One Community Now

It's the inclusiveness of this great group of well-meaning professional people that live in this same community. This is always a "No-Brainer" for me to volunteer every year!
As a VA RN, this is an honor to sever the veteran of this great country.

I have had the pleasure in volunteering at One Community Now's Operation Standdown for 6 years. This 2–3-day event brings in several hundred At Risk or Homeless Veterans and provides them with free Dental and Medical Services as well as connecting them with recourses that they deserve. I usually do Overnight Security and Medical, during this time, I have had the most meaningful interactions with these Men and Women. To hear their stories and to understand how they have gotten to where they are now is truly eye opening. The gratitude that they share to me about the help that is provided to them from One Community Now is so heartwarming. We as a society can never do enough to repay these Men and Women for the sacrifice that they made for our Country.

OCN helps a myriad of people from all walks of life to stay fed, housed, and employed. This amazing organization benefits the local community and the economy in ways that can't be repaid, and this is one organization I am proud to be able to offer my time, talent, and treasure to when they need it.

I started as a volunteer with One Community Now three years ago. I am so impressed with the organization and all they do to support veterans I have taken on the role of Medical Coordinator for Operation Standdown. Great team that does great work.

What I love about this organization, aside from the great work they do, is how great the volunteers are! They keep coming back, year after year, to make the events memorable and useful - whether it be for fundraising or to help veterans at the annual Stand Down! I also love that administrative costs are kept to a minimum, so the majority of dollars go towards feeding food-insecure children in our community, help alleviate homelessness, and assist and empower veterans. One Community Now has a great reputation because it sticks to its mission and does so with integrity and in a caring way.

My experience with ONE COMMUNITY NOW has been amazing, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work with this amazing group of people. The staff puts in thousands of hours of selfless time and energy and it shows in our community. I am proud of them and they can be proud of themselves and the wonderful work they do helping homeless Veterans, fighting food insecurity and providing back to school supplies for needy children. ( just to name a few things they do.

Sincerely,

Lisa Aldrich BSN, RN, AMB-C, CTRN
Clinical Triage Nurse
Veterans Health Administration
VISN 21

The impact that One Community Now has on struggling veterans, families, and children in Pasco and surrounding counties is profound and deeply rooted through their faith. They are a mighty voice of compassion, empathy, and tenderness for the marginalized in our community. They see the hurt and disfunction and are there to ease the pain. I have seen tears turn to joy, despair to hope, and frustration to jubilation. One Community Now impacts lives in a positive and caring way.

I've helped with ONC's Operation Stand Down for 8 years and have seen vets come who are in great need. ONC ministers to them during the Stand Down and then follows up throughout the year with support groups and individual assistance. Those same vets come back the following years and have homes, jobs, and transportation, thanks to ONC's compassionate service.

One Community Now truly cares about everyone they work with. From students to veterans, they strive to help all those in need. This non-profit has heart.

OCN is an incredible organization. Patti makes a difference in the community with individuals and families. The Pack-A- Sack program helps children with food insecurity. Operation Stand Down supports veterans.
I have volunteered with Brianna and the Pack-A- Sack program for 4 years. My children are also volunteers.
I highly recommend you connecting with OCN if you want to make a difference in the community.

"I’ve been a volunteer for over 2 years, and it’s truly an experience of a lifetime. It’s incredible to see people come together, giving their time and resources to make a difference and create an environment of family and unity. Helping our veterans feel valued and unique is deeply rewarding. As a volunteer, I encourage others to join Operation Stand Down—a place where we all work together to bring this event to life."

The amount of good being done by this organization is outstanding! I have never seen such selfless people willing to help out veterans, homeless, and children. They make me proud to know them!

One Community now is an organizations that has a variety of charitable support networks that make it a very inclusive organization. It reaches all generations and genders, military and civilians with the services it provides.

