The last year-and-a-half has been a challenge for all of us as we work toward creating a more normal life out of the fear, isolation, and confusion that the pandemic has wrought. In spite of it all, Palm Beach County charitable organizations have continued to step up in tremendous fashion, helping hearts and minds cope, instilling confidence, and improving lives. It is with a renewed sense of hope and optimism that we offer greetings from all of us at Extraordinary Charities.
The last few months have been busy at the nonprofit center and beyond, always with a steady focus on our mission of giving more tools to organizations working nonstop to help those in need. One of the Executive Directors we met with recently asked: “What would have happened if the nonprofit community shut their doors during the pandemic?” We shudder to think of the consequences. But since that discussion, one word has come to mind again and again: IMPACT. It is impossible to measure what that impact has been, but there is one thing we can do – highlight the incredible efforts made by organizations and individuals within our nonprofit community. In this issue, we’re honored to share some of their stories. Their tireless efforts have led to exciting outcomes, as inspirational as they are joyful.
Over the summer, we welcomed nearly 100 guests to an open house, where resident organizations had a chance to meet new friends, display creative works by their clients, and share details about their missions and activities. It was wonderful to be back together in person and, we admit we snuck in more than a few hugs.
We’ve added to our EC team. Both Rocio Garcia and Jessica Johnson recently have joined our team. Rocio has been part of the EC family for many years, serving in many different capacities, and will now be serving as our bookkeeper and as Beverlee’s assistant in a new venture (more on that in our next issue!). Jessica comes to us from Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches, another Nonprofit Center resident – we like to keep it “all in the family!” and will be assisting Christine with communications and Nonprofit Center matters. Both Rocio and Jessica have a heart for the community and share our commitment to our Extraordinary Charities. The EC team has also been visiting each of our organizations for an annual site visit. We were blown away by the impact we’ve observed.
As you know, success stories don’t happen without the dedication and financial support. If you are interested in supporting any of these organizations, either financially or as a volunteer, click on their link on the directory page for more information. We are committed to the nonprofit community – sharing their challenges as well as their successes – so if you know of a great organization, please direct them to ecpbc.org to learn more about becoming one of our Extraordinary Charities. Eligible organizations have an annual budget of less than $3 million, have been operating for at least three years, and file a full IRS Form 990 with a Palm Beach County address.
We review applications as they are submitted, and new organizations are admitted once a year.
Best wishes as we approach what we hope will be an uplifting holiday season.
