Daphne and her two children are well on their way toward a bright and happy future, but only a few years ago their future looked rather dim. For more than three years, Daphne was in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. When Daphne became pregnant with her second child, her partner became even more violent. Tired of the abuse and wanting to better her life for herself and two children, she decided to leave her husband and get help. She turned to the Women’s Residential Counseling Center (WRCC), a program of The Coalition for the Homeless, for help, guidance and support.

“When I got to the Women’s Residential Counseling Center, it was everything I had hoped for. I realized I wasn’t alone,” Daphne said.

With self-discipline and commitment, Daphne worked hard at WRCC to focus on improving her life. At WRCC, she was able to receive counseling and financial guidance.

Today, she is six months away from her A.S. degree in Graphic Design and two months away from getting her own apartment.

“I never want to get back to domestic violence or any kind of abuse. I deserve to be happy like I am now and my boys deserve to be in a healthy environment,” says Daphne. “I am thankful for having found WRCC.”

For more than 15 years, the Coalition for the Homeless has helped people similar to Daphne – and thousands more with other problems that are hindering them from an independent life. Last year, the Coalition provided more than 225,000 nights of shelter to those in our community who had no other place to stay. The Coalition sees a variety of people in need. Some are without hope, some are without a home, but what most of them have in common is the desire to better themselves. The Coalition for the Homeless sees the hope and potential in every person who walks through the door.

On Thursday, March 4, hundreds of community leaders, including event co-chairs Chairman Richard Crotty and Pam Crotty, as well as Mayor Dyer and Karen Dyer, will join the Coalition for the Homeless at its 11th Annual Hearts of Gold fundraiser at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. The benefit will help raise awareness and contributions for homeless services in Central Florida.

The Coalition is the largest non-profit organization that is dedicated to addressing the needs of the homeless and serves as a catalyst for community collaboration to end homelessness. The Coalition provides food, shelter, case management, education, career training, substance abuse/mental health counseling, housing options, referrals and advocacy to thousands of men, women, and children each year.

To become a corporate sponsor, purchase tickets or learn more about this event, please contact Diane Shertz with the Coalition at 407-426-1255.