in: captionsTHE COALITION

MARCH 2012

Coalition for the Homeless is pleased to release the second issue of in: captions, our new newsletter design! 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:: Coalition client and volunteer stories:: a recap of the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Giving:: upcoming events:: and more!

We have broken ground on the Men’s Service Center...

...and are looking towards a brighter future!

639 W. Central Blvd. • Orlando, FL 32801 • 407.426.1250CentralFloridaHomeless.org

Back in 2003, I messed up.

A lot of people said I wasn’t going to make it. I went to Johnny Little to get into the Coalition’s First

Steps Substance Abuse Recovery Program, but he told me I wasn’t ready for the program and sent

me to the floor. After asking him three times to let me in, he finally did.

I started opening my mind and seeing what the drugs were doing to me. My body and mind were

tired from the drugs. I stayed for 12 months and Johnny helped me get where I’m at today.

After finishing First Steps, I got an apartment and started volunteering at the

Coalition – up to 13 hours a day. Then one day, the CEO looked at me and said, “Do

you need a job?”

Look at me now, 10 years later. I told Johnny, “I never thought I’d be working with

you some day!” To keep it short, I owe this all to him.

I came through the old school way. The new Men’s Service Center will give the men here

more opportunities, more beds, more services. They’ll get a lot out of that. The

new environment will be better for the guys.

I tell them, “If I can do it, you can do it.” I’m like a beacon.

President/CEOBrent A. Trotter

What better way to celebrate the Coalition’s 25th anniversary than to break

ground on our new Men’s Service Center! The facility will uniquely position us to

assist homeless men as never before. These men are someone’s brother, father,

and son. Some are veterans who served honorably and some are employed; but all

are in need of services that will help them regain their dignity and independence.

Like Jake and Rod, some have succeeded despite the limitations of our current

Men’s Pavilion. We will now be poised to help so many more.

from our familyto yours

Not long ago, Rod had a steady job of 10 years. When his budget tightened in response to the economic downturn, however, he was forced to look for an additional job. Unbeknownst to him, this breached the contract with his first position and, as a result, he was let go.

No longer able to pay his rent, Rod came to the Coalition’s Men’s Pavilion.

Every day he was homeless, he looked for employment. In the interim, he kept busy by helping in the Pavilion. Eventually, upon Coalition staff ’s urging, Rod applied to a jobs program which offered life and work training to people in need.

For the next 12 weeks, while participating in the jobs program curriculum, the Men’s Pavilion provided Rod with a place to eat, sleep, and study. “It was really tough,” he recalls. To stay motivated, he made a list of personal goals. Among the list, getting his own form of transportation, finding a job, and reconnecting with his children were the most important.

Despite his reading disability and living situation at the time, Rod graduated from the three-month program. With his mom and sister sitting proudly amid the crowd at his graduation ceremony, staff members announced that Rod was the recipient of a new car! Having been so moved by his dedication

and determination throughout the preceding 12 weeks, they chose

him along with two others.

Due to his improved job skills, newfound confidence, and reliable

mode of transportation, Rod was soon offered a position at

Walmart. He also reconnected with his kids!

The Coalition continues to assist Rod on his path back to

independence. After demonstrating his economic and employment

stability, he moved into an apartment through our Scattered Site

Housing Program. He receives continued case management and

rental assistance as he transitions back into the community.

Rod has been working at Walmart for nearly two years and

currently has his sights set on a management position. “I tell the

people I work with that I’ve slept on the floor of the Coalition,” he said. “They usually don’t believe me though, because they see all that I’ve accomplished now.”

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startingout

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to yours a day in the life

REPLAY!

NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service

As you may know, the NBA All-Star game and festivities were in Orlando in February. What you may not have known, however, is that the league dedicated the weekend to more than just basketball…

More than 1,500 NBA All-Stars, partners, and volunteers participated in the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service in Central Florida on Friday, February 24, 2012.

We are so grateful the NBA chose Coalition for the Homeless as a key location to create and restore during this day of service! In partnership with HP, State Farm, and Hands On Orlando, the league’s global community outreach initiative revamped the interior and exterior of the Coalition, leaving it looking better than ever!

Volunteers filled the Coalition and didn’t leave anything untouched. Each group worked tirelessly to complete their assigned tasks.

The Center for Women and Families’ (CWF) computer lab received new laptops and a printer, new furniture, and a fresh coat of paint!

