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It is believed that 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.
So, what is SoZo? The word SoZo is a Greek word that means to rescue; to save; to heal; to make whole. With many of these families living without electricity and running water, that has become SoZo's aim... to rescue as many lives as possible through programs, events, education, love, compassion and whatever means necessary.
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HOW SOZO WORKS
SoZo Kids is a sponsorship program that provides the necessary means in helping each child receive FREE food, supplies and access to ALL of the programs and services to help them through their level of poverty. This includes 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 Filling Station, a self-service restaurant where students can come and gain a good work ethic to build the best career path as possible.
For less than the cost of a single Dunkin' Donut doughnut, for less than a McDonald's Dollar Menu item and for far less than a Starbucks cup of coffee you can sponsor a child. For less than $.83 per day you can sponsor a child of the Ocala National Forest and give them hope for a better future. When you sponsor a child for, that less than $.83 per day ($25 per month), you are providing for them:
For less than the cost of a single Dunkin' Donut doughnut, for less than a McDonald's Dollar Menu item and for far less than a Starbucks cup of coffee you can sponsor a child. For less than $.83 per day you can sponsor a child of the Ocala National Forest and give them hope for a better future. When you sponsor a child for, that less than $.83 per day ($25 per month), you are providing for them:
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A "Back to School" event that includes:
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You are also providing for them the ability to participate in our after school and summer mentoring program at Turning Point Mentor Centers, that includes:
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When you sponsor a child you are also giving them the opportunity to come to summer camp at Camp SoZo. Here they will receive up to two weeks of absolute fun that includes:
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When you become a sponsor, you are also providing Christmas for that child as well, that includes:
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As you can see, sponsoring a child for such a small amount gives them so much hope and builds their self-esteem. As you decide to become a sponsor you will receive a certificate with a picture and a short profile of that child that you can keep on your refrigerator or maybe in a special place where you will always see him/her or even share with your friends, encouraging them to rescue lives just as you. In addition to receiving a certificate you will always have the opportunity to see your child (under supervision) at these different events. Better than that you can also send gifts (birthday, Christmas, etc.) through the program to your child. What other organization offers this opportunity?
Everyday more and more children and families are found who are in need of help. This means everyday the cost becomes greater and greater. Currently there are over 7,500 people each month being fed through food banks and feeding sites. The goal is to see this number DECREASE. This is where the programs become most effective. While you are sponsoring a child for less than $.83 per day, these lives are being rescued from everyday poverty. Also through the SoZo Kids sponsorship program an end of future poverty is coming to a close through the education and help of the after school and summer program, Turning Point Mentor Centers.
Everyday more and more children and families are found who are in need of help. This means everyday the cost becomes greater and greater. Currently there are over 7,500 people each month being fed through food banks and feeding sites. The goal is to see this number DECREASE. This is where the programs become most effective. While you are sponsoring a child for less than $.83 per day, these lives are being rescued from everyday poverty. Also through the SoZo Kids sponsorship program an end of future poverty is coming to a close through the education and help of the after school and summer program, Turning Point Mentor Centers.
Help with Rural Poverty
There are actually several ways that you are able to help. The most obvious of course is to Sponsor a Child for that less than $.83 per day ($25 month). But if that isn't something you are able to do just yet, you can also simply Give a Donation. Every donation that comes in is so greatly appreciated and every dollar is maximized. Another way you can help is to get involved. Getting involved is more beneficial than you know and there are so many ways you can do it. You can find out more on how you can get involved by going to our Get Involved page.