boca-helping-hands

Winter 2026 Newsletter

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:55:23 GMT

Fall 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:27:43 GMT

From Cuba to South Florida: Her Journey with Boca Helping Hands

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:22:07 GMT

For many years, Heyli Banos Podadera worked as a doctor in Cuba, caring for patients and supporting her community. In October 2023, she moved with her two children to South Florida to reunite with her husband. While she was eager to continue her career in healthcare, she soon discovered her Cuban medical certification was not recognized in the U.S. Even after earning her Medical Assistant certification, she was told repeatedly that she lacked the “local experience” employers wanted.

In fall 2024, a friend introduced Heyli to Boca Helping Hands (BHH). There, she met Food Center Supervisor, Mariebel Torres, who not only connected her with food distribution programs but also encouraged her to explore the BHH Job Training Program. She was quickly introduced to the Job Training staff and completed the application. Heyli enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, and within just two weeks of completing it, she had a job offer.

Now, Heyli is gaining experience in the U.S. healthcare field as a CNA and working toward her ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. In gratitude for the support she received, she also gives back by volunteering at Boca Helping Hands.

Boca Helping Hands Annual “Bowling for Bread” Supported the Organization’s Backpacks Weekend Meal Program

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:39:03 GMT

Boca Helping Hands (BHH) held its annual Bowling for Bread event on August 24 at Lucky Strike in Boca Raton. BHH brought kids from local children’s charities to attend at no cost to enjoy an afternoon of bowling, food, and fun. Proceeds from the event supported the organization’s Backpacks weekend meal program for kids in area schools.

Read Complete Article

Bowling for Bread 2025 Green Program

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:44:02 GMT

Food pantries 'sandwiched' between shortages, inflation | Opinion

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:49:27 GMT

What can be done? We must begin by sharing the sandwich situation with those for whom the economy and stock market are working.

You have heard or maybe have experienced being ‘sandwiched’ in your family life – caring for your aging parents while still supporting your children. While most people in this situation take these opposing pressures with grace and compassion, there is no denying that it can feel uncomfortable getting squeezed.

Boca Helping Hands, along with our fellow charity partners providing food assistance to needy seniors, veterans, disabled, families, children and the working poor, are starting to feel sandwiched. On one side, we have experienced a reduction in the food we have been able to obtain from our food banks and local donors. We do not want to be alarmists, but we haven’t seen much evidence that there will be a change anytime soon in this situation. Food inflation continues, government programs have decreased, and some donors are also feeling the pinch.

Spring 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:14:53 GMT

Spring 2025 Newsletter | Issue 47

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Cereal4All Update • MONOPOLY & Casino Night • Job Mentor Breakfast• Volunteer Appreciation Dinner• Volunteer Spotlight • Through the Lens at BHH • July Summer Support-A-Thon• Bowling For Bread Event•

A New Chapter - Anonymous Boca Helping Hands client

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:03:34 GMT

A New Chapter - Anonymous Boca Helping Hands client

Delivering Hope: Stephanie’s Story of Resilience

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:21:41 GMT

Delivering Hope: Stephanie’s Story of Resilience

Jose’s Story of Dedication and Family Support in the HVAC Industry

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 21:17:31 GMT

Jose’s Story of Dedication and Family Support

in the HVAC Industry

Winter 2025 Newsletter

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:56:57 GMT

Winter 2025 Newsletter | Issue 45

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Job Training Update • Second Annual Car Show • Ribbon Cutting for BHH's Newest Truck • Thanksgiving Box Brigade 2024 Recap • Christmas Feast Recap • Volunteer Spotlight • Through the Lens at BHH • Join us for MONOPOLY!

Car Buffs Roll Out For Rotary Show

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:18:58 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - D'Andrea D.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:56:00 GMT

Serving with Heart: How D'Andrea Builds Community at BHH

Job Training Update - Joe Nazaire, CDL

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:53:20 GMT

The Drive to Thrive: Joe's CDL Journey with Boca Helping Hands

From Classroom to Community: A Graduate’s Journey with BHH

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:47:01 GMT

A longstanding partner of BHH, Genesis Community Health is dedicated to delivering healthcare services to those in need. Today, she holds the role of Billing Coordinator for the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program at Genesis. Her journey has come full circle, now serving as Genesis' representative for BHH’s voucher program, where she helps provide essential services to the community.

“I love the work I do and the people I work with. It’s rewarding to be part of a program that empowers women’s health,” Dominique says.

Her journey showcases the impact of BHH’s job training program—starting as a student and now working alongside BHH through the voucher program, where she helps deliver essential healthcare services by working in tandem with the same organization that once supported her journey.

Fall 2024 Newsletter

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:51:19 GMT

Fall 2024 Newsletter | Issue 44

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Resource Center Follow Up: Dominique L. • Thinking Outside the Pizza Box • Tackle Hunger W/ FAU & Cereal4All • Thanksgiving Box Brigade • Woman Volunteer of the Year Nominee: Zoe Lanham • Through the Lens at BHH • Support the 2024 Annual Match

Woman Volunteer of the Year Nominee: Zoe Lanham

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:02:37 GMT

96-Year-Old Boca Helping Hands Volunteer Brings Happiness to Many

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:39:07 GMT

Job Training Update - Robin F.

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 23:18:03 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - Judy C.

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:26:24 GMT

Meet Judy C., a dedicated and passionate volunteer who has been a cornerstone of the Boca Helping Hands (BHH) team for the past three years. As the welcoming presence at our front desk, Judy's warmth and colorful outfits create a positive first impression for everyone who walks through our doors.

Summer 2024 Newsletter

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:22:08 GMT

Summer 2024 Newsletter | Issue 43

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Job Training Program Follow • Back to School With BHH • Corporate Challenge: Uniting Businesses to Fight Hunger • Make a Kids Day: Bowling for Bread • Halfway Through 2024 • Other Ways To Give • Volunteer Spotlight: Judy C. • Through the Lens at BHH • Tackle Hunger Save the Date

Job Training Update: Milestones

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:09:03 GMT

HOMETOWN HERO: 96-year-old volunteer helps feed the hungry in Boca Raton

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:48:18 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Q.

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 21:23:58 GMT

At 88 years young, Bill Q. defies retirement stereotypes by dedicating his days to transforming lives through volunteerism at Boca Helping Hands.

Spring 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:43:52 GMT

Spring 2024 Newsletter | Issue 42

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Cereal4all Update • MONOPOLY & Casino Night • The Commitment of Job Mentors • 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner • Volunteer Spotlight • Through the Lens • New Study Essentials Workshop • Bowling for Bread - Sponsor A Child

From Guidance to Graduation: The Commitment of Job Mentors

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 23 May 2024 13:54:13 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - Sarah C.

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 23 May 2024 13:51:12 GMT

Cereal4all Collects A Record Amount of Cereal Boxes for BHH's Food Program

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 23 May 2024 13:47:56 GMT

A Sparkling Evening to Benefit Boca Helping Hands

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:32:14 GMT

Boca Helping Hands 2024 MONOPOLY & Casino Night a Marvelous Success

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:17:26 GMT

Snowbirds Asked To Donate Food Before Fleeing Florida

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:06:26 GMT

(BHH) is asking winter residents and people who go away for the summer to consider donating the non-perishable items left in their pantry to BHH before they leave. In 2023, Boca Helping Hands served more than 103,000 hot meals and distributed more than 114,000 pantry bags of groceries to 10,075 families.

“We know that many people wonder what to do with the food in their pantry when they get ready to leave for the summer, and we hope they will think of Boca Helping Hands,” Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands said.

Boca Helping Hands assists more than 35,000 people in the South Florida community through BHH’s various programs, including hunger relief, job training, healthcare, emergency financial assistance, childcare, and weekend meals for Palm Beach County school children.

To donate items from your pantry, please drop them off at Boca Helping Hands: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM, and Saturdays 9 AM – 12 PM at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Snowbirds Asked to Donate the Contents of their Pantry to Boca Helping Hands

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:00:24 GMT

Boca Helping Hands Event "Resounding Success"

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:44:09 GMT

Boca Helping Hands Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Honored 200 Volunteers

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:40:33 GMT

Boca Helping Hands celebrated its volunteers during an appreciation dinner entitled “A Night of Hearts” on April 17 at The Addison of Boca Raton, which hosted 200 guests. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Michael Moran, and the Mel Lazerick Lifetime Achievement Award went to Patricia McCarthy. Fifteen other individuals and six regular volunteer groups were also recognized for their outstanding service to the organization in 2023.

