About Friends of Sozo Kids

Friends of SoZo Kids Inc. is an all-volunteer IRS-approved nonprofit founded March 1, 2020.  We are dedicated exclusively to supporting the Help Agency of the Forest Inc. (DBA SoZo Kids). 

Our Purpose

• To promote the development of revenue and resources to support the efforts of The Help Agency of the Forest Inc., DBA SoZo Kids
• To garner the financial and volunteer resources to address the effects of physical and psychosocial challenges and income deprivation of children living in poverty in the Ocala National Forest.

Our Programs are focused in 3 areas of critical need designed to break the cycle of poverty
  

• Educational Needs include the After-School program and Summer Day Program at Forest Lakes Park, where we recently launched a robotics program for SoZo Kids. We also financially support Camp SoZo, and in 2021, we launched the Friends of SoZo Kids Scholarship Program for SoZo Kids seeking post-secondary education and careers.
  
  
• Basic Needs include conducting drives and collections for several critical needs programs throughout the calendar year. These programs include the Undies & Sneakers and Backpack/School Supplies Drives donations are distributed to Kids at the annual Back-to-School Bash. Foster Kid Care Kits ensure children have what they need when they are thrust into foster care. Holiday programs include providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, as well as our Christmas Angels Project, guaranteeing SoZo Kids get a visit from Santa!
  
  
• Emergency Needs include Grant Awards to the Help Agency for necessary operational needs. 
  
  • 2022 - $63,000 in Grant Awards
    
  • 2021 - $90,000 in Grant Awards
    
  • 2020 - $21,000 in Grant Awards

​How We Are Run

Friends of SoZo Kids, Inc. is an all-volunteer IRS-approved 501c3 nonprofit.  Board Members can serve two consecutive two-year terms before rotating off the Board and our bylaws call for the Board to consist of at least 10 Board Members.  Our fiscal year runs on a calendar year basis and we file our IRS-form 990 on May 15 annually.

We conduct Board Meetings bi-monthly.  In addition, we host 4 General Meetings annually where residents of The Villages have the opportunity to hear about lives are being transformed through the work of Friends of SoZo Kids and get updates on how to volunteer and help with our programs.

​Help Agency of the Forest Inc. 

All funds and in-kind gifts to Friends of SoZo Kids Inc. will be used exclusively to support the Help Agency of the Forest Inc. (DBA SoZo Kids).  No funds are used for salaries.

The Help Agency of the Forest Inc. is a nonprofit founded in 1993 by Pastor David Houck. We share a common goal of addressing the effects of the physical and psychosocial challenges and income deprivation of children living in poverty in the Ocala National Forest. CLICK HERE for more information about the Help Agency and SoZo Kids.