StrikeForce 421, a Christcentered women’s giving circle, announced the 2025 grantsemifinalists on Thursday, January 23rd during a luncheon and voting day at the Grateful Palate in Fort Lauderdale. Over the past 11 years, StrikeForce 421 has grown into a vibrant community of women united by faith and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Together, they have given over $1.5 million to Christian ministries that are transforming lives and bringing hope to our community. This year’s grant semi-finalists include City Changers, presented ▪ by Dr. Anton Venter, President, requests $53,604 to empower Broward County school leaders, who feel drained and demotivated, with soul care and mission clarity to cultivate vibrant schools. Homes United Ministries, ▪ presented by Duane Mellor, President, seeks $50,000 to provide stable, safe and long-term homes for vulnerable women experiencing homelessness. The Mavuno Project, pre- ▪ sented by Tania Andre, Founder, and Dr. Valmarie Rhoden, Advisory Board Member, requests $40,027 to expand their safety workshops and materials combatting Human Trafficking and Online Luring for their “Safe Schools, Safe Kids, Safe Communities” program. A Place in Time Christian ▪ Ministries, presented by Greg Martin, Director/Secretary, and Cindy Martin, Incoming Executive Director, desires $61,445 to purchase a box truck to reduce the transportation costs for their food pantry program and increase food donations. Purpose Academy, pre- ▪ sented by Naomi Peyton, Principal, and Tammy Hoskins, Board Secretary, asks for $37,820 to develop a program to inspire low-income students to explore STEM careers, nurturing their undiscovered talents and interests. Relate Well Live Well, pre- ▪ sented by Lisa May, Executive Director, requests $75,000 to support their Pastor’s Marriage Initiative, hosting seven transformative weekend retreats for pastors and their spouses. Seafarer’s House, pre- ▪ sented by Jennifer Stewart, Executive Director, Father Sanford Sears, Port Chaplain, and Capt. Eugene Sweeney, Board Member, seeks $52,000 to purchase a vehicle for transporting mariners to their facility where they will provide pastoral care and services. Watermark Gospel, pre- ▪ sented by Dr. Warren Gage, President, and Gracie Gage, requests $48,000 to fund two strategic Bible animation videos on biblical women whose stories point to Jesus and complete a class on women in Scripture. StrikeForce 421 members who contribute $1000 or more to fund the grants were invited to vote on their top four finalists to receive funding. Finalists will be announced during a Celebration Event on February 4 at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. Visit strikeforce421.org to learn more. 38 February 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida edition COMMUNITY NEWS StrikeForce 421 Grant Semi-Finalists Announced Photo credit: Museum of the Bible Candace Rogers, StrikeForce 421 Board Member, prays over the grant semi-finalists. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ ! ! "!! % % " " % " " " !" " %" % " " % ! "!! " "!% " "% ! % " % " " !%" !%" % !" % " ! " % !% " " % !" " % % " % % % ! "!! ! " % !" % &%#"! " " " " " "% " % " & $ ! $ " ''&%$#"! ! $ ! $& ! ! "! '
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