Other jobs included painting the CWF’s 27 family living spaces and the main hallway, refurbishing the CWF family TV room, redesigning the children’s playground area, cleaning the daycare center toys, revamping the Men’s Park, and lots of landscaping!

Additionally, a handful of the talented volunteers painted beautiful murals for us – one on the side of the Children’s Enrichment Center and one to be put in the new Men’s Service Center.

By giving our facilities a face-lift, each and every one of these projects helped improve our ability to transform the lives of homeless men, women, and families with children.

The NBA Cares volunteers also prepared and served meals in our Men’s Pavilion and packaged ‘to-go’ lunches for our clients in support of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.

Almost 300 volunteers; NBA Commissioner David Stern; NBA legends and VIPs; and NBA All-Stars Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Lebron James, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tony Parker spent the afternoon at the Coalition, reminding us just how much can be accomplished when we work together as a community!

Give Backa coalition quarterback

After exploring volunteer opportunities at several organizations, Mark Cavalleri decided in May 2011 that the Coalition is where his time and talents fit the best.

Within months, Mark made an impact on our clients. He started on July 23, 2012 by sponsoring a ‘Water Day’ that provided a day of summer fun every kid deserves. The following Saturday, and every subsequent Saturday since then, he organized an afternoon of flag football.

The flag football Saturdays, which sometimes end with a cookout, have quickly grown from two to 22 eager football fans. Thanks to Mark, these youngsters are given a day each week, off-campus and away from their troubles, to simply enjoy being a kid.

“It’s not just about football though,” Mark said. “We try to teach the kids responsibility, discipline, self-soothing, and how to work hard. We teach them things that are important, especially given their situations.”

Having grown up without the best of home lives himself, Mark understands the importance of having someone support and believe in you. In addition to coaching the weekly flag football games, he has sponsored ‘Bounce Houses,’ taken the Coalition kids to Dave & Buster’s, and mentors three former Coalition residents. “Just being there makes a huge difference to them,” he said.

On top of giving his time, Mark is also a member of our Journey Home Giving Society, a select group of donors committed to giving at least $1,000 per year for five years. “There is no better investment of my time and money. Nothing can bring me more joy,” he said. “I appreciate being a small part of the big things that go on here.”

Also recognizing Mark for his illustrious kindness, Lifestyle Magazine featured him in an article this month. Be sure to read about our dear friend!

As you may know, the NBA All-Star game and festivities were in Orlando in February. What you may not have known, however, is that the league dedicated the weekend to more than just basketball…

More than 1,500 NBA All-Stars, partners, and volunteers participated in the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service in Central Florida on Friday, February 24, 2012.

We are so grateful the NBA chose Coalition for the Homeless as a key location to create and restore during this day of service! In partnership with HP, State Farm, and Hands On Orlando, the league’s global community outreach initiative revamped the interior and exterior of the Coalition, leaving it looking better than ever!

Volunteers filled the Coalition and didn’t leave anything untouched. Each group worked tirelessly to complete their assigned tasks.

The Center for Women and Families’ (CWF) computer lab received new laptops and a printer, new furniture, and a fresh coat of paint!

Other jobs included painting the CWF’s 27 family living spaces and the main hallway, refurbishing the CWF family TV room, redesigning the children’s playground area, cleaning the daycare center toys, revamping the Men’s Park, and lots of landscaping!

Additionally, a handful of the talented volunteers painted beautiful murals for us – one on the side of the Children’s Enrichment Center and one to be put in the new Men’s Service Center.

By giving our facilities a face-lift, each and every one of these projects helped improve our ability to transform the lives of homeless men, women, and families with children.

The NBA Cares volunteers also prepared and served meals in our Men’s Pavilion and packaged ‘to-go’ lunches for our clients in support of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.

Almost 300 volunteers; NBA Commissioner David Stern; NBA legends and VIPs; and NBA All-Stars Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Lebron James, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tony Parker spent the afternoon at the Coalition, reminding us just how much can be accomplished when we work together as a community!

eventsWe invite you to take a humbling, hour-long look at how we offer our clients more than just a meal.

Attendees will get an up-close glimpse 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.

The next session is on March 13, 2012. Contact Tracie Morris at tracie.morris@cflhomeless.org or 407.426.1265 to reserve your spot.

February 10, 2012

March 13, 2012

We are still overjoyed about the recent groundbreaking on our new Men’s Service Center! We celebrated the monumental moment with elected officials, present and past board members, community partners, and Parramore neighbors.

Construction of the much-needed, two-story residential facility is expected to be completed in 2013. The new facility will position the Coalition to enhance its services to homeless men.

