Janet Marks exemplifies what a humanitarian is all about. Under the guidance of Marks, The Master’s Workshop, at 2525 Lipscomb Street in Melbourne, has made an incredibly positive impact on the youth in the Melbourne and Palm Bay areas.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Webster’s Dictionary defines a humanitarian as “a person who spends much time doing good for others, especially for those who are suffering.”
Janet Marks exemplifies what a humanitarian is all about. Under the guidance of Marks, The Master’s Workshop, at 2525 Lipscomb Street in Melbourne, has made an incredibly positive impact on the youth in the Melbourne and Palm Bay areas.
But, to fully understand The Master’s Workshop, you have to understand Marks, and what drives her passion.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Marks taught school, worked in the church, and was involved in social programs. Marks’ mother was a major influence in her life. She was a community advocate, much like Marks. As Marks puts it, “we were brought up to help.”
Marks decided to move to America to provide a better life for her family. She always assumed there were no needs for work such as hers in America. She was mistaken.
Marks continued her work as a community advocate. After a short stay in New York, she decided that for the sake of her children, and herself, she needed to move closer to a place she might be familiar with, and that was Florida. Having relatives in Melbourne, she made the decision to move to Brevard County.
‘IF YOU SAVE ONE CHILD, YOU SAVE A GENERATION’
When Marks arrived in Melbourne, she continued her work. Without a building to call home, she began working with people on the streets, such as drug addicts and prostitutes.
While working the streets, it did not take Marks long to determine there was a dire need for after school care for children. She initially worked with children in a community church, and shortly thereafter, Marks put together a summer Vacation Bible School program.
After an initial investment of $200 from her youngest daughter to start the program, she told her mom, “If you save one child, you save a generation.” And, The Master’s Workshop was born.
IN 2004 The Master’s Workshop purchased a former local dive bar on Lipscomb Street, the Blues Lounge, and turned it into the safe haven for children they currently call home.
After being in multiple facilities over the years, in 2004 The Master’s Workshop purchased a former local dive bar on Lipscomb Street, the Blues Lounge, and turned it into the safe haven for children they currently call home.
A typical day at The Master’s Workshop starts with a break for the children. They are then served a snack, after which homework begins. Whoever is not doing homework must join a reading group. There is great emphasis put on reading. Devotion is then held, followed by a full-course dinner. All of this is at no cost to the family.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her work, Marks say it is “to hear children speak on moral issues, values, the love of God, to see smiles on their faces, and to see the change in their lives.”
She continued, “To know that some little thing you have done has caused a change is someone’s life” is a very special feeling.
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.
Janet Marks exemplifies what a humanitarian is all about. Under the guidance of Marks, The Master’s Workshop, at 2525 Lipscomb Street in Melbourne, has made an incredibly positive impact on the youth in the Melbourne and Palm Bay areas.
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS SELECTED TO BE HONORED INCLUDE:
