Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis recently recognized the significant contributions of seven nonprofit organizations in the Panhandle through the Hope Florida Initiative. Each organization was awarded $20,000 to continue their work in assisting Floridians towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Among the recipients were the St. Andrew Christian Care Center, Food for Thought Outreach, A Bed 4 Me Foundation, Caring & Sharing of South Walton, BeGenerous, and Vision of Hope. Additionally, the First Baptist Church of Pensacola was honored for being one of the top five needs-meeting Hope Florida CarePortal churches in the state.
A Unique Approach to Community Support
The Hope Florida Initiative stands out for its innovative approach to community support, emphasizing a collaborative effort among the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities. This partnership aims to create a comprehensive support system for Floridians experiencing difficult times. By employing Hope Navigators, the program provides personalized guidance to individuals, helping them identify their needs, set long-term goals, and devise a strategic plan for achieving economic independence.
These Hope Navigators are integral to ensuring that all community sectors contribute to the solution, creating a unified response to the challenges faced by many in the state. This method not only fosters community engagement but also leverages the diverse resources and strengths of different groups to maximize the impact of the assistance provided.
Funding and Successes of Hope Florida
The funding for these awards is sourced from the generosity of Florida’s private sector, demonstrating a strong community commitment to supporting local initiatives. Since its inception in July 2022, when First Lady Casey DeSantis launched the Hope Florida Fund, the program has seen remarkable success. Nearly 30,000 Floridians have either reduced their reliance on or completely moved away from government assistance, projecting an estimated savings of nearly $800 million for the State of Florida over the next decade.
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“Hope Florida is leading tens of thousands of Floridians off of government reliance and into prosperity and self-sufficiency,” Governor DeSantis stated. “As a result of the program, we are saving taxpayers millions of dollars – nearly $800 million over the next decade.”
Recognition and Future Prospects
The visit to Bay County was a significant event for the First Lady, who expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to both recognize and reward the contributions of these vital community organizations. “It was a pleasure to visit Bay County today to recognize and award funding to seven nonprofits in the North Florida community, including one of our top five CarePortal need-meeting churches,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight their success and the continued success of the Hope Florida program.”
The Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris also commented on the transformative impact of Hope Florida. “Hope Florida has transformed the way Floridians in need access critical resources and its success is undeniable,” she said. The program’s effectiveness is largely attributed to the extensive network of engaged community partners, reflecting a robust support system that could serve as a model for other states.
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Erik Dellenback, The Governor’s Liaison for Faith and Community, remarked on the program’s foundational role in Governor DeSantis’s administration. “From his first day in office, Governor DeSantis has made engagement with our state’s faith and community organizations a top priority,” he noted. Dellenback believes that the Hope Florida movement is set to become a national model for community engagement and support.
Floridians in need can find more information about accessing support from Hope Florida by visiting www.HopeFlorida.com or by calling the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE.
