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Every human being needs a
home, but many here in Paradise are without one.
 On
any given day in Monroe County there are men, women, and children who are homeless, living and sleeping in the street, the mangroves,
vehicles, derelict vessels, or other inappropriate and dangerous
places.
Most of them lack not
only housing but social services, adequate nutrition, medical attention, and personal
hygiene facilities. They are individuals and families at risk.
Fortunately, there is
help.
The Florida Keys
Outreach Coalition offers hope and solutions. Incorporated with
non-profit status in 1992. FKOC provides homeless outreach and
shelter with essential supportive services in Monroe County, Florida.
We offer a
solution-oriented, multi-stage program based on self-sufficiency,
stability, and opportunity.
Please explore this site and
learn more about FKOC. Your knowledge, understanding, and participation, are essential to our continued success.
Stephen E. Braddock, Ph.D.
President & Executive Director
Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.
Board Chair
The Florida Keys Outreach Coalition does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, socio-economic status, sexual identity, marital status, religious beliefs or any other category protected by law.
FKOC Celebrates
20-Years
(photo by Ron Roberts)
FKOC Board Member, Dr. Eric Nichols and his partner Bill Averyt opened their beautiful home to host a 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Board and friends of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition. FKOC is Monroe County's oldest provider of housing and supportive services for individuals healing from the underlying causes of homelessness. A public celebration is planned for March 31st at the Gardens Hotel.
(L-R)Bill Averyt; FKOC CEO, Rev. Stephen Braddock; Dr. Eric Nichols
(seated) FKOC Chairman, Sam Kaufman; FKOC Deputy Director, Gina Pecora
Presbyterians Support FKOC/Healthy Start Programs for Homeless Pregnant Women
 (Photo Contributed by Ron Roberts)
(KW) Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church and the National Presbyterian Hunger Program recently contributed a combined $3,000 to provide food, diapers, and personal hygiene items to the FKOC/Healthy Start Program which will provide 24-homeless pregnant women and their children with housing, case management, prenatal care and other supportive services over the coming year. Individuals & organizations can sponsor a mom and infant for $400 per month. Call 305-294-0304 for more information.
(Photo:L-R) FKOC President, Rev. Stephen E. Braddock; FKOC Treasurer, John Sangston; FKOC Program Manager, Stephanie Kaple; Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition Administrative Assist., Leah Stockton; Peace Covenant's Pastor, Rev. Larry Schenk; Peace Covenant's Mission Committee Chair and FKOC Board Member, Niels Hubbell
December 21,2011
Rite Honors 14 who died homeless
BY GWEN FILOSA Citizen Staff
gfilosa@keysnews.com
Navy Honor Guard Members fold a flag that was flown over the US Capitol to honor the homeless veterans who died in Monroe County this year. The Homeless Memorial Day service was held at Key West Cemetery and sponsored by the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and One Human Family.
While urging the community to better care for its poorest citizens, the city of Key West, clergy members and the leaders of nonprofits that serve the homeless honored on Wednesday those who died on the streets in 2011.
Conducted for a decade on every Dec. 21 -- the first day of winter and the longest night of the year -- the island's Homeless Persons' Memorial Day this year eulogized 14 men who had endured life on the island's streets without a safe, warm place to call their own.
"They have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to end homelessness," said Sam Kaufman, an attorney and board chairman of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC), one of the main sponsors of the service, which drew at least 65 people.
In the deceased's memory, the program included a city proclamation, a Navy Honor Guard, prayers and the sweet notes of "Silent Night" and "Amazing Grace" performed by clarinet player Larry Smith.
Thirteen of the 14 men named in the ceremony died while homeless in Key West, without blood relatives or friends able to accept their remains. They were: Alfredo Balcells, 81; Charles Linwood Brown, 56; William Constantini, 56; Jeffrey J. Hayden, 58; Michael Wayne Pierce, 51; Thomas Saviano-Finchum, 49; Arthur Dale Baker, 58; Daniel Clay Ratcliff, 50; Edward Botelho, 56; Charles Bruce Davis Jr., 52; Herman Lopez-Trigo Jr., 67; Marvin Allen Tinnell, 62; and Kenneth Neeley, 53.
