|
Tears of Joy: Single Mom Surprised With Car Donation
|
|
Yona’s journey has been anything but easy. Growing up in foster care, she faced more challenges than most people will ever know. Nationally, fewer than 50% of foster youth graduate high school, and less than 3% earn a college degree. Many struggle to break the cycles of instability they were born into.
But Yona is a shining example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. She has worked tirelessly to create a safe, stable life for her daughter—pursuing her education, building her career, and refusing to give up, no matter the obstacles.
Until recently, she had a car—but it was beyond repair. Without reliable transportation, every step forward became a struggle. Getting to work, taking her daughter to school, and even making grocery trips were daily hurdles.
Thanks to the generosity of over 40 incredible supporters, we were able to purchase a pre-owned 2023 Toyota Camry from Treasure Coast Toyota and surprise Yona with a safe, reliable vehicle.
Now, she can confidently get to work, ensure her daughter’s education, and meet her family’s daily needs—critical steps toward lasting independence!
Yona shared, "It's been really hard, and I started to doubt God. I couldn't see it, but He was working behind the scenes, and He still is. This is such a blessing to me and my family. It is also a reminder that He is Good. I'm in shock and am so grateful for the people who helped make this possible, and they don't even know me. I wish I could meet each one of them and thank them personally. This is a life changer." |
|
The Heart Behind the Mission:
Charles Bender’s Journey of Hope
|
|
As one of the founding members and now CEO of Place of Hope, Charles Bender has spent more than 26 years breaking generational cycles of abuse, neglect, homelessness, and human trafficking—bringing hope to those who need it most. What began as a volunteer role became a spiritual calling for Charles, inspiring him to help build the organization from the ground up.
“I think it was truly just a spiritual calling for me to go bridge over into this side of things and be involved in something from the ground up,” he explains.
Today, under his leadership, Place of Hope has grown far beyond its first campus.
“One of the things I love the most is that we've never stopped,” Charles says. “It’s not like we built this campus that we’re at today, and now we’re just maintaining. No, we have five campuses, we do statewide activities, and we take kids from all over Florida into our care. It’s always changing—unfortunately, based on the needs out there—but at least we can deal with it and go after it, which is great.”
From humble beginnings to a thriving network of hope, Charles’ vision and tireless dedication have transformed lives across the state, making him a true hometown hero. |
|
From Our Community to Theirs:
Emergency Relief for Kerrville
|
|
While many know Place of Hope for its hyper-local impact, our Shade Tree Family Outreach Program also extends hope far beyond our immediate community through our disaster relief initiative.
When devastating floods struck Texas, our team was able to respond quickly and meet real, urgent needs—delivering 22 pallets of critical essentials to families in crisis!
This effort was made possible thanks to our incredible Shade Tree Family Outreach partners, Amazon Local Good and Total Package Logistics, who provided freight and logistics to Place of Hope at no cost. Their generosity enabled us to move vital supplies from our doorstep directly to those who need them most—fast and efficiently.
These behind-the-scenes partnerships may not always be visible, but their impact is life-changing. Together, we are not just delivering supplies—we are delivering hope. |
|
Palm Beach Chamber North Podcast Featuring Hometown Hero, Charles Bender!
|
|
Leveling Up with Legacy: Charles Bender on WJNO with Coach Fergie
|
|
One Mission. 25 Years.
250,000 Lives Changed Forever.
|
|
Focus on Hope - Where Are We This Week?
|
|
Focus on Hope is on the farm today at Ranch 22 and The LOW!
The woman behind it all? You might already know her—she is a cheerleader, champion, and all-around Angel Mom for Place of Hope: Nikki Adams! 💛
From hosting drives for our Shade Tree Family Outreach Program to welcoming our kiddos for unforgettable farm experiences, Nikki and her husband are always going above and beyond to advocate for vulnerable children, youth, and families.
💡The LOW stands for "Light of the World." Thank you, Nikki, for your heart, your home, and your unwavering commitment to our mission! You truly are a light! |
|
|
Florida has arrested over 40 pedophiles as part of an undercover operation, state Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office confirmed.
Forty-eight individuals have been arrested following what Uthmeier’s office described as a “six-day undercover operation targeting online child predators.” A press release notes that this marks the “highest number of arrests ever made during this annual joint effort to protect Florida children from exploitation and abuse.”
“I know the state attorney here is going to be doing the Lord’s work to make sure that these people go away for absolutely as long as possible...To go after young kids, there is no defense, there is no justification, there is no excuse...It will not happen. It cannot happen in Florida, and we will work every day to make sure that we are getting every single one of these guys off the streets.” Uthmeier said.
Predators used various online chat and gaming platforms, including Snapchat, in an attempt to message and meet with minors, which were actually undercover officers. The Attorney General’s Office is suing Snapchat for knowingly and willingly violating Florida law, including the protections enshrined in last year’s HB3 and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The lawsuit, filed in April, states that rather than obeying Florida law, Snapchat is actively deceiving parents about the risks associated with using the platform.
Overall, there are 153 charges as a result of this operation, including 34 for “Traveling to Meet a Minor for Illegal Sexual Conduct (34); five for Human Trafficking; 48 for Using a Computer to Solicit a Child for Sexual Conduct; 14 for Transmitting Material Harmful to a Minor,” and more. |
|
UPCOMING EVENTS + DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW
|
|
Throwdown for The Kids - Saturday, August 23
|
|
|
|
Join us Saturday, August 23 at Thoroughbred Crossfit for an incredible day of fitness to fight human trafficking!
Heats begin at 7:30AM. Spectators you can arrive throughout the morning to cheer on the athletes. The final heat will be near mid-day.
If you are interested in competing, there is still time! To register visit: www.wodwhere.com/kids25/Register.aspx |
|
Artisans of Wine & Food at The Boca Raton - January 17
|
|
|
|
Join us for an unforgettable Grand Wine Auction & Charity Gala hosted by a surprise celebrity chef on January 17, 2026 at The Boca Raton.
For one night only step into the glamour of a bygone era where supper clubs reigned supreme—velvet décor, glistening chandeliers, and timeless elegance—all in support of children and youth in need.
Use this special link: artisansPOH.givesmart.com to purchase your tickets and 100% of proceeds will go to Place of Hope!
Presented by Moss Construction. |
|
14th Annual Sporting Clays Fun Shoot
|
|
|
|
Save the date! 📆
Place of Hope's 14th Annual Sporting Clays Fun Shoot is Friday, January 9, 2026 at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, Okeechobee.
Join us for a day of camaraderie, friendly competition, and big impact. Whether you are a seasoned sharpshooter or a first-timer, this event is designed for shooters of all levels. Come enjoy a great afternoon "aiming to change a child's life."
Reserve your sponsorships and foursomes at MonicaS@placeofhoperinker.org. |
|
|
|
|
