While The Source for the poor and the homeless in Vero Beach have been setting their bar higher and higher with the standard and number of much needed programs and services for their members, the staff has decided to take a bit of a back seat by taking some advice from those that have the most in the say… that is, their homeless members.
Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, in tandem with Operations Director, Jade Alexander, have selected several members of the organization to form an Advisory Council. Their job hits close to home. Their seat on the council allows them to express ideas and address challenges they and other members may encounter at The Source, while working together as a team to come up with possible solutions.
The Advisory Council members include Karen McDonough (Shower Attendant), Russell Walker (Dining With Dignity Student and current Dignity Food Truck Operator), Tammy Atkins (Cleans Bus and makes beds through Dignity Jobs Program) and Pablo Acevedo (Volunteering on Bus and helps with laundry on weekends).
The topics they have initially been discussing includes adding a special needs diet on the menu for diabetics, implementing an after-hours neighborhood watch outside the campus, looking at additional ventilation and air purifiers for the Dignity Bus, and adding more sobriety meetings to the existing program schedule, among others.
“This is a win-win” comments Zorbaugh. “It helps the staff understand our members needs more and increases the probability of forming even stronger relationships with them.”
Alexander agrees. “This is one more step in allowing them to be confident with their feelings and expressing what’s on their mind. They will also be represented on monthly zoom calls with the Board of Directors of The Source, bringing them up-to-date on what the Advisory Council is accomplishing. Each step will make them become more dignified, which is our ultimate goal.”
For more information on The Source and its Members Advisory Council, visit www.iamthesource.org, or call Anthony Zorbaugh or Jade Alexander directly at 772-564-0202.
