Credit: Leo Gomez Studios

Hello there.

Welcome back to the Lealman Voice!

If you have news, ideas, or events you'd like to share, please click the button below and send it our way. Please forward this email to a friend so they can subscribe here.

‘Good Guys’ create men’s giving circle in St. Pete

Via St. Pete Catalyst

They say nice guys finish last, but Joseph Papich has to disagree.

Inspired by Christina Noordstar, co-founder of St. Petersburg’s 100 Women Who Care and a fellow Leadership St. Pete Class of 2019 member, Papich and three fellow St. Pete residents got together to form a male-driven offshoot of the giving circle called 100 Good Guys. 

The format is simple: 100 people get together and watch a five-minute pitch from three local nonprofits, after which the crowd selects a winner and donates $100 each to the chosen charity, expanding their giving power and getting to know the people and organizations doing great work in the community in the process. 

“The format is quick and meaningful. It’s easy to do and it’s meant to be fun,” Papich said. “Every member has a part in the outcome, so it’s a shared experience.”

The first 100 Good Guys meeting was held Dec. 7 at Webb City Cellar. Papich and co-founders Jeff Baker, Dex Fabian and Mark Sprague wanted to test the waters with their first gathering and were pleasantly surprised to max out the room’s 50-person capacity. The guys also secured a matching grant from Duke Energy, helping them donate $8,400 to Men in the Making, an initiative focused on increasing minority male success through mentorship and life skills.

“For those who are civic-minded, it gives you the opportunity to learn about three organizations having significant impact in the community in a very short period of time,” Baker said. “Even if the nonprofit you’re voting for isn’t selected, it may be that you’ll choose to become involved with that organization by serving on the board or making your own personal financial contribution. It’s an educational opportunity and a social event, and you’re making an impact while you’re doing it.”

The success of their first meeting is propelling the founders to grow the organization in the new year. They’ve created a formal application process for interested nonprofits and formed a steering committee to help select finalists.

“We know how to advise the nonprofits a little bit more now about what topics they might want to hit on during their five-minute pitch,” Papich said. “We’re there to help them make sure they hit all the notes we think will resonate with the members. It’s an opportunity for them to share their story, their vision and mission, what they have done for the community and what they hope to do for the community.”

100 Good Guys is one of more than 650 similar groups worldwide that are part of the 100 Who Care Alliance. Papich said the guidance of other giving circles in the alliance was crucial to getting 100 Good Guys off the ground. With such a large network already in place, Papich and his co-founders are able to focus specifically on funding nonprofits that directly serve St. Pete.

“The initial format is a lot of copy and paste, so we’ve done our best to understand what [other groups] are doing. They’ve shepherded us along to get started and launched, but I think it will be evolving as the guys work over the years,” Papich said. “I don’t know if we’re going to vote for the same nonprofits that the women’s group does. I’m excited to see what the guys are going to do with it.”

100 Good Guys is also looking for new members to join the group and attend the next meeting Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at Bayboro Brewing, which has room for 150+ people.

“If you’re gonna go to have a beer, go have a beer and do something good at the same time,” Baker said.

Men interested in joining 100 Good Guys are encouraged to register online. Nonprofit leaders can also apply online until Jan. 26 to be chosen for the next pitch event.

Workforce training program growing in Lealman

The Florida Dream Center’s Work Readiness Training program is helping participants add a new tool to their toolbox of skills: Carpentry.

The Florida Dream Center is a nonprofit that takes resources and aid into at-risk communities through a robust roster of programs, including its Work Readiness Training initiative. The program was developed in late 2017 and implemented in 2018 to enhance basic introductory skills for people who traditionally struggle with finding employment. 

The program initially focused on forklift certification and soft skills training but has recently expanded to offer accreditation by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). This accreditation will enable the organization to train and certify individuals in Core Construction and Carpentry level 1, providing valuable skills and credentials for those seeking employment in the construction industry.

Gary Webb, Director of Workforce Development for the Florida Dream Center, said most of the program participants are ex-offenders, currently incarcerated, in addiction recovery programs or experiencing homelessness.

“A lot of our clients are coming from a work release center at the Department of Corrections right now, so they’re in the last year of their sentence, but they’re allowed to work and train,” Webb said. “That gives them the opportunity to have a head start; they’ve got a job, they’ve been able to build a support system and they’ve got some money, so they have an actual opportunity to succeed when they get out.”

The Florida Dream Center is now a candidate for accreditation by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), enabling the organization to train and certify individuals in Core Construction and Carpentry level 1. Leaders at the nonprofit hope to add a plumbing certification soon.

The Workforce Readiness Training initiative is funded with grant support from United Way Suncoast and by donations to the Florida Dream Center. Webb said while the program helps individuals learn skills, earn certificates and prepare for job opportunities, it also builds confidence and instills hope in those who’ve faced challenging life situations.

