During times of crisis, it’s easy to be consumed by negative and heartbreaking stories that fill our news broadcasts and social media feeds. That’s why we asked the Tampa Bay nonprofit community to share their stories of strength. We’re collecting stories that shine a spotlight on the courage, leadership, nimbleness and resiliency of local nonprofit leaders and organizations. This week, we’re pleased to share how five nonprofits are helping strengthen our community — and us all.
Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative Helps Nonprofits Collaborate for Good
The Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative (TBHC) provides networking and educational opportunities to organizations serving uninsured and under-insured populations in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. While TBHC is not a direct service provider like its members and partners, it’s fostering critical collaborations to support organizations that are providing basic needs to our community during this time. On Monday, March 30, as a result of data collected in January from dozens of community partners, Executive Director Dr. Sheron Brown launched Collaborate Amid Crisis. It allows organizations to share initiatives they’re undertaking and request collaborative partners. The responses are available in this document that is updated and shared weekly. While recipients can search for partners on their own, TBHC staff is working to identify strategic collaborations to ease the workload on participants.
“Collaboration is the key to community success. Dr. Brown’s commitment to the Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative and our members and partners is a positive light in the midst of uncertainty.”
Amy O’Rourke, Special Assistant to the Executive Director
Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative
Dawning Family Services Finds New Ways to Support Families
Dawning Family Services CEO Patricia Langford understands the financial burden their clients are experiencing. Some have lost their jobs or have had their work hours reduced, while juggling childcare with schools being closed. Wanting to continue meeting their clients’ needs, Patricia reached out to Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church for help. The church made a robust donation from its food pantry to help feed families. Patricia then assembled grocery bags on the front line that Dawning Family Services case managers picked up and delivered to their clients — all while following safety protocols.
“We are extremely grateful for Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church’s generosity and compassion and the tireless dedication of our leaders and staff. Working remotely during this time is a struggle, but Dawning Family Services will continue to care for the needs of our clients.”
Allison Kuhn, Dawning Family Services
University Area CDC Supports Us on YouTube
The University Area CDC has created a YouTube channel with free videos to help people stay active and engaged during the coronavirus crisis. They’ve created art tutorials (visual, dance, etc.) through their Prodigy Cultural Arts program and exercise and yoga videos through their Get Moving! program.
Community Tampa Bay Pivots with Purpose
Community Tampa Bay empowers people with tools to have hard conversations with others who don’t look like them, live like them or love like them to create a community free from all forms of discrimination.
The team at Community Tampa Bay took swift action to keep community members engaged, learning and connected during these unprecedented times. They created robust new virtual programming that offers anyone who wants to join an opportunity to build community — be it through the twice-daily Community Circles, its thought-provoking Hard Conversations Series or timely Creating Space events.
“There’s more to come from our small but mighty team! I’m one of many who has taken full advantage of these offerings during the past few weeks, and I’m so grateful for all of it.”
Meriel Martínez
OASIS Continues to Support Students
OASIS supplies basic necessities to school children in need by collecting uniforms, hygiene items, shoes and other essential items that social workers in Hillsborough County Public Schools can access for free. With schools closed and stay-at-home orders in place, OASIS is now buying online gift cards for families in need that social workers can pass on to families they know who are in dire straits.
Share Your Story
Do you have a positive nonprofit story you’d like to share with our community? Tell us about it here.
For more information and assistance specific to nonprofits, check out our COVID-19 Nonprofit Resource Hub. To learn about all events and resources from the Nonprofit Leadership Center, sign up to receive our weekly NLC e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.