in: captionsTHE COALITION

FEBRUARY 2012

Coalition for the Homeless is making way for a number of changes, and among them is this Electronic Newsletter! in: captions will provide you with brief descriptions, or captions, of what is going on at the Coalition.

Look inside for - - - :: words from our Coalition family:: a recap of our holiday festivities:: upcoming events:: updates on the Men’s Service Center:: and more!

We are moving forward and looking back...

...all thanks to you!

It happens every year.

The second week of December, I start to panic that we won’t have enough donated Christmas

gifts for our residents. This year we served 60 more families during the holidays than last

year, so my panic level was even higher. But then, miraculously, gifts and gift cards started rolling

in! Amazing!

You overwhelm me every year with your generosity. Why haven’t I learned

over the last four years of working at the Coalition that Central Florida is a very generous

community? We strive to give each resident two gifts; and this year you did not disappoint! 793

clients, 306 of whom were children, received gifts this holiday. That’s 793 smiles made possible

by you!

Not only did gifts start coming in, but we also received items from our Immediate Needs

list such as diapers, blankets, toiletry items, new shoes, cleaning supplies, over the counter

medications, and food. These are items that we need daily to sustain us.

And you didn’t stop there.

You volunteered your time and made sure our residents experienced the

warmth and magic of the season by providing holiday parties, arts and crafts

activities, special meals, decorations, Christmas trees, entertainment, filled

stockings, and even Santa Claus! You donated toys so the parents who live

here could choose gifts to give to their children.

The moment that impacted me the most this season was when a single mother

walked into a room filled with toys, looked at me with tears in her eyes and said,

“I didn’t think I would be able to give my children a gift this

Christmas. Thank you.”

I think she summed it up. Thank you Central Florida! How could I ever have

doubted you?

from our familyto yours

After growing up in Alabama, Henry relocated to New Orleans. It was there, in the Big Easy, that Henry played the slide trombone with a street band.While playing his music in the park amongst other local musicians and artists, he became fascinated with painting. So, he accumulated the necessary art supplies and taught himself to paint by watching the local artists’ techniques.

Unfortunately, Henry was using drugs heavily at the time. As a result of his addiction and an unsuccessful marriage, he wound up homeless.

With few other options, he decided to hitchhike to sunny Miami, Florida. When he reached Orlando, he was directed to the Coalition. He decided to stay because our staff was able to provide accommodations that helped him avoid drugs. In fact, with the Coalition’s help, he found a job and an apartment!

Henry was self-sufficient for 10 years following his first stay at the Coalition, but found himself on the streets again after another failed relationship.

Remembering the help he received years earlier from the Coalition, he returned to the Men’s Pavilion. This time around, Henry joined the Coalition’s unique First Steps

Substance Abuse Recovery Program. He successfully

completed the program, which allows clients to work

one-on-one with a case manager to create a plan for

self-sufficiency and sobriety.

Though he remains clean of drugs and alcohol to this

day, Henry turned to the Coalition one more time

as a result of the recent economic downturn. While

searching for a job, he took advantage of the meals,

place to sleep, and classes to improve his job skills.

Henry has since moved on. He foresees getting his own apartment and art supplies in order to return to doing what he loves the most – painting.

she’sjust

startingout

donate now

This is Henry, one of

the Coalition’s former

resident artists.

a day in the life

Back in November 2009, Baker Barrios Architects started to design our dream Men’s Service Center, taking the work through the schematic phase. In February 2011, the Powell Design Group completed the final design.

After much collaboration since then between the City of Orlando, Orange County, and the Coalition, the permitting stage was completed, a bid solicitation was issued, bids were opened, and a contractor was selected. We are beyond excited to break ground this month! Stay tuned for updates.

Look Back

Holiday Celebrations

More than a Meal

A great deal is constantly happening at the Coalition, so we’d like to take a moment to look back on a few of the activities that have recently occurred.

For the past two years, we have been inviting guests to take a look at how we offer our clients more than just a meal. Guests get an up-close look at how the Coalition transforms the lives of homeless men, women, and families with children.

More than a Meal visits are held on the second Tuesday of every month and include a light lunch and tour of our main campus. This year’s More than a Meal sessions will start on March 13, 2012.

View this year’s entire More than a Meal schedule here.

