INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The Source, a 501c3 non-profit Christian outreach ministry serving the homeless and working poor, recently received a fresh coat of exterior paint thanks to a donation from Sherwin-Williams in Vero Beach and over 20 local volunteers on United Way’s Day of Caring.
“The exterior paint looks amazing! We truly appreciate community partners such as Sherwin-Williams and the United Way of Indian River that invest in local nonprofits,” says Tony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source. “We’re sincerely grateful for the United Way volunteers priming the building and Sherwin-Williams donating the paint, materials, and hiring professional painters to complete the final coat.”
The fresh new look on the outside of The Source is another exciting change that has happened at The Source. Tony Zorbaugh was recently appointed the new Executive Director after serving as the Interim Executive Director and previously as the Director of Development. Tony brings a rich understanding of outreach programs to The Source in addition to his ability to build relationships within the community and compassion to serve others.
“As an organization, we help meet the basic needs of individuals with services such as food, daytime shelter, and showers. However, our deepest commitment is to partner with individuals who are willing to work hard and commit to changing their lives for the better. I look forward to The Source being an even greater catalyst for change in Indian River through our support of those individuals,” says Tony Zorbaugh.
The primary vehicle for change at The Source is the new Dining with Dignity Culinary program, formally the ServSafe Culinary program. The Dining with Dignity program is a 12-Week culinary apprenticeship and employment preparation program.
“Dining with Dignity combines classroom and hands-on learning experiences that increase the employability skills of participants. Those who participate in the program have the opportunity to receive simulated real-life experience through our restaurant-style dining where individuals are greeted, seated, and served to order,” says Chef Joe, program instructor.
Additionally, Dining with Dignity is a pathway to employment in a local in-demand occupation. The program incorporates industry standard culinary training with financial literacy, employment preparation, career exploration, and on-the-job training based on the individual needs of the person.
“In the program’s first year, we trained 43 individuals, 23 obtained their food handler certification, and we assisted 18 individuals to become gainfully employed. This year we’re looking to build on that success to assist even more committed individuals to become self-sufficient and economically empowered,” says Zorbaugh.
To learn more about The Source, including how to volunteer or to donate clothing or funds, please visit us in person at 1015 Commerce Avenue in Vero Beach or on the web at www.iamthesouce.org or call (772) 564-0202 or by email tony.zorbaugh@iamthesource.org.