When it comes to describing what The Source is all about, it’s a pretty complex explanation. That might not have been the case 5, 10 or even 30 years ago when the programs and services were streamlined to serving the needy by offering free meals and bible study from a tiny 600 sq. ft. Christian Ministry. The Source has since grown into a comprehensive assistance center, operating a 5,000 sq. ft. outreach facility open seven days a week, addressing the complex needs of the poor and homeless in Indian River County with an on-going growth in programs and services. In addition, there’s also a separate administration office. They are bursting at the seams, yet regardless of who is where, the two teams together work side-by-side to create, initiate, and serve, to its fullest potential, everyone involved with this non-profit. And for this group, it appears, their potential has no ceiling.
What started as a simple explanation to younger school aged children about homelessness, suddenly took on a life of its own. The idea of educating the public about The Source, became as simple as “Let’s make a coloring book… something basic… but fun… and informative enough for anyone at any age to understand,” Tony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source quips. “The team quickly snapped into place and in short time, created The Source Coloring Book.”
We all know that the issue of homelessness through the country has grown exponentially over the past decade. And The Source has discovered that every city in every state handles the outreach for their needy population in all different ways with or without the infrastructure that The Source has built since its inception in 1995. Taking the basic premise of what homelessness is all about, and carrying it through to the important programs and services that are offered at The Source, was an inspiring and exciting task.
According to Judy Graziosi, Marketing Manager at The Source, “The whole team at The Source was involved in gathering ideas and input for the graphics. We went through several generations of revisions and edits pouring our hearts into getting each scene just right. One really cool thing is that we actually had a group of young children look at it and give their input which really changed the artistic style.”
Jade Alexander, Operations Manager of The Source, has had experience with self- publishing and has several of her books on Amazon that includes books for kids, bedtime prayers, as well as brainstorming ideas and step-by-step goal organization. “Because of that experience, Tony asked me to take a swing at this project and I was all in,” shares Jade. “Since I know the programs and services at The Source like the back of my hand, and I am also a mom, putting my words to Judy’s graphics came easily. Twenty-four pages came together like clockwork…like teamwork!”
Along with Zorbaugh, Jonathan Orozco, Development Director of The Source is actively pursuing distribution opportunities and meeting with potential businesses and educators in making this book public. “We are super excited to launch our first coloring book for children in our community” Orozco exclaims. “We know this is about educating people about the homeless and through that it is also wonderful exposure for our organization.”
Zorbaugh concludes, “We are super blessed that our good friends and donors Megan and George of The George Shinn Foundation, have decided to put our coloring book at the Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Boone, NC. We know the idea first came to us for children to use, but this is “A Coloring Book for The Young and the Old.”
“George and I are so proud to be believers in what is being done at The Source and support their efforts by selling copies of this new coloring book from our North Carolina bookstore,” states Megan Shinn.
The Source Coloring Books are currently being included in monthly gift bags to homeless children in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties from the non-profit Little Birthday Angels and books were handed out to children visiting The Outback Steakhouse, Route 60 in Vero Beach during their annual Trick or Treat Night. The books, sponsored in part by Paris Productions, may be ordered for $3.00 a piece through Jonathan.Orozco@iamthesource.org.