One Community Now has a great reputation as a non-profit agency In Pasco. My parents moved to New Port Richey in the Seventies, and I have personally witnessed the changes in the area in the last 50 years. Two of my nieces work for them and I know they have a heart for the homeless, the hungry and veterans. I know my parents would be proud of what their granddaughters are doing to help the community they loved and made their retirement home. I know One Community Now handles the money they receive carefully and responsibly so they can help as many people as possible.

One Community Now is exactly what the name claims...
The commitment and dedication to the community is exemplary.
The services provided are not only needed but a God send to those in need.
The work and commitment provided has the potential to not only grow but reach outside of its direct community and help many many more people.
May God bless and continue to grow One Community Now.

It is so fulfilling to be a part of this ministry. While yes it is a nonprofit, every part of it consists of helping people in need on many different levels, ultimately showing the love of Jesus. The group of volunteers involved, whether it’s Stand Down or Pack a Sack, are all amazing, giving people. Together we are changing our community for the better. Patti Templeton exudes leadership intertwined with love and courage. One Community Now is truly her God given passion. Her staff are all a blessing as well, always a pleasure to deal with.

One Community Now lives up to its name, as it demonstrates year after year how bringing a community together strengthens and blesses everyone. Although it is a faith-based organization, One Community Now crosses all demographics when it comes to its STRONG volunteer base, which maximizes its impact in the community.

In the six years that I've been involved with One Community Now, I have seen it grow from a fledgling non-profit to a well-known and highly respected partner in the community. And throughout all the growth, it stays true to its mission and programs - feeding food-insecure children and families, assisting families with housing and employment needs, and addressing the many needs of at-risk Veterans. Staying true to this core mission has created a level of expertise that has propelled the growth of the organization.

While we have a wonderful board comprised of people with a true love for God and a heart for service and living out His commands, much of the success can be attributed to the exemplary leadership of the Executive Director, Patti Templeton. If I had to choose one word to describe her, it would be "unshakeable", as she never moves her eyes (and heart) from the goal. As mentioned before, one of the key strengths of OCN is its volunteer base. And again, much of that is attributable to Patti's leadership. It seems as though nobody is immune from her invitation to volunteer. We jokingly say that one should never look her in the eye when she's asking for volunteers, because surely you can't refuse! We say that in jest, because the truth is, she's so committed to the mission that it's highly contagious.

I love volunteering at all of OCN's events and serving on the board as the Treasurer. As a finance professional, one of my criteria for becoming involved with non-profits is transparency and accountability in its finances. I'm proud of the fact that grants and donations are handled with utmost care and in accordance with the wishes of the donors. Administrative costs are kept low due to the size of our volunteer base. Due to the tremendous growth in recent years, we are now audited annually by a CPA firm, and our first round resulted in a clean audit!

To wrap up, I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization where I serve alongside caring and purposeful people that truly live out the mission to help those in our community with life needs and spiritual needs. If you're looking for a place to volunteer or to donate, this is the place! Working Together... Changing Lives!

OCN is a wonderful non-profit, that has proven results in helping food insecure children within our community and veterans who need support in getting the services they deserve.

One community now is a beam of light in the midst of the darkness. OCN has a passion and desire to help our community. The homeless, veterans, hungry children and those who are struggling financially. The time, commitment, resources and the events they sponsor for our children and veterans are phenomenal reaching hundreds all over the Pasco County area with the support of volunteers. Thank you OCN for all you do.

I have been in the workforce since 1976. Never have I had a more rewarding job as I do with One Community Now. I get tremendous joy from helping our clients. One of the most rewarding experiences is when I help a client find a job. A job gives people such a sense of purpose and something for which they can be proud. Also, when I see the joy in the face of at our annual Pack the Park event, that joy is contagious. They are so excited to attend a family-fun event and not have to pay for the activities. That event helps us raise a great deal of money so that we can feed more food-insecure kids in Pasco County. One Community Now truly does work together with the community to change lives.

I have had the opportunity to work at One Community Now for the last year.
We are able to serve many families and individuals that are in need by assisting them with the different services we provide. One Community Now is a wonderful organization that is making a difference in our community!