"They are owed our respect and they ask us now to pass it on to everyone we meet," the Rev. Randy Becker said in his eulogy during the service, held in a grass walkway between rows of white stone tombs at the Key West Cemetery in Old Town.
"For too many there will be the longest night tonight," said Becker, of the Unitarian/Universalist Fellowship. "We are called upon to eulogize these lives by changing our lives, by never turning away from another human face or a simple request for love, care and attention."
J.T. Thompson, creator of the One Human Family motto, said there are many definitions of family.
"The souls we see here today are also our family," said Thompson. "They fell through the cracks and ended up without homes, the first step to a loss of health, self-esteem, relationships and even their lives. There are six degrees of separation between any one of us and any one of them."
The service also honored Luis "Gabe" Mardones, 63, who worked at the city's overnight shelter on Stock Island and was killed after a night shift when a county school bus collided head-on with his scooter.
While not technically homeless at the time of his death, Mardones had known what it was like to sleep outdoors, his co-workers said. He worked for FKOC when the nonprofit managed the city's Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter, where he is remembered by the men and women who sleep for his compassion and dedication to the most vulnerable population.
When a basketful of white doves was released, a lone bird lagged behind the fluttering dule and sat silently atop a row of vaults, even after the service.
"That's Gabe," the Rev. Steve Braddock, president of FKOC, said with a smile. Others who knew Mardones agreed, saying he wasn't ready to leave this world.
In 2006, FKOC bought the city's vault in the local cemetery.
Key West last year was one of 152 U.S. cities to sponsor events to honor those who had died homeless.
The service's program noted that some of the homeless who died in 2011 may not be on the list "as it is difficult to gain information on all who died. Some may have been overlooked; a sad reality of homelessness." Others may have yet to be identified, the program said.
"Each one had a personal history filled with joys and sorrows just like us," said the Rev. Thomas Sterner, a program manager at FKOC. "But many had no one to love them or to hold them or hug them."
Sterner expressed thanks to a higher power "for bringing them home where there is no more pain, no tears, no suffering. They finally have found rest."
Those who die indigent or homeless in Monroe County become the responsibility of the county's Social Services Department, which searches for next of kin and owns vaults reserved for their cremated remains.
"What they all had in common were lives deeply impacted by the scourge of poverty and homelessness," said Braddock. "One out of four homeless men sleeping in an alley, a doorway, or in a box has put on a uniform and served our country."
November 2011
Cruise Association Renews Support for FKOC
(Photo Courtesy of Carnival Freedom)
Captain Agostino Fazio welcomed Rev. Stephen Braddock and Stephanie Kaple to the bridge of the Carnival Cruise Ship Freedom and presented a contribution on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association to support the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition's residential program for pregnant homeless women.
(L-R) Hotel Manager, Jose Pisa; FKOC Program Manager, Stephanie Kaple; FKOC CEO, Rev. Stephen Braddock; Captain Agostino Fazio; Staff Captain, Gordon Buck.
Homeless and pregnant women find a safe haven
Florida Keys News - Key West Citizen Sunday, October 9, 2011
BY GWEN FILOSA Citizen Staff
gfilosa@keysnews.com
At age 28, a homeless woman who is pregnant and working a $9-an-hour part-time job doesn't want to draw attention to herself, including having her name published in the newspaper. But her baby girl is due to enter this world on Dec. 28, so she sought help when her circumstances exceeded her pride.
She now has a temporary home thanks to a new pilot program between two Florida Keys nonprofits that gives homeless pregnant women a safe, free place to live during the two months before and four months after giving birth.
In addition to a temporary home at Poinciana Plaza -- the standard $80 a week housing fee is waived for that critical six-month period before and after delivery -- the program offers case management and all-purpose support.
"It's based on what is best for the baby," said Arianna Nesbitt, executive director of the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition since 2005. "In the long run, this allows them to create a family that is stable. Our desire is for these new moms to focus 100 percent on being a mom."
