Meet our volunteer Patty Johnson, who worked 23 years as a Medical Assistant for Dr. Ben Newman. Before retiring, she and her husband were introduced to the center with a group, shortly after that, she retired. So that’s when the journey began for her and him until COVID hit. He...
We are thrilled to share some incredible news—Tekoa Pouerie (pronounced TEE-koh-ah Pour-ee) has officially joined The Sharing Center as our new President and CEO! Her passion for community advocacy and nearly two decades of experience make her a powerful addition to our mission of bringing hope and stability to those...
Longwood, Fla – After a thoughtful nationwide search under the direction of a dedicated search committee of local business, community, and nonprofit leaders, The Sharing Center in Longwood is proud to introduce Tekoa Pouerie as its next President and CEO. Tekoa brings nearly 20 years of executive nonprofit leadership to...
Freshen up your secondhand finds Thrift store shopping can uncover amazing clothing finds, but sometimes, these treasures need extra love to look their best. With the proper care and attention, thrifted clothes can be restored to near-new condition. In this post, you'll discover easy techniques for cleaning, drying, ironing, steaming, and...
Turn your gently used furniture into a community impact Donating furniture to local charities in Florida is a meaningful way to impact your community positively. Your furniture donations help individuals and families facing financial hardship, support valuable charitable programs, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing waste. Keep reading to learn...
Discover budget-friendly treasures while supporting your community and the planet Thrifting isn't just a great way to save money—it's also a fantastic opportunity to shop sustainably while finding unique and high-quality treasures. Whether you're searching for vintage clothing, affordable furniture, or hidden gems for your home, thrift stores offer it all....
On December 17th, The Sharing Center’s campus transformed into a beacon of holiday warmth and generosity during our annual Christmas Neighborly Breakfast. Sponsored by Comfort Inn & Suites of Sanford, this heartwarming community event brought together neighbors, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness to share in the spirit of the season....
The spirit of Christmas came alive in our community this holiday season! On Sunday, December 8th, The Sharing Center hosted a heartwarming event designed to empower children with the joy of giving. In a celebration filled with laughter, music, and twinkling lights, 200 local children were sponsored by Celebration Restaurant...
On November 26th, The Sharing Center campus was filled with the spirit of gratitude and community during the Thanksgiving Neighborly Luncheon. Hosted and sponsored by The Good Pour Wine & Spirits, this annual event brought together over 200 individuals, including homeless neighbors, local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders, to celebrate...
The holiday season is upon us—a time of warmth, reflection, and hope for tomorrow. I want to share a story with you—my story—because it’s also your story. Without the kindness of people like you and the support of The Sharing Center, I wouldn’t be here today. I am originally from Texas, where I earned my...
The Sharing Center today announced that after nearly six years of visionary leadership, Nina Yon will be retiring as President and CEO effective December 20, 2024. Nina has played a pivotal role in transforming the organization from a small, community-based charity into Seminole County’s largest and most comprehensive homelessness prevention...
For Samantha Martin, life took an unexpected turn in 2021 when she found herself incarcerated and facing an uncertain future. Before then, she had never even heard of The Sharing Center (TSC). But when two employees brought ProjectRISE into the jail, everything changed. "I went through the classes, and when...
Mark Belcher's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community support. It begins at The Oasis, a refuge for many facing difficult times. For him, The Oasis was a lifeline during a period marked by homelessness and personal tragedy. With his...
SANFORD, FL - July 1, 2024 - The Sharing Center is proud to announce its upcoming event, "Poverty Summit: Empowering Our Community by addressing Mental Health and Poverty Together," scheduled for July 25, 2024, from 8:15 AM to 11:30 AM at The Atrium at Heathrow, Seminole State College, 1055 AAA...
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Pledges $495,000 in Funding to Combat Housing Insecurity in Seminole County at The Sharing Center LONGWOOD, FL (August 1, 2023)– The Sharing Center is proud to announce a generous funding allocation of $495,000 from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, made possible through the Governor's Faith and Community-Based Initiative....
Our community has seen trials and crises at whiplash rates in recent years. A global pandemic, extreme hurricanes, and unattainable costs of living have cornered many into poverty. In many cases, one late rent or mortgage payment led to an eviction notice, while a loss in income or increase of...
