In February 2020, Downtown New Port Richey welcomed a new face: One Community Now! The non-profit launched 11 years ago, and continues to serve New Port Richey and Pasco County’s most vulnerable. Some of OCN’s flagship programs include Pack-A-Sack Food for Kids, Operation Stand Down for veterans, and the Hunger Walk.
Located in the old Connections Job Development office, One Community Now serves as a one-stop-shop for citizens in need. OCN offers individual career counseling, adult education workshops, resume services, and so much more at no cost to the individual. The organization’s mantra is “Working Together, Changing Lives,” and its dedicated staff lives this to the fullest.
Pack-A-Sack
Through Pack-A-Sack, OCN feeds 1,629 food-insecure kids every weekend in Pasco County schools. Volunteers help pack the bags and deliver them to the schools, making it a community-wide effort!
Operation Stand Down
Operation Stand Down plays a significant role in taking care of Pasco County’s veteran community. Each year, the OCN network comes together to offer a weekend filled with friendly faces and life-changing services. Local businesses and volunteers provide free dental work, haircuts, pro bono court services, and even job interviews. OCN makes it a priority to restore dignity to the live of veterans experiencing instability.
Bridging the Community Divide
One Community Now wasted no time in building relationships with the citizens and business owners of downtown New Port Richey. Since moving downtown, OCN has changed hundreds of lives through its programs. Many came to their office seeking job search assistance, resume help, education opportunities, or even just someone to talk to.
In August, One Community Now became one of a few organizations in Pasco County to help facilitate the CARES Act to help needy families struggling from the pandemic. Rent, mortgage, and utilities assistance was provided to 233 families throughout the duration of their CARES case work.
They have also taken an interest in directly supporting the downtown New Port Richey area by working with downtown businesses to produce “One Community Now Shop & Support Cards.” The goal of the card is to bolster the downtown economy by offering discounts at several of the area’s hottest spots, with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the cards going to support the programs of One Community Now!
Folks who are interested in scoring some sweet deals, supporting awesome local businesses, and lending a helping hand to their neighbors should check out this amazing opportunity!