Ensuring a healthy birth for both the mother and newborn, and some stability for the family, is the goal, said Nesbitt. "By adding this new focus, we are trying to give them the opportunity not to need other services."
The Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless (FKOC) and Florida Keys Healthy Start banded together to start this supportive housing program that can help 24 women over the next year, with a $48,000 budget, all funded from grants that include the Gilbert Beaver Farm ministry in New York and the Klaus/Murphy Foundation in the Keys.
In Florida, the fastest-growing population of homeless is children. "Intact families" are also finding themselves doubling or tripling up with relatives, or bouncing from couch to couch, or floor to floor.
"Homelessness has become generational," said the Rev. Stephen Braddock, FKOC's CEO and president. "We are seeing it in this community. We believe we can intervene."
The roots of homelessness can be traced to mental illness, alcoholism and/or abject poverty. "Pregnancy should never be on that list," said Braddock.
The state's homeless shelters -- 9,000 emergency shelter beds and 13,000 transitional housing spots -- are leaving most of the 86,000 homeless out in the cold, Braddock said.
The two nonprofits have worked together for some time trying to help pregnant women who are without homes. When the need clearly began to rise over the past two years, they decided the Keys needed a formal program to address it.
Monroe County averages about 750 births each year, of which 550 are delivered at Lower Keys Medical Center, the only Keys hospital that offers the service, according to Healthy Start.
Pride isn't the only factor for pregnant women who hide their homelessness from nonprofits, said Nesbitt: Not having a stable home can amount to negligence to the state Department of Children and Families. Many of the social services available to pregnant and homeless women are required to report the mother if they feel the child is endangered by the lack of a home.
In Key West, women who are homeless and pregnant are becoming more visible.
"We had two women within a week knocking on our door, saying, 'I need a bed,' " said Stephanie Kaple, the Women's Program Case Manager at FKOC. "We dropped what we were doing and figured it out. We have to make a list. I'm full right now."
The woman who asked The Citizen not to publish her name said the program has given her peace of mind and hope for a reunited family. "If any woman is ever in this situation, they should definitely come here," said the woman, who has a 4-year-old son and a boyfriend in Key West. "Don't give up."
This struggling, split-up family is new to the life of unemployment, homeless shelters and fear of being judged over their pocketbooks and addresses. Healthy Start provided her with a bus pass, after she had been walking to and from her job. A stroller came, and then a crib. People are around when she is hungry or needs someone to talk to.
A couple of years ago, the woman and her boyfriend worked in construction. She earned $18 an hour.
"Then the economy went down two years ago," she said. "I lost my job and went on unemployment for two years. We moved from Key West to two different cities trying to rebuild. The higher up we went, the worse it was." gfilosa@keysnews.com
October 4, 2011
United Way Supports Children at FKOC
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(Photo Courtesy of Ron Roberts)
(KW) Margie Smith, President of the United Way of the Florida Keys (center) presents a $10,000 ceremonial check to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition to support the organization's programs for homeless children. Accepting the contribution at FKOC's Children's Activities Center are Program Manager, Stephanie Kaple and President & CEO, Rev. Stephen E. Braddock. The United Way has supported FKOC for 13-consecutive years. FKOC operates five transitional housing facilities with supportive services that accommodate up to 122- homeless individuals and families. An average of 85% "graduate" and transition to some form of permanent housing.
September 27-28, 2011
FKOC KIDS GET A NEW PLAYGROUND
WITH A LOT OF HELP
FROM FR. STEPHEN'S MOM and the U.S. NAVY !
Fifty of the best and brightest young sailors from all over our country spent liberty in Key West this week while docked at the island city for formal commissioning of their ship, the
USS Spruance .
Joining together with Beaver Farm, a New York State charitable organization headed the past 23-years by Rev. Braddock's mother, Nonnie; and, whose volunteers have reached out in help and love to needy people all over our world for over 100 years, the crew took two days liberty to assist FKOC's staff in bringing some joy to homeless little ones in Key West.
