State Senate Foils Resort Tax Revival
Low income Family Housing Demand Far Exceeds Supply
Air Crash Kills 5
Ship Sinks in Far East
House Okays $150 Million Tax Package

Look at these headlines from the Orlando Sentinel.  Each describes something that requires our attention and compels us to read on.

However, each of these headlines didn't appear in yesterday's newspaper. They were the headlines published 30 years ago on June 1, 1971! It seems that the more things change, the more they remain the same!

Thirty years ago, a small team joined together to effect change. A group of pastors from our downtown Orlando churches gathered to talk about how they could address the growing challenges of meeting human needs in our community. These community leaders felt that our community is measured not by the size of our buildings, but by the size of our hearts; not in rewards but in deeds. Their message became the catalyst to create something much larger, much greater than any church by itself could create. Their vision was the Christian Service Center!

For 30 years, we have served millions of meals, helped hundreds of thousands with much needed emergency assistance, cared for thousands afflicted with illness, helped men and women restore their lives, and seen children grow to responsible adults! All of this because of the vision of five men. Five men AND thousands of supporters, volunteers and friends like you.

Come Celebrate 30 years with us:

Volunteers and staff are busy planning for our annual Street Celebration! Please plan to join us on Wednesday, April 4th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. at the Downtown Campus of the Christian Service Center located at 808 W Central Blvd. This year's event will focus on the Center's 30th anniversary.

It is an exciting milestone not only for the Center but for the community, of Central Florida. It is through the support of dedicated volunteers and local business organizations and churches that we have continued serving those in need for 30 years, announced Robert Stuart, Executive Director for the Christian Service Center for Central Florida, Inc., "This will be the third year we hold the street celebration and it grows each year. It is our way of saying 'thank you' to tile community"

With the help of many sponsors, including Trammel-Crow Company, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. Colonial Bank, BCTTM Union (local 103), and TG Lee Foods, the event is able to offer free hotdogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, ice cream, and more to all who attend. In addition to site tours, musical entertainment, the Orlando Magic Fan Van, and free TB testing by the Orange County Health Department & Shades, the Orlando Solar Bears mascot, will make all appearance!

Fresh Start Needs YOU

Friends of Fresh Start

Donations Needed

West Orange Needs:

Winter blankets and jackets are needed for our clients in Ocoee. If you have any questions, please call the W.O. Life Center at 407-656-6678.

Downtown Orlando Needs:

Canned meat, diapers, and feminine products are needed at this time. All donations can be delivered to the Downtown Center located at 808 W Central Blvd. For more information, you may call 407-425-2523, ext. 237.

Winter Park Needs:

YMCA Food drive

The Christian Service Center for Central Florida, Inc. has been recognized for outstanding achievement by the Walt Disney World Company, Community Services Network, Heart of Florida United Way, The Brookdale Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Chatlos Foundation. The Center was also recognized for their support of the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, the National Day of Prayer, and the Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast.

8,700 hours of client support was provided for 75 men; each man stayed an average of 121 days. 30 churches and support groups (one for each day of the month) have kept this program alive and viable. This program would not be possible without the thousands of hours provided by our faithful volunteers.

Besides the 8,230 people we served through pantry items, clothing, financial assistance, and referrals to other agencies, our staff answered 25,100 telephone inquiries from potential clients at our three branches (Downtown, Ocoee, Winter Park)

95,186 individual meals were served in three locations (Downtown, Ocoee, & Kissimmee). We also celebrated our 25th Anniversary in April 2000.

3,930 attended worship services raising almost $14,600 through weekly offerings. In August, we celebrated 26 years of Hotel Ministry!

More than 91,575 units of service were provided to more than 298 unduplicated clients. We received funding from the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs to produce an eight-part educational video series about Alzheimer's Disease and the caregiving for patients with the disease.

What programs does the Center offer?

What volunteer opportunities are available? What items can you donate?

Learn more about the Christian Service Center by visiting us online at