As I began preparing to write this month’s column, I did what most of us do when we think about this annual holiday, and that is to ask: “For what exactly am I thankful?”
First, I am thankful for the obvious necessities I have been blessed with including my health, my family, food on the table and shelter over my family’s heads. Additionally, my family and I are blessed with the basic assets needed to keep going, growing, and excelling daily, whether that be in our professional lives, caregiving roles within our family, and philanthropic initiatives to pay it forward.
With that said, my husband and I are blessed to work within such a philanthropic community which not only helps those in need but also supports the wonderful volunteers willing to support those in need. I would like to think the Osceola Council on Aging is a perfect example of charity, benevolence, and generosity in supporting those within the Osceola County community.
An insurmountable blessing to our organization is the large village of community partners who support our social service initiatives through fundraising events and donations. That help comes from many Central Florida companies and nonprofit organizations, local county and city governments, law enforcement, as well as state and federal grants to support our programs.
We cannot reach the many individuals in need without our team of supporters. As the saying goes, “It takes a village.” Our village is on the same team, all having the same servant’s heart, and with the same goal; to better our community.
For nearly 55 years, the OCOA has been in business to support residents, whether they be seniors, disabled adults, or disadvantaged families living in poverty. Last year alone, our team served more than 315,000 residents. This outreach included more than 100,000 meals served by Meals on Wheels, more than $1-million dollars to residents for emergency assistance, 2.3 million pounds of food provided by our food pantries, and $1.4 million for residential home repairs. Nearly 1,500 patients were treated within the OCOA Health Clinic, and a total of 300 residents (couples and families) reside in our affordable housing complex; we oversaw 400 volunteers who generously gave 31,000 hours of community service in 2024 alone.
We live in a caring community whose support gives us the opportunity and tools to improve the lives of our less fortunate neighbors. That unwavering support is a true blessing and makes the lives of Osceola residents richer.
Personally, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve at the helm of the OCOA. I love my job, I love my staff, and most importantly, I love what we do for the community. Though my biggest blessing is the love I have for my husband and immediate family, which I am so proud to call the “crew”. Our crew laughs together, celebrates together, and mourns together, but most importantly, we help each other in times of need, just as the OCOA helps residents in our community in their time of need.
Community, partnerships, and family are what I am thankful for this year. Thankfulness keeps us grounded while allowing us to remain humble. I wish everyone a great Holiday Season, and Happy Thanksgiving!
