ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Dear Valued Supporter,
In 2023, The Source marked an incredible milestone - 28 years of dedicated service to our community. What began as a humble initiative providing emergency meals has evolved into a comprehensive effort to combat homelessness in our community, featuring initiatives such as the Dignity Buses, a Culinary Training Program, job opportunities to make money on-site, mental health care, free dental restoration to qualifying graduates and more.
With an expanded range of services, increased outreach, and an unyielding commitment to developing impactful programs, we are proud to offer life-changing opportunities to homeless individuals in Indian River County and beyond.
This year, our commitment to making a difference has led to significant accomplishments. Not only do our two Dignity Buses continue to provide 36 beds in Indian River County, but we also renovated and sold a third Dignity Bus to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and a fourth Dignity Bus to Bourbonnais, Illinois, just outside Chicago. The addition of local dentists to our Dignity Smiles Program, the launch of the Dignity Wellness mental health program through the support of an Impact 100 Grant and a Grand Harbor Community Fund Grant, and the initiation of the Community Works program to clean up the City of Vero Beach further showcase our dedication.
Within the following pages, you will discover details about our crucial programs and services, future plans, and the profound impact we’ve had on individuals whose lives were affected by homelessness. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our generous donors, partners, and volunteers.
As you peruse this report, we hope you take pride in the positive changes we are effecting to help the homeless and underserved regain their footing. Your commitment to supporting The Source is deeply appreciated, and together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey toward building a better community.
Executive Director
I Am Ministries, Inc. DBA The Source 501(c) 3 non profit organization Federal Tax ID #59-3354241 P..O. Box 2458,Vero Beach, FL 32961 | 1015 Commerce Avenue,Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-564-0202 | www.iamthesource.org
Founded nearly three decades ago in response to the growing homelessness crisis in Indian River County, The Source has undergone a transformative journey. Over the years, we have emerged as a symbol of hope for the homeless and vulnerable, boasting an expanded vision and cutting-edge programs that position us as pioneers in life transformation. Our holistic programs empower clients, fostering self-reliance and the pursuit of meaningful lives.
With steadfast dedication, we offer hope and a diverse array of support services to those facing adversity. Our mission is to guide individuals towards realizing their full potential for self-sufficiency, facilitating a path to more gratifying and fulfilling lives.
Over One Million* Free Meals Served • We serve three free hot meals daily • The first made-to-order menu • 39,783 meals served in 2023
Over one million meals served since we opened 28 years ago
*
Dining with Dignity
Dining with Dignity is a 6, 12, or 18 week professional program, recognized by The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) for delivering high standards in culinary arts education. This program offers students the opportunity to learn culinary skills and prepare them for employment in the food service industry
The food trucks are geared to selling award-winning food at community events, and with made-to-order foods at specific locations and routine stops, while also providing complimentary food relief in response to natural disasters. With two food trucks in operation, culinary students receive additional training and gain confidence working with the public.
Dignity Catering provides a catering service to local businesses, schools, churches and/or community events. A daily menu is available, or one can be created specifically for private functions or event planning. Culinary students gain hands-on training while interacting with the public.
Dignity Smiles provides free dental restoration to eligible Dining with Dignity graduates. Proper dentistry makes all of the difference with their confidence and employability. The Source partnered originally with Dr. Sadesh Kumar, and Thomas Balshi, DDS, PhD, FACP, and Stephen Balshi. Our first year in operation we included Dr. Claudia Pryszlak, DMD; Dr. Ramon Hernandez, DMD; Dr. Adam Jones, DMD, MS; Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones, DDS; and Denise M. Pieczynski, D.M.D. In 2023 we added: Dr. Eve Napoles, DDS.
Dignity Jobs offer members the opportunity to gain work experience and a dignified income. The Source partners with B.E. Princess, Inc. a private and corporate aviation supplier, who provides on board supplies and accessories to aviation companies around the country. Our members assemble Sic Sac® Motion Sickness Bags and earn a dignified income while feeling productive and appreciated under the supervision of our employment specialist.
Wellness Wellness
On the road to mental health...
The Source manages mental health counseling for the Dignity Wellness Program, offering daily mental health services, community outreach, and education to reduce stigma.
Mental Health
First Aid training is provided and the program aims to help individuals achieve employment mobility and mental well-being.