With a quick search on the internet, you’ll find a plethora of research findings describing a correlation between health literacy and socio-economic status. According to information compiled in The Journal for Electronic Health Data and Methods, these factors are “directly associated with clinical and behavioral risk factors and healthcare outcomes.” Under...
Our donors, volunteers, and staff are the heart of our mission. Every service shared relieves families and individuals from the burdens of poverty because of the compassionate care of our community. For this reason, while heart-shaped confections and floral arrangements are in abundance this month, we want to express our...
Families and individuals around Central Florida face the unexpected every day. One slip on the playground results in an unexpected medical bill, and one high credit card charge leads to a missed rental payment. As a result, the hardships continue to mount at indescribable rates. With your support, The Sharing Center...
It costs approximately $35,424 for a single adult and $93,228 for a family of four to survive in Central Florida. That’s according to Heart of Florida United Way’s Household Survival Budget released in 2022, based on updated research conducted from public sources. That means an individual needs to earn $40,000 to...
What comes to mind when you think about what it means to experience poverty? For most, physical descriptions of what life is like when individuals and families lack the monetary resources needed to meet their basic needs come top to mind. However, poverty's accompanying psychological effects on an individual continue to...
The hunger crisis is growing at an exponential rate while showing little to no mercy to those who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Today, 2.2 million people around the state of Florida are facing hunger – 660,500 children are living through that harsh reality. The Sharing Center’s Pantry lives...
White picket fences, freshly cut lawns and wrap-around porches perfectly fit together to portray the American Dream at its finest. Although this portrayal of what life was like in the 1930s no longer looks the same, the yearning for something better still rings true for many today. For Shannon and Jocelyn,...
MAITLAND, Fla. (12/9/22) – The American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) announced recipients of the 2022 Golden Pear Grants during a live stream on Facebook in a record breaking $250,000 distribution of funds and an additional $100K in-kind donations through its Educational Foundation. The Sharing Center was among the organizations selected for an...
DeAnn Hollis once said, “The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” With this sentiment in mind, we can be sure that the heart of every volunteer at The Sharing Center is...
Tablescapes full of baked goods, decadent desserts, and family traditions fill the final moments of the year as the season of gratitude takes center place. While holiday cheer comforts most, dinner plates overflow, and leftovers adorn countertops well past the day of Thanksgiving, the harsh reality is that 37 million...
The final days of September were overcome with uneasiness and exhaustion as the landfall of Hurricane Ian left residents across Central Florida exposed. The catastrophic storm produced unprecedented amounts of flooding and destruction in its wake, but the heart of Seminole County has remained unwavering through it all. While some were...
Media Alert The Sharing Center Launches Emergency Relief Efforts In Support Of Seminole County WHAT: The Live United Village has been activated as an emergency relief center for Seminole County to provide food, water, emergency kits, and other essential resources to the surrounding community. WHO: All services and programs at The Sharing Center...
News Release For more information, Margaux Pagán Director of Marketing & Innovation margaux.pagan@thesharingcenter.org (407) 260-9155 AdventHealth Invests Impactful Gift to The Sharing Center’s Expansion LONGWOOD, FL (July 11, 2021 )-- AdventHealth has invested an impactful $200,000 gift to support The Sharing Center’s mission to prevent hunger and homelessness. This funding will help double the number of people...
Heart of Florida United Way Invests Single Largest Gift in its 83-Year History to Transform Services in Seminole County $1 Million Investment in The Sharing Center Brings Vision to Life; Live United Village, A One-Stop Location for Residents in Need of Support ORLANDO, Fla. (June 29, 2022) – Today, Heart of Florida...
Through Christ, we inspire dignified solutions for those experiencing poverty and homelessness. In 1986, leaders from 17 churches joined together to serve those experiencing hunger and homelessness. Today, The Sharing Center has grown to become the most comprehensive social services hub in Seminole County. Our team works to provide emergency...
When you think of Florida, you imagine Disney World, white sand beaches, palm trees, laid back culture and good food. What more could you ask for in the perfect place to live, work and play? Native and newcomer Floridians definitely didn’t ask for Florida to earn the unfavorable title of “The...
"Individuals and families who qualify for federal housing assistance through Section 8 are protected under federal laws and thus guaranteed certain rights. During the Civil Rights Era, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed, which aimed to eliminate housing discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability and ethnicity. Although Section...