Contact Tracie Morris at tracie.morris@cflhomeless.org or 407.426.1265 to reserve your spot!

Coalition residents celebrated the 2011 holidays in proper fashion and rang in 2012 with high spirits.

Of all the activities throughout December, some of the clients’ favorites were: Santa’s visit with Coalition kids, the parents’ Shopping Extravaganza, Help Portrait, a field trip for our youngsters to the Orlando Repertory Theater, the Hard Rock Live holiday brunch, and the various holiday parties hosted by Kids Who Care, EA Sports, and others!

Also appreciated, more than 100 individuals and businesses participated in the 2011 Gift-Giving Tradition. These wonderful people donated the majority of the gifts and gift cards for our homeless residents!

check out our

holiday video!

Help us provide morethan just a meal.Donate now.

Back in November 2009, Baker Barrios Architects started to design our dream Men’s Service Center, taking the work through the schematic phase. In February 2011, the Powell Design Group completed the final design.

After much collaboration since then between the City of Orlando, Orange County, and the Coalition, the permitting stage was completed, a bid solicitation was issued, bids were opened, and a contractor was selected. We are beyond excited to break ground this month! Stay tuned for updates.

Give BackOne volunteer gave more than her time - - -

As we often express, the time and talent given so freely by our wonderful volunteers are treasured resources at Coalition for the Homeless. One volunteer in particular, Kimberly Saunders, has a spirit of volunteerism not only recognized by the Coalition, but by her employer as well.

Kimberly, a financial services representative with MetLife of North Central Florida, is a very valuable asset to the Coalition team. She began volunteering with us in 2008 as part of the Outreach Ministry at her church. Since then, she has continued to serve meals in the Coalition’s Men’s Pavilion two Saturdays each month – once for breakfast and once for dinner. “It’s very humbling for me,” Kimberly says. “I enjoy seeing the smiles of gratitude on the faces of those I serve every month.”

In light of her dedicated service to the Coalition, Kimberly recently won third place in the 2nd Annual MetLife Volunteer Video Challenge. This challenge recognizes MetLife associates who demonstrate a passion for volunteering and inspiring others to give back to their communities. Kimberly’s video was selected from nearly 2,000 submissions and, as a result, she was awarded $3,500 to donate to Coalition for the Homeless!

A great deal is constantly happening at the Coalition, so we’d like to take a moment to look back on a few of the activities that have recently occurred.

For the past two years, we have been inviting guests to take a look at how we offer our clients more than just a meal. Guests get an up-close look at how the Coalition transforms the lives of homeless men, women, and families with children.

More than a Meal visits are held on the second Tuesday of every month and include a light lunch and tour of our main campus. This year’s More than a Meal sessions will start on March 13, 2012.

View this year’s entire More than a Meal schedule here.

Contact Tracie Morris at tracie.morris@cflhomeless.org or 407.426.1265 to reserve your spot!

check out our

holiday video!

events

For the third consecutive year, Coalition for the Homeless residents and staff had a blast at the ‘Bike Run’ organized by Reverend Al Paquette and his generous biker friends.

More than 200 bikers made the trip to the Coalition this year, riding all the way from Apopka.

Coalition staff and clients greeted the motorcycle enthusiasts with home-made signs and cheers to thank them for bringing in-kind donations, cash, and gift cards, totaling more than $4,400!

What a way to start the new year!

January 7, 2012

February 10, 2012

The Coalition is ecstatic to have just broken ground on our new Men’s Service Center! We celebrated this monumental moment on February 10, 2012 with elected officials, present and past board members, community partners, and Parramore neighbors.

The much-needed, two-story residential facility will position the Coalition to enhance its services for homeless men.

With APM Construction Corporation as the contractor for the facility and Orange County Government managing the construction, we expect the new building to be completed and operational in 2013. Stay tuned for updates!

Coalition for the Homeless benefits from various events and happenings held throughout the year. Follow our timeline below to catch up on what has happened – and to avoid missing what is coming!

March 24, 2012

It’s never too early to begin preparing for The Doug Spencer 16th Annual Golf Challenge. We invite golfers of all ability levels to join this unique event!The challenge will be played at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club in Kissimmee. Participants will race around the championship golf course in individual carts, competing to see who can play the most holes in five hours.

