Hernando County

Alicia, a student at USF, thought her life was falling apart when she discovered her husband had been molesting their 8-year old daughter, but the CAC was there for her, providing counseling, case management and support from the criminal justice system - even advocating on their behalf so that she could financially stand on her own two feet.  She participated in Lauren's Walk to help raise awareness for there victims of sexual abuse.  As a result of their experience at the CAC, Alicia has decided to change her major at USF to Social Work so that she can help others in their time of need.

Darroll Hale is a disabled veteran who looks forward to being transported by Trans Hernando! Unable to drive himself he has been a frequent rider since 2007.    Not being able to walk without his crutches, he is thankful for how the drivers are always there to lend a hand to assist him from his door to the vehicle. Darroll says that having this service allows him to continue his independence and he is enjoying his quality of life.

The Transportation that’s provided for me to the Enrichment Center is an asset to me and my family as I am not able to drive anymore because of my health. This helps me follow the doctor’s orders in more ways than one, by not being left home alone and by not driving an automobile. This helps someone keep their eyes on me, while I help someone also. I really feel like it’s needed.

Gertrude Mobley

I would like to show my appreciation to Mid Florida Community Services' Weatherization Program for a job well done ... the service your staff provided me was beyond my expectations.  I am so thankful for all the support and opportunities the program has afforded me.  The work done on my home is PRICELESS!!  I am indeed very fortunate. I am forever grateful.

P. Latney

Volunteers donated 91 hours to upgrade this disabled homeowner's house so it could be weatherized.  The First United Methodist Youth Group in Hernando County, along with many others volunteered their Saturday to make this project happen.  Hernando County Commissioner, Diane Rowden was also on hand to lend assistance.

Transportation is so important to me.  I am 92 years old and had a terrible accident two years ago.  I am in terrible shape, losing 35 pounds since the accident.  I can never drive again, so you can see how bad I need someone to take me to doctor appointments, shopping and to the bank.  I have been treated very good by everyone and they act very concerned for me.  Thank you very much.

John

One of the Children's Advocacy Center's (CAC) child sexual abuse victims, "Susie", had to fly out of state to testify at the trial of her perpetrator.  Susie had a long history of distrust and shutting down when talking about the abuse.  CAC's advocate was able to talk to Susie several times prior to flying and then accompanied her to court for five days while she testified.  With that support, Susie was able to focus and provide effective testimony that ultimately resulted in the perpetrator's conviction and prison sentence of 25 years to life.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hernando County (CAC) held their 3rd Annual Designer Purse Bingo on September 22, 2016. Tickets sold out weeks in advance of the big event with more than 400 people in attendance! This year, over $35,000 was raised, which is a substantial increase from last year!

It was a fun, exciting night with 14 designer purses given away to the winner of each round of bingo. The lucky winner of the bonus round won a Louis Vuitton purse valued at $1,820!

Florida State Representative Blaise Ingoglia, the emcee for the night, kept the crowd amused and engaged with his dynamic personality. 

Latoya first came to Mid Florida Community Services on October 3, 2016. She was employed part-time and attending classes at College to become a Registered Nurse. Latoya was accepted into our Family Self-Sufficiency Program and received assistance with tuition, the application and background screening for the NCLEX Exam, and state exam fees. Latoya passed the NCLEX Exam and in March 2017, started a full-time job with benefits as a Registered Nurse!

Melissa was working part-time and attending classes at Pasco Hernando State College to become a Registered Nurse. She was accepted into Mid Florida Community Services Family Self-Sufficiency Program who helped Melissa with books for her classes, the application for the state exam, and the NCLEX exam. Melissa passed the NCLEX exam and gained full-time employment with benefits as a Registered Nurse and is now earning a livable wage.

I received assistance from Mid Florida Community Services Family Self-Sufficiency Program to complete Withlacoochee Technical College's Electrical Program. They helped me with tuition, travel and the cost of tools. I couldn't have completed the program without their help. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program has completely changed my outlook on my path to success. I'm able to now state that I have completed a trade! My advice to others interested in the program is, if you can conceive and believe it, you can achieve it." 

Michael

MFCS provided tuition assistance for a Certified Nursing Assistant Program and paid for the State examination and background check.  After passing the State exam, she secured a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a local health care facility.  "With help from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant License and obtained a job almost immediately."

Ruth

Karen was introduced to Mid Florida Community Services (MFCS) Family self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)) while receiving help with her electric bill through Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). MFCS helped her with books, shoes, scrubs, medical supplies and gas cards to get to and from school.  She completed the Medical Assistance Specialist Program at Pasco-Hernando State College. With her training, she was able to secure a livable wage job with benefits at a local health care facility providing clinical and administrative support to physicians.  Wearing a smile she says proudly, "I'm off food stamps and I can pay my own electric bill. My air conditioner broke and I was able to fix it.  Before, I was borrowing money from others and now I'm self-sufficient."Karen worked hard in the FSSP and often sacrificed wants for needs, "I was without cable and internent services for two years, but now I can afford it." Her advice to others interested in FSSP is, "Take the help. MFCS is caring, giving and they will check on you to make sure you're okay. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I did without their help."

