conditions of the Service Members with having me sign a HIPPA Law Fourm to discuss the participating members medical conditions. By all means I was not even working for these people I was there as an assistant and to be evaluated for a possible Fellowship with The Mission Continues. The behaviour of the Leader there made everyone feel uncomfortable to include the Instructors anDive Masters Giving of their Time.

http://watchdogsarasota.heraldtribune.com/2015/06/07/nonprofit-ceos-salary-climbs-while-its-finances-remain-shaky/

My Best Friend Charly Agan's son Ryan Agan is a cadet. This is a wonderful organization which offers lots of learning skills and fun activities beneficial to fitness and brain skills. Please support this wonderful organization because I and my Husband do happily.

When I lived in Lakeland, I attended Redeemed Ministires. Although the majority of the people that attend Redeemed minsitires are Afro-American, Your never going to feel more at home and worshiping with wonderful Christian people. You will find that Pastor Ricky Wiggs is a highly anointed teacher of the Word of God. He knows his Bible and He preaches exactly what the Holy Spirit directs him to preach. The man shows no favorites among his people, he loves everyone. Rich, poor or in between. You will be made to feel at home and at one with the Redeemed Ministry people. if you are looking for a church where the Old-Time Gospel is preached. GO...You won't be sorry.

The Shalom Center for Peace and Restoration is a great cause that provides a loving home to the children that stay at the Shalom Group Home. I have had the privilege to volunteer and work with the three wonderful women who started this organization. I have seen first hand the fruits that have come out of the organization.

The Polk County Christmas Angels Inc. Help provide Christmas gifts to children currently in Foster Care or Protective Services systems within Polk County FL. It is part of the system that is forgotten about. It’s nice to bring some joy to those in need. I have had the chance to meet someone who received assistance from this charity and was told of the hope it brought to them. It should be on more persons list of charities to support.