I have enjoyed working for One Community Now in Downtown New Port Richey. We have such a wonderful opportunity to serve our community at this prime location. We meet many people in need are are able to assist them through the various services we offer. This is a wonderful nonprofit that is making a difference in many lives!

I'm so blessed to be a part of this great organization. I've worked at OCN for 1 year now and have watched God bless this organization as they seek to bless those in need in the community. They have a special heart for our veteran's and children in need. My family and I have been able to meet and help veteran's during our annual Stand Down event. It was such a privilege to see these men receive not only much needed help in various areas but also the respect they deserve.
One Community Now gets so many organizations, churches, and individuals all of different faiths and walks of life working together to better our community. They don't just give a handout but seek to make a lasting difference in the lives of those they touch. I am blessed to be a small part of what we are doing to better the lives of those in need.

There isn't enough space or time to express my experiences and wonder about the effort love and care that One Community Now gives to the community in so many ways. From the Stand Down, Pack A Sack and the Hunger Walk their efforts and work keep on giving.

I have been volunteering for the Stand Down for many years which is for the at risk or homeless veterans in our community. Each year it gets better and better with this outreach. I see the happiness and joy that each veteran experiences by their attendance. They are helped with jobs, housing, dental, doctors, haircuts, spiritual help and more. Sometimes just the opportunity to share with their fellow veterans their past experiences is what they need to make changes in their lives. They are fed, have workshops, entertainment and fellowship during their time at the Stand Down. For those that stay overnight they receive clothing, shoes and showers. The moto is " Give a hand up not a hand-out". This moto gives our veterans honor and pride.

One Community Now is a faith-based organization and their "Light" shines in the community. I get to share with our veterans the love and thankfulness for their serving our country during and through the year until our next Stand Down. We have had those veterans that have come to several stand downs to be helped and then return to volunteer to give back to those in need.

God is working through the workers at One Community Now to make a difference.

I've been employed with One Community Now for a year and half. It was God that lead me to this job on Sept 23, 2020. I love everything the organization stands for. Helping the community whether it's food, shelter, assisting with rental fees or just a conversation to lift someone's spirit's. God has performed many miracles before my eyes since being a employee here at One Community Now. I love being of service to those in need in the community,

One Community Now is a nonprofit organization that goes above and beyond in assisting people. Their dedicated staff takes time and care to understand the needs of each person that walks through the door. Providing service with compassion is of utmost importance to them. Their goal is to ensure that each client leaves with a smile and a great impression of their experience with One Community Now. As the director, Ms. Patti Templeton provides excellent leadership and ensures that the overall functions of the organization run smoothly.

One Community Now is a great non-profit. They are always looking for new ways to help out our community and get involved. I am very blessed to be part of such a great organization that helps so many!!

One Community Now makes a tremendous impact on the local community one person, family at a time. Everyone who works for or volunteers with OCN genuinely wants to make a difference. Through outreach OCN is able to meet the needs of the community whether it is feeding children, helping veterans or brushing up your skills for your job search they are there to help.

I have been volunteering with One Community Now for the past 7 years for their Operation Stand Down for homeless and at risk Veterans. Success stories abound on how Operation Stand Down has changed the lives of struggling Veterans. The Stand Down has connected Homeless Veterans with stable housing solutions, provided critical medical and dental care, given the Veterans the opportunity to attend a Veterans Court and have their fees and fines waived and their suspended driver licenses reinstated, provided nourishing hot meals, a shower, haircut, and clean clothes, and most importantly, let the Veterans shed the stress of every day life on the streets and regain their hope for a better future

One Community Now is an exemplary agency that takes on projects where their community has shown needs, and shows constant commitment to improving their ability to effectively steward resources to help others. Volunteering with this agency is a blessing, working with an incredible fellowship of individuals, serving together in gratitude and love, to help their neighbors.

