October/November 2016   |   107  

Tell us how you formed Support Emerald Coast?

Early in our grassroots conversations, we recognized how difficult 

the challenges are facing our 501(c)3 and other nonprofit groups - 

those who help, serve and focus on those among us with the greatest 

needs. Those challenges are often rooted in working with extremely 

limited resources to achieve a vast mission while being held to strict 

transparency and accountability standards in an increasingly regulated 

and scrutinized industry. We knew we could do something to help them 

– both extrinsically by helping them feel supported and as if they are not 

alone, and intrinsically by achieving economies of scale and building a 

community network upon which they can rely.  

List some of the community impact Support Emerald Coast 

has had over the past year and the biggest moment that has 

stood out.

In late March, we celebrated our first year and also rolled out our 

Strategic Plan for 2016.  We think this is a stand-out moment because 

it shows that our services are needed, our concept is being warmly 

welcomed, and most importantly, our nonprofits, their clients, and our 

community are being positively affected by Support Emerald Coast. 

What are some ways that community members can 

contribute, help and get involved?

Devoted, generous community members are the lifeblood of all 

nonprofit success, so we ask that they continue to serve where they 

are, and if their current organizations aren’t involved in some way with 

Support Emerald Coast, to contact us and engage with Support EC and 

our members and partners at one of our next events - where they can see 

firsthand what benefits we can provide to their charity of choice.  

Additionally, we have a few special giving opportunities.  First, and 

critically important is our initiative, called the 501club, which provides 

a giving opportunity in support of scholarships to our smallest and start-

up nonprofits that need our services but often can’t afford them, leaving 

their important missions and the clients they serve at risk.  Another 

opportunity - for area companies who hold corporate citizenship as a 

value – is our Corporate Sponsorship, which is a way for a business to 

give a gift that helps across the spectrum of nonprofit needs and services 

and has a multiplier effect for good in our communities.

Support Emerald Coast provides support to many non-profi t 

organizations in our community; tell readers about which 

ones you work with.

Our current member roster includes:  Alaqua Animal Refuge, The Arc 

of the Emerald Coast, Children In Crisis, Children’s Volunteer Health 

Network, Emerald Coast Children’s Theater, Emerald Coast Science 

Center, Fore Her, Fresh Start for Families, Habitat for Humanity – 

Okaloosa County, Harvest House Destin, Independence for the Blind - 

West Florida, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Mental Health Association 

of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Ronda Coon Women’s Center, Safe 

Connections (formerly Judge Ben Gordon Visitation Center), Sinfonia 

Gulf Coast, Trees Destin and Youth Village. 

What is the one thing you want VIP Pensacola Magazine 

readers to know about you and Support Emerald Coast that 

they might not know otherwise?

As we like to say, we are that first call when faced with a question, 

opportunity, or a challenge - the “411” and when needed, the “911” for 

all nonprofit organizations!  

Interview With Jessica Jarosz

Co-Founder, President

PR, Grant Writing, Legal, Insurance and 

many others. Fred Leopold (Advisory Board 

Member), Vice Chairman & Chief Credit 

Officer, Community Bank describes his 

experience with the organization stating, “I am 

involved with Support Emerald Coast because 

it provides valuable support and depth to many 

worthwhile non-profit organizations in our 

area. This comes in the form of leadership, 

technical assistance and professional services, 

which allows member organizations to focus 

on their various missions. Support Emerald 

Coast’s ability to assist our membership to 

experience a higher degree of success is another 

example of why life on the Emerald Coast is 

special.” 

SEC hosts regular quarterly mixers, which 

are open to the public, where their members, 

Advisory Board directors, Partner Providers 

and other stakeholders get together and enjoy 

fellowship and a focus on nonprofit success. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for community 

members to get involved and learn more about 

the work that Support Emerald Coast does 

in your hometown. Additionally, the public 

can follow their Facebook page for updates on 

workshops, clinics and socials put on by SEC 

to educate and advocate the nonprofit sector. 

They are also in the planning phases of an 

exciting inaugural annual event. The Vision 

Statement for SEC is “Inspiring and Enabling 

Nonprofit Excellence.”  Jessica believes 

this directs them to be the leading advocate, 

educator, and supporter for the sector. In 

the future they have plans to increase their 

membership, enhance their services menu, and 

step up their advocacy network as well.

For additional information please visit

www.supportemeraldcoast.org.

XX-XX GiveCareShare.indd   2

9/27/16   2:36 PM