With a staff of only 25 employees, Boca Helping Hands relies on its over 300 regular volunteers to provide the range of services it offers to clients. Last year, BHH volunteers contributed almost 58,000 hours of their time to assist the organization in serving the community.

The Independent Sector, with the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, recently released their 2023 values for volunteer time, estimating an hour of time donated in Florida at $31.61. That adds up to a contribution of over $1.8 million by Boca Helping Hands volunteers last year, making them one of the organization’s most valuable assets.

“Our volunteers provide not only a critical labor force, but they are also a source of inspiration for all of us at BHH,” said Greg Hazle, Executive Director. “Their selfless dedication reminds us all why we do the work we do. That’s why our theme for the event was, “A Night of Hearts.” As the song says, they are ‘the wind beneath our wings.’”

Boca Helping Hands volunteers assist in various roles such as preparing hot meals, processing, and storing food donations, and distributing pantry bags at BHH’s five Palm Beach County locations in East Boca Raton, West Boca, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Lake Worth. They also serve as job mentors, instructors for the job training program, and help to administer the organization’s financial assistance programs.

Those interested in volunteering can visit the organization’s website at BocaHelpingHands.org or contact Volunteer Program Manager Nicole Rostant at Nicole@BocaHelpingHands.org.

Job Training Update - Joseph Marie C.

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:47:12 GMT

In the heart of South Florida, Joseph Marie C.'s journey from customer service to nursing is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of purpose. Through the aid of Boca Helping Hands, Joseph Marie overcame obstacles to forge a new path in healthcare, enriching her life and community along the way.

Woman Becoming Carpenter Later In Life Through Boca Helping Hands Job Training Program

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:27:48 GMT

3rd Annual Polo Feeds Initiative Benefits Three Local Organizations

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:50:27 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Alaric L.

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:49:49 GMT

After only a few months of volunteering at Boca Helping Hands, Alaric L. found himself in a leadership role, helping ensure safety and a positive environment amongst his fellow volunteers on weekends.

Job Training Update - Lety S.

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:48:42 GMT

Despite challenges and setbacks, Lety S. emerged not only as a skilled artisan but also as a beacon of resilience, inspiring those around her to embrace change and chase their aspirations.

Third Annual Polo Feeds Initiative Held

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:36:29 GMT

Winter 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:04:22 GMT

Winter 2024 Newsletter Issue 41

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Job Training Update - Ready Set Build! • 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator • Hands on Help: Creative Ways to Give • Celebrating Our Job Training Students • Thanksgiving Box Brigade 2023 • Holiday Cheer for All • Volunteer Spotlight • New Heart & Spirit Society President • MONOPOLY & Casino Night gala

Boca Helping Hands Monopoly Cocktail Party

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:20:48 GMT

Boca Annual Cereal Drive Under Way

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:15:36 GMT

Cereal4All, which runs an annual cereal drive organized by twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin, hopes to collect more than 4,000 pounds during its annual cereal drive this Spring and donate it to Boca Helping Hands (BHH).

This donation means that Boca Helping Hands will be able to provide clients with approximately 40,000 bowls of cereal. The Justins, 16-year-old twin brothers and Boca Raton residents, are 10th graders at American Heritage School in Delray Beach.

The Justins have expanded their organization nationally to partner with schools in Connecticut, Arizona, New York, Nevada, Washington, Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, and California for Cereal4All cereal drives that benefit local food banks in those areas.

They’ve also established a new Student Ambassador Program that guides students from across the country to volunteer sessions at local food banks to get them more engaged in the fight against hunger and food insecurity.

The Justin brothers have partnerships with other businesses. Target donated gift cards for participating schools to buy school supplies. Publix will provide cereal parties for K-5 schools’ top-donating classrooms; and there will be a drawing for prizes for students who participate in cereal drives.

In addition, First Watch has partnered with Cereal4all by donating breakfast food for a recent “Oatmeal Airlift” that Jett and Luke piloted to different islands in the Bahamas.

"We created Cereal4all to fight hunger around America's breakfast tables because millions of American families suffer from food insecurity, which means they can't always afford enough meals for everyone in their homes. Those families depend on food banks to help ease their hunger issues. Since breakfast food is one of the least donated items to food banks, pantry bags of meals distributed to families in need are often missing breakfast food,” said Luke Justin.

Local schools participating in the cereal drive at this point include Village Academy Center in Delray and the following schools in Boca Raton: Calusa Elementary, Verde K-8, Blue Lake Elementary, Sunrise Park Elementary, Whispering Pines Elementary, Grandview Preparatory School, FAU Community Service Club, Del Prado Elementary, Addison Mizner School, St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, West Boca High School, Olympic Heights High School, and others.

“My brother and I learned about the breakfast food shortage in 2016 while volunteering in the food bank at Boca Helping Hands, and it had a big effect on us because, like most young people, we love cereal. Cereal is about breakfast, but it’s also about happiness, so we were bothered by the reality that millions of families and kids might not have daily access to breakfast and that moment of happiness in their day,” said Jett Justin.

Jett and Luke organized their first cereal drive for BHH in 2016 at their school, Calusa Elementary, when they were just eight years old. Despite their busy high school schedules and being active members in the Boca Raton Civil Air Patrol Squadron, the Justin brothers devote a significant amount of time to working on Cereal4all so they can expand their impact and help provide even more relief to families struggling with food insecurity.

“Running a nonprofit is hard work, but Cereal4all is one of the most fulfilling things my brother and I do. There’s really no better feeling than making a positive difference in someone else’s life,” said Luke Justin.

Jett and Luke were also recently recognized for their nonprofit work by U.S. Congressman Jared Moskowitz in the House of Representatives.

To donate to the cereal drive, contact Suzan Javizian at suzan@bocahelpinghands.org or call 561-417-0913.

Trouble in Paradise - Boca Magazine

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 20:08:02 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight - Pam Militello

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:30:19 GMT

Job Training Update - Ready, Set, Build! New BHH Job Training Initiative

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:25:22 GMT

Philanthropy Notes: Wayside House rings in 50 years

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 20:39:20 GMT

The following is an excerpt from an article in The Coastal Star.

Johnell Davis’s Cinderella Story Was Perfect Fit for FAU Men’s Basketball

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:31:25 GMT

The following is an excerpt from the original Sports Illustrated article about FAU basketball player Johnell Davis, who took part in a food drive with BHH in the past:

"Off the floor, [Johnell Davis] has used his newfound stardom to impact the community, especially in Gary. He hosted basketball camps each of the last two summers and saw the event grow by more than 20 attendees last year after the Final Four run. Back in Boca Raton, he hosted a food drive in the spring, collecting more than 1,600 pounds of food for Boca Helping Hands ."

To read the rest of the article, click the button below.

Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki Farer

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 22:30:18 GMT

Job Training Success Story: Silvana F.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:44:22 GMT

Rotary Car Show Success for Boca Helping Hands

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:29:27 GMT

Boca Raton Rotarians honored one of their own at a car show to benefit Boca Helping Hands. The Sunday afternoon fundraiser was an unexpected hit.

Would they do it again? You bet.

“The event reminded me of how creativity finds a way to support our work,” Helping Hands’ executive director Gregory Hazle said a few days after the show with 58 cars on display at their compact campus. “This was such an unexpected success.”

“Better than we could ever imagine,” senior operations director Bill Harper said, surveying the large turnout at the show.

The Rotary Club of Boca Raton arranged the car show to honor their longest and oldest member, and twice-a-week Boca Helping Hands volunteer. Club president David Dweck presented Art Polacheck, 95, with a Rotary appreciation at the event.

“Art has been a faithful volunteer for us for 10 years, Hazle said, adding, “his assignment now is packing desserts.”

The financial goal for the day was $10,000 to benefit Boca Helping Hands, the nonprofit that serves nearly 35,000 people in need in Palm Beach County with food, job training, health care and financial assistance.

Toward the end of the show, Dweck announced over the mic they were $3,000 short. That didn’t last long. Philanthropists and donors stepped forward to close the gap.

“Everything was underwritten so it all goes back to Boca Helping Hands,” he said.

Charity Car Show to Benefit Boca Helping Hands

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 19:36:18 GMT

Boca Helping Hands (BHH) will be the beneficiary of the Charity Car Show, hosted by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, on Sunday, January 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, sponsored by Hagerty Garage & Social, will be held at Boca Helping Hands, 1500 N.W. 1 ^st Court, Boca Raton. The car show will honor Art Polacheck, a devoted BHH volunteer since 2013 and member of the Rotary Club of Boca Raton.

The top 20 cars will receive awards, and the event will feature music, food trucks, and a 50/50 raffle. The event is free for attendees and $40 (tax-deductible) for those entering a car. For more information, contact David Dweck at 954-354-1000.

Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is a community-based nonprofit that provides food, medical and financial assistance to meet basic human needs as well as education, job training and guidance to create self-sufficiency. Through its various programs, BHH assists nearly 35,000 people annually.

Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities that promote education, health, and financial stability.

Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for Sound Nonprofit Management from Nonprofits First, has a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and was named a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for 16th consecutive years. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org .

The Order of St. John Hospitaller's Impact

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:27:05 GMT

Boca Helping Hands' Patron Saint: Mr. Remillard

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:25:26 GMT

Job Training Update: Qwintarius J.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:23:37 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Jocelyn Mijares

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:20:53 GMT

The 561 Face of Training for Independence and Success

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 21:12:03 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Rostant

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:18:10 GMT

Feeding South Florida's Impact

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:15:56 GMT

Looking Back: Boca West Children’s Foundation

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:41:29 GMT

Fall 2023 Newsletter

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:53:02 GMT

Fall 2023 Newsletter Issue 40

In This Issue : Letter from the Executive Director • Our Milestones • Bowling for Bread Recap • Thanksgiving Box Brigade • Looking Back • Support the 2023 Annual Match

Job Training Update: Long-term Mentorship with Apprenticeship Students

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:50:48 GMT

Peggy Jones: Founder of BHH’s Job Training Program

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:59:05 GMT

The Spark that Accelerated Growth

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:34:29 GMT

BHH Backpack' Helping Hands: The Junior League of Boca Raton

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:38:11 GMT

Boca Helping Hands’ Bowling for Bread Benefited Local Children’s Charities

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:21:23 GMT

Boca Helping Hands welcomed 150 adults and children at their annual Bowling for Bread event on August 27 at Bowlero in Boca Raton. BHH invited kids from local children’s charities to attend at no cost to enjoy an afternoon of bowling, food, and prize giveaways.

The children’s charities that were beneficiaries of the event included 4KIDS of South Florida, Inc., Achievement Centers for Children & Families, Adopt a Family of the Palm Beaches, Inc., American Association of Caregiving Youth, Fuller Center, Place of Hope, PROPEL, and Pearl City Cats. The event also raised enough funds to provide 31,573 meals for the BHH weekend meal program.

Special guests included Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Palm Beach County Commissioner Marci Woodward, and Boca Raton City Council Member Marc Wigder. Florida Atlantic University football players, including Defensive Lineman Evan Anderson, Running Back Larry McCammon III, Offensive Lineman Chaz Neal, Quarterback Casey Thompson, and Wide Receiver LaJohntay Wester, also came out to cheer on the kids and bowl alongside them.

Trophies were awarded to the top three bowling teams and overall high score. Bowling tournament winners were:

3rd place team – Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation and Friends

2nd place team – Waypoint Residential

1st place team – Raymond James

The top score was 178, bowled by Dave Currier.

Boca Helping Hands has operated the BHH Backpacks children’s meal program for the past 12 years, providing food-insecure students with non-perishable, easy-to-prepare meals every Friday to ensure they get enough to eat on the weekends. During the 2022-23 school year, BHH Backpacks helped over 1,600 students in 13 local schools, providing a record 297,864 meals and 148,932 snacks to elementary students in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach.

This year’s event was held in memory of longtime BHH Volunteer LouAnn Such, who co-chaired Bowling for Bread for over a decade. “This event was very important to LouAnn, as she wanted to make sure the kids all had an amazing time every year,” said Karen Swedenborg, Associate Director of Development. “We named one of the charity’s lanes in her honor, and each participating child received a ‘LouAnn Such Participation Medal’ so that her legacy lives on.”

Bowling for Bread is part of Boca Chamber Festival Days—a series of fun-filled August events intended to raise awareness and funds by pairing nonprofits with for-profit members of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce . AvalonBay Communities was Bowling for Bread’s For-Profit Chamber Partner, and the Event Sponsor was the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation. Other major sponsors included the Gary Peters Family Foundation, AEO Foundation, Medical Materials, Inc., and Waypoint Residential.

This was the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation’s sixth year sponsoring the event. “It’s always a great time bowling and watching the kids have fun, and I was so glad to be a part of it again this year,” said Foundation Trustee Lee Steinberg. “My mom, Pearl, had a soft spot for children’s causes, and I love being able to honor her legacy by supporting Bowling for Bread.”

About Boca Helping Hands

Now in its 25th year of operation, Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is a community-based nonprofit that provides food, medical and financial assistance to meet basic human needs as well as education, job training and guidance to create self-sufficiency. Through its various programs, BHH assists nearly 35,000 people annually.

Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for Sound Nonprofit Management from Nonprofits First, has a 2022 Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and was named a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for the 16th consecutive year in 2022. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org.

Providing Healthcare Access To All

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:24:54 GMT

Jack Jaiven: A BHH Treasure

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:23:27 GMT

Boca Helping Hands presents Bowling for Bread Event

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:05:46 GMT

Job Training Spotlight: Tranisha M.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:12:40 GMT

Boca Helping Hands celebrated Its 25th Anniversary with "Founders Day" Event

natalieb@bocahelpinghands.org (Natalie Ballance) — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 18:12:10 GMT

Boca Helping Hands (BHH) commemorated its 25th anniversary with a "Founders Day" celebration recognizing current and past board members, elected officials, and other invited guests. The event was held on July 12 at Boca Helping Hands in Boca Raton.

Palm Beach County (PBC) Commissioner Marci Woodward presented a proclamation declaring July 12 as Boca Helping Hands Day, marking the date the organization received its name in 1998. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer presented a proclamation highlighting the nonprofit's beginnings in Boca and its subsequent growth. Boca Raton City Council Member Yvette Drucker was in attendance as well.

The celebration was highlighted with speeches by BHH Board President Gary Peters and Executive Director Greg Hazle, both of whom recognized the many volunteers, supporters, and staff who have been instrumental in helping the organization achieve its mission in the community.

"We were so pleased to celebrate our 25th birthday by acknowledging the founders and other key contributors who helped us reach this milestone," said Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands. "The first volunteers at our orignial soup kitchen would be amazed to see where we are now, providing not only food but financial assistance and job training to nearly 35,000 of our neighbors every year."

The community need for Boca Helping Hands' food programs has been higher than ever this year, with the organization now averaging over 9,500 pantry bags distributed each month. If you'd like to help, donations up to $250 will be doubled to a total amount of $25,000 in July, in honor of BHH's 25th birthday. Learn more at BocaHelpingHands.org/July.

For more information, contact Communications and Marketing Manager Tara Keimel at TaraK@BocaHelpingHands.org

About Boca Helping Hands

Now in its 25th year of operation, Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is a community-based nonprofit that provides food, job training, access to healthcare and financial assistance to help individuals and families improve their quality of life and build financial stability. Through its various programs, BHH assists nearly 35,000 people annually.

Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities the promote education, health, and financial stability.

Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for sound nonprofit management from Nonprofits First, has a 2022 gold seal of transparency from Candid/Guide Star, and was named a four-star charity by charity navigator for the 16th consecutive year in 2022. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 N.W. First Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Neil Bauch

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:32:17 GMT

Boca Helping Hands turns 25

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:03:37 GMT

Boca Raton twins collect over 6,000 boxes of cereal for Boca Helping Hands

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:50:13 GMT

Summer 2023 Newsletter

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:15:51 GMT

Summer 2023 Newsletter Issue 39

In This Issue : Keeping The Streak Alive • Job Training Success Story • Looking Back • MONOPOLY ® Recap • Volunteers Of The Year • Volunteer Spotlight • FAU Athlete Food Drive • Pack The Pantry • Sponsor Kids To Bowl • July Match

BHH Resource Center Through the Years

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 18:41:15 GMT

FAU Basketball Team Lends a Helping Hand

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Tue, 23 May 2023 20:33:50 GMT

Gary Peters: The Driving Force Behind Boca Helping Hands

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Tue, 02 May 2023 14:08:06 GMT

Job Training Update: Ronnie R.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 21:00:40 GMT

Looking Back: Recollections from a Founding Board Member

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 20:54:12 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Lynne Ogren

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 20:27:39 GMT

Job Training Update: Shasta C.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 01:43:52 GMT

Rose Marie Arnold: BHH’s Founding Board President

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:03:21 GMT

CROS Ministries Gives BHH a Helping Hand

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:46:16 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Freed