Children right now in Seminole County are carrying the weight of wondering where their next meal will come from, if they will sleep in a safe bed, or if they will have a roof over their heads. Instead of focusing on what children should have the opportunity to enjoy- like school,...
Thank you to The Ryan Foundation, Inc. for believing in our mission and supporting families as they navigate out of poverty. Our Families in Crisis Program works to reduce homelessness and provides the tools and support necessary for financially insecure families to achieve and retain stability. Financial assistance, with limited restrictions...
Yesterday, the Christian world welcomed Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, when Jesus Christ triumphantly entered Jerusalem and events were set in motion which would lead to His suffering and death on the cross, and ultimately, His glorious resurrection. This is the most sacred week on the liturgical calendar. ...
Rising Above Barriers “I went into the year 2021 very optimistic, it was the year I finally would escape an emotionally, mentally and financially abusive marriage. After almost six years, I mustered the courage and resources to leave that relationship and set myself free. I am a young mother of three boys,...
ProjectRISE - Reach, Inspire, Sustain, Empower Every single day, hundreds of people come through The Sharing Center’s campus to receive services. Our plaza has quickly become a one-stop shop for each family and individual’s needs. It is The Sharing Center's mission to help those experiencing poverty receive compassionate care. Our team works...
The Sharing Center is excited to welcome two new Board members, Larry Bonner and Bob Turnage. With all of the new and exciting projects in the future, both of these individuals will be instrumental in the growth of The Sharing Center. Our new board members have already shown the compassion and dedication...
The Sharing Center’s Pantry “I happened to go to The Sharing Center at the right time. I thought it was so incredible that I could receive food and clothing. Unfortunately in my time of need, I didn’t have the money to buy merchandise. My son and I were given vouchers for...
Faces of Hunger When you think of the face of hunger, do you picture your next-door neighbor? Hunger has no face. It could be the college student who skips a meal once a day to save on money, or the single dad working overtime trying to make means to keep up with...
News Release For more information, Margaux Pagán Director of Marketing & Innovation margaux.pagan@thesharingcenter.org (407) 260-9115 x2115 Ground-Breaking of The Oasis Expansion and $100,000 partnership with Wharton-Smith Foundation LONGWOOD, FL (February 1, 2022)-- With a dramatic increase in those experiencing hunger and homelessness in Seminole County, The Sharing Center, in partnership with The Wharton-Smith Foundation, has started a...
Creating A Home Every other Sunday, Rich and Jean Horbert host a barbeque at the home the couple purchased for those in need of a helping hand. In early 2019, the Horberts met an older, kind, unassuming man named Neal at a local Starbucks they frequented. Each day they ran into Neal,...
A Career Shaped By Faith For President and CEO of The Sharing Center, Nina Yon, faith goes hand in hand with her everyday career. In an interview, she states, “I know that God brought me here. After three mentors encouraged me to apply for the job, I felt that it was a...
The Best Gift For nearly 40 years, Nancy and Ron Kenney have given The Sharing Center the best gift anyone could ask for, their time. They’ve shared their precious time volunteering with us since the ’80s. They’ve been with The Sharing Center from the start. Their home church, Sanlando United Methodist, was...
A Place Of Respite & Refuge The Oasis is the only drop-in resource center in Seminole County where families and individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness can come to receive a warm shower, laundry service, hair cuts, and on-the-go meals. Those in desperate times can come to The Oasis as a place of...
The Danger of Stigma When asked “What would you say to people who assume every homeless person is dangerous?” In an interview with the Chief of Police for the Longwood Police department, David Dowda, replied, “You have to look at the individual, be cautious about lumping people together under the same...
More Than What Meets The Eye The Sharing Center’s hope is that every person- donor, volunteer, or staff, who encounters anyone on our campus- will meet them with the compassion and dignity they deserve. That together, we would look at people experiencing homelessness, not as the world sees them. Yet as we...
How Mental Illness Affects People Experiencing Homelessness “If you hear their story, you realize they’re not crazy- they’re just walking through a broken story in their life.” Dan Miller, a counselor from our mental health partner agency, Florida Counseling Foundation, describes his day-to-day experience when counseling people who experience homelessness. “Nothing is...
Look Beyond The Cover “People will assume or believe why you’re homeless just by looking at you - because you’re carrying a bag or because of the clothes you’ve got on. They categorize you. They don’t know what you’ve been through without reading the book. They just look at the cover.”...
