Florida Commission on Human Relations

*Investigates and attempts to resolve complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, whistleblower retaliation and anyone HIV+ experiencing discrimination in the areas of employment and housing *Counsels individuals and businesses, offers mediation services *Employment and housing complaints must be filed within 1 year of the date in which the alleged act of discrimination occurred

Services: Consumer Complaints, Consumer Education, Discrimination Assistance, Mediation

Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services

*State's clearinghouse for consumer information, complaints, and protection *Operates toll-free hotline for consumers to obtain information, get help with specific problems, request forms to file a written complaint, and report fraudulent practices *Web page provides educational information to both public and businesses and on-line complaint filing *Responsible for regulatory laws: concealed weapon license, identity theft, charitable organizations, energy improvement, professional surveyors and mappers, sweepstakes/game promotions, health studios, intrastate movers, auto repair shops, Florida Do Not Call List, Sweepstakes/game promotions, pawnbrokers, sellers of travel, tele-marketers, fair rides, LP gas, and standards *Speakers available to civic groups and organizations to provide educational information

Services: Charities/Grantmaking Organizations, Consumer Complaints, Consumer Education, Consumer Fraud Reporting, Records/Licenses/Permits

Florida National Guard Foundation

*Statewide program of financial assistance for current National Guard members only *Assistance awarded for emergency situations only and determined on a case by case basis *Situation must strictly meet criteria of an emergency through no fault of applicant, examples include: natural or man-made disaster, accident, illness or injury *Assistance is provided to help with basic living essentials, housing, utilities, child care, food, gas, vehicle repairs, medical/dental care, prescriptions, etc.

Services: Emergency Funds, Medical Care Expense Assistance, Mortgage Payment Assistance, Prescription Expense Assistance, Rent Payment Assistance, Student Financial Aid, Utility Service Payment Assistance

Florida National Guard, Youth ChalleNGe Academy

*Program for male and female teens, age 16-18, who are behind in school credits, dropouts or expellees who have no felony convictions *5 1/2 month residential phase: Takes place in a highly disciplined and motivational environment promoting structure and academics along with leadership, health, community service, life skills, job skills, physical fitness and citizenship *Post residential phase of one year: uses learned skillls through placement in a job, further education or the military *Matched with a mentor to guide him/her through both phases *Eligibility:16-18 years old, citizen or legal resident of US, Florida resident, no felony convictions or open charges; CAN be on probation *Free of illegal drugs, physically and mentally capable of completing the program *Program start every 6 months in January and July *Space is limited; apply early

Services: Dropout Programs, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, Residential Mental Health Treatment Facilities, Supervised Living for Older Youth, Youth Enrichment Programs

Florida Network of Youth and Family Services

*Statewide agency provides information and referrals for both children/teens (6-17) and/or parents who are in crisis; agency does NOT provide direct services to callers *Serves as information and referral resource for CINS/FINS (Children in Need of Services/Families in Need of Services) and other agencies for families with a child persistently beyond the reasonable and lawful control of parents or guardians *Refers homeless, runaway, truant and at risk youth to shelters, respite care, and other helping agencies *Website has important information related to parents and youth in crisis: Parent Options (legal and otherwise) for ungovernable children, and legal rights for youth *Advocates for agencies who serve troubled youth providing training, quality improvement, contract management, data collection, research, and advocacy

Services: Family Preservation Programs, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, Parenting Skills Classes, Runaway/Homeless Youth Counseling, Runaway/Homeless Youth Helplines, Truancy Counseling

Florida Office of Early Learning

*Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R) specialists help families choose quality care and other community resources and refers parents to local Early Learning Coalitions in their area for assistance and entry into school readiness and VPK programs

Services: Child Care Expense Assistance, Early Head Start, Head Start, Preschools

Florida School for the Deaf & Blind

*Pre-school through 12th grade for eligible hearing-impaired and visually-impaired public school students *Health care; speech, audiology, mental health, occupational and physical therapies *Free tuition for eligible Florida residents *Awards standard and special diplomas; prepares graduates for professional careers and trades *Over 70% of graduating class continue education at colleges, universities, and technical training centers

Services: Special Education

Florida State Elks Assn, Therapy/Camps/Scholarships

*Non-profit fraternal organization for fellowship and social service providing therapy, scholarships, and summer camps for children *Mobile units provide free in-home physical or occupational therapy for Florida children, birth to 18 years of age, meeting eligibility criteria *Scholarships offered to college students demonstrating leadership through participation in school activities, community service and citizenship programs; students sometimes work to help out their families financially *Summer camp located in Marion County open to all children, 9-13, small fee; last week for children of military and veteran parents; paid youth counselors earn scholarships after several years of work

Services: Camps, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Scholarships

Franklin County Schools

*Pre-K to grade 12, alternative school at district office, and a pre-K through 8th grade charter school in Apalachicola *Exceptional student education for students with disabilities, home education program *Adult education, GED classes and tests

Services: Adult Basic Education, GED/High School Equivalency Test Instruction, School Districts

FSU, Adult Learning Evaluation Center (ALEC))

*Psycho-educational evaluations for college age students and adults with possible learning disabilities or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) and/or other mental health difficulties (e.

Services: Educational Testing, Mental Health Assessment and Treatment, Mental Health Evaluation, Special Education, Telemental Health