Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis awarded funds ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to thirteen faith-based organizations for their contributions to the Hope Florida initiative.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis awarded monetary funds on Monday to faith-based organizations and churches for their contributions to the Hope Florida initiative.

Thirteen churches were awarded financial contributions ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. These funds, sourced from private contributions to the Hope Florida Fund, were in recognition of the role these organizations play in their communities, according to the governor.

Recipients included River Life Church, Oasis Church, Radiant Church, South Shore Community Church, Grace Bible Church of Sebring, Idlewild Baptist Church, North River Church, Action Church, Bayside Community Church North River Campus, University Carillon United Methodist Church, Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale, Spanish River Church, and Grace Family Church.

“We’re grateful for their incredible work, said Gov. DeSantis. “Every day, their dedication and service has been inspiring, and we them to come be recognized, so that we could thank them publicly, [and] share some of the results of Hope Florida.”

The Hope Florida initiative focuses on transforming traditional bureaucratic roles into navigators who guide individuals through available resources, connecting them with local churches, businesses, and nonprofits. The initiative, according to the state, aims to address immediate needs while promoting long-term self-sufficiency. Corporations such as Walmart, Simply Health, AT&T, TECO, and Humana have made contributions to Hope Florida.

“Government waits until there’s a problem, and then they react, and then the outcomes aren’t as good and you’re spending a lot more money,” said First Lady DeSantis, in laudation of Hope Florida. “Let’s try to get in front of the problem. Let’s try to embrace the community to do that.”

Gov. DeSantis noted the program’s statistics in reducing reliance on public assistance, with almost 30,000 participants achieving self-sufficiency, as stated during the press conference. The initiative also facilitated high job placement rates, with more than 60 percent of participants finding employment, and has helped 77 percent of former foster youth access independent living services. The governor additionally stated that such efforts are expected to save taxpayers nearly $100 million annually.