One Community Now has been a great help with our veterans in the community. The have assisted many families n difficult situations. They are a first class organization that does care about the needs of the people in the community. I have nothing but great respect and admiration for Patti and the job she/colleagues do for my veterans and the people. I would strongly urge or suggest that anyone needing a true community organization that cares for the client and stakeholders should consider working with this A class organization. I would like to thank you again Patti for everything you have done for us.

Omar Smith

I am a social worker with the VA. We work with homeless veterans & their families to obtain safe, secure housing. Once housed, we provide case management services to help them maintain their housing. Periodically, we run into those "hard" cases that are unable to find help with the typical nonprofit organizations in our area. When that happens, we call One Community Now. More often than not, they are able to assist our clients. This organization provides outstanding assistance and is responsible for many, many veteran families locating and remaining in safe housing. They are efficient and always respond quickly. Our job would be so much harder without them. Thank you One Community Now!

I have seen first hand how One Community Now cares for its community. They are always adapting to whatever the current need may be meaning when COVID hit they figured out a way to continue to not only feed the kids but to feed the community as well!

This organization makes my heart smile, the passion and dedication of every member of their team changes the lives of children and Veterans. Treating every person with dignity and respect. Hunger Walks help support the food insecurities that many homes face. Stand Down, event brings Veterans from parts of Florida together. They do not go home with supplies, they go home with friendships. I am Vice President of Human Service at Pasco-Hernando State College, our club enjoys volunteering for this amazing organization.

I work at a wonderful nonprofit called One Community Now, in Pasco County, Florida. I am thrilled to work at a place where I get to serve the community I live in AND my kids can help serve alongside me. I have a wonderful boss who loves people, loves God, has a servants heart and is SUPER DRIVEN. She keeps the office moving. We are not confined to our office walls, we get out into the community. Since I've started working, we have moved out a complete set of office furniture to our new location, visited a woman's home to help offer support to her during a trying time, served hot meals to hundreds of people and the list goes on.

Not one day is the same, but our mission is and I can truly say that I LOVE WHAT I DO. I get to love and serve those who walk through our doors, those who call us and ask for assistance and those who drive up and reach out their car window for hot packaged meals at the local Civic Center feeding site.

Each person who walks in the door is different, they have their own story, their own hardships, their own sorrows and woes, but I have the unbelievable privilege to sit down with them and offer them hope.

I'm forever grateful that God opened up this opportunity for me to serve those in poverty, those who are hungry and those who are hopeless, to not only meet their physical needs, but to lead them to the ONLY ONE who gives us true hope, Jesus Christ!

One Community Now is a faith-based non-profit and God saw fit for me to serve my community in this organization. I can't wait to see the many amazing things God is going to do in and through One Community Now, all for His glory.

Words cannot really tell the WHOLE STORY of this awesome non-profit. They are ACHIEVERS, SETTING AN INTENTION TO DO ALL THEY CAN DO TO SUPPORT OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY. They continually strive for new and different ways to bring awareness to all the people residing in Pasco County and beyond. They are passionate about each program that they begin and put their heart into making it successful! Truth be told, this organization is #1 in my book!

Serving others in so many ways is what OCN does. They have expanded this year with the expanding services at the old Connections. More services being offered for all. The classes being offered are life changing. Volunteering with the group helped me grow in many ways .

One Community Staff and assistance has been such a blessing for me and my children. From as far back to 3years ago, with the encouragement of having help looking into the medical field. To getting the help needed to help create my resume.

One Community has been such a blessing to the Pasco County. Since COVID this year, the pay cuts, stress and just the needs of everday living. One Community has been there to help make sure my family and I keep it together. Thank you One Community and all your services you provide to the Pasco County community.
Jess B.������

I am so thrilled that we have had such a positive partnership with "One Community Now". Patti Templeton continually goes above and beyond to share our mission with the Pasco Community members in hopes of finding BIGS for all or our LITTLES. As they say "It takes a village" to make things happen but I truly believe it takes a "One Community Now".

