Local non-profit organizations receive support from AdventHealth Heart of Florida to expand critical services for Polk County residents

DAVENPORT, Fla. — AdventHealth Heart of Florida has invested more than $375,000 in nonprofit organizations and community partners across Polk County to strengthen essential programs that improve health, housing, behavioral wellness, and public safety, while expanding access to even more local residents.

This initiative reflects AdventHealth’s mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ and our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we are a part of. Its aim is to address priority areas like access to care, mental and behavioral health and nutrition. These efforts are guided by AdventHealth's Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted with local hospitals, public health agencies and nonprofits. These investments will provide critical resources for underserved individuals, families in crisis, veterans and those facing homelessness or addiction.

“At AdventHealth Heart of Florida we believe health care doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. Our mission is to care for the whole person, and that means supporting programs that address housing, food insecurity, mental health and other critical needs in our community,” AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Tim Clark said. “By partnering with local organizations, we can extend healing beyond our walls and create a healthier, stronger Polk County for everyone.”

Peace River Center
Peace River Center is a nonprofit offering behavioral and emotional wellness services. AdventHealth Heart of Florida's support will allow the organization to lease a new facility, hire a new full-time employee and cover operating expenses, ensuring continued access to mental health care for the community.

We Care of Central Florida
We Care of Central Florida is a clinical referral organization serving uninsured and underinsured residents. The funding it received will allow the organization to expand transportation services, lab and medical offerings and upgrade its on-site location and parking lot, allowing hundreds more patients to access specialty medical care at no cost.

The Mission Winter Haven
The Mission Winter Haven is a day facility serving the homeless population. It will use the funding to advance its “Restorative Wellness for All” initiative, which includes crisis intervention, case management, hygiene supplies, showers, laundry, a daily soup kitchen, and groceries for unhoused individuals in Winter Haven and surrounding areas, while helping more than 500 homeless adults a year.

All Veterans Center
All Veterans Center will cover costs to meet food and clothing needs for children in Lake Wales and Fort Meade across 10 schools, including providing more than 1,500 bags of food to support more than 4,500 veterans and their families in need.

Center for Independent Living
The Center for Independent Living was created to ensure that people with disabilities could live with independence, dignity and full participation in the communities. It will use its share of funding to help more than 130 people through its Foundations to Freedom program, which provides in-home modifications and medical equipment to help individuals with disabilities live safely and comfortably.

Winter Haven Police Department
AdventHealth Heart of Florida will help the Winter Haven Police Department enhance public safety by donating 40 automated external defibrillators (AEDs), 50 tourniquets, and 50 tourniquet cases, ensuring officers are well equipped to respond to emergencies.

The WAY Center (Women & Youth)
The WAY Center is a faith-based nonprofit supporting women and children in need of housing and social services. It will hire a new staff member to help increase efficiency and access to services that will help families transition to stability and independence.

Polk for Recovery
Polk for Recovery provides outreach for individuals facing behavioral health challenges, substance abuse, and homelessness. It will launch a transportation program to ensure clients can access treatment and support services.

Heart for Winter Haven
Heart for Winter Haven is dedicated to ending poverty through collaborative efforts. With the received funding, it will build out a community kitchen that will feed 700 people in need a year and as well as offer classes and resources.

Refuge on the Ridge
Refuge on the Ridge is a Christian regeneration program that helps men heal from addiction. The funding will provide scholarships for five men to enroll in its recovery program at no cost.

You can find out more about AdventHealth Heart of Florida, our mission, and how we serve our community by going to AdventHealthHeartofFlorida.com.