“For a lot of our clients, we have to start with a very simple part of reminding them that they have value. Especially if they’ve been incarcerated, living on the streets or battling addiction. They’ve had years where they’ve just been beaten down and forget who they are,” Webb said. “Then we go from there into some actual training. Just because someone’s down on their luck doesn’t mean they’re not capable of learning or performing. They are everything they were before they hit those challenges, and it’s just a matter of helping them get back on their feet.”

Webb said about 60 to 80 participants complete the program each year. One of the many people the Dream Center is giving a hand up to is Brandon Parker, a lifelong Pinellas County resident who’s been incarcerated for the past decade. He’s working to earn multiple certifications to help him land a well-paying job upon his release later this year. 

“I wanted to jump on this because it’s a good opportunity to help me get a better, secure job. It’s going to really help me have an advantage when I get out, so I just thought I should put the effort in and really get something out of it while I can I have this opportunity,” Parker said.

“It’s hard because you’ve already got some marks against you, being in prison, so we actually try harder than anyone else because we have to show that we’ve made changes. Especially for the guys who’ve been away and haven’t had the chance to take care of their families, this helps support them right from the rip and be better paid doing it, too.”

Full Article

Home Repair Loan Program

Residents who earn $48,650 or less ($69,500 for a family of four) can qualify for up to $55,000 to get this work done through a zero-interest Home Repair Loan. By lowering insurance and electrical bills, many homeowners may barely notice a difference in their monthly expenses as they pay off the loan.

The County offers this program and a grant of up to $20,000 for accessibility improvements across unincorporated Pinellas and most cities except for Belleair Shore. The cities of Clearwater, Largo and St. Petersburg offer their own home rehab loan programs.

Learn More

Beyond the Bike: One Woman’s Journey of Triumph and Transformation

On March 23 YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg invites you to join hands - and pedals - in support of our Community Health Programs at the annual YMCA Spin-A-Rama. The annual “Ride for Hope” isn't just a fundraiser, it's a celebration of life, health and the collective effort to not only make a difference – but be the difference. YMCA Spin-A- Rama is more than just a stationary cycling relay; it's a testament to the power of community, resilience and the unwavering spirit of individuals overcoming health challenges.

At the heart of this event lie three vital programs: LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and Total Parkinson's Program. These initiatives stand as beacons of hope, offering evidence-based support to individuals surviving the effects of cancer, seeking to prevent
diabetes and living with Parkinson's disease. They aren't just programs; they're lifelines, guiding participants toward holistic wellness and a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. Linda McMillan exemplifies the transformative power of these programs. At 66, Linda's battle
with cancer and its aftermath left her with physical and emotional scars. Yet, with unyielding determination, she found her way back to the YMCA and embarked on a life-altering journey through the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. This research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. "I wasn’t sure how this would work," Linda reminisces. "I was in a wheelchair after a serious back injury. I had spent the previous 6 months learning how to walk again. I was desperately looking for something to help me continue to improve physically, mentally and emotionally. “I was afraid the leaders were going to take one look at me and think ‘oh shoot, what are we going to do with her?’ I was on a walker and very overweight.” Her initial apprehensions subsided as she walked into the welcoming embrace of our program
and LIVESTRONG® coaches Natasha Walker and Mark Howerton.

Despite her challenges, Linda found comfort in the supportive community that accepted her with open arms. "What I loved was the community that was formed," she shares. "We even had a group text to keep in touch and to encourage one another. Healthy recipes were even shared."

Through sweat, tears and shared triumphs, Linda discovered a newfound strength within herself. The program's holistic approach, blending fitness training with informative sessions, became a catalyst for her healing journey. "One of the classes I first thought might be a little iffy turned out to be the most beneficial for me," Linda reflects. "It was a turning point in my healing journey. The class was on meditation. When we actually did the meditation, it was the first time I was without pain in 6 months."

Linda's story is not just one of personal victory, it exhibits the life-changing impact of the YMCA's Community Health Programs. Through dedication, support and unwavering commitment, Linda shed 50 pounds, reclaimed her mobility and developed a new perspective on life. "I can’t say enough positive things about this special program," Linda said, "It has changed my life."
As YMCA Spin-A-Rama approaches, Linda's journey serves as an inspiration for participants and supporters alike. Together, we ride not just for ourselves but for those who find hope, healing and a second chance through the YMCA's Community Health Programs.

On Saturday, March 23, 7AM - 11AM at our YMCA Wellness Centers ride solo, join a team, create a team or cheer on the cyclists with your generous donation. No matter how you choose to participate, your support will directly impact the lives of people, like Linda, who depend on the
Y's important health programs.

Pinellas County Emergency Management is updating its Special Needs Evacuation Program registry 

Career Corner

Hello Lealman

Lealman Voice Powered by: