COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

Cassidy Vaughn, a partnerships manager in the Better Together North Central Florida region, left, and LaShara Lofton, the region’s executive director, congratulate Fr. Don Curran of Christ the King Anglican Church during an event on April 14 in Ocala. [Photo courtesy Better Together]

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Posted May 1, 2026 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Better Together awards

Better Together, a nonprofit with mission to build strong families and communities, recently honored its North Central Florida volunteers, supporters and community partners who have made a significant impact on the organization and its mission.

As a privately funded, volunteer-driven nonprofit, Better Together relies on the support of donors, churches, community partners and volunteers to provide services to families across the state. Each year, Better Together hosts a Doing Good Together reception in each of its six regions to thank these individuals and organizations, the news release stated.

During an event on April 14 at the Country Club of Ocala, several area volunteers and partners were honored:

• Champion for Strong Families – Appleton Museum of Art, which has opened its doors for Better Together events, supported toy drives and given to the children Better Together serves.
• Church Partner of the Year -Christ the King Anglican Church. The Rev. Don Curran and the congregation continually support the Better Together mission year after year.
• Community Partner of the Year – Brother’s Keeper, which has provided families with clothing, food, household items and more while also referring families who need a little extra support.
• Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year – Kerrian Angel, who has helped open new doors for families, strengthen relationships and make a meaningful impact through consistent communication and collaboration.
• Employer Partner of the Year – Comfort Keepers, which has participated in every Better Together job fair in North Central Florida since 2024.
• Host Family of the Year – Jennifer and Martin Williams, who have cared for 14 children in their home as a volunteer host family. and provide extended community for their families.
• Mentor of the Year -Angelee Burks, who came to Better Together for support during a difficult season and turned her experience into purpose.
• Staff Appreciation Award -Aldrea Nicholson. Within months of joining the team in the fall of 2025, her initiative, confidence and genuine desire to see the team succeed played a significant role during a critical period of growth.
• Super Volunteer of the Year – Katie Lee, who goes above and beyond for every family she serves.

The event was sponsored by NAMI Marion County and The Vines Hospital.

To learn more, visit bettertogetherus.org

Volunteers look over some of the locally donated ground beef that was distributed on April 29 through a partnership between the Second Harvest Food Bank, Wings of Faith and the Southeastern Youth Fair. [Submitted photo]

Food distribution partnership

As families navigate higher costs for food, gas and other necessities, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida partnered with Wings of Faith and the Southeastern Youth Fair to host a food distribution on April 29 in Ocala.

Volunteers from Wings of Faith helped distribute fresh produce and pantry staples, along with more than 1,000 pounds of locally donated ground beef.

“Community supporters of the Southeastern Youth Fair donated three steers, representing a value of $20,000, to Farmers Feeding Florida. Fort McCoy Meat processed the gift into 1-pound packages, totaling 1,070 pounds of protein to benefit families who turn to Wings of Faith for food assistance each month,” the Second Harvest news release noted.

Farmers Feeding Florida, a program of Feeding Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, resulted in Second Harvest’s ability to distribute more than 6.5 million pounds of Florida-grown produce and protein, including 100,000 pounds of ground beef, across seven counties since July 2025, the release stated.

At the end of the day on April 29, three staff members from Wings of Faith and 61 volunteers served 321 hours as they distributed 40,037 pounds of free food to 504 families (consisting of 1,873 people), according to Second Harvest officials.

To learn more, go to feedhopenow.org

New book released

Ocala businessman Daniel H. Osborne has released his newest book, “Four Foot Two: Building A New Business.” The intent, he noted, was to “provide a practical roadmap and accountability for new entrepreneurs.”

Osborne said he is an “integrator, entrepreneur and U.S. Army veteran whose life story is defined by resilience, discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

As the oldest of 11 children, he entered the workforce at age 10, launched his first business at 12 and was effectively an emancipated minor by 16 before joining the Army at 18, he said.

Osborne said his second book, following “It Hurts to Be Mad,” is an actionable, no-nonsense guide designed to equip new and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools necessary for personal and professional success.

Expected to be live by mid-May, the audio book will be produced and voiced by Brett Barry, acclaimed for his work on the “For Dummies” series, Osborne stated.

To learn more, go to olivestrengthproductions.com

West Port High student earns scholarship

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees recently approved $48,000 in scholarships to high school seniors graduating this year who reside in homes served by SECO.

“These 12 outstanding local students exemplify academic excellence and leadership within their communities,” the news release noted.

The students were honored April 12 during a recognition event, and each received a $4,000 scholarship to support their educational journey.

Gabriella Smith, a student at West Port High School, located in Marion County, was one of the recipients.