Empowering rural Communities
The Help Agency is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those in rural poverty since 1993. We operate within the stunning Ocala National Forest, which, spanning over 430,000 acres, is the second oldest and second largest forest in the United States, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Within this expansive forest, approximately 45,000 residents face significant challenges, including abject rural poverty. In response to this need, we launched SoZo Kids to support and uplift as many families and children as possible. Our impact is substantial: through our food banks and feeding sites, we now reach over 7,500 people every month.
Our journey began more than twenty years ago with a generous $25 gift certificate from the local Winn-Dixie, which helped us start filling our empty shelves. Since then, we have grown significantly, expanding our services to address not only immediate food needs but also the broader issues faced by our clients, many of whom live without electricity and running water.
In addition to providing food, the Help Agency works to break the cycle of poverty through education, mentoring, teen pregnancy prevention, and opportunities for a brighter future. From our humble beginnings to our extensive array of programs today, we remain committed to making a meaningful difference in our community with compassion and love.
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.
Together, we're making strides to end rural poverty in the Ocala National Forest.
Community Gatherings
- Mon, Sep 30Location is TBDSep 30, 2024, 3:00 PMLocation is TBDTurning afternoons into adventures!
- Date and time is TBDLocation is TBDDate and time is TBDLocation is TBDA team-based league for children to learn sports skills, such as baseball, teamwork skills, as well as providing an opportunity to develop confidence all while having fun.