- About Us -
Hands of Hope America, Inc.
Hands of Hope America is proud to be a part of the Four Corners community of Central Florida, serving the counties of Lake, Polk, Osceola, and Orange alike. We are a tax-exempt non-profit organization, under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our mission is to EQUIP, EMPOWER AND RESTORE disenfranchised communities by providing accessible evidence-based services to individuals, families, and children in the Four Corners of Lake, Polk, Osceola, and Orange Counties.
We envision a future where individuals, families, and children have the tools and resources they need to thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstance. Our goal is to help build a community where everyone has the equal opportunity to live healthy fulfilling lives. With the help of our amazing and selfless volunteers, community engagement and our incredible partner organizations, we strive to make Hands of Hope America a model of excellence in the assistance and delivery of human basic needs for our community.
Evelisse Bookhout, Founder, Exec. Director, (MSW, RCSWI)
Evelisse is a US Army veteran, leader, ordained minister and advocate in her community. She currently has a BSW from Southeastern University with a certificate in Child Welfare, and her MSW in Clinical Social Work.
Evelisse discovered her passion for empowering the next generation while working as a residential counselor for the developmentally disabled at Springbrook, a leader of providing supports and services across the state of New York for the developmentally disabled. Her passion for human services continued to grow as she worked as a nursing assistant with disabled veterans and the elderly. Moving to state of Florida in 2012, she quickly became involved in mentoring at-risk youth in her community and assisted with local church youth groups.
Currently, Evelisse sits on the Board of Lake County Children’s Services Council and is the Executive Director of Hands of Hope America; a nonprofit organization that provides services and resources to equip families, empower youth, and advocate to restore underserved communities.
Maritza Garcia, Co-Founder, Food Pantry Director
Born on the US island commonwealth of Puerto Rico and moving to New York City at age 4, Maritza Garcia is an active community member and retired law enforcement official with the New York City Department of Corrections. In her twenty years, she has worked with numerous law enforcement agencies, has navigated the court systems as a city employee and has experience working with incarcerated individuals on their path to rehabilitation.
Upon moving to Florida in 2008, she created a small business and quickly became involved within her local community. Maritza currently coordinates and supervises the Hands of Hope Food Pantry and Thrift Store located off of US 192 (W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) in the Four Corners community. Lake County Board of Zoning Adjustment
Tina Sweeten, MAMN, CVA
Tina Sweeten is a nonprofit professional with over 30 years of experience leading both small and large nonprofit organizations. She is a graduate of Western Washington University (BA) and Hamline University (MA) and holds a professional designation in Volunteer Administration (CVA).
Tina has been a Red Cross employee for the past four and a half years and has volunteered for Red Cross prior to that for over 20 years in a variety of disaster and training services positions. Tina is a compassionate leader who embodies our values as well as those of the Red Cross and is currently the Executive Director of the Mid-Florida Chapter in the Central Florida and US Virgin Islands Region.
Judith Cunningham MSW, RCSWI, Board Secretary
Judith is a compassionate and dedicated medical social worker at Lakeland Regional Health, where she excels as a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI). With a Master's degree in social work and currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Strategie Leadership, Judith brings a wealth of advanced education and expertise to our team. Judith's commitment to servant leadership is deeply rooted in her faith in Christ Jesus, guiding her to find profound joy in serving others. Her work is characterized by deep empathy and a steadfast devotion to making a positive difference in the lives
of patients, their families, and the community.
Through her professional and personal life, Judith embodies the principles of service and faith, ensuring her contributions to Hands of Hope America are both impactful and inspiring.
Our Partners
Run For Hope, Walk For Change 5k
Click below for info on our upcoming May 3rd community event.