Each golfer is asked to raise a minimum of $1,500 by soliciting pledges from friends, family, and business associates for each hole they play.In addition to fun, the afternoon will include a box lunch, snacks, water, and an open beverage cart. The day ends with a wonderful awards dinner and lots of great prizes. Sign up to golf now!

The Coalition’s 19th Annual Hearts

of Gold is right around the corner.

Headlining this unparalleled event at

Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando will

be Grammy-nominated country band Little

Big Town!

Before the concert begins, there will be

VIP receptions in the famous Art Bar and

Lennon Room, complete with complimentary

wine, beer, specialty drinks, and delectable

hors d’oeuvres, as well as a silent auction

of must-have items donated by local and

national companies.

Don’t miss your chance to attend this event.

For more information and to purchase VIP or

concert-only tickets, click on the sticky note

below! Also be sure to check out how your

company can be a part of this amazing evening

through one of our event

sponsorship opportunities.

April 20, 2012

Don’t miss this!Get your

tickets here!

Calling all

golfers!

Sign up here!DOUG SPENCER

16TH ANNUALGOLF CHALLENGE

keep

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up w

ith

the c

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639 W Central Blvd. • Orlando, FL 32801 • 407-426-1250CentralFloridaHomeless.org

thanks

groups

VOLUNTEER

FOR MAKING THE HOLIDAYS HAPPEN

American Douglas Metals, IncAppleton CreativeArtistic School of Nails and

CosmotologyAscension Lutheran ChurchBagel KingBailey Callahan MusicBank of AmericaBead Society of Central FloridaBethel Missionary Baptist ChurchBook Bags Book ClubBuffalo Lodging AssociatesCamelot ElementaryCarrier EnterpriseChisholm Law FirmCity of OrlandoCKS Masonry and ConcreteClickInks .comColonial Medical SuppliesCommunity Foundation of Central

Florida, IncConnexionsCorporation for National and

Community ServicesCub Scout Pack 326Darden RestaurantsDebonnarie ClubDepartment of the ArmyDepartment of Veteran AffairsDeVry UniversityDiamond FitnessDiscovery ChurchDr. Phillips Elementary SchoolDr. Phillips High SchoolEastside Baptist ChurchEola South Condomium

AssocaitionExpediaFBC Mortgage, LLCFirst Baptist Church of

Windermere

First United Methodist Church Winter Garden

Flourish Floral ProductionsForest City ElementaryFriends of the CoalitionFull SailGEM SupplyGene’s Auto SalesGirl Scout Troop #1073Girl Scout Troop #124Girl Scout Troop #349Girl Scout Troop 2096Good Samaritan OutreachGrace Covenant Presbyterian

ChurchGrayRobinson, P.A.Greenery ProductionsGrower, Ketcham, Rutherford,

Bronson, Eide, TelanHart to Hart Family HomeHeavenly DelitesHilton Grand Vacation ClubHilton Grand VacationsHolland & Knight Womens

Initiative GroupHoly Cross Catholic ChurchHometown EntertainmentHubbard ConstructionHunters Creek Elementary SchoolInga Ellzey Practice GroupJohnson ControlsJP Morgan ChaseKeeth ElementaryKing of Kings Luteran SchoolKPMG LLPLake Mary Preparatory SchoolLake Silver ElementaryLakeview Middle SchoolLife Center ChurchMarriott International ResortMcGladrey

Mision La CosechaMorgan & MorganMr. & Mrs. Robert PrattenMr. and Mrs. Andy RayMr. and Mrs. Daniel DillMr. and Mrs. Greg ClotfelterMr. and Mrs. Greg VolanMr. and Mrs. Jack MusbachMr. and Mrs. Jeff MillerMr. and Mrs. Michael BostedoMr. and Mrs. Michael O’MajoneyMr. and Mrs. Philippe CorranMr. and Mrs. Raymond BoydMr. and Mrs. Richard TonkinMr. and Mrs. Samuel C. StephensMr. and Mrs. Stephen AppelMr. and Mrs. Steve CoslerMr. and Mrs. Thomas ThompsonMr. and Mrs. Tracy ChabotMr. Bao Le-HuuMr. Bob VisciMr. Brad MiglioMr. Brian BurksMr. Chris DeMaagdMr. Eric FerrariMr. Henry JenkinsMr. Jeff CohenMr. Jeff HalbertMr. Jeff StrumMr. John EdwardsMr. John NewboldMr. Les P. HeinenMr. Mark CavalleriMr. Mark TigheMr. Muhammad KhanMr. Patrick WamplerMr. Paul HuggettMr. Peter MusacchioMr. Ronnie WatsonMr. Servant’s HeartMr. Shawn Kilvey