Dignity Bus® is the firstof-its-kind in the country, an overnight emergency shelter available 365 days a year. The two Vero Beach buses offer a total of 36 climate-controlled sleeping pods. The buses are available 7 nights a week, providing security, comfort, and a safe environment for individuals to get a restful night’s sleep. We also built and sold two additional Dignity Buses® nationally! One bus went to Woonsocket, Rhode Island and the second bus went to the Chicago area. Finally - we have purchased a fifth bus that is designated to serve the Vero Beach community with 19 sleeping pods and additional amenities.
Dignity Village is a hotel/ motel that offers daily, weekly and monthly stays at an affordable rate. 18 Units will be available to individuals and families in our community. The village is a self-contained community offering housing, a chapel, outdoor dining, and activities.
Members participating in Community works are paid by The Source and dressed in uniforms while picking up trash along streets, lawns and alleyways that might smell, need pressure cleaning and do other work to help beautify the city. The Source has an identifiable trailer with all of the cleaning supplies needed to get any job done.
95%* of local Homeless Served by Dignity Buses
• Emergency Overnight Shelters
• The first two in the country
• 10,421 Safe Sleeps in 2023
Almost $242,713 Earned by Culinary Enterprises
•48,631 Meals were served
• 32 Students gained on-the-job training
DIGNITY VILLAGE Now Open!
• 11 One bedroom cottages
• 3 Two bedroom cottages
• 4 Efficiences
• A self-contained community for individuals and families in Indian River County
$49,625 Put Back Into The
Local Economy
• 301,700 Sic Sacs completed
• $49,652 Used for client assistance, ie: new bicycles, gas vouchers, movie and bowling tickets, new clothes, prescriptions, bus and airline tickets home
185+ Lives Uplifted With Free Mental Health Care
• 492 clinical counseling hours provided
• 203 people engaged in Smoking Cessation program
• One Mental Health First Aid Instructor was added to our staff
• 25 members referred to Intensive Outpatient, medication management and senior services.
• 182 Students served by Music Therapy
Four Lives Changed With A New Smile
• Russell (pictured to the left with Denise Pieczynski, DMD & Dignity Smiles founder Dr. Thomas Balshi) is now housed and has full-time employment
• Dr. Eve Napoles, DDS joined the team of Dignity Smiles dentists
VOLUNTEERS are a ray of hope.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
264 Total number of Volunteers
10,421 Safe sleeps on Dignity Bus
39,783 Meals Served In one year
6,340 Loads of Laundry Washed.
32 Dining with Dignity Students
837 Pieces of Mail Received
MEET KAREN
Karen grew up poor in the projects in Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of ten. Karen’s father was a longshoreman who was never around, while her mother cleaned office buildings. Karen was taken care of by her older sister Mary. She lived a dangerous, difficult and sad life, especially once her mother became ill. After her mother passed away, she was invited to move in with a friend in Micco, Florida. For three years, Karen enjoyed the peace and comfort of her new life until she fell ill. While accessing her doctors from this spot, she learned her friend’s home was no longer available. She soon learned about The Source and became a part of our family until her passing in 2023.
Leonard is a hard working man who recently fell on hard times when his wife became sick with cancer and he could not afford both rent and her medicine. In an effort to do the right thing, Leonard found a safe place for his wife with a family member, put his belongings into storage and started coming to the Source for meals, showers and a safe, comfortable sleep on the Dignity Bus®. Leonard soon started working on the crew of Community Works and before long earned the position of crew leader. Since then Leonard has gotten his drivers license renewed and is now supervisor of the Community Works crew.
MEET LEONARD MEET RUSSELL
In December 2022, as Russell’s lease was concluding, he faced a steep rent increase to $1,800 a month, a cost he could not shoulder, resulting in homelessness. Despite this setback, he continued to work, aiming to save enough for a new place, only to encounter another hurdle when his car broke down. However, Russell’s story has since transformed remarkably. From his days in the woods, he has made incredible strides, initially becoming a Food Truck Operator. Through our Dignity Smiles Program, he regained his confidence with a renewed smile and has now secured full-time employment with a local restaurant, along with stable housing.