MFCS could help me get my State Nursing license so that I could finally become a Registered Nurse.  They also assisted my brother with training for his electrician license.  They helped us to achieve what would have taken us years to accomplish.  My brother and I am closer to achieving our goals thanks to MFCS Family Self-Sufficiency Program.  Thank you for everything you have done for us.

Kathy

Edith “Edie” Wilson is the driving force behind the “Pets on Wheels” program, which is a small grant administered by Meals on Wheels of America to provide dog/cat food to seniors throughout Hernando County. In 2015, Edie logged 1,397 hours and packaged 3,662 pounds of dog/cat food, feeding an average of 107 pets per month.

 Ongoing research suggests that pets not only provide companionship, but also have a positive impact on overall senior health to include an emotional/psychological component. Without Edie’s selfless dedication, these seniors may not be able to keep their beloved pets or they may choose to go hungry themselves and feed their pets the food delivered for them by our Meals-on-Wheels program.

 As a testament to Edie’s devotion to the program, the recent loss of her husband did not slow her down. Instead, she honored the memory of her husband by continuing to compassionately serve others.

Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. gave me hope that I could finally finish. My Case Manger is amazing, the most devoted and caring person I have ever met. Mid Florida Community Services did much more then give me financial help; they gave me the tools to accomplish my goals. I have one more class next semester to complete my Associated Degree, and then I will be registering for my Bachelor of Science as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

Fredricka

I took the GED exam but failed.  My Case Manager told me to never give up.  So I took it again and passed!  It has changed my outlook on life and the way I view myself. I am now planning to enter a job training program.  I now know that with a lot of hard work, if i set my mind to getting things done, dreams can be accomplished.

Tammy

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program has changed my life in so many ways.  I completed a Pharmacy Technician training program and passed my State Licensing exam.  I am now working full time at a nationally-owned pharmacy and have decided to go to college and complete a degree in Pharmacology.

Debra

I was an unemployed college student without any training or job skills. I received assistance from MFCS in obtaining my Certified Nurses Assistant at a local health care facility.  Because of MFCS I am able to work in a field that i love while continuing to pursue my education.  I am succeeding and enjoying a new quality of life.

Chardonnay

S. is a 17 year old girl who came to therapy experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impulsive behavior. She had been making bad decisions, (i.e., sneaking out of the house, inappropriate social media behavior) and was feeling more and more detached from her family. S. had been adopted at the age of 10, following years of substance misuse, transience, and exposure to sexually inappropriate behavior by her biological mother. She was removed and placed in foster care with a non relative, a surrogate grandmother, then had to be removed from her care. During these traumas, S. herself was victimized once at the age of 5, and again twice more in the next two years. When S. came to services, she was reluctant, stating that she was scared of facing things, and experienced depression, nightmares, fear, and suicidal thoughts. S. was able to build a strong rapport with her therapist, and to begin to talk about her experiences in a safe, non-judgmental, relaxed way. In time she began sleeping better, coping better, and making better choices. S. participated in a therapy known as TIR, Traumatic Incident Reduction, with her therapist, which lead to a change in her perspective and outlook that made it easier for her to be successful. S. graduated from high school in 2016 and is now enrolled in college.

"You have been such an amazing light in my life. Talking to you and seeing things from a different perspective has really changed the way I look at things and go about my daily life in a good way. Never would I have imagined that the deepest things that bothered me the most would one day never bother me again and that would not be possible if it was not for you. It is crazy to think how the first session I wanted nothing to do with another round of counseling and now here I am not wanting to leave. You have left such an impact on my  life that will do nothing but benefit me from here on out. I can not thank you enough and if I could, I would. Thank you again for helping me become a better person." - S.

Everyone has been so helpful! Being a paraplegic, this service allows me to get to my job every day and visit my grandma once a week. This service has given me my freedom! - David H.

You guys are the best thing that has every happened to me! - Sarah M.

Trans Hernando service is the only way I can leave my home. Marilyn

To the State of Florida, the Weatherization Department, the contractor and crew; I would like to thank you for the help that everyone has given me to weatherize my home and to make it more energy efficient to lower my electric bill. I can't thank you enough. I really appreciate it. -Beverly, Hernando

God bless you being so kind and thoughtful. I appreciate all you have done! -Shirley, Hernando

MFCS provided tuition assistance for a Certified Nursing Assistant Program and paid for the State examination and background check.  After passing the State exam, she secured a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a local health care facility.  "With help from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant License and obtained a job almost immediately."

Ruth