Community With A Heart kicks off another year with the goal of helping those who are in need during the holiday season.
The program has grown and flourished since its inception in 1986 with the goal of offering upliftment, encouragement and financial assistance for residents faced with unexpected or unusual circumstances.
In the years since its beginning, CWAH has moved from an Ocala Star-Banner-led assistance initiative to a community-wide project overseen by a volunteer board of directors who reviews all applications for help.
According to Monica Bryant, a former Star-Banner reporter who’s presently a family violence prevention coordinator for the Marion County Children’s Alliance, CWAH has a board of directors comprised of members of several not-for-profit organizations.
Bryant said the agencies involved are Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Children’s Alliance and Brother’s Keeper, who refer families in need.
All donations to CWAH go directly to help Marion County residents.
“Instead of giving money directly to individuals, the program pays vendors directly for needed services. This may include rent, utilities, car repairs or other basic necessities to help families get back on their feet,” Bryant said.
An example of CWAH helping someone came in 2023 when Casaundra Park, a single mother, was given money for vehicle repairs and tires.
In 2021, CWAH officials paid Cheatara Taylor’s unpaid property taxes so she and her three children could remain in their residence.
The CWAH campaign starts in November and ends mid-January, Bryant said. Hundreds of families have been helped by CWAH through the years, with $1.9 million in donations.
Those requesting help can go to communitywithaheart.org and complete the pre-application form, or contact one of the many CWAH member agencies for a referral.
Among the member agencies: Marion County Children’s Alliance, Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Public Schools, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida Inc., Ocala Housing Authority, Isaiah Foundation, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Marion County Community Services, Habitat for Humanity, North Florida Veterans Health System. Also, Cleve Butler and James Jackson are at-large members.
Applicants must agree to a home visit, present recent documentation of need, and demonstrate self-sustainability. Individuals can apply and receive assistance only once in a three-year period, CWAH officials said.
To donate, go to https://www.ocalafoundation.org/community-foundation-funds/community-with-a-heart/. Checks can be made payable to CWAH and mailed to P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478.
Donations are tax deductible, CWAH officials said.
Anyone with questions or information can send an e-mail to info@communitywithaheart.org, call one of the member agencies, or go to fb.com/profile.php?id=100075921828652 to send a message. Allow 24 to 48 hours for a response.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Community With A Heart begins another year helping Marion County
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
