Supporting the local community
By Brian Cronin

ORLANDO Fla. – Mike Adkins, pastor for Grace Fellowship Church and a member of the board of directors for the Destiny Foundation, carved time from his busy schedule to speak in front of the journalism class about the programs he and his church members do for the local community and abroad.

“Our church is designed to bring people back to faith,” said Rev. Adkins, “We guide those people in their next step toward Christ.”

The Church members donated 500 bags of groceries to the working poor of Orlando at their ‘Easter at Eola’ celebration. Rev. Adkins said, “We had more than enough food and we would have liked for more people to show.”

Other organizations help the local committee, such as,The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida who are also helping the community with food drives and outreach programs. They predict with the economic downturn there will be twice as many people homeless this year than there were last year.

A spokesman for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida said, “The Coalition is able to help nearly 650 people each day.” The employees at the Coalition are an all volunteer organization that help feed the homeless. “Last year, the Coalition served nearly 270,000 meals to the homeless.” However their mission is to not only feed the homeless but to, “Return our residents to self-sufficiency, through counseling, job training, and educational programs.”


The Department of Children and Families for the state of Florida admits due to the upturn in foreclosures, up 69% since last year, the homeless population is growing and in need of some serious help. Statistics from their web site show that all areas of assistance from the state and federal government are up. In February 2008, there were 436,315 applications form families applying for cash assistance it was an increase of 74,129 from one year before.


Rev. Adkins and the church members are also able to help the local community; by donating food, conducting outreach programs, and empowering people who are having difficulties. He also donates his time and money to places as far away as Africa, with contributions from the church members; Rev. Adkins and his close friends are able to visit and finance enough money for a drinking well system for the citizens of Rwanda.



Rev. Adkins praises the Destiny Foundation for their involvement in the community. To be eligible for the services at the Destiny Foundation you are pre-registered based on need. Rev. Adkins said, “There has been a dramatic increase of need because of the economic downturn, but we are thankful we can help.” He also said, “A lot of people at the Destiny Foundation help give back when they get on their feet.”

Rev. Adkins plans on extending his outreach in the future to other people in need. He would like to partner with other organizations to do more in helping, “assist battered women, serve the poor, take care of the fatherless, and help the widow’s.” He also plans to do more for the people of Africa; he plans a trip at least once a year to help them with medical issues and basic economic needs.