The Importance of Dismantling Stigmas of Homelessness “Society needs to get out of the mentality of what homelessness is. It’s not the person on the side of the street with a sign. It’s your neighbor, your friend, people you used to go to school with, someone with a degree, with a...
Reach, Inspire, Sustain, Empower Limited resources for affordable housing, the stigmas of homelessness, and the growing economic barriers our neighbors experience are the exact reasons why The Sharing Center is working to produce a new program. ProjectRISE-- Reach, Inspire, Sustain, Empower is estimated to launch in early 2022. ProjectRISE will work...
“To me, homeless people are like superheroes, the things we have to endure, aren’t just for everyday people. I forget what it’s like to sleep on a bed. You can’t remember what it’s like to walk up to your faucet and just have a cup of water.” Hendricks Reyes, age 49,...
With all of the exciting projects happening this upcoming year at The Sharing Center, we are also excited to welcome several new Board Members to lead our critical mission. Our new board members have already shown the compassion and dedication this community needs to battle hunger and homelessness. We want to...
Homelessness & Hardship Every day people that you pass by on the streets, or in the store, all across Seminole County could be in the midst of an invisible crisis- the verge of homelessness. With affordable housing being next to impossible to find, The Sharing Center works to provide support to...
Where To Go When There’s Nowhere Left The dooming question of “Where can I live?” is an unfortunate truth many Americans face. According to the Homeless Management Information System, right now there are 5,766 people in Seminole and surrounding counties facing the crisis of homelessness. With a limited number of affordable...
News Release For more information, Margaux Pagán Director of Marketing & Innovation margaux.pagan@thesharingcenter.org (407) 691-3119 How Orlando Health is Making a Powerful Impact LONGWOOD, FL (Sept. 14, 2021)-- Orlando Health makes a powerful impact to support The Sharing Center’s (TSC) mission to prevent hunger and homelessness. At TSC’s first Share The LIGHT Gala, Orlando Health announced their...
Together, we can create an impact that will build a more resilient community and change lives for generations. Universal Orlando Foundation sees the importance of our mission to end homelessness. The Sharing Center is the recipient of $40,000 in grant funding to support our families experiencing housing instability and participating in...
At The Sharing Center, volunteers are considered family. Tens of thousands of hours every year are given to help our neighbors in need. Monday through Saturday, anywhere from 40 to over 100 volunteers are working throughout our campus and our community in dedication and service. Alex Tao is one of...
Do you rent your home? Did you lose your job or experience a loss of income? Are you behind on your rent or facing eviction? Did you receive a shutoff notice from your utility? OUR Florida provides renters who qualify with relief on unpaid bills. OUR Florida is accepting applications from residents...
No child should have to worry about homelessness. Unfortunately, that is a reality for many. Bank of America Charitable Foundation sees the importance of our mission to end homelessness. The Sharing Center is the recipient of $35,000 in grant funding to support our families experiencing housing instability and participating in our...
DaMario, case manager of The Sharing Center's Oasis, shares why he serves our homeless neighbors. On this episode of Your Story presented by TV45, host Tracy Leek sits down with DaMario of The Sharing Center to learn his story, how God has been working in his life, and how he...
Now more than ever, the internet is essential. The Internet brings greater access to homework, job opportunities, healthcare and benefits, education resources and more. When you're connected, you're ready for anything. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun a new benefit, The Emergency Broadband Benefit, to help families and households struggling...
In a little over a month, parents and students will experience the annual excitement of heading back to school. For so many, however, this time can cause stress for those worried about how they can possibly afford a new backpack or a new pair of shoes for their child. To help...
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the first monthly payment of the new Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan will be made on July 15. The expanded and newly advanceable CTC will distribute to 39 million households, which covers 88%...
The best kind of reward is one that comes from the heart of service. Join us on June 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and spend an evening of service and togetherness with your loved ones. Family Fun Nights with The Sharing Center are an opportunity to volunteer on projects...
Donating to The Sharing Center makes a difference in people’s lives. Every single item - no matter how big or small - that is donated is processed in The Sharing Center’s Distribution Center. Over 15,000 carts of products are donated every year. 95% of everything donated goes out in one...
In response to the new announcement from the CDC, The Sharing Center will no longer require face coverings to be worn on campus as of Friday, May 14, 2021. We do strongly encourage those who have not been fully vaccinated to continue wearing masks. The health and safety of our staff,...
