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CEC Quarterly Newsletter
To learn more about us visit our website at www.cecwashpark.org or Like us on Facebook
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CEC Quarterly Newsletter
We are excited to welcome our loyal subscribers from Community Enhancement Collaboration and all new readers as we launch our 2024 second-quarter newsletter. This newsletter has exciting updates, insightful articles, and valuable resources to keep you informed and engaged. Whether you have been following our journey for some time or are just joining us, we are excited to have you on board. Stay tuned for the latest news and developments as we grow and enhance our community.
We are thrilled to share the impact of our collaborative efforts in the past months. Together with our community partners and dedicated volunteers, we have provided essential support to individuals and families in need. From distributing food through various programs to offering educational and vocational services, the Community Enhancement Collaboration (CEC) has made a significant difference in the lives of many.
In the first quarter of 2024, we have served a total of:
- 721 families and 2,022 individuals through our Monday walk-in food pantry program.
- 400 senior families and 940 individual seniors through our client choice food program on Tuesdays.
- On Wednesdays, 1,172 families and 338 individuals through our home food delivery partnership with Memorial Healthcare System.
- 1,510 families and 5,539 through the drive-thru mobile food distribution program on Fridays.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported us in these endeavors. Your contributions, whether through volunteering or donations, have made a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. As we continue our mission to alleviate hunger and empower our community, we invite you to join us in making a positive impact. Together, we can create a more vibrant and supportive community for all. Thank you for being a part of the #CECFamily!
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Children’s Service Council of Broward County Food Insecurity Mitigation Market
Community Enhancement Collaboration (CEC) Food Insecurity Mitigation Market grant is thrilled to announce a five-year grant from the Children’s Service Council of Broward County. Over the past three years, CEC has diligently fulfilled the grant requirements by hosting an average of two mobile food pantries monthly at various locations throughout Broward County. We have provided healthy fruits, vegetables, rice, milk, eggs, and basic pantry items to 125 families with children at each event.
In the most recent quarter, the mobile pantry traveled to six different locations, including Gethsemane Church, Marti Huizenga Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Miramar Youth Center, the Liberia Neighborhood, Hispanic Unity of Florida, and Rick and Rita Case Club- Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. This initiative has been a vital part of CEC's efforts to serve individuals and families in need, offering not just food assistance but also various social services such as educational, vocational, and basic needs distribution.
Volunteers have played a crucial role in the success of these community programs, demonstrating the power of collective effort to make a positive impact. The numbers speak volumes about the impact of CEC's work - from January to March 2024 alone, 721 families and 2,022 individuals were served through the Monday walk-in food pantry program. We are immensely proud of the strides we have made in combating food insecurity and supporting our community members in need.
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MHS initiated the "One City at a Time" program
We proudly announce our enduring partnership with Memorial Healthcare Systems (MHS), spanning over 20 years. Recently, MHS initiated the "One City at a Time" program to extend vital resources and services to underserved communities through mobile health centers. On January 27, 2024, the MHS mobile van made a significant impact by visiting the Washington Park Community Center in Hollywood, FL. The event catered to children and adults, offering various health-related services, including medical exams, screenings, vaccinations, nutritional counseling, Medicare enrollment guidance, and referrals to specialists and social services. In addition to healthcare services, the event featured raffles, games, music, and activities for children. As part of our commitment to the community, CEC distributed over 125 bags of healthy foods to neighbors and families, contributing to the event's overall success.
We are thrilled to announce that Jackie Bioski was one of the lucky winners of a brand-new laptop from the raffle! Jackie's dedication and support have truly paid off, and we couldn't be happier for her. This exciting win is a testament to Jackie's good fortune and positive energy within our community. Please join us in congratulating Jackie on this fantastic achievement! She also won $80.00 from the Rotary Club of Hollywood, FL.
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Sharing resources
February was another busy month for the CEC! President Nadine McCrea and Operations Manager Jackie Bioski, Rosa Johnson, Harry Davis, and Catherine Evanoff attended the City of Hollywood’s Coffee with the City Manager to forge a stronger relationship between the homeowner’s associations and city personnel and share resources.
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Personal Items Giveaway
Thanks to our community donors, including Big Lots, Target, Publix, and Feeding South Florida, the CEC has been storing many personal store return items in anticipation of its Annual Personal Items Giveaway on February 24, 2024. Over 10,000 items have been collected and stored on CEC’s property and storage containers. These include personal care items, paper towels, household items, pet items, and cleaning supplies. For three days before the event, 120 student volunteers from the Chaminade School marked and prepared items for the giveaway. It was a resounding success! All the items were given away, and over 200 people left content. Many of the guests were so grateful.
“You saved me so much money!
I have enough personal items until next time! Thank you!” stated Elaine Sanchez, a community resident.
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New Storage Space for CEC!
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The CEC has secured an additional 1,500 square feet of storage space thanks to the generous grant funding provided by the Jim Moran Foundation. This new warehouse located two blocks from CEC will serve as a crucial storage area for community donations and a venue for special seasonal events. With climate-controlled facilities, our donations will be preserved effectively, and the organization will have the flexibility to organize mobile food pantries seamlessly.
Moreover, the support from the Jim Moran Foundation has been pivotal in facilitating the growth of the CEC and in retaining our valuable human resources. This funding has enabled us to provide stipends to key personnel in crucial areas such as operations, finance, data systems, and community relations. We are immensely grateful for this support, which has been instrumental in our mission to serve the community effectively.
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POP-UP & ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP
VENDOR LEVELS
Embrace the exciting invitation from Community Enhancement Collaboration, Inc. (CEC) in Hollywood, FL 33023, to become a pop-up or exhibitor vendor at their upcoming events. This is your golden opportunity to shine a spotlight on your offerings, engage with a varied audience, and contribute to a noble cause through CEC fundraising initiatives. By taking part in CEC's annual and seasonal events, not only will you make a positive impact in the community but also broaden your outreach. Seize the chance to be a part of something meaningful and reach out to Marika Guyton at ceccollaboration@gmail.com for further details. Let's create a ripple of positive change together! Select the link below to register.
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Introducing Jackie Bioski, Operations Manager
Jackie Bioski has a story and a personal connection with the Community Enhancement Collaboration (CEC) in Washington Park. In 2013, she first came to the CEC looking for food. She returned weekly seeking food for her and her family. There was something special about Jackie, and Nadine McCrea, the CEC president, recognized that. One day, when Jackie was waiting in line at the food pantry looking for food, Nadine approached her and asked if she wanted to be a part of Community Enhancement Collaboration. Jackie said, “Of course, I said yes!”
Jackie became part of the CEC family through hard work and a great spirit. Eleven years later, she and Nadine continue to work very closely together and have helped thousands of food pantry recipients. Jackie has been an outstanding employee who is empathetic and dedicated to assisting CEC clients who have experienced hardships. Jackie encourages others to come and experience the hospitality and kindness that she received. “CEC is a wonderful organization for which to volunteer. We welcome you if you only have a few hours or can volunteer weekly.” Join the CEC family!
Here are some fun facts about Jackie:
Favorite CEC event: Christmas! I love to see the happy faces of the kids.
Favorite place: By the water.
When not working, my favorite thing is relaxing at home or being with family.
Favorite Hobby: Reading and watching TV.
Favorite Food: Chinese Food.
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