April 2011

Welcome to our first issue of Community Connections, an e-newsletter from The Jim Moran Foundation providing updates about programs we support and their impact.

My husband, Jim, believed those in need of a helping hand should have every opportunity to be successful. Eleven years ago, he created The Jim Moran Foundation to ensure his philanthropy would last beyond his lifetime. Through hardworking nonprofit organizations, we are continuing his legacy of compassionate philanthropy. Last year, The Jim Moran Foundation awarded almost $6 million in grants to over 60 organizations in North and South Florida -- and since its inception, more than $20 million.

Highlighted below are stories about a few partners that motivate us each day, and we hope their good work inspires you, as well.

Jan Moran Signature
Jan Moran
Chairman and President, The Jim Moran Foundation

Note: Please feel free to share this e-newsletter with family, friends or co-workers who may be interested.

Daniel Kids On the Road to Reading Success

Caring, individual instruction is a key component of Daniel's program

Jacksonville youth in Daniel's residential treatment center and therapeutic group home are significantly improving their vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills in the Failure Free Reading Program. Each day, students receive one-on-one, group and/or computer instruction by a certified ESE teacher. A grant from The Jim Moran Foundation ensures this successful teaching model will continue into 2012.

Originally founded as an orphanage in 1884, Daniel has evolved into a multi-service agency that assists abused, neglected and emotionally troubled youth and their families with a variety of innovative and nationally-recognized programs.

Learn more about Daniel.

Keep Moving at Meyerhoff Senior Center

Exercise classes promote seniors' mental and physical well-being.

Through a recent grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, the Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center in Hollywood keeps seniors active with yoga, Tai Chi and other recreational programs — all free of charge. The funding also offsets a portion of the Center's costs for its four buses, which are a lifeline for hundreds of seniors.

"Being part of the Joseph Meyerhoff Senior Center has uplifted my spirits and gives me a place to go for activities such as music therapy, support groups and exercise," said Felicia Mintzer. "I have made many new friends and I volunteer on the Advisory Board. Since I gave up driving last year, the transportation provided by the Center has kept me from being isolated at home. I am so grateful for a place to call my home away from home!"

Teaching Skills and Changing Lives

More than 20 classes each month help prepare women for brighter futures.

At Women's Circle — a small but active nonprofit located in Boynton Beach — low-income women learn vital skills to financially support themselves and their families. In partnership with The Jim Moran Foundation, the organization recently expanded its staffs' hours to offer additional employment assistance and ESOL, literacy and computer classes. For its 2,000 clients served each year, Women's Circle is a true treasure.

"Our ultimate goal is that our students find meaningful and enhanced employment," said Sister Lorraine Ryan, Women's Circle executive director. "We measure success one student at a time."

Learn more about Women's Circle.