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.
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