Food, Health, Jobs, and Family Crisis Assistance Resources in Central Florida

Dear friends,

Several years ago, I compiled a list of several organizations and government programs which offer assistance for food, health care, housing, jobs, family crises, and other needs in the Orlando area.  

This is not a complete list. If you know of other organizations, would you please leave a comment?

If you live in another area, I encourage you to compile your own list to share with folks you know.  Put it on a blog, link it to Facebook, send it to everyone in your e-mail address book, whatever it takes to get the word out in these tough economic times!

My purposes?  One, to connect families who need help with available resources. Two, to connect families who can donate or volunteer with opportunities to serve. Most of these organizations would make a great place for a high school student to volunteer for Bright Futures scholarship qualification hours.

First of all, let me give a big shout out to Heart of Florida United Way's 211 crisis phone line. If you have a need, they will give connect you with programs in your area which offer the specific kind of assistance you require. I start work there next week, and I'm so excited! Just dial 211!



Charitable organizations offering food, clothing, housing,  and other assistance:

• Second Harvest Food Bank:   Collects and distributes donated food to more than 500 nonprofit partner agencies in six Central Florida counties www.foodbankcentralflorida.org

• Harvest Time International: Offers long-term self-sufficiency program, assistance with groceries, household items, cleaning supplies, diapers, in exchange for low contributions.  Help with applying for government programs. www.harvesttime.org   

• Up Orlando: "To inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift themselves and their families to economic self-sufficiency." 150 W Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806 (407) 650-0774 www.uporlando.org

• Family Promise Orlando: "We strive to help our families regain their financial independence within 90 days. Our faith based organizations provide shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services to homeless families." www.familypromiseorlando.org

• Christian Service Center of Central Florida:  Provides food, clothing, financial assistance, shelter, counsel and prayer in Orlando, Ocoee and Winter Park www.ChristianServiceCenter.org or (407)425-2523

• Christian Sharing Center: Open to visitors Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 12 noon, except holidays at locations in Longwood (407-260-9155) and Sanford (407-323-2513). www.thesharingcenter.org

• Orlando Union Rescue Mission:  "The Orlando Union Rescue Mission is one of Central Florida's oldest and largest homeless service providers.  The Mission provides for immediate physical needs -- including food, clothing and shelter -- however, our programs are designed to lead the homeless to permanent independence built upon a personal relationship with Christ."  www.ourm.org/

• Haven of Hope Ministries: Provides food, clothing, and support groups to individuals that are HIV/AIDS infected, as well as food bags for those who are living with a terminal illness and in poverty. www.cflhavenofhope.com

• Rescue Outreach Mission of Sanford: Provides emergency shelter, food, clothing, and spiritual guidance to disadvantaged, needy, homeless and abused individuals and families.  407-321-8224 www.rescueoutreachmission.org

• Jewish Family Services: Offers food assistance to anyone in need. Financial assistance is offered to those who qualify 407-644-7593, www.jfsorlando.org
  

Organizations which match volunteers to projects:

• Hands On Orlando: "Hands On Orlando helps you help others. We plan, manage and lead volunteer projects that you and your friends can join." They also have projects suitable for corporate team building. www.handsonorlando.com 

• Volunteer Match: "VolunteerMatch matches inspired people with inspiring causes. It’s how volunteers and nonprofits connect to achieve remarkable outcomes." www.volunteermatch.org

Seminole County government food resources

• WIC (Women, Infant and Children) Supplemental Food Program: provides food assistance for families with pregnant mothers and/or children ages 0 to 5 years. www.seminolecohealth.com

• Department of Children and Families Access Program: provides food stamps to eligible persons www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access-florida-food-medical-assistance-cash

• Department of Food Service: apply for free and reduced lunch for Seminole County public school students www.foodservice.scps.k12.fl.us (based on demographics, some schools also offer free breakfast to all students, without regard to family income). Many schools offer free breakfast and lunch for children during the summer at Summer Breakspots.  www.diningservices.scps.us/summer/

Jobs assistance: 

• Christian HELP: assists the unemployed to find jobs, plus help for food and other resources as needed www.ChristianHelp.org

• Jobs Partnership:  Innovative approach to workforce development that provides a lasting solution to the challenges of insecurity, low self-esteem, and inconsistent work ethic in today’s workplace. In partnership with area businesses and churches. Twelve week Life and Work class at area churches, includes placement assistance.  www.jobspartnership.org

