Founded 08/08/2018, and on this day, in 2019, we have officially received our IRS 501c3 Non-Profit status!
When we sat around the table at Boston Coffee House in early 2018 and talked about the changes that people wanted to see for Deltona, we dreamed of an organization whose mission was to drive change and attack issues. We wanted to integrate social media with a “boots on the ground” grassroots concept. We wanted to leverage the power of community and work together to improve Deltona – regardless of political views, religious affiliation or ethnicity. And Deltona Strong was born.
What have we accomplished during our 1st year of life?
| Water Forum w/State Rep. David Santiago | Gathered evidence – Advocated for State Audit. Held a water forum open to the at the Center |
| Deltona Water Non-Payment Fee Change | The disconnect fee is only charged if you are disconnected instead of as a late fee. Saved 500+ families from paying extra $62.00 fee |
| Community Cares Project | Provided 24/7 emergency support for Deltona residents and VCSO Delivered Gas, Food, clothing, homeless support |
| Deltona Water Operational Meetings | Met with Deltona Water Management to discuss operational issues and gain DW education. Helped over 20 residents w/DW bill education & review: Meter errors, adjustments given, identified leak source |
| Deltona Water Deposit Distribution | Introduced the initiative that led to the commission’s approval of the distribution of water deposits returned to DW customers |
| Community Cares Project | Participated in Commission’s workshop to identify social service gaps and need for 24/7 social service support. Discussed homelessness and need for prevention services. |
| Performance Evaluations | Introduced initiative that led to the commission to review the need for performance evaluations |
We are very proud of the work we did. Our projects had a good impact for residents. And when a project puts money back into resident’s pockets, that is even sweeter. But these are not just Deltona Strong’s accomplishments…they are your accomplishments.
Mahatma Gandi said, “ We must be the change we want to see in the world” So all of you who wrote emails, attended meetings at the library, asked questions and wrote posts on social media, came to commission meetings, talked with us in the parking lot, met with us at Perkins and Boston Coffee, All of that energy became The Change. All of those actions pushed Deltona Strong along and keep it going. You are Deltona Strong – You are being the Change
So Happy Birthday Deltona Strong – We cant wait to see what year 2 brings!