Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors programming supports local community organizations in their work to create positive change throughout the community, focusing on our Community Partners that help to fulfill identified needs gaps. This program also organizes fundraising events to assist in achieving those goals.
The Austin Waserman Community Arts Grant
The Austin Waserman Community Arts Grant is awarded to creators, makers, and emerging artists with small grants to help fund art classes, apprenticeship programs, or to start a new art business. Grants are available for students, entrepreneurs, and new or experienced artists. This grant is named in memory of a friend of DeLand Pride who tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of 27. He was always a lover of the arts, especially movies and theater. He was a great singer and spectacular storyteller. He had just moved to DeLand from South Florida to start his own business and was getting involved in community organizing and advocacy when he suffered a medical emergency. We’re so honored to have known Austin and welcomed him into the DeLand Pride family. We’re excited to see this grant make a difference in the lives of so many artists, musicians, and actors that carry in their hearts similar dreams as Austin did.
Congratulations to the 2024 Austin Waserman Arts Grant recipients! Ariel Castillo, Karen Tweedie, Aimee LeCours, and Leonidus Gonzalez!
Feets and Seats
The Feets and Seats Initiative collects and purchases undergarments to help support the work of the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia with the Homeless Community. The Neighborhood Center provides access to showers twice a week for community clients who are not living at The Bridge shelter. Clients are provided with clean undergarments and clothing if needed. Through our Feets and Seats initiative we are able to provide undergarments for over 200 people each year.
Stuff The Bus
The Stuff the Bus Initiative identifies and helps fill specific needs at local target schools that serve primarily marginalized and low income residents. Our Stuff the Bus Committee works closely with area schools and community organizations to identify and fill their most pressing supply needs. Annually, our Stuff the Bus initiative provides over $2,000 in school supplies to 4 area schools and organizations.
Holiday Helpers
DeLand Holiday Helpers collects and purchases gifts, clothing, and household supplies for families in need as identified though several Community Partners. Last year the Holiday Helpers Team provided holiday gifts and supplies for 10 families and 27 children across 4 community organizations.
Interested in helping with these causes?
Click over to our Volunteer page and let us know you’re interesting in the Community Giving Committee!