Several residents have worked, saved and studied to get driver's licenses and vehicles! Herb, Jovaneek and Kevin all got a license. Greg, Jovaneek, Alexsey, Herb and Kevin have all purchased vehicles this summer! This takes dedication both at their jobs and with their budgeting! Congratulations to all of them! … [Read more...]
Open Arms Hires Graduate As Case Manager!
Open Arms is very pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Patrick Smith as case manager! Michael has the experience and passion to be successful working with the residents. With his degree from Auburn University, Michael has also worked in the substance abuse field. We are looking forward to having him on our staff! … [Read more...]
Hansons Offer $50,000 Matching Grant!
Stan and Martha Hanson have generously offered a matching grant of up to $50,000! The Hansons have been supporters of Open Arms from the beginning. Their interest goes beyond the general homeless crisis. They attend our events, meet with staff and take the time to meet residents! Open Arms is truly blessed to have them in the Village! Our Dayroom is dedicated to the memory of their son, … [Read more...]
Open Arms Village receives large donation, seeks match donations
By Susan Smiley-Height Local News Editor, Ocala Star Banner Open Arms Village has steadily grown from a vision to a full-fledged resource for homeless men. But there is still more organizers hope to do in terms of helping people and growing the program. The group home at 1839 NE Eighth Ave. operates in coordination with St. Mark's United Methodist Church. The program, which celebrated its … [Read more...]
Ocala Jenkins Auto Group donates Van to Open Arms Village
Open Arms Village was blessed to have Ocala Jenkins Auto Group donate a Honda Odyssey Van to us to help with taking residents to job interviews, doctors appointments, etc. Thank you so much to the Ocala Jenkins Auto Group for this donation! We truly appreciate it. … [Read more...]
Rondo at Open Arms Village
We were blessed last night to have Rondo Fernandez/Mojo's come to Open Arms Village to give his testimony to the residents, and provide a cooking demonstration and dinner. The residents enjoyed hearing Rondo's story, and of course, enjoyed the meal that he provided. Thanks Rondo for always being a role model and giving back to the community! … [Read more...]
Karen Simmons Joins OAV Staff as Part Time Counselor
Pastor Susan Gary said "It never ceases to amaze me to watch the Holy Spirit work. Every time we need a position filled God provides just the right person and God has done it again! We are blessed beyond measure to have Karen Simmons join our Open Arms Village team. Karen is a certified mental health counselor who also works at the Phoenix House. She is a woman of deep faith and the guys already … [Read more...]
Chris, an OAV Resident, speaks at Brother’s Keeper Fundraiser at Adena Springs
Chris, an Open Arms Village resident, shared his story with over 400 people at the Brother's Keeper Hoedown fundraiser at Adena Springs on Saturday, March 5, 2016. We are very proud of Chris and the journey that he has taken to leave homelessness behind. Chris will be leaving Open Arms Village as soon as he finds a suitable apartment. He has already purchased a vehicle and he is employed at Legacy … [Read more...]
We are closing in on our 1 Year Anniversary
Open Arms Village is closing in on it's one year anniversary! We opened in May 2015 and it has been an amazing 10 months. We have learned so much during this time, and have seen residents thrive at Open Arms. Of course, it has been a learning experience for us all, the staff and the residents. We have learned that not everyone who comes to Open Arms is a good fit for our program. We have … [Read more...]
OAV to be Featured at the Ocala Stampede Home Opener
Open Arms Village is excited to share that we will be featured at the opening home game of the Ocala Stampede, Ocala's elite Soccer team. Thursday, June 5 at Trinity Catholic High School, the Stampede will face the SW Florida Adrenaline. Catered by Mojos, fully outfitted with a rock band, Second Slice, and 100 noisy vuvuzelas, Thursday night will be a fun way to start the summer! The Ocala … [Read more...]