The Source Presents Their Successful Blueprint to Help the Homeless to Health and Housing Leaders of Indian River County

After receiving an invitation to appear as a guest presenter on a Zoom call for the Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) “Together for Health,” Anthony “Tony” Zorbaugh, Executive Director for The Source, along with Operations Director Jade Alexander, took the group in attendance on a 30-year power-point tour of the non-profit organization. The presentation featured how the organization operated from the beginning, through the massive improvements over the 30-year span, to a sneak preview of the future for The Source, the homeless organization in Vero Beach that seeks to transform lives and allow its members to live a life of dignity.

“Together for Health” started as an initiative of the VNA in 2018 and gathers local non-profit, leaders in the healthcare community to participate on how to help vulnerable populations gain access, not only to medical care, but to quality dental and mental and behavioral health services and community resources available in IRC. The independent group meets monthly to raise issues, problem solve, get updates, and get educated on new and expanded programs and initiatives across the county.

Organized and led by Pat Knipper, the Senior Director of Strategy and Mission Impact for the VNA of the Treasure Coast, Zorbaugh’s presentation was an ideal fit for the groups mission, and left the attendees enthralled and impressed by what they learned during the one-hour call. In summary, Alma Miller, a consultant for the Indian River County Department of Health shared with the group, “In all my years of working with issues related to health and housing, I have never seen such a great comprehensive vision as displayed here today by The Source.”

The power point, shown through photos, graphs, and statistical data with a voice-over by Zorbaugh, showcased how The Source, a Christian Ministry, began at its roots offering bible study and serving food to the homeless from a 600 square foot storefront, to what it is today.  The organization, with an expanded campus and off-site Administration offices, provides a range of essential assistance, including restaurant-style hot meals, clothing provisions, counseling services, support groups, hygiene amenities, access to showers, mail and telephone facilities, and referrals for benefits through core programs and services that instill a sense of community. Zorbaugh began with The Source 10 years ago as Development Director for three years until he assumed the position of Executive Director to now.

During the presentation, the conversation keyed on several topics that have proven that The Source’s programs and services, offered through the infrastructure the organization has built over time, is looked upon as a successful blueprint for other similar organizations throughout the country that have either visited the campus in Vero Beach or have been introduced to The Source through presentations at conferences, conventions and Zoom meetings.

Both Zorbaugh and Alexander addressed two important issues for the homeless including the lack of affordable housing in IRC, as well as identifying the need of a ‘sense of a community’ for our most vulnerable who have experienced a catastrophic loss of family and their support. The Source is able to currently house over 100 individuals through three Dignity Buses, off-site rentals and Dignity Village.  Their members and staff represent that much needed community while offering a wide array of programs and services to give them the dignity to stand on their own two feet. Such programs include, but are not limited to: Dignity Wellness (Mental Health Counseling), Dignity Smiles (Dental Replacement Program), Dining in Dignity (Certifications in employment opportunities), and Source Bucks (a volunteer program at The Source that awards “bucks” to purchase personal goods, entertainment and travel allowances to reunite with family).

While the Dignity Bus program is the only program of its kind, they have been able to expand it past the three in Vero Beach with one Bus in Rhode Island and one in Illinois.  Two more are in negotiations for the City of Orlando this spring.

For more information on “Together for Health” contact Pat Knipper by email at pknipper@vnatc.com or by calling 772-567-5551. Visit www.iamthesource.org for more Source information or call Anthony Zorbaugh or Jade Alexander at 772-564-020