Mr. Sol BrekkenMr. Stanley WhittingtonMr. Steve PurnellMr. Tyler WampoleMr. Wayne BakerMr. Winegard A. ExisMr.and Mrs. Henry PfingstagMrs. Aida DiazMrs. Celia RibeiroMrs. Chris ZarembyMrs. Claudia DiazMrs. Denise RichardsonMrs. Kerry-Ann GayleMrs. Kim LoCascioMrs. Liliana VelezMrs. Maggie RosiniaMrs. Ocie JenkinsMrs. Pam E. BizarMrs. Saundra PriceMrs. Sheena Allman, MSMrs. Sheila TateMs. Amy LewandowskiMs. Amy ReiheMs. Annette BaldwinMs. Arlene BonanoMs. Augelia RichardsonMs. Becky GrubeMs. Bernice MoynahanMs. Bettie BattlesMs. Brenda RandallMs. C WilliamsMs. Cathy DerenMs. Cathy ReyesMs. Celeste MillerMs. Debbi WeilMs. Donna Thomas-ErroudaniMs. Elaine MoomauMs. Janice MiddlestadtMs. Jenni HughesMs. Jessica EdwardsMs. JoAnne Ferraro

Ms. Joyce McEvoyMs. Julie BitarMs. Karen PersisMs. Kim BowersoxMs. Laketta HarmonMs. Laura HanlonMs. Laura RiekkiMs. Laurie HolmesMs. Lilliana NeevesMs. Linda FergusonMs. Linda RichardMs. Lisa MercerMs. Lonneen BrownMs. Margaret ConnorMs. Margaret GilbertMs. Maria PicarielloMs. Mariza ShelbrookMs. Marley TorresMs. Mary Jo DavidsonMs. Mary LewisMs. Megan CroftonMs. Michelle RichardsMs. Michelle SomesMs. Nancy WaldmanMs. Pat BiemannMs. Patricia HooverMs. Rosely RuizMs. Sandra TremelMs. Sharon WalkerMs. Sheryl LashMs. Sommer RagoMs. Stephanie HowellMs. Sue CarpenterMs. Sylvia StringerMs. Takeila HarveyMs. Tammy FrankMs. Tanya VerasMs. Tee RogersMs. Terri WalkerMs. Toi GilliamMs. Valerie Monbeiro

New Beginning ChurchNorth Orlando Seventh Day AdventistsOCBA Family Law CommitteeOrena Sports BarOrlando SentinelOrlando Sentinel Family FundOviedo Winter Springs Lions ClubPerformance TeamReedy Creek Improvement DistrictRepublic ServicesResort Condominium InternationalRock Orlando Center for

TransformationSI Goldman CompanySt. Margaret Mary Catholic ChurchStrayer University Accounting ClubSts. Peter & Paul Catholic ChurchSunTrust BankSuzi Karr Realty IncThe Christ SchoolThe Copper Rock PubThe Love Carol ProjectTimeshares By OwnerTindale Oliver & AssociatesTommy Hilfiger Outlet, Store 76Travelers Property CasualtyU.S. ArmyUCP of Central FloridaUnited Stationers Inc.Uno Chicago GrillValencia Community CollegeValencia Future Educators ClubVictory Martial ArtsVOA AssociatesWet N’ WildWFTV - Channel 9Winderweedle Haines Ward &

Woodman PAWoodlands Elementary SchoolWorkforce InsightZero Gravity Fitness

A Grateful MindACC – Central FloridaBrownie ScoutsCFHLA EA SportsFirst Baptist Windermere Full Sail University FUMC Orlando GIG365 Project

Hard Rock LiveHelp Portrait OrlandoHolland & KnightLincoln Properties MT. Moriah House of PrayerOrlando Repertory Theater Orlando Sentinel Ohio State University Palm Lake Elementary

Refuge 35Tijuana FlatsUniversity of Central Florida Voelpel Claim Service, Inc.Winter Park High School SingersWinter Park High School

Saxophone Trio

givenow

here’s your chance