Kyle is grateful for…

I am a current law student at Duke Law, and recent Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Florida.

Hope and Mitch is grateful for…

2020 has taught us how to slow down. At the beginning of the year, we both felt like our days were so packed and moving non-stop. We’re thankful for the healthy boundaries that were, like creating morning and evening routines or regular date nights. Or being reminded of the importance of protecting time for our marriage and extended family.

We’ve been amazed at how close our family has gotten this year, despite not being able to be together physically. Thanks to Zoom, we’ve had weekly and biweekly calls with our inlaws. We often share with one another (as we giggle) that we’ve seen our family more this year than we ever have! Truly thankful for our relationships deepening.

Melanie is grateful for…

Homelessness is a serious social issue and as President of the Board, we are very grateful, despite the pandemic, that Big Bend Homeless Coalition, through leadership, education, advocacy, and the provision of quality services, continues to make a huge difference. This year, we served 1195 persons through our programs: HOPE Community, Patrick Avenue Townhouse Apartments, REfire Culinary, Home Place at Balkin, Home Plate, Home Front, Homeless Prevention/Rapid Rehousing, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families. None, and I mean none of this would be possible without the treasured staff, the support of the city, the county, and the United Way, the BBCoC, volunteer partners like the Junior League of Tallahassee, A Bag for HOPE, local churches (like Trinity United Methodist where I am member) and their active and caring members, and YOU! We are also very appreciative for our “HOME is Where the Heart Is” Holiday Sponsors Premier Fine Homes and Sandco LLC. Thank you all for making #WeBelieveinHOPE #WeBelieveinHOME possible. Warm regards and wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season, Melanie C. Quinton, Commercial Lender, Centennial Bank

Felina is grateful for…

I have the honor of working for a nonprofit that helps other nonprofit organizations to be sustainable and thrive in the community. It is fascinating, inspiring and exhausting to witness leaders and their front-line team diligently working to ensure that the needs of others are being met and their fight to continue their mission. Whether feeding the hungry, housing the homeless or placement of the unemployed, the nonprofit sector has changed the definition of the word “pivot”. I am grateful for their efforts to continue their work, in spite of the lack of necessary financial influx to the sector. All community nonprofits are busy with the business of keeping their doors open and maintaining a work force while also providing services to those in need. And that “need” can be beyond housing, food, clothing or employment. The pandemic has reaffirmed that “we” need each other; human interaction and social connectiveness. Nonprofits meet those needs as well through volunteerism, special events, festivals and more. Cheers to all of those passionate, servant leaders who work for nonprofits. Thank you.

Bruan is grateful for…

I have been blessed with an awesome wife, a good job, and many years of life that at times I take for granted. The past couple years have been extremely challenging for my family but through it all we remain strong and resilient. I am grateful for the people in my life that have uplifted and encouraged me and given me the drive to be the best I can be. I am particularly grateful and thankful for a young man who has emerged from tragedy to triumph and has given my life meaning and made me proud to be a father. Thank you Chris for being an amazing son.