Unlimited Possibilities, Expansion is Neigh
Dear Friends,
Greetings and Expectations for a new year!
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Neftali (Nef) Felicano, the new chair for the Freedom & Virtue Institute’s (FVI) board of advisors. I am honored and feel blessed to hold this position for the next year. I look forward to sharing and interacting with each and every one of you.
During 2017, the Freedom & Virtue Institute (FVI) experienced a phenomenal increase in momentum in advancing our mission of promoting and providing ways to gain self-reliance, liberty, and independence to underprivileged children and individuals enduring hardship. Through our self-reliance clubs, and other programs, we offered education, training, and opportunities to effectively and compassionately assist individuals to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty. We empower all individuals, regardless of age, sex, status or economic position, to live a dignified and self-sustainable life.
As an organization, we are seeing the fruits of countless hours of hard work, faithfulness and perseverance from many of our board members, volunteers, and donors through activities, events and day-to-day interactions. Their dedication and passion for what FVI stands for, are expanding our goals and mission handsomely. Specifically, there are three leaders that I respect and feel deserve recognition for their commitment to FVI’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives. They are Daniel Wright, Mark Forster, and Carmen Salome. Their leadership and advocacy have inspired and challenged me to strive further and deeper for FVI. Accepting the role as the new chairman of the board of directors, I am honored and blessed to have witnessed and participated in the leadership these individuals have provided. They have set a benchmark and have served as excellent role models. I am confident that during my term as chairman, I can help guide FVI to greater expansion and recognition.
As a recap, the accomplishments we had in 2017 can be divided into three areas:
- We were able to expand the Self-Reliance Clubs (SRC) to 7 new schools in our local SWFL area,
- We expanded the Effective Compassion Training (ECT) to several communities throughout the country, and
- We began partnerships with national organizations to expand our outreach in all programs even further.
Our Self-Reliance Clubs grew from five sites to twelve! We are getting ready to expand to other neighboring counties in SW Florida. Our plan for 2018 is to add an additional five to ten fully funded Self Reliance Clubs in Collier, Charlotte, and Desoto counties while supporting the existing clubs in Lee County. We are currently working on establishing clubs in Milwaukee, WI, Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, IN, Miami, FL, as well as, the Dominican Republic. Yes, my friends, our message can and does impact people across international boundaries! Liberty, the freedom to make choices, and the right to live with dignity, is a mission we can confidently support due to the inherent rights endowed to us by our Creator. Our programs are built on these values.
Our Effective Compassion Training Program is being taught to leaders in different parts of the country and is being sought out by larger organizations who want to better impact their communities. We are currently expanding this training in Washington D.C., Chicago, Jacksonville, and Detroit. FVI’s focus on practicality has also drawn the attention and support of national foundations and think tanks that want to connect their theoretical studies with real-world application. These are quite exciting times where our message is reaching a diverse audience and we are hopeful and excited as we move forward!
2018 is the year where our momentum, which has been initiated by enthusiastic leaders and dedicated supporters like yourselves, will catapult FVI to accomplishing the goals set before us. Our expansion into new communities (local, regional, national and international) is building, however, we need to find ways to fund these endeavors. One of our ultimate goals is to have ALL of our programs and initiatives be self-sustainable. We have done well capitalizing on opportunities and initiatives, however, as with all growing non-profit organizations, we do face the challenges of funding these initiatives and operational costs. As you may know, we do not apply or accept any government financing/funding.
I personally invite you to learn more about our initiatives and upcoming events. These events serve as opportunities for you to partner and engage with us. Please feel free to attend our forums and workshops. If you would like some first-hand, on-the-ground experience, become a volunteer, join our board or a special committee.
My sincere wish is that you will consider becoming a partner, sponsor an event, or program. The possibilities are endless. With your support and active engagement, we will have a greater impact on the lives of those needing it most.We supply the tools and resources for a hand up, NOT a handout. We actively and compassionately offer opportunities individual to be blessed and achieve success as they were intended.
Thank you for your continued support in our endeavors. Please feel free to explore our website and social media. We would love your feedback. Please feel free to reach out to us at http://www.fvinstitute.org/contact/
Sincerely,
Neftali Feliciano
Board Chairman 2018
