ABOVE VIDEO: One call can make the difference between life and death. Among the more than 42,000 phone calls that 2-1-1 Brevard fielded in 2015, only about one percent were classified as suicide prevention or intervention, yet that one percent translates into as many as 586 lives saved by this round-the-clock helpline that has been a go-to resource since its inception in 1963.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – One call can make the difference between life and death. Among the more than 42,000 phone calls that 2-1-1 Brevard fielded in 2015, only about one percent were classified as suicide prevention or intervention, yet that one percent translates into as many as 586 lives saved by this round-the-clock helpline that has been a go-to resource since its inception in 1963.
In addition to saving lives, 2-1-1 Brevard enhances the quality of life for thousands of Brevard residents by helping them address their need for food, shelter and mental health services.
As the needs of the community evolve, so, too, has 2-1-1 Brevard.
“We’ve moved from thinking about our mission as “answer the call” to thinking about how we go “beyond the call” to magnify our impact,” said executive director Libby Donoghue.
Strong connections with other nonprofits for the community’s benefit are an integral part of the organization.
“New initiatives address veterans, homelessness and child development,” added Donoghue.
2-1-1 Brevard has partnered with Parrish Medical Center to help callers from North Brevard better access health care by helping them with transportation to doctors’ appointments and with medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs.
The Community Health Navigator, a Parrish social worker, divides her time between Titusville and the 2-1-1 Brevard office in Cocoa to address complex problems from callers.
Working with the Community Foundation for Brevard, the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America, CareerSource Brevard, the City of Palm Bay and Eastern Florida State College, 2-1-1 Brevard offers on-going support to veterans, active military and their families through the Brevard Veterans’ Support Network.
2-1-1 Brevard is also the lead agency in Help Me Grow, a state-funded effort designed to promote healthy child development. Care coordinators at 2-1-1 guide families to services from Help Me Grow partners such as Healthy Start, Healthy Families and the Early Learning Coalition.
2-1-1 Brevard has partnered with Parrish Medical Center to help callers from North Brevard better access health care by helping them with transportation to doctors’ appointments and with medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs. (Image for Space Coast Daily)
The organization is also responsible for maintaining and reporting data related to homelessness to the Brevard Homeless Coalition.
A state grant also funds a 2-1-1 staff member to serve as a homeless system specialist for helping callers who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless find permanent housing.
One call can make the difference between life and death. Among the more than 42,000 phone calls that 2-1-1 Brevard fielded in 2015, only about one percent were classified as suicide prevention or intervention, yet that one percent translates into as many as 586 lives saved by this round-the-clock helpline that has been a go-to resource since its inception in 1963.
In this capacity, 2-1-1 Brevard works closely with Housing for Homeless, Volunteers of America and Crosswinds Youth Services.
A caller with small children may call for basic needs, but the individual is also often referred to services through Help Me Grow.
An unemployed vet seeking assistance with the utility bill may be connected to a job training program. An elderly woman with an eviction notice can immediately gain access to the network tasked with preventing homelessness.
“In many cases, that first phone call to 2-1-1 is only the first step down the path of working together to change the life of the caller,” said Donoghue.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a reservation to attend the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala call 321-323-4460 or 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com
The 2016 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and include outstanding individuals and organizations from the medical, business, education and governmental communities. Also announced today was the honoree for the Lifetime Achievement.
Recognizing Outstanding Individuals & Organizations Who Dedicate Their Time, Talent and Treasure
CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA – The 2016 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and include outstanding individuals and organizations from the medical, business, education and governmental communities.
Also announced today was the honoree for the Lifetime Achievement. Information about the hospital and hospice volunteers will be released Oct. 1.
The Central Florida Humanitarian honorees will be recognized during a Gala event on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created seven years ago by Space Coast Daily to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their time, talent or treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
The 2016 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and include outstanding individuals and organizations from the medical, business, education and governmental communities. All Humanitarian alumni are presented a specially commissioned medallion.
