Offering a helping hand is a way to show gratitude for all that you have been given in life. Even in good times, there are many members of every community who need help. Therefore, an important measure of the heart and soul of a community is how its more fortunate members respond. Do we hold out the open hand of hope, or do we focus on our own lives alone? I am proud to say that Ocala chooses to help.
There is an old saying, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. But teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime”. In keeping with the spirit of this wise adage, The Ocala C.E.P. has expanded its nurturing of startup enterprises. Its new venture is designed to educate people in less advantage neighborhoods in sound business practices. Then, as they do with other startups, the C.E.P. takes the next step. It connects those inspired to open small businesses with financial resources and mentors. Of course, The C.E.P. hopes that graduates of this program will thrive in new ventures and create jobs in their neighborhoods.
This is but one example of efforts organizations in Ocala put forth to improve the lives of those in need. Here are resources presented to inform you about the missions of three important charitable organization at work here. Of course, you may choose to support another cause. No doubt many other worthy causes exist. Please consider spreading the word about their missions, donating and volunteering. Ocala needs all of us to step up and do what we can to help. Offering a helping hand is a the duty. Therefore, please don’t shirk it!
The Ocala community is our home. Since we arrived, my wife has enjoyed the services of a wonderful beautician. Not long ago the beautician left a national chain to work for a small local salon. But as has been the case with many small businesses in Ocala, the pandemic has brought great hardships upon this …