Reaching out to give a hand up to those in need is what our country is all about. Everyone who helped, and will continue to help make this project a reality has every right to be proud.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
New playground for Poinciana Plaza among Navy's civic duties
BY GWEN FILOSA Citizen Staff
About 60 USS Spruance crew members fanned out across Key West on Wednesday, volunteering their muscles and mechanical know-how beneath the sweltering sun for an array of community service projects.
"This is part of what they do when they come to town," said Ron Denes, Naval Air Station Key West's executive director and Spruance commissioning committee member.
photo by Sean Kinney
"They give back to the community and leave a mark on the community as part of the Spruance legacy."
Demes spoke while dozens of sailors, dressed in bright yellow Navy T-shirts, formed a relay brigade for hauling 320 bags of mulch into a brand-new playground for families in transitional housing at the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition's (FKOC) Poinciana Plaza complex on Duck Avenue .
Key West will host Saturday's commissioning of the state-of-the-art guided missile destroyer, in a ceremony expected to draw some 6,000 people to the Truman Waterfront, where it is docked at the Outer Mole Pier.
"This is the biggest event since the Flagler railroad came to town," Demes said.
But on Wednesday, sailors power-washed bird cages at the Key West Wildlife Center , refurbished the gun mount at the Military Memorial at Mallory Square , cleaned up yards for Habitat for Humanity and painted auditoriums at the Sigsbee Charter and Grace Lutheran schools.
A sixth work site was at FKOC's housing, where 12 children didn't have any type of playground resembling what the sailors put together in two full workdays that started Tuesday. FKOC had the playground equipment and other supplies donated by The Gilbert Beaver Farm, a New York charity that recently was run by administrator Nonnie Braddock, mother of the Rev. Steve Braddock, FKOC's CEO and president.
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Photo by Rob O'Neil
FKOC had a sign marking the gift and the Spruance crew's elbow grease ready to plant on Wednesday.
"I definitely didn't mind doing any of this," Petty Officer 2nd Class Folasade Reynolds, 24, said during a cooling-off break Wednesday. Reynolds, a native of Mount Vernon , N.Y. , said she is well-versed in such service projects, having done a similar kids-friendly volunteer job when she was stationed in Lithuania two years ago. "It was hotter there than here," she said.
Brandi Pope, who shares a bedroom at an FKOC transitional housing unit with her towheaded 5-year-old son, Aaren, glimpsed the new playground on Wednesday with gratitude. The fenced-in playground is safe and close to her home, Pope said.
"It's very nice," she said, as her son ate a cookie presented to him by City Manager Jim Scholl, who helped schlep a giant cooler filled with water and Gatorade for the workers while pitching in himself at various sites Wednesday. Scholl is a former Navy jet fighter pilot and Naval Air Station Key West commander.
"You don't want to just let them go outside," Pope said. "They need to burn off energy."
Aaren gazed up and said, "I like it."
The volunteer efforts are leading up to Saturday's grand event: the formal commissioning of the Spruance.
Capt. M. Tate Westbrook, the ship's commanding officer, said he chose Key West for the historic ceremony because of the island's rich maritime history and its long-standing ties with the Navy.
"In addition, he says it's a town where the crew can fully enjoy its shore leave before undertaking their first mission," city spokeswoman Alyson Crean said. In sailor parlance, it's the best "liberty" port along the Eastern Seaboard, Demes said.
Sailor Reynolds agreed, saying she spent some time earlier this week on a Jet Ski and parasailing during her first trip to the Keys.
But she remembered growing up with playgrounds nearby.
"It's always good to keep them nice and clean," she said, as five neighborhood girls stopped by to peer at the new construction.
gfilosa@keysnews.com
For more photos, click here
September 16, 2011
Key West Urgent Care Supports FKOC
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(KW)Janet Van Tuyl, R.N., owner of
Key West Urgent Care, presents a $5,000 check to Rev. Stephen Braddock of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless (FKOC). The donation was made in memory of her late husband and clinic founder, Dr. John Van Tuyl. Dr. Van Tuyl was close to Braddock and a strong supporter of FKOC's Transitional Housing programs for individuals and families. He died August 13th at age 64.
September 8, 2011
NAS Supports Loaves & Fish Food Pantry
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Naval Air Station Key West recently participated in the National Feds Feed Families Food Drive. The Navy delivered tons of food to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition's (FKOC) Loaves and Fish Food Pantry. From left is RP1 Morrell, AWR1 Remmers, who headed up the local effort, FKOC's Chris Welts, Sam Kaufman, and Gina Pecora, RP2 Sanchez, and RP2 Ware. To receive assistance or donate food, call FKOC at (305) 295-7580.
July 22, 2011
Top Shelf 3 Serves Up More
Tasty Dishes
Using only non-perishable food items and a limited budget of $15 seven delicious dishes were created for this year's Top Shelf 3 held Friday July 22 nd at the BottleCap Groove Lounge and Bar. The annual event which benefits the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition's Women and Children's program once again provided a wide variety of dishes to sample including Black Bean & Corn Salad, Chicken Pot Pie, Thai soup and much more. This year's event was sponsored by Centennial Bank with additional support by the Key West Design Group and The Doubletree Grand Key Resort.
The People's Choice Award went to The Doubletree Grand Key Resort for their Thai Chicken Soup. The Judge's Choice Award was won by Dara Font for her dish of corn beef with tomato gravy over rice. A special thanks to all of the chefs who created these very tasty dishes and to everyone who came out to sample them as well.
Celebrity bartenders helping serve up drinks during the event included City Commissioner Jimmy Weekly, Key West Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Virginia Panico, and State Representative Ron Saunders.
(photo
by Ron Roberts)
Picture: Left to right- Back Row- FKOC President & CEO Steve Braddock, State Representative Ron Saunders, KW City Commissioner Jimmy Weekly, FKOC Board Chairman Sam Kaufman, Aaron Moore. Left to right- Front Row- Carolyn Sullivan, Stephanie Kaple, Chamber of Commerce Executive V.P. Virginia Panico and Tara Brannigan.
KEY WEST CITIZEN ~ July 17, 2011
Program Teaches Husbands,
Dads How to be Loving
KEY WEST CITIZEN ~ July 10, 2011
Help for the Homeless Manifold
SACRED SPACE dawn dusk POSTCARDS FROM THE KEY WEST SKY
by: KEITH BLAND
In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the LOAVES AND FISH FOOD PANTRY , co-founder and artist Keith Bland has agreed to split the net proceeds from sales of his beautiful, recently-published coffee table book with the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition to benefit the pantry.
For the full year of 2010, Keith committed to being present at both morning and evening twilights, before sunrise and after sunset, when the Key West sky is full of color. The resulting photographs, book of photographs, and paintings inspired from that journey are radiant. He captured two evening green flashes in the fall, rainbows, and color-saturated cumulus and cirrus clouds.
The hardbound book measures 9 ½ inches by 11 ½ inches, has 136 pages and features 113 photos. Keith weaves together a beautiful story about dawn/dusk cycles, seasonal cycles, and overall life cycles. The book is "must-have" for all Keys residents and a wonderful gift for the special people in your life.
Please support the pantry with your purchase today by sending payment to FKOC, PO Box 4767, Key West, FL 33041 or order online at www.FKOC.org
$45
Florida residents please include $3.38 (7.5%) sales tax plus $6.00 for S/H
or can be picked up at:
Loaves & Fish Food Pantry
2221 Patterson Avenue, Key West
To purchase online via PayPal or
Just Give, click here
Please type "book" in the memo field
J.T. Thompson Receives 6th Annual "Cap'n Kidd" Humanitarian Award
J.T. Thompson, founder of One Human Family, is the 2010/2011 recipient of the "Cap'n Kidd" Humanitarian Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote equality and respect for all human beings. The Award is named in honor and memory of the late Edward Kidd, a homeless man who was widely known and respected for his kindness and generosity toward others. Kidd played a lead role in the award winning "docu-dram-edy" Have You Seen Clem, produced and distributed by Legacy Films which sponsors the award. It was presented during the 19th annual meeting of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless.
