CFL Happenings: May 2024

1. Live Tampa Bay: Recovery from Addiction: Darryl Henderson, a former Navy member, struggled with addiction for decades but finally sought help during the pandemic. Now, he’s been clean for over three years and is working with Live Tampa Bay to reduce opioid deaths. Live Tampa Bay launched an ad campaign featuring stories of recovery to fight stigma and encourage others to seek help. Henderson’s involvement with Live Tampa Bay aims to bring resources together and show that recovery is possible, offering hope to others in similar situations.

2. Kairos Adventures: Empowering Adults with Varying Abilities: Kairos Adventures, founded by Heather Subbert, provides programs for adults with varying abilities to develop creativity, build friendships, and contribute to the community. With three locations and online programs, Kairos Adventures offers arts-based activities to unlock individuals’ potential. Despite the long waitlist for Medicaid waivers, Kairos Adventures fills the gap by offering accessible programs with a sliding scale fee structure, empowering individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

3. Flavorful, Inc.: Addressing Food Insecurity and Cultural Exchange: Flavorful Inc., founded by Aisse Kane and Awa Kaba, provides Afro-fusion catering and initiatives to combat food insecurity. Collaborating with GINI, Flavorful Inc. participates in the “Recipes for Belonging” event, tackling food insecurity in Gainesville by sharing cultures and connecting communities. GINI’s event, funded by Welcoming America, aims to provide healthy food resources while bridging immigrant and non-immigrant communities, fostering understanding and unity through shared traditions and experiences.

4. You Thrive Florida: Rebranding for Expanded Impact: Formerly known as Mid Florida Community Services, You Thrive Florida completed a rebranding to better reflect its mission and extend its reach beyond the Mid Florida region. With programs promoting self-sufficiency across eight counties, the rebranding aims to offer easier accessibility for clients and position the organization as a leader in addressing low-income needs throughout Florida. The transition includes a new name, logo, website, and updated mission and vision statements to better represent the organization’s goals and desired outcomes.

Each organization achieved its goal through innovative approaches, collaboration, and community engagement. Live Tampa Bay fought stigma around addiction with a storytelling campaign, while Kairos Adventures empowered individuals with varying abilities through accessible arts programs. Flavorful Inc. and GINI addressed food insecurity and cultural exchange through collaborative events, and You Thrive Florida rebranded to better serve its communities across Florida.