Dear Partners and Friends,
The final quarter of the year offered meaningful opportunities to engage with partners, recognize service leaders, and strengthen relationships across Florida. From statewide convenings and leadership forums to recognition events honoring communities across our state, this season underscored the power of collaboration and service in action.
I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many individuals and organizations who share our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.
As we look ahead, Volunteer Florida remains steadfast in our mission to #ServeFL—supporting those who serve, strengthening partnerships, and working together to uplift communities across Florida through service.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Governor and First Lady DeSantis, in partnership with Volunteer Florida and the Florida Department of Education, launched the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month art, essay, and educator contests under the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” The statewide contests invited students and educators to reflect on and honor the significant contributions of Hispanic communities across Florida.
Contest winners were formally recognized at a Hispanic Heritage Month Reception hosted at the Governor’s Mansion on October 27. The reception brought together students, educators, families, and community leaders to celebrate creativity, leadership, and the enduring impact of Hispanic heritage throughout the state. The event served as a meaningful reminder of the role education, service, and civic engagement play in strengthening Florida’s communities.
AmeriCorps Fall Training
Volunteer Florida’s AmeriCorps programs participated in the annual AmeriCorps Fall Training, where participants had the opportunity to network with peers, strengthen skills in grant and program management, and collaborate regionally to enhance their impact in communities across Florida.
During the training, I had the opportunity to recognize outstanding AmeriCorps programs whose dedication and service continue to make a meaningful difference statewide. I was proud to present Branches with the All-Star Award in recognition of its exceptional service to the community.
During the Thanksgiving season, Branches recruited more than 1,000 volunteers to package, serve, and deliver 5,300 meals to residents in Miami-Dade County. AmeriCorps members also partnered with community volunteers to support 213 families by wrapping 1,300 toys for more than 390 children, helping spread joy throughout the holiday season. Congratulations to Branches!
Native American Heritage Month
On November 7, Governor and First Lady DeSantis, in partnership with Volunteer Florida and the Florida Department of Education, launched the Native American Heritage Month theme, art, essay contests, and educator awards under the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage.” The statewide initiative invited students and educators to reflect on and honor the history, culture, and contributions of Florida’s Native American communities.
Contest winners were formally recognized at a Native American Heritage Month Reception hosted at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, December 4. During the reception, I had the honor of presenting awards to student and educator winners whose work thoughtfully celebrated Florida’s Native American heritage.
Department of Juvenile Justice Seventh Annual Restoring Hope Training Summit
I had the opportunity to preside at the Department of Juvenile Justice’s 7th Annual Restoring Hope Training Summit in Orlando, the largest summit hosted to date with more than 800 attendees from across Florida. The summit convened juvenile justice professionals, community stakeholders, faith partners, members of law enforcement, educators, and social service organizations to explore strategies that advance evidence-based outcomes for Florida’s youth and help prevent and reduce juvenile crime.
Being part of this Summit reinforced the importance of collaboration and service-driven partnerships in strengthening systems, sharing best practices, and creating positive pathways for young people across our state.
America’s 250th Anniversary
Volunteer Florida is proud to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by engaging with communities across the state in partnership with state agencies through meaningful service and civic engagement opportunities. This milestone invites us to reflect on our shared values while inspiring collective action that strengthens communities and honors our nation’s legacy. I look forward to participating in America 250–themed events statewide as we mark this historic moment through service.
Save the Date! 11th Annual Suits for Session
I invite you to save the date for Volunteer Florida’s 11th Annual Suits for Session service project, taking place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Florida Capitol and in front of City Hall in Tallahassee.
Suits for Session brings together state agencies, partners, and volunteers to collect professional attire that helps individuals entering or reentering the workforce put their best foot forward. We look forward to another impactful year of service and partnership as we continue to support Floridians on their path to opportunity.
CEO TAMAYO’S LEADERSHIP TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTO: At the 20th anniversary of Sallarulo’s Race for Champions, Volunteer Florida’s Commission Chair and President & CEO of Special Olympics Florida, Sherry Wheelock, proudly presented VF’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award on CEO Tamayo’s behalf to Race for Champions Founder, Paul Sallarulo. This year’s race united South Florida with nearly 600 runners, 300 VIP guests, and 100 dedicated volunteers—all in celebration of Special Olympics Florida athletes.
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo delivered remarks at an event honoring Ambassador Al Hoffman, who established the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program endowment 20 years ago.
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo and VF Commissioner Sherry Wheelock attended the AmeriCorps Fall Training in November in Kissimmee, connecting with national service members dedicated to service and community impact..
PHOTO: Volunteer Florida staff joined the Second Harvest of the Big Bend for a community food distribution that provided support to more than 1,000 families across Leon County. Nearly 100 dedicated volunteers loaded milk, cartons of eggs, beef, and more into the trunks of families awaiting.
Thank you for your continued support of Volunteer Florida and our mission to #ServeFL. If there is anything we can do for you, or your organization, please reach out to me or my team.
Yours in Service,
Josefina Tamayo Chief Executive OfficerVolunteer Florida