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Sozo Kids is a program developed and run by Help Agency of the Forest, Inc.
Who are we? The Help Agency is a 501(c)3, non profit organization that has been serving those in rural poverty since 1993. There are approximately 45,000 people live within the borders of the Ocala National Forest, the second oldest and second largest forest in the United States, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Within these 430,000 acres of residential land are living families and children in abject rural poverty. Recognizing this need, the Help Agency developed SoZo Kids in attempt to rescue as many families and children as possible. Between handing out groceries through our food banks and serving meals at feeding sites, we are now currently reaching more than 7,500 people every month. More than twenty years ago the Help Agency received their first donation from the local Winn-Dixie in the Ocala National Forest in the form of a $25 gift-certificate to help fill the empty shelves. Many of our clients live without electricity and running water, which made it evident that the need goes beyond the everyday food handout with compassion and love. The Help Agency also helps break with cycle of poverty through education, mentoring, teen pregnancy prevention and opportunities to a better future. Since that first day of giving back to the community, the Help Agency has developed different programs and avenues to help those in need. |
*Notice: The information that you are about to hear in this video can be quite shocking. With the number of people in a constant increasing growth, the information pertaining to the number of people being served and the number of items served has greatly increased since the making of this video.
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If you would like to donate in honor/memory of someone and would like to acknowledge that, please email amanda.saltlife@gmail.com in order to do so. We are unable to add this to our payment page.
help agency programs
The Help Agency believes that if the same people that are being fed and helped can become better educated and be given the opportunity for a better tomorrow, then they will no longer have need of being served, but now become the servers to help put an end to abject rural poverty.
- SoZo Kids, a sponsorship program that provides the necessary means in helping each child receive FREE food, supplies and access to ALL of our programs and services to help them through their level of poverty.
- Turning Point Mentor Centers, an after school and summer program to help children with their education.
- Camp SoZo, a place where the children of the Ocala National Forest can "get away" from the poverty stress home-life and just have fun being a kid.
The Help Agency believes that if the same people that are being fed and helped can become better educated and be given the opportunity for a better tomorrow, then they will no longer have need of being served, but now become the servers to help put an end to abject rural poverty.
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Food Bank Location
Help Agency Food Bank 14148 E. HWY 40 Silver Springs, FL 34488 352.812.9158 Hours of Operation Open: Monday | Wednesday | Friday | 9am - 12noon Closed: Tuesday | Thursday | Saturday | Sunday | Holidays |
Mailing address
19186 NE 13th st Silver Springs, FL 34488 |
where it started
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Driven by his experience as a child in rural poverty in the Ocala National Forest, David Houck, whom is married with thirteen children (several of whom he adopted out of the Forest), founded the Help Agency of the Forest, Inc. in 1993, a 501(c)3 not for profit charitable organization.
David grew up without many of the necessities of life, including good shoes, new clothing, or ample food supply. This is one of the reasons that David, pastor in the Ocala National Forest, has dedicated his life to help children like himself break the cycle of poverty and become productive members of society. Many of the children he adopted and that have gone through the program have gone on to college and universities. These children now have a hope for the future. Many of the children that come through SoZo Kids and Turning Point Mentor Centers, will be the first generation in their families to attend college and not live in abject poverty. |
DAVID HOUCK, CEO | DAVID.SALTLIFE@GMAIL.COM | 352.299.5830
MAILING ADDRESS | 19186 NE 13TH STREET | SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34488
OFFICE HOURS | MONDAY - FRIDAY | 8:30A - 5:30P
THE HELP AGENCY, INC. IS A 501(c)3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
MAILING ADDRESS | 19186 NE 13TH STREET | SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34488
OFFICE HOURS | MONDAY - FRIDAY | 8:30A - 5:30P
THE HELP AGENCY, INC. IS A 501(c)3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES HAS REQUIRED ALL ORGANIZATIONS SOLICITATING FUNDS TO DISPLAY THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT.
"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH45045) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE."
"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH45045) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE."