20/20 VISTA Vision Project first-year accomplishments

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n Worked with Goodwill Industries and community pastors in an initiative to integrate churches with local health and human services resources

n Worked with Goodwill to secure 52,000 pounds of clothing for homeless population

n Helped with income tax preparation by training volunteers to help others prepare tax returns and marketing the free income tax program offered by the Central Economic Development Center. Efforts increased tax preparation for low-income families by 700 percent.

n Worked with the City of Bradenton and the Central Economic Development Center and recruited more than 220 volunteers to build KaBOOM! Playground in Norma Lloyd Park in East Bradenton

n Planned and implemented the first annual Manatee County Small Business Lending Fair to introduce small business owners to local lending institutions

n Completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification.

n Researched and implemented local Civil Rights Restoration Project to present information to convicted felons the tools necessary to restore their civil rights

n Led the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration “Home Safety for Seniors” project

n Increased the capacity of the Anne E. Gayle Resource Center in Palmetto to serve the surrounding community. Participation was so high, Manatee County Government is giving the organization a second building at $1 year rent

n Planned and implemented back-to-school events for local neighborhoods

n Attended Governor’s Hurricane Conference, local Volunteer Reception Center training and tour of local Emergency Operations Center so that VISTAs may be prepared to be called upon in time of disaster

n Inventoried local businesses in Samoset to form a coalition and a community newsletter

n Worked with Samoset Elementary School and surrounding neighborhood to form local residents association

n Led collaboration with Volunteer Florida and Sun Coast Center for Independent Living and Wal Mart to secure funding and volunteers to build seven wheelchair ramps in seven days.

n Conducted a needs assessment survey in Parrish

n Developed and formed new “Life Skills” initiative for three age groups at Palmetto Youth Center

n Received funding from and currently partnering with the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation children’s insurance program to enroll eligible families in Manatee and DeSoto counties

n Established “I AM HOME” arts project for the homeless population by partnering with many local organizations (Whole Foods Market, Tommy Bahama, ArtCenter Sarasota, USF, Ringling School of Art & Design). Formed a partnership with ArtCenter Manatee to present 2009 display of artwork created by the homeless

20/20 VISTA Vision

Project members

n Al Gedeon

n Alexandra Demolina

n Betty Ash

n Brenda Freeman

n Bridgette Halliburton

n Dave Kaminski

n Janet Taylor

n Joyce Whitworth

n Karl Melcher

n Linda Gaines