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:09:04 GMT

Katherine Alano Joins As Financial Controller

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:50:11 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Joan and Rob Tanner

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:19:23 GMT

Job Training Success Story: Tammi F.

tarak@bocahelpinghands.org (Tara Keimel) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:31:24 GMT

Hundreds Volunteered During First Annual Boca West Country Club Hope Week

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:45:15 GMT

Dr. Safiya George Joins BHH Board of Directors

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:37:36 GMT

Polo Feeds event Provides 180,000 for Boca Helping Hands and other Nonprofits

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:26:27 GMT

Pay it Forward: OPAL awards to raise money for scholarships

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:13:47 GMT

7th Annual Christmas Feast

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:10:21 GMT

Job Training Success Story: Tramaine D.

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:13:51 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight: Gabby Rizza

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:13:36 GMT

boca-helping-hands

Winter 2026 Newsletter

Fall 2025 Newsletter

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What can be done? We must begin by sharing the sandwich situation with those for whom the economy and stock market are working.

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A New Chapter - Anonymous Boca Helping Hands client

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Delivering Hope: Stephanie’s Story of Resilience

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﻿ in the HVAC Industry

Winter 2025 Newsletter

Car Buffs Roll Out For Rotary Show

Volunteer Spotlight - D'Andrea D.

Serving with Heart: How D'Andrea Builds Community at BHH

﻿

Job Training Update - Joe Nazaire, CDL

The Drive to Thrive: Joe's CDL Journey with Boca Helping Hands

﻿

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Fall 2024 Newsletter

Woman Volunteer of the Year Nominee: Zoe Lanham

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Volunteer Spotlight - Judy C.

Summer 2024 Newsletter

Job Training Update: Milestones

HOMETOWN HERO: 96-year-old volunteer helps feed the hungry in Boca Raton

Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Q.

Spring 2024 Newsletter

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Volunteer Spotlight - Sarah C.

Cereal4all Collects A Record Amount of Cereal Boxes for BHH's Food Program

A Sparkling Evening to Benefit Boca Helping Hands

Boca Helping Hands 2024 MONOPOLY & Casino Night a Marvelous Success

Snowbirds Asked To Donate Food Before Fleeing Florida

Snowbirds Asked to Donate the Contents of their Pantry to Boca Helping Hands

Boca Helping Hands Event "Resounding Success"

Boca Helping Hands Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Honored 200 Volunteers

Job Training Update - Joseph Marie C.

Woman Becoming Carpenter Later In Life Through Boca Helping Hands Job Training Program

3rd Annual Polo Feeds Initiative Benefits Three Local Organizations

Volunteer Spotlight: Alaric L.

Job Training Update - Lety S.

Despite challenges and setbacks, Lety S. emerged not only as a skilled artisan but also as a beacon of resilience, inspiring those around her to embrace change and chase their aspirations.

﻿

Third Annual Polo Feeds Initiative Held

Winter 2024 Newsletter

Boca Helping Hands Monopoly Cocktail Party

Boca Annual Cereal Drive Under Way

Trouble in Paradise - Boca Magazine

Volunteer Spotlight - Pam Militello

Job Training Update - Ready, Set, Build! New BHH Job Training Initiative

Philanthropy Notes: Wayside House rings in 50 years

Johnell Davis’s Cinderella Story Was Perfect Fit for FAU Men’s Basketball

Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki Farer

Job Training Success Story: Silvana F.

Rotary Car Show Success for Boca Helping Hands

Charity Car Show to Benefit Boca Helping Hands

The Order of St. John Hospitaller's Impact

Boca Helping Hands' Patron Saint: Mr. Remillard

Job Training Update: Qwintarius J.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jocelyn Mijares

The 561 Face of Training for Independence and Success

Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Rostant

Feeding South Florida's Impact

Looking Back: Boca West Children’s Foundation

Fall 2023 Newsletter

Job Training Update: Long-term Mentorship with Apprenticeship Students

Peggy Jones: Founder of BHH’s Job Training Program

The Spark that Accelerated Growth

BHH Backpack' Helping Hands: The Junior League of Boca Raton

Boca Helping Hands’ Bowling for Bread Benefited Local Children’s Charities

Providing Healthcare Access To All

Jack Jaiven: A BHH Treasure

in the HVAC Industry