FRIENDS OF SOZO KIDS
Seeking to break the chains of generational poverty of the children in the Ocala National Forest
About the Children of the Ocala National Forest
Deep inside the Ocala National Forest, just miles from thriving neighborhoods, live more than 45,000 people trapped in generational poverty. Many families survive in run-down trailers or makeshift shacks, often without electricity, running water, or plumbing. Among them are thousands of children.
These children face challenges that most of us can hardly imagine:
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Going to bed hungry because food is scarce.
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Dropping out of school as early as middle school.
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Growing up in homes where opportunities feel out of reach.
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Living without basic necessities—clean clothes, shoes that fit, or a safe place to play.
For many, the cycle of poverty continues from one generation to the next. Children often become parents themselves at a young age, raising the next generation in the same conditions.
But there is hope.
Why Your Help Matters
The needs are overwhelming, but so is the opportunity. With the help of people in Ocala, Marion County, and beyond, we can:
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Ensure no child goes to bed hungry.
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Give kids the chance to finish school and dream bigger.
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Break the cycle of poverty that has gripped families for generations.
Every dollar, every volunteer hour, every act of kindness makes a difference.
