Ocala Nonprofits and Charities

What a rollercoaster ride it has been over the last several weeks due to Hurrican Ian and all we have endured. Our children were scared, upset and crying all the time. That all changed when they received a visit from Santa with so many presents for each of them. What am amazing man. He calmed their fears, assured them that everything would be alright, and helped to replace much of what they lost. He did what neither my husband nor I could do to help them. Who knew that Santa Claus could have that much of an impact on a child's life? God bless everyone associated with the Believe in Santa Foundation.

Here at Safe Passage, we assist survivors of domestic violence in gaining back control of their lives and increasing their safety. Some survivors do not have access to a phone or a phone that is not in the control of their abuser. The phones we get for the survivors help with safety and rebuilding their lives. They have direct contact with prospective landlords and employers. Most importantly they have a means to increase their safety, with a phone without harassment and treats from their abusers. Before working with 911 CELL Phone Bank, we had very little resources to provide these phones to survivors. This program has increased the safety of several survivors and may even have saved lives. Thank you, 911 Cell Phone Bank.

The board has literally killed this organization. If they continue to allow the founders remain then Project Hope will continue to take advantage of the vulnerable population it says it is serving. Terrible organization.

I have my own mission, but giving to, working with and praying for Harvest House Haiti’s work in Haiti has been a blessing. Harvest House Haiti’s mission to schools is similar to mine, so work and donation there just extends my reach in Haiti. Also, Harvest House Haiti’s mission at Children’s Village in St George is close to my heart—a home for children with illness and disability. This is truly caring for the forgotten in Haiti, and the plans are ones that help the entire community in which Children’s Village is located. This is helping without hurting in action-- providing work, clean water, and local support to the elderly, in addition to the primary mission for the children. The well is already in and serving the community. Next is preservation of the beach, a security wall, and a high tunnel and greenhouse for vegetable production, where workers can sell what they grow. There currently is no market in St George, so this is filling a much needed niche. Serving the elderly will be in the form of a meal site on the property, and other support as it is available. The kids will receive care day and night, and we are able to provide hands on help with regular medical and physical exams, recommending proper supportive and restorative care. All of this requires funds, both set up and ongoing, and we in the US have funds. I am convinced that we are to share where we see a need and it touches our hearts, and I have been able to do that for Harvest House Haiti. www.harvesthousehaiti.com

In my professional dealings with Interfaith Emergency Services as a local Tobacco Cessation Specialist, I can tell you that the people who run this organization have a true calling and passion for helping others. I have witnessed nothing but professional, compassionate interactions with those in need each time I have visited their facility. Interfaith has recently instituted a tobacco free grounds policy at their residential shelter to help encourage tobacco users to quit as well as to protect all visitors, staff, and residents from secondhand smoke exposure. They are now offering monthly tobacco education classes for staff and residents and host free tobacco cessation classes for staff and community as requested. They truly are forward thinkers in looking for ways to support and assist those in need. Our Tobacco Free Partnership has sponsored a few of their fundraising activities and is proud to be a supporter of their outreach and services.