Written by: Gail Bittman, The Sharing Center's Board Secretary The W.A.I.T., Women’s Amateur Invitational Tennis, C League consists of over 550 members and 30 teams who play tennis on Tuesdays in Central Florida. For the ladies of the W.A.I.T. C League, in addition to playing tennis on Tuesdays, it is important...
Q: What is the most enjoyable part about your role with The Sharing Center? A: I would have to say, witnessing how our team works, changing lives, and hearing client testimonials are all exciting to me. Every day I see how my work is meaningful and directly impacts our neighbors in...
Written by: Lynn Pham March is National Social Workers Month and we want to recognize our team's efforts to bring relief back into the lives of our struggling neighbors. Suzanne Conty has been The Sharing Center's lead client service coordinator for over 10 years. When asked about her experience, she says, “It...
Kayla Pate is the Grants Manager at The Sharing Center of Longwood, FL. Prior to joining the team at The Sharing Center, Kayla spent three years wearing many hats in the development department of Pace Center for Girls, Orange. With her on board, The Sharing Center will continue to grow...
Written by: Cari Davidson, Board Member & Director of Human Resources at Corkcicle Hello! My name is Cari Davidson. I’m the Director of Human Resources at Corkcicle and proud to be a new Board Member at The Sharing Center. As a new volunteer, I decided to start my volunteer journey...
Written by: Andy Hockemeyer, Marketing & Communications Committee Member at The Sharing Center My name is Andy Hockemeyer and I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell my quick story about how I came to know The Sharing Center. It was about four years ago when a board member invited me...
Heart of Florida United Way Invests More Than $1 Million to Support Basic Needs for ALICE Families During COVID-19 11 Agencies Awarded Total of $1,045,000 to Provide Needed Support to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Families in Central Florida ORLANDO, Fla. (December 21, 2020) – Today, Heart of Florida United...
Written by: Mirna Chamorro, Public Information Officer at Florida Department of Health, Seminole County Since the beginning of 2015, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) has partnered with The Sharing Center to serve the community’s uninsured, underinsured, homeless and at-risk populations. Through this relationship, an environment of accessibility...
November is the kick started to the giving season. This is also the time of year that we hear heart-warming stories from the community like the one below. The extension of giving goes far beyond any season and this is one example of how, when we give, we transfer kindness...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2020 MEDIA CONTACT Savannah Kelly savannah@volunteerflorida.org (850) 556-9799 Volunteer Florida Awards $496,000 in Funding to 24 Florida Nonprofits TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida announced that $496,000 in Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant funding has been awarded to 24 nonprofit and service organizations throughout the State of Florida. Volunteer Florida's VGF program,...
We must celebrate! Recently, two of our incredible Board Members, Cliff Long and Ron Davoli, were honored with a nomination for the Orlando Business Journal's 2020 CEO of the Year award. Their accomplishments within the community and the businesses they serve have and will transfer into guiding The Sharing Center's...
"I first came to Florida in 2011. I was uninsured and stayed with my sister in Sanford. I was becoming really ill and because I did not have health insurance, the trips to the emergency room were relentless. After almost a year of declining health issues, I still couldn’t afford...
Recently, The Sharing Center’s Board of Directors and our President/CEO, Nina Yon, have been criticized on social media regarding changes that have taken place at the agency. We understand and celebrate the legacy of The Sharing Center and acknowledge the difficulty any organization experiences with a change in leadership after 33...
What do you get when you combine a passion for the environment, and a desire to meet the needs of our homeless community? The answer is a beautiful Labor of Love. Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland Florida, is behind this labor of love. Shirley Brietz along with, Jack & Mel...
With every new year, there is an air of excitement and hopefulness. We create new goals and seek ways to grow throughout the days and months before us with little caution to the “what ifs”. Well, we can all agree, this year has brought the unexpected into our lives, collectively....
This year we welcomed several new Board Members to join The Sharing Center's mission and help carry the organization forward into the future. Pauline Ho is one of our newest Board Members. We are thrilled to share with our community of her recent accolades as a Distinguished Leader in Central...
COVID-19 has disrupted many lives across our community. Hardworking people lost their jobs either to furlough or lay offs. Families began struggling, some for the first time in a very long time, to afford their rent, utilities, and car payments. This is exactly why The Sharing Center stepped forward and...