Ready to outrun some zombies for a great cause?

Hope Services is throwing its annual “Run for Hope… and Your Life!” Family Fun Zombie Run on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill and you're invited!

This isn’t your average 5K. It’s a day packed with fun, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to stroll through the park with friends and family, there’s something for everyone:

Best part? Every step you take helps support Hope Services’ Life Skills and Vocational Training Center, which offers hands-on certification programs in Culinary Arts, Construction, Customer Service, and more for people with disabilities and others facing challenges in our community.

So grab your sneakers, bring your crew, and get ready for a day of frightfully good fun, all for a fantastic cause!

We’re thrilled to share that the Second Chance Program has officially launched, thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. This initiative is designed to empower individuals who have been involved with the justice system by providing them with access to meaningful training and career opportunities.

The program offers two specialized certification tracks:

• Basic Culinary Certification Program. This course equips participants with essential culinary skills, preparing them for entry-level roles in the food service industry. From kitchen safety and food preparation to basic cooking techniques, students will gain hands-on experience that can lead to stable employment and future growth.

• Basic Construction Certification Program. This program introduces students to the fundamentals of construction work, including tool usage, safety protocols, and basic building techniques. It’s an excellent starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in the trades.

Both certification tracks are thoughtfully designed to support personal development, emphasizing responsibility and accountability, self-confidence and resilience and a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Whether you're looking to rebuild your life, start fresh, or simply explore a new career path, the Second Chance Program is here to help take that first step.

If you know someone that could be interested, they can visit our website and complete the referral form to get started.

Fundraising Dates are Sunday, September 28, Sunday, October 5 and Sunday, October 12

Join us for a delicious family meal and a great cause at Culver’s of Zephyrhills on Sunday, September 28! This special gathering kicks off a series of three fundraising days sponsored by Culver’s to support our Scholarship Fund.

On each of these days, Culver’s will generously donate 15% of their sales to help fund educational opportunities at the Hope Services Life Skills and Vocational training Center where deserving students will have a good opportunity to begin their professional journey.

Bring your family, enjoy a tasty meal, and help make a difference in our community. While you're there, consider getting ahead on your holiday shopping, Culver’s gift cards make perfect stocking stuffers!

We can’t wait to see you there and share in the spirit of giving!

We are honored to welcome what may be the final group of young women from Bridging Freedom to our Culinary ServSafe Certification Program. These participants are embarking on a transformative journey that will equip them with valuable culinary skills and, upon successful completion of their exams, a professional certification that opens doors to meaningful employment and a fresh start.

This educational opportunity was made possible through the generous support of United Way funding. While we are deeply grateful for their partnership, we also acknowledge with sadness that this funding has recently come to an end. Nevertheless, the impact of their support will continue to resonate in the lives of these young women.

Bridging Freedom is a remarkable organization with a powerful mission: to restore stolen childhoods and empower survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. Through a comprehensive and progressive six-stage program, Bridging Freedom provides a safe, nurturing home for girls aged 12 to 17 who have been identified as victims. Each participant receives holistic care and support for approximately one year, helping them heal, grow, and reclaim their futures.

To learn more about Bridging Freedom and their life-changing work, please visit their website: www.bridgingfreedom.org

For the month of September, I am thrilled to recognize a Volunteer of the Month who is fairly new to the Dream Team yet has already made a remarkable impact. Cathy Bonner has stepped up in so many ways, offering her help wherever it was needed—from supporting Dance Your Dream to assisting with our upcoming cleaning day at Hope Services.

Getting to know Cathy personally has been inspiring. Over the past year, she has faced incredible challenges—becoming displaced due to two hurricanes that damaged her home, dealing with car damage, and supporting her husband in the hospital while entrusting him to Jesus. Despite these hardships, she has shown extraordinary strength, resilience, and a generous heart.

Cathy’s courage and dedication have been a true inspiration to me and to everyone whose lives she has touched. It is my honor to recognize her as our Volunteer of the Month. With all that she has overcome, I know Cathy will continue to shine, bringing her ideas, energy, and steadfast support to Hope Services.

Thank you, Cathy, for being a cherished part of our Dream Team and Hope Services.

Cindy Bray, Founder & CEO

A final note to extend our gratitude to Main Event of Wesley Chapel for hosting our Dream Team meeting and treating our team of volunteers to a wonderful afternoon of fun and laughter. Arcade games, laser tag, bowling, pizza and  great fun for everyone.