The Source Featured In The News

The Source’s 16th Night of Hope Fundraiser “Zoomed” its way to Success

This year, The Source’s 16th Annual Night of Hope fundraising event changed to a Zoom format rather than the in-person event from previous years. This new approach just might stick for the future, since the more personal format allowed for less distractions during this informational, and extremely moving, and memorable evening.

In addition to the local attendees, who paid for the addition of a four-course meal prepared by The Source’s Dignity Catering culinary staff, complete with a bottle of wine hand-delivered that afternoon inside a keepsake food bag sponsored by Marine Bank & Trust, there were also many people outside our community who requested a link so they could watch the proceedings.

“In-person events draws over 100 people, and I am thrilled to report that we have matched or surpassed that with people able to sit in the comfort of their own home or office all over the country and watch the event without the food and drink we offered close by,” shared Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source. “This gave us the ability to spread the word about what we are doing here in Vero Beach, helping the homeless and needy in our own backyard.         It was our hope that other communities could glean some ideas they could apply to their individual areas and all of us, as one large community, can help to provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs.”

The Zoom event intertwined an encompassing visual production with the sustenance of food and drink, while sprinkling this production with musical entertainment direct from Broadway, sung by those who represented what the loss of work, hopes, and dreams means to them through their approach in singing three very meaningful songs. The hand-picked words and photos included throughout this video, produced by Rowlinson Media Group and co-produced by Paris Productions, truly summarize what The Source is doing to benefit the homeless population.

“Along with my Assistant Executive Director Maureen Archer, we have traveled to other areas in need to help them following natural disasters that have left their areas helpless, hungry and homeless. We have built a long list of contacts throughout the country; those who have similar programs or are start-up operations in need of direction. These are some of the people who received the link to watch the event,” Zorbaugh claims.

If you were not able to be a part of the recent Zoom event, you still have the opportunity to request an emailed video of the event, free of charge by contacting The Source’s Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204 or by emailing him at tony.zorbaugh@iamthesource.org.

As first responders, The Source offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals and cold weather refuge. The Source has also established five Dignity Programs; four of which are currently underway with the final initiative to be implemented within the next few years: Dining with Dignity, Dignity Caterers, Dignity Food Truck, Dignity Bus and Dignity Village.

The Source Introduces the New Made-to-Order Lunch Menu

Many homeless centers across the country serve meals to their clients. This alone is not a new concept. But The Source in Vero Beach has taken the concept and not only improved on their award-winning quality food served daily, it has been introducing a made-to order breakfast for several months. Now that their choices of eggs, omelets, French toast and pancake offerings have been tried and trusted, they have taken the made-to-order concept to include lunch.

Kitchen Manager and Lead Chef Karlos Ayala claims his western omelet is the most popular choice for the nearly 40 people ordering breakfast each day. “The made-to-order concept has allowed our patrons the freedom of choice based on their needs and tastes” states Ayala. “It’s rewarding for myself and the kitchen staff to see our patrons becoming more independent and dining with dignity through this easy change in how our kitchen operates.”

Speaking of kitchen staff, Sous Chef Elizabeth Agostini became the newest addition to the team soon after the Pandemic struck and her job as a restaurant manager south of Vero was furloughed. “They say timing is everything, “says Agostini. “I was able to settle in to the open position at The Source, and working along with the talented Chef Karlos, has made the job even better.”

Over twenty years of an extensive background in the food industry prepared Agostini for all aspects of working at The Source. Seeing the success of the made-to-order breakfast menu, she helped launch the all new made-to-order lunch menu in February, and by all early indications, it’s a hit. Out of the six featured items on the menu, the favorite is pasta, offering a different sauce each day. The students in the Dining with Dignity culinary program are concentrating on the daily pasta specials, learning new recipes, cutting techniques and equipping them with the knowledge to be ready to work in the food industry.

Breakfast is served Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Saturday is a light lunch at 11:30 a.m. and on Sunday, lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. As for dinner, one plated meal is served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 4:00 p.m. Looking ahead, a made-to-order dinner is next up at bat!

The Source, a Christian Ministry Outreach Center, offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offer emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and much more. For those in need, stop in to The Source for an assessment, receive an ID badge for use of the facility, schedule showers, and enjoy a free breakfast, lunch or dinner and any classes currently offered. For more information on The Source, contact Anthony Zorbaugh at 772-564-0202, Ext. 204 or visit www.Iamthesource.org . The Source is located at 1015 Commerce Avenue in Vero Beach.

Photos by Beverly S. Paris, Paris Productions

  • Elizabeth Agostini (Sous Chef) with her new made to order lunch menu and Lead Chef and Kitchen Manager Karlos Ayala with his made-to-order Breakfast menu
  • Elizabeth Agostini (Sous Chef) with Lead Chef and Kitchen Manager Karlos Ayala showing off their popular Dignity Bowl
  • Mindy and Joseph, two news clients of The Source, rode their bikes 300 miles to The Source in need of food and shelter. Visiting homeless shelters throughout the country, they have found The Source in Vero Beach to be the friendliest and cleanest of anywhere they have gone.
  • Elizabeth Agostini (Sous Chef) and Lead Chef and Kitchen Manager Karlos Ayala prepare the fettuccine sauce for their new pasta dish on the lunch menu
  • Elizabeth Agostini (Sous Chef)at The Source shows off her Dignity Taco lunch, one of six new items on the made-to-order lunch menu.

