November 2013

While this time of year can be a wonderful reminder of how many reasons we have to be thankful, for those who are struggling in our community, it can be a time of loneliness and disappointment. From all of us at The Jim Moran Foundation, we are grateful to the dedicated nonprofits that provide critical support and resources every day with an unwavering commitment to reach out even further to share the spirit of giving during the holidays.

May the New Year bring renewed hope and opportunities to all of our friends and neighbors in need of a helping hand.

My warmest wishes to you and your families,
Jan Moran Signature
Chairman and President
The Jim Moran Foundation

Julie Price honored with The Jim Moran Foundation Award

Julie Price (left) accepts her award from Jan Moran at ARC Broward with artwork from the children's program decorating the walls.

For her decades of supporting and working on behalf of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Julie Price has been named the 2013 recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation Award.

With this honor, Price received a $50,000 unrestricted grant for ARC Broward — the nonprofit of her choice — and a bronze award created by South Florida artist and sculptor George Gadson of an open book with a child climbing a ladder supported by an outstretched hand.

"Julie is a thoughtful leader who treats each person she encounters by the 'Golden Rule' — one of my husband's guiding philosophies," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "Throughout the classrooms and walkways of ARC Broward, you can see smiling faces, courageous spirits and encouraged hearts — you can see Julie and the difference she makes in the lives of those she serves every day."

Learn more about Julie and read the full story here.



Help and hope for seniors in crisis

Volunteer Krista helps Rocco select bread from BEAM's food pantry.

Rocco, an independent 89-year-old Jacksonville resident, recently approached Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) for help after temporarily losing his veteran's benefits. Living on a fixed income, Rocco could not pay his electric bill. Through a $25,000 grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, BEAM was able to turn his power back on.

Seniors like Rocco often face difficult financial decisions between shelter, food and prescriptions — but it generally only costs $360 for BEAM to stabilize someone in crisis through rent or a utility payment.

"The assistance we have been able to provide to low-income seniors in our community has been incredible, and we are so very grateful for The Foundation's support as we help the most vulnerable among us," said Susan King, BEAM executive director.

While sharing Rocco's story, Susan added, "He is always quick with a smile and a joke for the volunteers...and although he lives check-to-check, he is stable right now. Rocco is always hopeful and grateful and full of life."

Explore BEAM's other programs and services for individuals and families in Jacksonville's beaches communities.

Improving academic success of farmworkers' children

Students practice reading comprehension with interactive exercises in a small group setting.

In Palm Beach County, thousands of farmworkers earn meager wages picking crops, packing vegetables and tending to agricultural nurseries. Often having language and educational barriers, parents are unable to help their children with homework or advocate for them in school — generally resulting in low academic performance and high drop out rates.

The Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County addresses these issues through a program called Bringing Resources and Information to Develop Gains in Education (BRIDGE), funded in part by a $50,000 grant from The Jim Moran Foundation. During the summer and after school, students in first through sixth grade receive tutoring, test preparation skills and homework assistance. Most of the youth attend twice-a-week. To help parents further their children's education and support their children's success, adult ESOL and literacy classes are also provided.

"I ask the children to read out loud every day — and in the beginning, many come in very quiet," said Samantha Terrazas, the organization's education coordinator (pictured above). "But as the year goes on, they get more and more excited about learning and reading. It's nice to see how comfortable they are now...and to give them the opportunity to achieve something is the best feeling in the world."

Connect with Farmworker Coordinating Council.