For photos of this historic day, check out our Facebook page!

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!

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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

The Doug Spencer 16th Annual Golf Challenge is quickly approaching! Golfers of all ability levels are invited to join this unique event.

Participants will race around the Falcon’s Fire Golf Club championship golf course in individual carts, competing to see who can play the most holes in five hours.

All golfers are asked to raise a minimum of $1,500 by soliciting pledges from friends, family, and business associates for each hole they play. All proceeds will benefit the Coalition.

In addition to fun, the afternoon will include a box lunch, snacks, water, and an open beverage cart. The day ends with an awards dinner and lots of great prizes. Who knew giving a hand up could be so much fun!

The Coalition’s 19th Annual

Hearts of Gold is only days away!

Headlining this unparalleled event at

Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando

will be Grammy-nominated country

band Little Big Town!

Prior to the concert, you can enjoy

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 alluring items donated by

local and national companies.

Hurry, it’s not too late to purchase your VIP

or concert-only tickets!

Visit our website or contact Tracie Morris

at tracie.morris@cflhomeless.org or

407.426.1265 for more information.

April 20, 2012

DOUG SPENCER

16TH ANNUALGOLF CHALLENGE

board ofdirectors

grants journey homegiving society

$100-$999Betty W. Monroe Philanthropic FundNeil and Malka Webman Family

Philanthropic FundTeresa and Paul Finer Philanthropic FundWalmart #943

$1,000-$4,999Charles Schwab FoundationCNA FoundationHarry P. Leu FoundationJoe and Judy Wiginton Family

FoundationLiane Ginsberg Family FundRobert B. White, Jr.The Bond FoundationTrack Shack FoundationWalmart #890Walmart #1374Walmart #3782Walmart #4211Walmart #4332Walmart #4425Walmart #5875

$5,000-$9,999The Martin Andersen – Gracia

Andersen FoundationVNA FoundationWarren and Augusta Hume Foundation

$10,000-$19,999Publix Super Markets CharitiesThe Chesley G. Magruder FoundationThe Jack Holloway FoundationThe JC FoundationWalker Family FoundationWinn-Dixie Foundation

$20,000-$29,999TD Charitable FoundationWells Fargo Foundation

$30,000-$49,999Elizabeth Morse Genius FoundationOrlando Magic Youth Fund, a fund of

the McCormick Foundation

$50,000-$99,000Walmart Foundation

Mr. Ralph AddingtonMr. Andrew AsherMr. and Mrs. Carlos BarriosMr. and Mrs. Christopher BrockmanMr. and Mrs. John Cash, Jr.Mr. John Cash, IIIMr. Roderick CasheMr. Mark CavalleriMr. Paul CurasiMr. and Mrs. Thomas EastwoodMr. Timothy ElwoodMr. and Mrs. Sean FlanaganMr. and Mrs. John HillenmeyerMs. Stephanie JacksonMs. Christine KefauverMr. Ryan McDavidMr. Charles Scott McLeodMr. Rafael MenaMr. and Mrs. Michael MillerMr. and Mrs. Louis NimkoffMr. and Mrs. Ty RoofnerMrs. Joan RuffierMr. and Mrs. Randolph RushMr. and Mrs. Bill WarrenMr. and Mrs. Brian WilsonMr. and Mrs. Don WordellDr. James D. Wright and Christine Stewart

Bill L. Warren ChairmanTimothy R. Baker AIA Vice ChairmanVacant SecretaryBrian P. Buwalda TreasurerBrent A. Trotter President/CEO

William AndrewsChristopher AnnunziatoCarlos A. Barrios, PEBakari F. Burns Fara K. DantzlerSylvia Doggett-JonesTracey L. EllersonGlenn M. FournierEric D. GassmanDavid C. GrimmJohn E. HearnChristine S. KefauverFred R. Kittinger, Jr.Ronald R. LambTrevor Larsen, PEDana LoncarAlex MartinsJohn P. MoskosWalter R. NasonLee NimkoffElena NormanLaura PooserTy G. RoofnerJohn D. RuffierRandy E. SchimmelpfennigDouglas M. SpencerScott R. StahleySamuel C. Stephens IIIBarbara Larson StuartCharles TewsRichard G. WackRobert F. WagnerThomas J. WilkesBrian T. WilsonJames D. Wright, PhDAaron Zandy

639 W. Central Blvd.Orlando, FL 32801407.426.1250www.CentralFloridaHomeless.org

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