2022/2023 BALANCE SHEET
I AM MINISTRIES, INC. D/B/A THE SOURCE STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION JUNE 30, 2022 AND JUNE 30, 2023 2022 2023 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $1,913,591 $1,972,044 Grants receivable 2,910 2,702 Contributions receivable, current 60,000 55,000 Prepaid Expenses 13,355 31,231 Total current Assets $1,989,856 $2,060,977 Contributions receivable non-concurrent 10,000 55,000 Investments 19,960 862,392 Other assets 46,095 45,648 Property and equipment net 2,063,892 2,275,806 Total assets $4,109,843 $4,437,431 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 37,454 $ 62,993 Total current liabilities 37,454 62,993 Net assets: Without donor restrictions 3,843,025 4,105,686 With donor restrictions 229,364 268,752 Total net assets 4,072,389 4,374,438 Total liabilities and net gains $4,109,843 $4,437,431
Social Return on Investment Dignity Bus Lodging Created ER Visits Avoided Avg. Hotel Cost Over Social Return on Investment In unrecoverable emergency room costs were avoided 2023 Safe Sleeps 10,421 $150 $1,563,150 $10M Dignity Jobs Wage Creation Meal Savings Creation 2023 Money The Source spent on meals Value of meals created at The Source Of income was created for persons that were previously unable to attain such. $193,947 $50,166 $680,576 Sic Sac® Wage Creation 2023 Participants Investment by The Source Income Created $1,196 $15,320 47
Fiscal Year 2022-23 Revenue $2,324,778 Culinary In-Kind Contributions Rental Income Other Income Grants 19% 9% 12% 3% 1% 1% 54% Direct Public Support Special Events, Net 1015 Commerce Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 772-564-0202 | www.iamthesource.org
2022-23 Expenses
$2,220,903
83%
10% 7%
Ministry Services and Clinical Assistance Management & General Fundraising
Go!
Welcome to The Source!
At The Source we believe in reunifying families whenever possible and will help our members to purchase bus tickets or plane tickets home. When this is the case members “do not pass GO and do not need to graduate from any programs!” - they go STRAIGHT HOME!
LIFE IS NOT A GAME OF CHANCE
Homeless Housed
Use “Dignity Bucks” to buy new bike or new clothing
Decide which Dignity Program is most suitable:
Dining with Dignity, Community Works or Dignity Jobs
Dignity Wellness:
First step is a mental health assessment
Don’t roll the dice with your LIFE!
Staff will do an intake and establish new person as a “member” of the Source with a photo ID
The process begins with a full stomach and good night’s sleep
Do some chores and earn some “Dignity Bucks”
3 Free hot meals a day served restaurant style
Reserve a safe sleep for $2 per night on one of our two
Take a hot shower, and use the laundry facilities to wash clothing
Students will choose to participate in one of these three Dignity Programs
Dining with Dignity: A 6, 12, or 18 week Culinary Training Program Students earn ServSafe Cert
Community Works: A 6 Week voluntary job training program, cleaning the city & parks
During this time, members are encouraged to participate in our enrichment programs as well as Bible study and AA if needed.
PREPARING FOR JOB PLACEMENT Members work with an Employment Specialist Interviews are set-up and student is coached and guided.
SMILE!
Dignity Job Opportunities: Earn money by working at The Source
Upon graduation from one of our Dignity Programs, members may qualify for the Dignity Smiles Program. As a recipient of Dignity Smiles - select members receive restorative dentistry free of charge and are now prepared to enter the workforce with a brand new smile.
Our employment specialist works closely with each member, helping them to renew drivers license, get state ID or whatever they need for employability.
Members thrive in community
We support the employer and the student!
Members can return anytime for support. Must return to “GO” and start again.
PRAISE THE LORD!
Giving the honor & glory to God...many members ask for their baptism.
.................
WELCOMEHOMETO DIGNITYVILLAGE
Summary of Major Accomplishments and Celebrations of 2022-2023
Pastor Wayne Traverse, Vice President of our Board and Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director went on a mission trip to Texas during the summer of 2022 for leadership training and to spread the Love of God.
Representatives from Butler County Ohio visited The Source to assess the feasibility of bringing a Dignity Bus® to their area.
Anthony Zorbaugh and several staff members traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to buy a third bus to convert to a Digntiy Bus®.
Jade Alexander, Director of Operations (third to the right) and Charlene Morris, LMHC, MCAP, Director of Mental Health (second to the right) traveled to the Bahamas on a Mission Trip.
The Annual Prayer Breakfast was held at Pathway Church on Oct. 6, 2022. It was a heartwarming gathering, imbued with a sense of community and spirituality, catered by Dignity Catering.
The Source Welcomes
Jonathan “Jonny” Orozco, as new Director of Development
Jonny was the former Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Lead for Brevard County’s Continuum of Care, where he played a vital role in the collaboration between Brevard County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Miss Sue and Executive Director Tony Zorbaugh cross the finish line at the Substance Abuse Coalition 5k Walk/Run
The City Council of Vero Beach recognized National Health Awareness Month with a proclamation to The Source for our positive and untiring work we do in providing programs and services to the homeless and poor.