• Dress for Success of Greater Orlando: assists women with interview appropriate clothing as a tool to develop self-sufficient lives  www.dressforsuccess.org/orlando

Health care assistance:

• Shepherd's Hope Clinic: "Caring People Caring for People", Christian ministry provides free health care to the uninsured at clinics around Central Florida  www.shepherdshope.org/

• Seminole County Health Department: free immunizations for all county children (no income requirements) and free dental care for Medicaid recipients  www.seminolecohealth.com

• Orange County Health Department:  www.orange.floridahealth.gov   

• Florida KidCare: Subsidized health care insurance for children throughout Florida.  Premiums are based on income.  If have low income for your family size, you may be automatically approved for Medicaid instead. www.floridakidcare.org/  888-540-5437

Crisis pregnancy assistance:

• Life Choices Medical Clinic: Free pregnancy tests and practical assistance 441 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701, phone: 321-422-4168, after hours, 800-712-HELP www.lifechoicesfl.com

Domestic violence crisis assistance:

• SafeHouse of Seminole: A confidential shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, includes counseling, practical support, legal help, etc. www.safehouseofseminole.org

• Harbor House (Orange County): Shelter for victims of domestic violence, includes counseling, practical support, legal help, etc.  www.harborhousefl.com

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

• Kids House of Seminole Children's Advocacy Center: Help for families dealing with child abuse; friendly, non-threatening atmosphere, includes counseling, support, information on resources, referrals for substance abuse treatment, etc. www.kidshouse.org

Thanks for reading this!  

Virginia Knowles

www.VirginiaKnowles.blogspot.com

Trades of Hope HALF PRICE SALE until November 30!

Hello friends!

I joined up with Trades of Hope as a Compassionate Entrepreneur back in the spring, but life got crazy and I haven't really pursued it yet. Here's the post I wrote back then.

However, I just got wind of an astounding Black Friday sale that is good until November 30. Twelve items are now 50% off! I thought I'd give them a feature spot on my blog to make it easy for you to find them on their web site. The prices listed with the pictures are the sale prices.

Trades of Hope is a Fair Trade company which empowers women around the globe, especially in Third World countries, to earn a living wage to support their families and communities. It's an amazing concept! 

To see more details or order any of these gorgeous Fair Trade items click on the red product name link under each picture. You will also get a small glimpse of the plight and the opportunities facing the women who make these accessories. 

Cobalt Infinity Scarf from Nepal

Erin Scarf from India

Delhi Necklace from India

Silver Night Necklace from India

Valor Necklace from India

Ivory Sands Cuff from India

Tangled Bracelet from India

Mayan Clutch from Guatemala

Sage Mandala Notebook from India

Quatrefoil Frame from India

Solid Wood Game from India

In addition to the sale priced items, you can browse through dozens of other stunning Fair Trade accessories and home decor items at my Trades of Hope page.

Just in time for Christmas...

Haitian Vintage Ornament Set for $30

Ceramic Nativity Set for $26

Stars of Haiti Ornaments Set for $36

Turtle Backpack from Guatemala for $26

My other favorites are:

Bright Stripes Shoulder Bag for $30 (on sale, limited time only)

Floral Vines Scarf for $18
(on sale, limited time only)

Charmed Peace Bracelet for $20
(on sale, limited time only)

Haiti Signature Bracelet for $18

The Kala Necklace for $26

The Katie Necklace from Uganda for $24

The Mumbai Earrings Set (2 pair) for $28

Let me know if you have any questions!

Blessings,

Virginia Knowles
Trades of Hope

Ready for Autumn Decorating?

Dear friends,

Why yes, I did already start decorating for autumn! We're in Florida, and we never get all of the pretty fall leaves anyway, so what difference does it make if I celebrate them a little early? I'm trying to think cool, cool, cool. Then, too, much of my spring & summer stuff has been up since January, so I want to give my fall favorites ample time before I decorate for Christmas in early December. Plus, my youngest daughter and I are about to start a home school unit study on the early colonial period, so if I put a few pilgrim figurines out, they'll fit right in.


I don't have everything out yet. I started with hanging some leaf garland that I just got at Walmart for $3, and found it wasn't nearly long enough. Then my 9 year old informed me that I had more of the same stuff in my autumn decorating bin (I had wrapped it around a berry wreath before), and voila, it did indeed match! So I had several feet of it to stretch across our foyer closets above the wooden Home Sweet Home sign. Well, once she got the bin open, we just couldn't stop ourselves from pulling everything out -- so much cute stuff!