Thank you for all you do!
Deb Kristol-Irwin
Partnership Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters

I helped out at th e stand down 5 or 6 years ago. There was so much for a veteran to have access to in a short period of time. Over the years I have seen many many veterans helped. Just recently a vet went to veteran's court got his fines forgiven, license restored when he came out he went to a employment service got a job that day as over the road trucker. There are a lot of success stories like that. I was so impressed with OCN I now serve on the board. When I saw how much good was going in the pac a sac program my church 1st United Methodist of NPR became a sponser to a school.

Bill Lewis
OCN
1st UMC NPR
American Legion Post 79

I have been volunteering with One Community Now for a very short time now. In this short time, I have witnessed the love of God demonstrated through the hands and feet of this community organization. I have read testimonies and I have seen the progress and difference they are making in our community. One Community Now is passionate about bringing organizations together to help with the unmet needs of those in our community by educating people and informing them about the tools that are available to them to take steps toward transformation, wholeness, and hope. OCN is also very effective in bringing awareness to the community about the unmet needs of those around us!

Words do not do enough to show how impactful OCN is to the neighborhood and the community. The team and the volunteers are truly there to provide a hand up to the people and the veterans. While I was in public office, we supported them as much as we could because we knew the positive impact that OCN has in the community.

As a One Community Now volunteer I participate with the weekly Neighborhood Hot Meal Program. It is heartwarming to see people gather together for a hot meal and be able to socialize with others from their community at no cost to them.

For many this evening meal "out" is their only opportunity to be with others and experience a friendly and nourishing meal in a clean and safe atmosphere... One that many families and individuals look forward to each and every week.

I am honored to be a part of this terrific program that welcomes all who wish to participate.

Many thanks and blessings to our current donors. Hopefully their generosity will continue, as well as new donors finding it in their heart to give to this very worthy and important community program.

I see this organization excelling in it's efforts to provide all the necessary services to every individual that is searching for assistance in their lives.

I have seen first-hand the benefits that the community receives from all the hard work and volunteering that is performed by everyone that is directly and indirectly involved with the One Community Now organization.

Over the past 10 years, this organization has established the PACK-A-SACK 4 KIDS PROGRAM, THE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT PROGRAM THAT WORKS WITH THE RESIDENTS AT THE HOLIDAY LAKE ESTATES AREA, THE HOMELESS VETERANS STAND DOWN, AND THE ONE COMMUNITY NOW HUNGER WALK THAT PROVIDES FUNDING FOR APPROXIMATELY 1,344 SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN IN PASCO COUNTY.

With strong leadership and people that support the teams involved in this organization, we have come a long way and expect that we will continue to be an asset to our comunity at large.

Take a moment to go online to: onecommunitynow.com or onecommunitynow.org

See for yourselves just how important it is that YOU STAND BEHIND US as we move forward

One Community Now has afforded both me and my parish the opportunity to engage in activities that truly address the needs of our community in so many different ways - be it the "Pack a Sack" program that helps feed children on the weekends, the annual "Stand Down for Homeless and At Risk Veterans", partnering with Metropolitan Ministries in serving meals to the hungry, helping with a community revitalization project in an underserved community. We are about not only a hand out, but offer a hand up, thus helping to make permanent change for the better. It also has been a great experience in different faith communities and business organizations joining hands for the greater good.

There are no words to fully relay the impact One Community Now (OCN) has on our community. The support they provide to children, families, Veterans et cetera is invaluable and has touched literally thousands of lives in our community. The OCN leadership and volunteers are laser focused on serving those in need and having been a volunteer, I can attest first hand that their enthusiasm for helping and serving others is contagious. Each time I volunteer, I walk away knowing that I’m witnessing God’s work being done! As stated above, words cannot do justice to just how much One Community Now means to our community.

One Community Now (OCN) is a joyful blessing to our community, with loving contributions of time and resources given to those in need of assistance, a helping hand and supportive encouragement. OCN gives those looking for a way to give or serve the professional leadership and structure to be effective in their mission. Professionals, volunteers, veteran or civilian and all those helped along the way know the caring hands of OCN in our community. Thank you for all you do!