Our member Kyle, who has worked hard to improve his life, was rewarded with the gift of a car.
A team of volunteers traveled to the hurricane beaten West Coast of Florida to provide much needed service, supplies and support.
A few of our members and staff celebrated the holidays by visiting Universal Studios in Orlando. At the Source we believe in creating experiences that foster community and lasting friendships.
Maryann Braden representing the Evening of Giving program (EOG) under Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program, visited The Source just prior to Christmas 2022 to present a check to our organization.
December 2022, The Source sent an outreach team of mission-minded staff, board members and supporters to Cuba for a visit. While there we offered meals, supplies and the word of God to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Source Promotes Jade Alexander to Director of Operations
The second Dignity Bus® was relocated from Palm Bay to Indian River County, giving us two buses and offering 36 beds to our members for a safe and comfortable sleep.
Jade Alexander is now in charge of overseeing the day-to-day activities of The Source, the staff, and clients as well as maintaining and expanding the organization’s policies and procedures. Ms. Alexander originally came to The Source in March 2021 as Employment Specialist.
The Fred Griffin Legacy Fund, overseen by Fred Griffin’s wife Suzanne Chesser, donated $81,950 to Dignity Village.
The Dignity Food Truck was able to serve the community for several months as Seaside Grill was under construction, providing good food and good will.
The Source’s 18th Annual “Night of Hope” Fundraiser was held on February 6, 2023 at the Emerson Center in Vero Beach featuring Wintley Phipps.
The Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach hosted the 11th Annual Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest on February 18, 2023 and The Source Dining with Dignity program won two first place honors.
The Source partnered with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to provide Music Therapy which started February 27, 2023 at our Commerce location.
Jimmy Jacobson, far right, the founder of a veteran nonprofit organization called “DoYouGiveARuck” donated some much needed items to our members. (A Ruck is the name of the backpack worn by soldiers).
The Source was announced as one of eleven finalists for the Indian River Impact 100 Grant of $100,000 on March 8 at the annual “Meet the Finalists” reception at The Heritage Center.
Casual for a Cause school-wide philanthropy program donated $2,406 to The Source. Each month, district schools raise money to support local organizations. Thank you SDIRC!
The Robin Raiff Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate donated a portion of their commission to The Source. A certificate of appreciation was presented to them and their clients, Linda and Robert, acknowledging a donation to The Source in their name.
The Source Attends the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in California
Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source and Jonathan Orozco, Director of Development attended the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in Oakland, CA. In March 2023 The Source presented at the conference entitled, “Innovations & Solutions for Ending Unsheltered Homelessness.” The Dignity Bus® was well received by attendees who were eager to know more about its operations and success.
In Spring of 2023
The Source started a Member Advisory Council to address challenges faced by our members. The goal was to empower members to come up with solutions themselves and see those solutions implemented.
Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club gave a $10,000 grant to The Source. This generous donation will directly support our Dining with Dignity Culinary Training program.
A leadership team from The Source participating in the Indian River Impact 100 “Share to Care” Community Fair
Left photo: Receiving the $100,000 grant from Impact 100, left to right - Director of Mental Health Services at The Source, Charlene Morris, Mary Ellen McCarthy (Impact 100) and Executive Director of The Source, Tony Zorbaught. Right photo: $12,000 grant award, left to right - Grant Writer Robin Herow, Susanne and Doug Sweeny (Grand Harbor), Tony Zorbaugh and Charlene Morris.
The newest program launched by The Source is Community Works. It is designed to help the streets of Vero Beach become clean again, while at the same time allowing Source members to earn a paycheck.
Jonathan Orozco, Director of Development, Jade Alexander, Director of Operations, Antoinette Hamner, Robin Herow, Grant Writer and Jeffrey Pickering hold check for $12,000 from IR Community Foundation.
Following Easter Services at Pathway Church, Sunday, April 9, 1,000 happy parishoners enjoyed a full breakfast courtesy of Dignity Catering.
An assistant (far left) to Senator Marco Rubio joins the Dignity Bus® team from The Source, (left to right) Jonathan, Tony Z., Anthony R., and Kyle pictured here outside Senator Rubio’s office in Washington, D.C.
Anthony Zorbaugh was invited to participate in a national webinar, where he is seen here speaking about the Dignity Bus® and presenting our Dignity Bus® Toolkit, a step-by-step guide for transforming a bus into a Dignity Bus®.
Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source addresses City Council at a Call Meeting on the Pocahontas Park rejuvenation and how The Source is determined to help the City.
