As Director of Programs and Mission, Carla Cox is responsible for planning and implementing strategies targeted at decreasing the rate of homelessness in the central Florida area. The first step is evaluating the needs of the clients that come to the Christian Service Center and making sure that they are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve along the way. Carla says that the clients are the most rewarding part of her job. “Offering the clients consistency is really critical in a life that has no consistency, and we do this particularly with our Daily Bread program.”
With the 50th anniversary of the Christian Service Center coming up in a few months, Carla would like to remind people that even though we are not the shiny new nonprofit in the area, people should remember the consistency of the Christian Service Center. “We are constantly giving services and we have been for many years,” Carla said.
Carla’s hope for the next 50 years is that the Christian Service Center can end chronic homelessness in the downtown corridor, doing so by moving towards outcome measurements instead of guests’ temporary full bellies. Carla wishes that all people could see our clients the way that she sees them, as people who may be down on their luck, or in a tough place, but neighbors who need warmth and compassion shown to them.
In her free time, Carla can be found in her garden, tending her many plants and vegetables, or reading science fiction novels. She also likes to relax by cuddling with her dog Mac and hanging out with her husband Justin. Carla loves to cook and try new recipes, so she often can be found in the employee break room sharing tips and recipes at lunchtime.
Carla holds a Masters in Sociology from the University of Central Florida, she serves on the board for the Homeless Services Network and is the current Martin Bell Scholar for the Rollins College Crummer School of Business where she will complete her Master’s in Business Administration this Spring.