Marine Bank Supports The Source’s Annual “Night of Hope” Fundraiser

The Source’s 16th Annual “Night of Hope” will take some twists and turns this year when they present the event via ZOOM rather than in-person as it has been in the past. The change of venue will be from home for all the attendees, complete with a professionally produced video as part of an informational, all-encompassing and memorable agenda plus moving musical interludes performed by Broadway’s own Anne Brummel and Michael Williams. It will be held on Monday evening, February 15 beginning at 6 p.m.

A highlight of the evening will be a four-course dinner prepared by The Source’s own Dignity Caterers. Marine Bank & Trust graciously sponsored the printing of the Dignity Food Bags which will be used to pack the food and other incidentals when they are delivered to attendee homes earlier that day.

The invitation list, a compilation of old and new supporters of The Source, is limited. However, to request an invitation, please contact Anthony Zorbaugh at 772-564-0202, Ext. 204.

The Source, a Christian Ministry Outreach Center, offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offer emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and much more. As first responders, The Source helps provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs. For more information on The Source contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204

Photo (Provided by Beverly Paris)

Marine Bank’s Bill Penney and The Source’s Anthony Zorbaugh (far right) during the check passing at Marine Bank. The Source’s (far left) Maureen Archer and Karlos Alaya with the Dignity Food Bags

Vero Beach Police Department Donates to The Source at Vero Beach City Hall

On behalf of the Vero Beach Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund, Chief David Currey donated a check to Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source. The Source, received the donation, in the amount of $1,750, as one of the charities selected to be a recipient of the monies from this fund. Joining Chief Currey (far left) in the City Council Chambers at City Hall were Zorbaugh, Mayor Robbie Brackett, Maureen Archer-Assistant Executive Director of The Source and City Manager Monte Falls.

The Source, a Christian Ministry Outreach Center, offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offer emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and much more. As first responders, The Source helps provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs. For more information on The Source contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204

Photo by Beverly Paris

IRC Chamber Teams with The Source’s Dignitary Catering for Monthly Breakfast

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce has long produced Business at Breakfast sessions where local business representatives come together to network over a hearty breakfast before their work day begins. That is, until the Pandemic arrived last spring, and like many other area events, put their event on hold…that is until recently.

“The shutdown of our popular monthly event gave us an opportunity to make some positive changes to an already popular business event, stated Dori Stone, Executive Director of the Chamber. “After months of virtual Business at Breakfast events, we realized it was time to meet in person again with appropriate safety precautions such as mask requirements and limited seating. At the request of our members and in the spirit of the Chamber’s mission to support the community, we also brought in a new source to cater our meals. Thanks to the Dignity Caterers at The Source, we have their “new” Dignity Food Truck come with a hot meal and an affordable price tag and the attendees are enjoying the change.”

The Indian River County Chamber holds the breakfast event the second Wednesday of each month at the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, starting at 7:45 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. A prepaid reservation is necessary and the fee is $15 per person.

“We offer an opportunity for a local member business to be host each month, which allows them the chance to speak openly to the group about their business while those around their tables eat and network to one another. It’s a positive way to market your business in a very casual and friendly atmosphere” Stone adds.

The next meeting will be held in the same spot at the same time on Wednesday, January 13. Interested in attending or becoming a sponsor? Please contact the Chamber with your request now. Attendance is growing regularly and it shows that businesses are in the swing of getting back to normal with the New Year upon us all.

The Dignity Food Truck was launched this past fall as an income producer for The Source. The Food Truck travels around the county serving daily lunches, offering appreciation lunches to businesses, and attends local community events. The Source offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offer emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and much more. As first responders, The Source helps provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs. For more information on The Source and The Dignity Food Truck, contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204

Photos: By Lee Orre – Action Photo

Picture 1 -(left to right) Anna Valencia Tillery, White Glove Moving & Storage and Event Sponsor, Summer Kessler, Higgenbotham Media LLC, Tracy Higginbotham, Higgenbotham Media LLC, Dori Stone, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, Douglas Herron, The Education Foundation of Indian River County, Inc.

Picture 3 – Robyn Berry, Vero Heritage Center

Picture 2 – (left to right) Elisa Sielinski, Holiday Inn Express, Kat Redner, Environmental Learning Center Inc., John Matthews, John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry and Chamber Board Director, Denise Boehning, Coastal Waterways and Engineering Inc and Chamber Board Director.

The Source of Vero Beach Teams with Melbourne’s Wings of Grace Ministry on a Humanitarian Mission to Freeport, Bahamas

What could be thought of as an early Christmas present from Vero Beach, Florida to the 2020 hurricane-weary Freeport, Bahamas, took flight on Thursday, December 10. Thanks to The Source, in partnership with Wings of Grace of Melbourne, Florida, nearly 1000 pounds of non-perishable food winged its way to Freeport on yet another Humanitarian Mission.