I somehow acquired the Bless Our Home door wreath and the hallway Welcome wreath after autumn last year because I know I'd never used them before, even though they were in my bin. Where did I get them? Yard sale? Goodwill? I don't know, but they were a nice surprise! And they match!

 

The cardinal flag is from my mom's house. I inherited so many pretty things from her. Bittersweet, yes. I carry on her bird legacy. It is an honor.

I've had the apple plate, baskets, and "apple" for a really long time. Their traditional autumn display spot is on top of the living room book case.

I had two silk bouquets that were too tall for my tastes. I had used them in a door basket before I got the wreaths. The flowers looked awkward in any vase we had, so I took some wire snippers and cut the stems off of the bunches to shorten them and spread them out. (My arthritic hands weren't happy about that.)

Here we are! I bought two baskets at Goodwill for 39 cents each and filled them with the shortened silk flowers. This one is on my bedside table, and I see it the first thing when I wake up. "Give Thanks" is a great thought for morning!

These pilgrim figurines have flat backs, so they always go at the back of my stove above the dials. I bought the wood blocks (above and below) at a dollar store.

My sister gave me these tall nearly faceless pilgrims when I was up in Maryland this summer. She bought them for own home at Plimoth Plantation, but had never even unwrapped them. They seem to go well enough with my cornucopia. (Ironically, there were made in China.) These are on a tall wooden cabinet in our front hallway. Underneath is a beautiful golden lap blanket that someone from my mom's church knitted for her while she was in the hospital.

I had just put a new battery in my clock and was about to put it back on the wall when I got the idea of putting a fall wreath up around it. Clever, eh? I don't remember where I got the wreath either, even though it too is a more recent addition to my collection. I just know I didn't buy it new!

What don't I have out yet? Mostly pumpkin stuff, potpourri, and Indian corn. I may replace some of the more worn items in October for a little bit of newness along the way. Even if I don't, we have enough here already.

I may end up rearranging my autumn decorations as I go along. This is just how I have it now. I've already been experimenting with different options.

I love to figure out new ways to use what I have and not spend a lot of money. That takes resourcefulness at times, but that's always a good skill in which to stretch myself.

Do you want to see my posts from previous years? Look here!

• Easy Autumn Decorating on a Dime
• Autumn: A PrettyHome and Yummy Food on a Budget

What is your favorite decoration here?

How do you decorate your home for autumn?

Leave a comment!

Virginia Knowles
www.VirginiaKnowles.blogspot.com

P.S. The leaves remind me of a haiku I wrote last year:

"Autumn Breeze"

Dear Autumn Trees, please

Give me all your gorgeous leaves.

More will grow. Love, Breeze.

ReStore! Putting God's Love into Action

Dear children, 
let us not love with words or speech 

but with actions and in truth. 

1 John 3:18

 Have you been to a ReStore yet?  Habitat for Humanity's thrift stores can be found in 825 communities.  They don't carry clothes, but they do carry household goods, furniture, appliances, building supplies (sinks, doors, etc.), and books!  

Our ReStore recently moved from one location to another within the same shopping plaza.  The new place looks really small from the outside, but it's huge on the inside, much bigger than the previous spot.

I bought this wreath for $6 yesterday for my front door.  They were giving out cards for $5 off of a $20 purchase, so I also bought a desk lamp for $4, a hamper for $4, and several nutrition books and a video for $6.  I also donated a comforter set that a neighbor had passed along to us.


This cheerful mural adorns one of the walls, and reminds everyone why Habitat for Humanity exists: "Seeking to put God's love into action" by providing affordable housing through community service. 

You can find out more about ReStore and Habitat for Humanity in a blog post I wrote a while back here: A Desk for Mom (Featuring Habitat for Humanity)


You can help by donating household items to ReStore, donating money to Habitat for Humanity, or volunteering your time either in a ReStore shop or on a house building / restoration project.  If you are a high school student living in Florida, you can earn your Bright Futures scholarship volunteer hours, too!

Grace,
Virginia Knowles
www.VirginiaKnowles.blogspot.com

Refresh and Renew: Quilt and Pansies

Dear friends,

I often say, "We're not fancy folk..."  And I mean it.  I'm not into bling.  Just simple and quaint.   I wear very little jewelry (usually just my wedding rings) and very little makeup.