Past recipients include:
Rev. Stephen E. Braddock, Elmira Leto, Diana Flenard, Ginger King, and Metropolitan Comunity Church
Pictured congratulating Thompson are:
(L-R) Sam Kaufman, Jimmy Weekly,
and Rev. Braddock
PUBLIX SUPERMARKET CHARITIES
Supports FKOC for 11th Consecutive Year
Kevin Piper (L), Manager of Publix in Key West, presents a check on behalf of Publix Supermarket Charities to Rev. Stephen Braddock, President and CEO of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless.
APRIL 2011
Dr. Nichols Graduates from Board Leadership Academy
Click here for full story
March 14, 2011
Miami Coalition for the Homeless Supports Key West Food Pantry
Rev. Stephen E. Braddock, President and CEO of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC), accepts a check from his friend and colleague,
Rita Clark, Policy Director for the Miami Coalition for the Homeless,.
The $1000 donation will help support the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry which provides non-perishable food, personal hygiene items and disposable diapers for needy individuals and families in Key West. The pantry is a collaborative anti-hunger initiative sponsored by FKOC and St. Peter's Episcopal Church. To contribute food or financial assistance, or to request aid, please call FKOC at (305)295-7580.
February 27, 2011
Loaves and Fish Food Pantry Receives Continued Support from Episcopal Diocese
The Loaves and Fish Food Pantry, a collaborative anti-hunger initiative sponsored by the Episcopal Church and the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC) recently received a grant from Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida in the the amount of $11,500.
Episcopal Charities has contributed more than $100,000 over the past decade to help needy individuals and families in Key West and has pledged continued support for 2012.
The main pantry is located at FKOC's Neece Center for Homeless Recovery, 2221 Patterson Avenue. A second distribution site has been established at St. Peter's Thrift Shop located on Center Street across from St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
Call 295-7580 for assistance or information.
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(Photo by Ron Roberts)
(L-R) FKOC Treasurer, John Sangston; FKOC Chairman, Sam Kaufman; FKOC Board Member and St. Peter's Deacon, Sarah Fowler; St. Peter's Rector, Rev. Don Sullivan; FKOC President & CEO, Rev. Stephen Braddock; FKOC Deputy Director, Gina Pecora.
January 2011
Ron Roberts Receives Personal Achievement Award
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(photo by Mike Henz/KW Citizen)
Ron Roberts (above), FKOC Board member, recently received SHAL's Personal Acheivement Award. (See full story here)
Cruise Association Donates to
Florida Keys Outreach Coalition
(Photo Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines)
Lars Bengtsson (L), Captain of the Norwegian Pearl, recently hosted Rev. Stephen Braddock, President and CEO of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, and other FKOC officials for lunch aboard the ship during a recent port of call in Key West. The Captain presented Braddock with a $5,000 contribution from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association to support the group's transitional housing programs for homeless individuals and families.
Congresswoman Makes Christmas Visit to Homeless Children
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(Photo by Debbie Zimmerman)
(L-R) FKOC Deputy Director, Gina Pecora; Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lethinen; FKOC President, Rev. Stephen Braddock; FKOC Board Chairman, Sam Kaufman
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lethinen made a Christmas Eve visit to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless.
After touring the group's five newly renovated transitional housing facilities, Ros-Lethinen presided over a tree lighting ceremony before handing out gifts to dozens of homeless children.
To See the Visit, Click Here
GOING HOME
(Photo by Rob O'Neil-Key West Citizen)
The Rev. Stephen Braddock offers a prayer over the cremated remains of 23 homeless Florida Keys residents Tuesday afternoon at the Key West Cemetery.
After City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley presented a proclamation honoring those who died in the street this year - who ranged in age from 33 to 70 years old - their names were read aloud as golden bells were placed on a large wreath adorning the vault owned by the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition.
DECEMBER 21, 2010
(Photo Courtesy of Alyson Crean, P.I.O., City of Key West)
City Commissioners Terri Johnson,
Jimmy Weekley, and Clayton Lopez proclaim December 21st as
National Homeless Persons Memorial Day in Key West.
December 9, 2010
Key West Bar Card
Contributes to Homeless Coalition
(photo by Chris Welts)
The Key West Bar Card and the Key West Restaurant Card are proud proponents of the Island's community sensibility. Each Month, the organization donates 10% of all earnings to select local charities.
