Multi-faceted nonprofit needs help driving its mission

The heat is on for Hope Villages of America, which needs a reliable, refrigerated truck to help distribute over six million pounds of food to people in need across Pinellas County.

Sen. Nick DiCeglie, the Clearwater-based nonprofit’s CEO, said maintaining the current fleet has created overhead issues. While cost control is a factor, he would also rather spend that money serving additional residents.

Hope Villages of America (HVA) recently launched the “Drive our Mission” campaign to raise $200,000 by Oct. 1. One of the nonprofit’s current box trucks lacks air conditioning, and another will not shift into gear.

“Food insecurity remains a significant issue in our community,” DiCeglie said. “People are still having a real tough time putting food on the table because everything is expensive.”

HVA operates a food bank and annually distributes over three tons of groceries to pantries countywide – despite relying on jalopies. The holistic nonprofit also provides emergency housing and domestic abuse services.

The fundraising campaign launched in August and has since garnered $128,000. However, much of that came from two major donors and a grant.

DiCeglie also noted that raising the last 25% is “the really hard part.” He said HVA has been “very aggressive” throughout September, and that “this is really about separating ourselves from any other food bank in the area.”

Casey Taylor, chief development officer, said having “at least one new truck” would propel the organization’s mission by “leaps and bounds.” HVA is also selling space for sponsorships, “not to have a NASCAR-looking sponsored vehicle, but we do have opportunities.”

“These trucks are literally feeding our community,” Taylor added. “We have fresh food. We have baby formula. We have all of those things that you typically wouldn’t find at a food bank.”

People and organizations regularly donate nonperishable goods to HVA’s Distribution Center. Sam’s Club provides fresh food that requires refrigeration when delivered throughout the county.

“And our numbers have increased, as far as the need,” Taylor said. “More and more people are coming to us … but being able to drop it off sets us apart.”

Hope Villages of America distributes perishable and nonperishable food throughout the county.

DiCeglie said the ongoing affordability crisis has sparked interest in the nonprofit. Those in need are taking advantage of its myriad services, “as they should.”

According to its website, HVA annually feeds over 150,000 people in Pinellas and responds to more than 3,800 domestic abuse calls. The nonprofit also operates The Haven, a 36-bed shelter for women.

HVA’s annual Faces of Domestic Violence Luncheon is Oct. 23. Attendees will hear from victims who are navigating “one of the most difficult and dangerous times in their lives.”

DiCeglie added that the event helps the community understand “what we do, how we do it and the level of love and compassion that we do it with.” He said victims with the “incredible courage to share their stories” also inspire other survivors to seek help.

The luncheon also raises critical funding for The Haven. Taylor noted HVA offers legal advocates and wraparound services. “We don’t just provide shelter.”

DiCeglie became the nonprofit’s president and CEO in June 2023 following a tumultuous period in its 58-year history. What was formerly known as RCS Pinellas became HVA in October 2020.

DiCeglie’s primary goal was ensuring the organization was “laser-focused on executing our mission.” HVA unveiled a three-year strategic growth plan in January after an extensive planning process.

“A lot of that strategic plan has to do with us getting our name out there, getting our mission out there, so that every single member of this community knows who we are, what we do, and the people we serve,” DiCeglie said. “Even since December, we’ve done so much and made great strides.

“Obviously, we’ll always have a lot of work to do, but I think our trajectory is going in the right direction. We’ve got momentum.”

Taylor noted that HVA is also welcoming new board members. “If there’s someone in the community who feels like they can make a real difference, we’d love to hear from them,” she said.

For more information on the Drive Our Mission campaign, visit the website here.

For more information on the 2025 Faces of Domestic Violence Luncheon, visit the website here.