So if I could identify with a lady in a TV commercial, it wouldn't be a Revlon Girl, but one of those gray haired grandmas wearing a straw hat, her vintage bicycle basket filled with flowers that she is about to plant in her cottage garden. Except that I don't even ride a bike.  OK, maybe one in a sloppy bun daubing a canvas with her paintbrush as she extols the healing properties of her new arthritis medicine.  Except that I don't paint anymore. Whatever.  That's still how I see myself.  Eclectic.  Nurturing.  Tender.  Resourceful. Creative.   In my home decorating, I'm funky folksy, but not country cute.  I love old quilts, lace doilies, and baskets, but spare me the wooden geese with bows around their necks.

One of my "old" quilts is not authentically vintage old.  It's one my sister-in-law bought years ago, hand-stitched but not patchwork-pieced, with a soft blue microfiber border.  She passed it along to me with several small holes -- some of them from burns, I would guess from the looks of the curled and blackened edges in the microfiber, which must have a bit of synthetic in it.  

We'd been using it in the cold months only, an extra layer, but I started to like the quirky  dot pattern in its own aesthetic right.  Besides, it's soft and natural, with a backing made of smooth cotton.  Finally, I figured I'd better patch up the holes and prolong its life.

~*~*~

Here we are at last.

A spool of thread, matched at the store 

with a digital photo of the quilt border.

Hundreds of tiny little stitches while listening to my son read Chemistry.

My hands hurt. I need that arthritis cream.  

Not exactly good as new, but it will do.

A happy feeling of accomplishment.

I'm not the most homemaker-y person in the world,

so these little things count big to me.

I'm more like a Black Thumb, with plants or anything else.  This is ironic.  My mother is an excellent gardener.  As a child in San Francisco, under her tutelage, I grew pansies, poppies, petunias in the front yard.  Not just flowers, though.  In the backyard: corn, green beans, pumpkins, blackberries.

But here I am, 50 later this year, always distracted by one thing or another.  I start something and forget to follow through.

The poor purple pansies I bought just before Christmas, gangley enough when I found them on clearance, have been languishing in two planters on my garden walls.  Wilted.  Weedy.  Brown.  Spindly.  Drooping over the edge.  Time for some TLC.  Tender. Loving. Care.

Last week I brought them inside to the dining room table to work on them.   First, I uprooted a prickly and stubborn weed that had rooted deep, taken over a corner. Then I gently pulled each of the dozen or so plants out of the square black pots, separated them, and laid them out.  Could I salvage this one or that?  Is it healthy enough to survive?

-- Meanwhile, a startled black lizard jumped out of one of them and scuttled across the kitchen.  (I'll reckon he finds enough to eat from the crumbs my kids leave out, or a bug or two skittering across the floor in the dark of night.) --

I pulled off the dead flowers, leaves, stems.

I potted a fresh new yellow pansy in the middle of each planter.

I tucked in the ailing sprouts around the edges.

My daughter and I have been watering them, she more than I.  Maybe she will pick up where her Grandma left off in helping me nurture plants.

Still some drooping.  Still some dry spots.  But they are coming along well enough.

I love the friendly faces of the pansies.

I bought some golden poppy seeds recently.  If I can find where I stashed them, they're up next.  Shall I sprout them in a cake pan like we've been doing for the radish seeds in our science experiments?

We'll see if I can recreate the Garden of My Youth.  For now, I'll enjoy my perky pansies and soft polka dot quilt.

My One Word life theme for this year is Refresh.

A time to take something old and worn out,

and make it over again,

almost as good as new.

A time to take an old and worn out Mama.

Lord, make me over again,
maybe even better than new.

There is a beauty in vintage,

a beauty in life experiences,

that broaden and deepen,

even with the pain and scars.

~*~*~

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

What does the worker gain from his toil? 

I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; 

yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

I know that there is nothing better for men 

than to be happy and do good while they live. 

That everyone may eat and drink, 

and find satisfaction in all his toil

—this is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Or, for a vintage funky musical version....

May you be refreshed and renewed...

Virginia Knowles
www.VirginiaKnowles.blogspot.com

P.S. Though I had already planned to post this, the contents were partially inspired by Dan Christensen's blog Diamonds in the Dumpster.

The top photo in this post is my P52 / Sweet Shot Tuesday submission this next week.

You can see my current photo collection here: Sweet Shot 2013.

I also link at these other weekly blog parties...

• Still Saturday
• Domestically Divine on Tuesday 
• Raising Homemakers on Wednesday
• Whole-Hearted Home on Wednesday