George Murphy (L) presents a check to Rev. Stephen Braddock, President of the Florida Keys Outreach Coaliton.
Vino's on Duval
Hosts Holiday Fundraiser for Homeless Children
(photo by Rob O'Neal)
(Pictured L-R) Vino's proprietors,
Val & Clayton Chelley; FKOC Program Manager, Stephanie Kaple; and FKOC President & CEO,
The Rev. Stephen E. Braddock
Vino's at 810 Duval hosted an evening of fine wine pairing to raise funds for homeless children who are sheltered this holiday season by the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC).
November 18, 2010
Key West Mayor Craig Cates and City Commisioner Jimmy Weekley proclaimed November 18th Loaves and Fish Food Pantry Day to commemorate National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Today is the 10th anniversary of the opening of the pantry, which provides food, personal care items, nutritional supplements, and disposable diapers to those in need. This vital service was started with the help of Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida, and it continues to support the pantry, both with funds and bulk food.
"Without your support," Commisioner Weekley told Charities represenative Bonnie Weaver, "we would be really struggling."
The Florida Keys Outreach Coalition provides the facility and the funding for operational costs of the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.
Rev. Sarah Fowler, City Commisioner Jimmy Weekley, Episcopal Charities of South Florida's Bonnie Weaver, Rev. Don Sullivan, Mayor Craig Cates, and Rev. Stephen Braddock acknowledge the 10th anniversary of Loaves and Fish Food Pantry and National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
"Fed by the Feds"
Food Drive Benefits
Loaves and Fish Food Pantry
.png) (photo by Chris Welts)
Naval Air Station Key West recently participated in the "Fed-Feed-Families" food drive, a White House initiative to help feed needy individuals and families in local communities.
Gina Pecora (R), Deputy Director of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, accepted 650 lbs of non-perishable goods from
Chief Petty Officer Jason Garcia and
Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Ware.
FKOC RECEIVES DONATION FROM FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB
Photo: City Manager Jim Scholl, FPC President Stu Jones, Rev. Stephen Braddock, Commissioner Mark Rossi
Florida Powerboat Club (FPC) president Stu Jones was in Key West on Sept. 15, making plans for the organization's 18th Annual Key West Offshore Poker Run, which takes place on this Nov. 9-15th. While in town, Jones met with representatives of the City Of Key West and Rev. Stephen Braddock, making a $2,500 donation to the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition.
"The City of Key West and Florida Powerboat Club have had a mutually beneficial relationship for almost two decades. Our club's Key West Offshore Poker Run has become a signature powerboating event, and has brought millions of dollars to city merchants and it's citizens since the early 90's", Jones said. "We expect our November event to reach 175 registered powerboat teams and bring well over $1,000,000 into the city, and we thought it would be appropriate to kick off the 2010 event by helping FKOC with its very worthwhile causes."
MCC Receives Humanitarian Award
(L-R) FKOC Chairman, Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.; MCC Pastor, Rev./Dr. Joe McMurray; FKOC President & CEO, Rev./Dr. Stephen E. Braddock; and MCC's Eric Cole
Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) was recently awarded the Capt'n Kidd Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC) and Key West Film Society.
The award is sponsored annually by Legacy Films, producers of the movie Have You Seen Clem? The late Capt'n Edward Kidd, a homeless man, is prominently featured in the film,- much of which was filmed in Key West. Kidd was a popular radio personality on the Bill Hoebee Show and well known for his humanitarianism and efforts to help other homeless people in need.
Previous recipients include the Rev. Stephen Braddock, Elmira Leto, Diana Flenard, and Ginger King. The congregation of MCC was selected in recognition of their ministries to the hungry, homeless, elderly, and homebound.
The award was presented during the FKOC's 18th anniversary celebration.
To learn more, visit www.seeclem.com
New law, task force aims to protect homeless
Huffington Post: April 28th, 2010
As Homeless Are Brutalized, Florida Passes Hate Crime Protection
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hate crime law may include homeless
Homeless Shelters
Save Green by Going Green
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