Dear Partners and Friends,
This summer has been filled with opportunities to strengthen partnerships, celebrate service, and connect with communities across Florida. From recognizing outstanding volunteers and visiting AmeriCorps programs to advancing important initiatives and preparing for the months ahead, each experience has reinforced the incredible impact we can make when we work together.
I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with so many dedicated volunteers, partners, and community leaders whose commitment continues to strengthen our state. Your passion for serving others is what makes Volunteer Florida’s mission possible.
As we continue through the year, Volunteer Florida remains committed to #ServeFL—supporting those who serve, fostering meaningful partnerships, and inspiring volunteerism that creates stronger, more resilient communities throughout Florida.
National Volunteer Month
April provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate National Volunteer Month and recognize the individuals who generously dedicate their time, talents, and compassion to serving others. Throughout the month, Volunteer Florida celebrated the extraordinary impact volunteers make in communities across our state while encouraging more Floridians to get involved through service.
Volunteer Florida remains committed to fostering a culture of service by connecting Floridians with meaningful volunteer opportunities and celebrating those who step forward to make a difference. While April shines a spotlight on volunteerism, our appreciation for Florida’s volunteers extends far beyond a single month. Their dedication strengthens our communities every day, and we are grateful for their continued service.
In recognition of the vital role volunteers play throughout our state, Governor DeSantis issued a proclamation declaring April as Volunteer Month in Florida, reaffirming the importance of volunteerism and community engagement.
The proclamation can be found here.
Best and Brightest Award
I was honored to present Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award during the 21st Annual Best and Brightest Awards Ceremony, which recognizes Leon County high school seniors for their outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and community service.
This year’s recipient, Dylan Lawson of Leon High School, exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through her commitment to serving others. Inspired by her research on women’s health education and period poverty, Dylan founded Cycle Support, leading a community hygiene drive benefiting the Oasis Center for Women and Girls. Her leadership and dedication to improving the lives of others make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.
Congratulations to Dylan and all of this year’s Best and Brightest honorees for their remarkable accomplishments and commitment to strengthening their communities.
AmeriCorps Spring Training
It was a pleasure to welcome AmeriCorps members, program leaders, and partners from across Florida to Deerfield Beach for our annual AmeriCorps Spring Training. This event provided an opportunity for professional development, collaboration, and celebration of the remarkable impact national service continues to have in communities throughout our state.
We were honored to hear from Broward College President Torey Alston and Volunteer Florida Foundation Chair Steve Artusi, whose inspiring remarks underscored the importance of service and leadership.
Congratulations to Vinh Ha of the City of Tampa Green Team, who was recognized as Volunteer Florida’s AmeriCorps Member of the Year for his outstanding dedication and commitment to serving others. His leadership reflects the very best of AmeriCorps and the lasting difference members make in communities across Florida.
Florida Sheriffs Association Lifetime Member Award
Volunteer Florida was honored to welcome Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil and Undersheriff Ron Cave to our headquarters as they presented the Volunteer Florida Foundation with the Florida Sheriffs Association Lifetime Member Award.
This meaningful recognition reflects the longstanding partnership among the Volunteer Florida Foundation, Volunteer Florida, and Florida’s sheriffs, who work together to support disaster response, recovery, and community resilience across our state. We are grateful for this honor and proud of the strong relationships that continue to strengthen communities throughout Florida.
Thank you to the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriff McNeil, and Undersheriff Cave for this special recognition and for your continued partnership in serving Floridians.
AmeriCorps Leadership Visits Florida
I had the pleasure of welcoming Mark Lloyd, Chief of Staff for AmeriCorps, to Florida for program visits in Tampa and Jacksonville alongside our National Service Programs Director, Cat Keen.
The visits provided an opportunity to connect with AmeriCorps members and community partners while showcasing the outstanding work of Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, the City of Tampa Green Team, and READ USA. Seeing firsthand how these programs are strengthening communities through education, environmental stewardship, and support for Florida families highlighted the meaningful impact of national service and the important role AmeriCorps continues to play in communities across our state.
We are grateful to Mark Lloyd and AmeriCorps for their continued funding partnership and look forward to building on our shared commitment to service throughout Florida.
CEO TAMAYO’S LEADERSHIP TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTO: Volunteer Florida staff participated in the America’s Service Commissions National Service Training in Dallas, connecting with national service leaders and peers from across the country to strengthen programs and advance service initiatives.
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo presented Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award to Protential Foundation, recognizing the organization’s outstanding commitment to serving communities through its AmeriCorps VISTA and Rural Community Assets Fund (RCAF) programs.
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo spoke at the annual Meals on Wheels Florida Conference, where she also presented Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award to Beth Aker, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Pasco, in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership.
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo presented Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award to Judge Angela Dempsey in recognition of her outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening Florida communities.
PHOTO: Volunteer Florida staff, commissioners, and foundation leadership joined hundreds of community volunteers at A Full Summer’s annual food packing event, helping provide nutritious snacks to children across the Big Bend.
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