November 2015

Celebrating the holidays with gratitude

During this special time of year when we are reminded to pause and be thankful, I am grateful to the hardworking nonprofits and volunteers that we have partnered with and to those individuals and families who find the strength to persevere despite life's many challenges. When we see a little bit of ourselves in one another and respect the resiliency of the human spirit, we are compelled to lift each other up -- that is where philanthropy begins.

It begins in the hearts of people like Dan and Jacquie Shorter who we were privileged to recognize last month with The Jim Moran Foundation Award. For more than two decades, Dan and Jacquie have been volunteering and providing food to thousands of hungry families. Through their acts of service, they are giving us all the opportunity to consider how we can make a difference.

May we each take the time to count our blessings and continue to give back to our community this holiday season and throughout the coming year!

Our warmest wishes to you and your families,
Jan Moran Signature
Jan Moran
Chairman and President

Dan and Jacquie Shorter honored

The Shorters (center) with Jan Moran and George Gadson

In recognition of their more than 25 years of helping those who struggle to put food on their tables in Palm Beach County, Dan and Jacquie Shorter have been named the 2015 recipients of The Jim Moran Foundation Award.

With this honor, the Shorters have selected Feed the Hungry for a $50,000 unrestricted grant awarded by The Jim Moran Foundation. They have also received a bronze sculpture created by South Florida artist George Gadson of an open book with a child climbing a ladder supported by an outstretched hand.

"Dan and Jacquie have devoted much of their lives to selflessly serving others," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "Their compassion and commitment to feeding the hungry inspire us all to reach out with kindness to our neighbors in need."

Read the full story.


Literacy program changes lives

Krissania (left) shares her graduation papers from the Learn to Read program with her mother who traveled to Jacksonville to celebrate her daughter's achievements.

For adults who struggle with literacy, Learn to Read in Duval County provides free tutoring and computer lab instruction to equip them for a path of continued learning. The program is often a stepping stone towards a GED or a better paying job -- and sometimes, participants simply want to be able to read with their children or grandchildren.

Believing that education is the key to success, Krissania began attending Learn to Read classes while also working at a local retail store. After completing the program, she transitioned to the GED preparation course at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Her goal is to someday work in the nursing profession.

"With my GED, I will have self-confidence, self-respect and also it will make my family proud," said Krissania.

Nearly 100 volunteers help the organization serve over 600 students each year.

Connect with Learn to Read via their website.


Meaningful activities engage Broward seniors

Hal reads The New York Times on the Center's iPads every day.

As a "home away from home" for nearly 900 elderly individuals, the Daniel Cantor Senior Center in Broward County provides a variety of social, educational and recreational programs.

Hal is 96 years old and lives alone despite suffering from various ailments including low vision and balance issues. When his children became concerned with his inactivity and frequent falls, Hal joined Daniel Cantor's Living Room Program.

Launched in 2014 through a challenge grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, the transitional program offers a small, structured environment with additional support and engaging activities for frail seniors who need assistance but do not yet require intensive supervision.

Attending the Center has given Hal a new lease on life. He plays Bridge with other seniors, enjoys visits from therapy dogs, participates in discussions and still has an eye for the ladies!

Learn more about Daniel Cantor Senior Center.