TIME: In this category consider candidates who have selflessly and consistently devoted their time as volunteers at hospitals and nursing homes, in activities for the less fortunate and as organizers, administrators or operatives in the many other altruistic endeavors in our community. TALENT: In this category give consideration to those who have volunteered their special talents and expertise to address specific circumstances in which the lives of those in need are improved. TREASURE: The humanitarians in this category will include those who have generously shared their monetary good fortune and/or volunteered their time and efforts in fund raising for the advancement of a philanthropic cause.
All 2016 honorees will be featured in the Oct/Nov 2016 edition of Space Coast Daily magazine and online at SpaceCoastDaily.com. The magazine will be available the first week of October in both print and digital editions, which will also be available on SpaceCoastDaily.com.
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS SELECTED TO BE HONORED INCLUDE:
• 211 Brevard
• Advocates For Aging
• Rusty Buchanan
• Steve Bunker
• Cape Canaveral Ladies
• Stop the Bleed Team
• Junior League of South Brevard
• Space Coast Iceplex Disabled Sled Hockey
• AJ Hiers
• Sharon James
• Keep Brevard Beautiful
• Janet Marks
• Paws and Stripes College
• Port Canaveral Commission
• Col. Danny McKnight
• Rolling Readers Space Coast
• Leo Roselip
• Space Coast Health Foundation
• Space Coast Paratroopers
• Central Florida Animal Refuge
• BCSO Chief Deputy Doug Waller
• Jarvis Wash
• Dr. Carlos Woodward
• The 2016 Central Florida Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement honoree is Bernie Simpkins.
HONORING SELFLESS VOLUNTEERISM
As always, the Central Florida Humanitarian committee will also honor hospital and hospice volunteers from Health First Hospice, the Dr. Jey Pillai Center for Hospice Care at Wasdin Woods, VITAS, Hospice of St. Francis, Health First Cape Canaveral Hospital, Health First Viera Hospital, Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center, Health FirstPalm Bay Hospital, Wuesthoff Medical Center – Melbourne, Wuesthoff Medical Center – Rockledge, the VA Clinic in Viera, and Sebastian River Medical Center.
Dr. Jim Palermo
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Space Coast Daily Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“For the seventh consecutive year, we will once again produce the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala on the first Thursday of November. This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala.”
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards will be part of Space Coast Medicine Week, a comprehensive series of health and educational events produced by Space Coast Daily.
JOIN US FOR AN INSPIRATIONAL EVENING
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by Parrish Medical Center, SOAR, BioCellular Therapies, Brighthouse Networks, First Choice Medical Group, Clear Choice Health Care, Community Credit Union, Lake Nona Medical Arts, Brevard Geriatrics, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, Dr. Mark Pinsky, Space Coast Daily magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com. Each honoree or organization will be presented the Central Florida Humanitarian Crystal Globe.
Giles Malone
“We would like to thank our long list of sponsors who support the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards and who make this wonderful event possible,” said Giles Malone, a partner with Space Coast Daily and Brevard Productions, who annually produce all the events of Space Coast Medicine Week.
COMPELLING MULTIMEDIA TRIBUTE VIDEOS & STORIES
Stay tuned to Space Coast Daily magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com for exclusive and comprehensive multimedia coverage of each honoree as we present their compelling stories.
Tom Palermo
“Please join us on Thursday, Nov. 3 to celebrate and be inspired by these incredible individuals and groups,” said Space Coast Daily President & Publisher Tom Palermo.
“In the meantime, please click the link below that showcases the distinguished Central Florida Humanitarian Alumni.”
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN ALUMNI
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a reservation to attend the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala call 321-323-4460 or 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com
ABOVE MAP:The 2016 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards will take place Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, located at 200 Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
In addition to saving lives, 2-1-1 Brevard enhances the quality of life for thousands of Brevard residents by helping them address their need for food, shelter and mental health services.
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS SELECTED TO BE HONORED INCLUDE:
