The Source celebrated its 20th annual Night of Hope, Night of Restoration Fundraiser and the 30th anniversary of the founding of the nonprofit during an evening that focused on the organization’s past, present and future. Held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Hall, the evening featured guest speaker Tamara Day, designer, restoration expert and TV host.
Co-emcees Marty Paris and Cindy Goetz remarked upon the impressive growth of the nonprofit in the eight years since Tony Zorbaugh became its executive director. The Source is now the largest social service center on the Treasure Coast, and is the only cold weather shelter in the county.
What began in 1995 in a tiny storefront offering free meals and Bible study, has blossomed into a multi-programmed comprehensive assistance center aiding the poor and homeless. It helps individuals restore their lives with dignity so that they may again become self-sufficient, productive members of the community.
Under Zorbaugh’s leadership, the Source launched a series of Dignity programs, including Dining with Dignity, Dignity Food Trucks, Dignity Catering, Dignity Smiles, Dignity Wellness and the Sebastian-based Dignity Village Cottages. Their unique Dignity Buses offer a safe space to sleep for the night and provide jobs to those who work on them. The buses are now being marketed to other communities.
“I am truly so blessed to be able to do the work that I do, but I couldn’t do it without some amazing people that are around me,” said Zorbaugh, thanking staff, volunteers, board members and donors, noting that the Source is solely funded by community support.
One of the most important functions of the Source, he said, is providing people with a sense of community.
“The single greatest reason for homelessness is a profound, catastrophic loss of family. And the big statement the Source provides is community, so that we can uplift each other and help individuals in their own homes,” said Zorbaugh.
He shared the news that in March, they are closing on a 30-acre property west of I-95 that once housed at-risk boys. What will become Dignity Ranch already has a number of functional buildings, and they plan to add 120 cabins.
Zorbaugh stated that they are purchasing the property for $1.65 million, having successfully raised the entire amount within 30 days.
“I could not have done it without the help of each and every one of you in this room. But from the beginning, there have been individuals that have been by my side. So tonight, I would like to give the first Heart of the Source Award to an individual who stood by me through this entire process,” said Zorbaugh, presenting the inaugural award to Margaret Anne Evans.
Day spoke of her personal journey from renovating a single house to becoming a successful restoration expert with a thriving, multi-faceted business. She compared the process of restoring neglected homes to the transformative work of the Source in changing lives.
“When I was walking through the Source, one of the things that just resonated with me so much today was how there is so much value in every single person. I think it’s so beautiful that the Source is bringing that potential to life,” said Day.
Richard Boga, event sponsor with Cindy O’Dare, noted that homelessness isn’t just a big-city problem, and that it can happen to anyone for whom life has taken an unexpected turn.
“It exists right here in Indian River County, often hidden in plain sight,” said Boga.
“Homelessness is complicated, but the Source is proving that solutions are possible. They’re giving people the tools to rebuild their lives, one step at a time,” Boga added.
He noted that the mission of the Source is reliant on donations, time and advocacy and, before leading a Call to the Heart, said an additional $3.2 million is needed to meet their vision for Dignity Ranch.
For more information, visit IAmTheSource.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
