Hope Florida
Spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis and implemented in 2021 by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Hope Florida utilizes ‘Hope Navigators’ to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity, economic self-sufficiency and hope by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits and government entities.
If you need to connect with a Hope Navigator, call 850-300-HOPE.
The Hope Florida initiative was expanded in 2022 to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Hope Navigators, housed within the Department and the state’s Area Agencies on Aging, work to identify needs and develop a path to purpose to ensure elders have an enhanced quality of life and are aging in the place of their choice. To get connected to a Hope Navigator, call 850-300-HOPE or email information@elderaffairs.org.
For seniors who wish to give back to society, the Department of Elder Affairs has established the “Hope Heroes Program,” through which retirees can learn how to support seniors in need. To become a Hope Hero or learn about additional volunteer opportunities, call 800-96-ELDER or visit www.helpcreatehope.com.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA)
Joining the Hope Florida initiative in 2023 is the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. FDVA is a constitutionally created State Veterans’ Affairs department responsible for serving the nation’s third largest Veteran population. FDVA operates a network of nine State Veterans’ Homes and provides extensive no-cost outreach to connect Florida’s 1.5 million Veterans and their families with earned services, benefits and support.
Subscribe to FDVA’s monthly Forward March Veterans’ Newsletter by visiting www.FloridaVets.org and click on “Subscribe.”
FDVA’s Patriot Navigators
To contact our Patriot Navigators for information on earned services, benefits and support as a result of your military service, call (727) 319-7440 or contact them via email at VSO@fdva.fl.gov.
County Veteran Service Offices
Information on federal, state and local veterans’ programs and referral services is also available at no charge through a network of County Veteran Service Offices. A list of offices in Florida can be found online at www.FloridaVets.org/benefits-services.
Florida Veterans Foundation
The Florida Veterans Foundation is the Direct Support Organization of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The non-profit Foundation operates for charitable and educational purposes and is a safety net for Florida Veterans. Their website, www.HelpFLVets.org, provides emergency assistance information, including links to the Florida Veterans Crisis Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 2-1-1.
You may also learn about volunteer opportunities in the Veterans community by contacting the Foundation at (850) 488-4181.
Veterans Florida
Veterans Florida is a non-profit corporation created by the State of Florida and the state’s designated SkillBridge assistance organization. They provide tools to help Veterans find a new career, start a business, and connect with helpful resources in the Sunshine State. They also assist Veterans in creating a winning resume and preparing for job interviews. Visit www.veteransflorida.org to learn more.