'Reach Out! Raise Hope!' theme to 2009 Combined Federal Campaign

  • Published
  • By Leslie Brown
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  There are more than 470 families in the Fort Walton Beach area without a place to live. Many of them live in cars and wash in public restrooms. 

Maybe it's someone from church or the cashier working at the local grocery store. No matter who it is, help is needed. 

Circumstances like these are examples of the many people who seek assistance through the organizations that benefit from the Combined Federal Campaign. 

The Okaloosa and Walton counties CFC kicks off Sept. 21 and runs through Oct. 30, 2009. And this year's campaign ,'Reach Out! Raise Hope!' is more important than ever.
 
"Because of the challenge of the recession, more agencies need our help," said Johnny Long, Eglin's co-project officer for the campaign. "We are fortunate that we work for the government and our jobs are not as threatened by the current economy." 

Mr. Long understands the volunteers working on the campaign will need to work very hard to meet Eglin's $675,000 goal. 

"Nearly 35 percent of those assigned to Eglin participate in the CFC each year," he said. "This year it is even more important we reach the other 65 percent. If we can get them to participate with just a five or $10 bill... every little bit helps." 

The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a cost- effective program. It provides all federal employees, both military and civilian, the opportunity to support the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign.
 
One Airman felt compelled to get involved after a tragedy in her unit. The event hit close to home for her and she wanted to be able give back. 

"I got involved while I was stationed at Hurlburt (Field) after the death of several special operators," said Master Sgt. Amanda Williams, 96th Force Support Squadron. "I became involved with the Special Ops Warrior Fund, one of the local charities in the campaign brochure." 

Sergeant Williams has been working with the local CFC for more than three years. This year she is a loaned executive officer. 

"It's rewarding to me to be involved in the campaign," she said. "I will be involved no matter where I am stationed. The rewards are worth it." 

To get motivated for the kickoff, many of the volunteers toured three local charities to see what the donations support.
 
Children in Crisis, Inc., a local non-profit charity, provides homes to abused, neglected or abandoned children. The agency has an emergency shelter for children who are removed without notice from an unsafe environment. There is also a family foster home so children don't have to be moved around different foster homes. 

Volunteers also toured Horizons of Okaloosa County. The facility provides support to mentally or physically handicapped adults and children. 

Missy Rogers, Supported Employment manager, told the group how the Supported Employment program works. 

"This program provides job placement and training services for (developmentally disabled) people who want to work in Okaloosa and Walton Counties," Ms. Rogers said. "Our employment consultants provide on-the-job support to assist with communication, job training, motivation, employer tax credits, and other support needs." 

HOC has several other programs for the developmentally disabled. The Residential Services program operates a number of group and foster homes where staff members are present 24 hours a day and three group homes for people with more severe behavioral challenges. The Supported Living Program assists clients who choose to live independently in their own homes. Respite care and personal care assistance are also available at HOC. 

The last facility visited was PAWS. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society is part of the Humane Society. PAWS takes in stray and abandoned pets and tries to find new homes for them. When lost or abandoned pets or strays are found, they are fed, cleaned, sheltered and given veterinarian care. 

Tricia Bryant, Director of Humane Services, emphasized the needs of the facility. 

"We desperately need canned food and supplies for cats and dogs," Ms. Bryant said. "On a daily basis we usually have about 300 animals here that need food and general care." Volunteers to walk dogs or provide companionship are also needed. 

These non-profit organizations are just three of more than 2,300 organizations in this year's CFC brochure. 

Participate in the 2009 CFC to 'Reach Out!' and 'Raise Hope!' for those less fortunate.