Community Partnerships
3 Mavins’
3001 Park Place Building
32963 Newspaper
53rd Neighbors Magazine
ABC Printers
Aiello Landscaping
Altitude Dental
Archers Tax Services and More LLC.
B.E. Princess Bank of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters
CJ Cannons
Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church
Christ Church
Community Church
Clear SEM Solutions
Crossover Mission
Crown Painting
Dillard’s
Dyer Mazda and Dyer Subaru
ESS Manufacturing
George E. Warren Corporation
Gifford Youth Achievement Center
Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
Hope for Families Center
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Indian River Chamber of Commerce
Indian River County Hospital District
Indian River Exchange Packers
Indian River Restaurant Supply
Indian River Magazine
Indoor Air and Odor Management
iTHINK Financial
Legendary Teejay’s Awards and Generation Cotton
Marsh Landing
Nuva Dental
Pathway Church
Phoenix Rising
Premier Estate Properties
Princess Liquors
RCL Development
Route 60 Hyundai
Shile Insurance
Southstate Bank
St. Vincent de Paul
Streetside Showers
Sunrise Rotary
TCPalm.com
The Gifford Florida Youth Orchestra, Inc.
Truist (formerly Suntrust)
Indian River County Chamber of Commerce
Vero Beach Country Club
Vero Beach Magazine
Vierra Smile Studio
Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Waldo’s
Walmart
Whole Family Health Center
Wickham Dental
Youth Guidance
Gifford Youth Achievement Center donated a wheelchair to Tyrieff and the Volunteer Ambulance Squad takes Ty to his doctor appointments.
Businesses Employing
Dining with Dignity Students
3D Fencing LLC
7 Eleven
American Grill and Bar
American Icon Brewery
Asian Chow Oriental Eatery
BBG (Ft. Pierce)
Baci Trattoria
Beef and Barrell (Crossville, TN)
Bonefish Grill
Blue Ribbon Pet Spa
Burger King
C.J. Cannons
Captain Hiram’s
Chili’s
Chipotle
Citrus Grill House
Classic Car Wash
Cleveland Clinic
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
Five Guys
Green Marlin
Halpern’s Steak and Seafood
IHOP
Indian River Restaurant Supply
Kilted Mermaid
Larry’s Roadside Restaurant
Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant
Lowes
MJM Car Wash
Marsh Landing
Mr. Manatee’s
Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station
Ocean Grill
Omni Tax Help
Outback Steakhouse
Phatz Chicken Shack
Phil’s Side Jobs LLC
Portside Pub
Post and Vine
Publix
Route 60 Hyundai
Ruby Tuesday
Sea Oaks
Sebastian Sandwich Shack
Ski’s Hideaway
Sonny’s BBQ
Spiro’s Taverna
Steil Oil Co.
Taco Dive
The Lemon Tree
The Source
The Wave Kitchen and Barr at Costa d’ Este Resort
Too Jay’s
Vero Beach Country Club
Vero Beach Elementary
Vero Bowl
Wes Backyard BBQ Grill
Waldo’s Restaurant
Waves Car Wash
Winn-Dixie
Mike proudly wearing his Mr. Manatee’s uniform.
From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023
264 people volunteered at The Source
15 Members were Housed
13 Members got their State ID
4 Lives were changed with a new smile!
To learn more about The Source Scan QR Code
A Total of 32 Dining with Dignity Students were Enrolled
17 Dining With Dignity Students Graduated
95% of local Homeless Served by Dignity Buses
22 Students Gained Employment
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bobby Lindsey, President
Pastor Wayne Traverse, Vice President
Marjorie Gaskins, Treasurer
Melinda Berg, Board Member
James Dornan, Board Member
Margaret Anne Evans, Board Member
Michelle Griffin, Board Member
Robert Ulevich, Board Member
Diantha Harris Board Member
www.iamthesource.org 772-564-0202 1015 Commerce Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 Thank you for supporting us! I Am Ministries, Inc. dba The Source 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization Federal Tax ID#59-3354241 OUR MISSION Our mission is to support and serve the community and lead individuals to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Thomas Balshi, DDS, PhD, FACP
Joanne Balshi
FUNDRAISER
Stephen Balshi
Dr. Sadesh Kumar, DMD
Dr. Ramon Hernandez, DMD
Dr. Claudia Pryszlak, DMD
Dr. Eve Napoles, DDS
Dr. Adam Jones, DMD, MS
Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones, DDS
THANK YOU TO OUR DIGNITY SMILES DENTISTS
Denise M. Pieczynski, DMD