The 2020 tropical storms and hurricanes caused flooding, knocked shingles off roofs and tumbled trees while Bahamas Power and Light Co. cut off power in certain areas for safety. While the islands can normally withstand strong hurricanes, some have been destabilized by the coronavirus pandemic and the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Add in their loss of tourism income since the Pandemic and cancellation of cruise ships to various ports.

The Source is a Christian Outreach Ministry working to transform lives in Vero Beach. While The Source’s Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh made an 11-hour trek with the Dignity Food Truck to Pensacola in September to feed the hungry and displaced from a late summer hurricane, it was now time for The Source’s Maureen Archer, Assistant Executive Director to return to her Bahamian roots on this much needed mission.

“Spending the better part of my day on the grounds of what was the Freeport Airport was startling to see,” shared Ms. Archer. “A former building was cut in half from where the high waters destroyed it, rest rooms were portable, and their water sources were non-existent. Handing out the supplies to the ministries was done under tents through fences as no one was allowed on the property. While I was happy to be there on this humanitarian mission, I was humbled by the experience.”

Zorbaugh was introduced to Wings of Grace Ministry, both non-profits having many crossover missions, especially that of providing quality shelters for individuals and families. There is a huge homeless population in Brevard County including many families with children. Wings of Grace inspire teenagers to improve and prosper in their lives through the use of good decision making skills. They want to impart in them the knowledge that they are valuable with God-given gifts and talents, and they have a bright future ahead of them.

Wings of Grace have 9 aircraft for teenagers to learn how to fly. They make mission trips often to the Bahamas, and ultimately, their union in wanting to help the devastated Bahamians allowed them to team their efforts as one. Ms. Evans’ trip was scheduled for a one-day distribution of all the food to local ministries in Freeport directly from their airport hangar.

The Source offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offer emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and much more. As first responders, The Source helps provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs. For more information on The Source contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204. For more information on The Source please visit www.Iamthesource.org. For more information on Wings of Grace visit www.wingsofgraceministries.org, email Office@WingsOfGraceMinistries.Org or call (321) 327-2164.

Photo 1 and 5-Maureen Evans, Assistant Executive Director of The Source flew to Freeport, Bahamas thanks to the Wings of Grace Ministry of Melbourne and Pilot Edward Davis.

Photos 2,3 and 6-Ms. Evans’ trip was scheduled for a one-day distribution of all the food to local ministries in Freeport directly from their airport hangar.

Photo 4-A former building at the Freeport Airport was cut in half from where the high waters destroyed it, rest rooms were portable, and their water sources were non-existent.

The Annual Thanksgiving Celebration at The Source

The Source is a 5,000 sq. ft. Christian Ministry/outreach facility open seven days a week, addressing the complex needs of the poor and homeless in Indian River County. Their purpose is to offer life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offering emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and more.

The Source believes that food is a tool to strengthen bodies physically and spiritually, empower minds, build communities. The Source feeds hundreds of poverty stricken residents free of charge every day, three meals a day through their Dining with Dignity program.

Over 100 people attended the complimentary five-hour annual “Thanksgiving Day Celebration at the Source” Tuesday, November 24. Many in attendance also left with free turkeys (donated by local firefighters and businesses) as well as ready-made dinners to bring to other friends and family in critical need of a hot meal.

Looking to volunteer or donate to their newest initiatives?

  • The Dignity Food Truck operates 5 days a week providing additional training opportunities for homeless culinary students. Interested in a private lunch or inviting the Food Truck to a high traffic area?
  • The Dignity Bus is ready to launch by end of year offering safe emergency shelter in twenty climate controlled sleeping pods for those living on the street until they can get back on their feet. Interested in helping to fund on-going maintenance, personnel and daily upkeep costs?
  • The Dignity Village, now on the drawing board, will be the largest non-profit campus on the Treasure Coast offering work, home and prayer within one self-contained community. Financial, professional, and volunteerism will make this dream a reality. Does that speak your name?

Call Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh at The Source for more information: 772-564-0202, Ext. 204

*Photos provided by Photographer Lee Orre

The Source Receives Proclamation by Indian River County Commissioners

A group of more than two dozen loyal supporters of The Source in Vero Beach were in attendance at the Indian River County Commission meeting on Tuesday, November 17. The County Commissioners recognized November 15-22, 2020, National Homeless Awareness Week, on behalf of The Source and the positive and untiring work they are doing in our Indian River County communities. The proclamation was presented to Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh who also spoke, to the filled-to-capacity County Commission meeting room, on behalf of the group.

The Source operates from their outreach facility located at 1015 Commerce Avenue in Vero Beach which is open seven days a week. They offer life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offer emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals, cold weather refuge, and much more. As first responders, The Source helps provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs. For more information on The Source contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204.

*Photos provided by Photographer Lee Orre