After 43 years of leading the community as a top service provider in Polk County, Talbot House Ministries has expanded its offerings to further its impact through its new Diversion Program. Executive Director, Maria Cruz, defines Diversion as a “Housing First best practice that tackles one-time incidental homeless episodes.” Performing as a gatekeeper, Diversion works [...]
Loss has a profound and unique effect on everyone it encounters. On January 22, 2023, the Talbot House family faced an unexpected and heartbreaking loss–the loss of a friend, colleague, and mentor, Mrs. Michell Young Wilson. Coming out of retirement, Michell accepted the role of Job Skills Instructor for Talbot House’s employment program, Solutions. After [...]
Of all the things that define us, so little credit is given to the influence of our homes. The consistency of four walls, the stability of a roof over our heads, the security of a place to call our own. In the words of Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, “There is nothing more important [...]
Former President Harry S. Truman once said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets credit.” In the last 40 years of serving our community, Talbot House Ministries has become an accomplished organization. While the cumulative efforts of staff members over many seasons can be credited for a [...]
Born and raised in Salinas, Puerto Rico, Maria Cruz is the fourth of five children. Her upbringing is filled with memories of her mother managing a boot factory, her father working as a police officer, music drifting through her home, cousins, aunts, and uncles always present, and leading the youth ministry of her Catholic [...]
(Lakeland, FL) The Board of Directors of Talbot House Ministries proudly announces the promotion of María Cruz, MNP, PMP, CCM, to the position of Executive Director effective January 7, 2023. Cruz succeeds Dr. Brenda C. Reddout, who has served as Executive Director for nearly seven years. Cruz, currently the Senior Director of Programs and Services, [...]
Talbot House is blessed by the support of the community. Over Thanksgiving week, several volunteers and volunteer groups spent time serving residents and guests. Some of the volunteer groups who served were Campbells, We Are Our Community Outreach and G.R.A.C.E.D. Outreach, and Soni Practice. 340 meals were served on Thanksgiving. Talbot House case manager, Angelina, [...]
Talbot House Ministries’ Good Samaritan Free Clinic was honored by Teva Pharmaceuticals, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), and Direct Relief at the NAFC 2022 Charitable Healthcare Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. Among 10 other free and charitable clinics across California, Florida, and New Jersey, Talbot Hous Ministries’ (THM) clinic was awarded $75,000 [...]
Say hello to Mr. 505! Through our Solutions program, Michael is our five hundred and fifth Talbot House resident to become employed! He has begun working as a CNA at Wedgewood Health Center. Joining the ranks of gainful employment are residents Arran, Terrani, Katina, and Katrina, each of whom was hired at Crown Healthcare Laundry Service. As well as [...]
Meet Chaninise. Hardworking and struggling to find stable employment, she found herself temporarily homeless. While homelessness is broadly discussed and known, it is frequently misunderstood. Stigmas perpetuated through conversation and stereotypical portrayals in the media add to the misunderstanding. During discussions about homelessness, the image often brought to mind is a sad individual clothed in grungy attire and fingerless gloves, sitting [...]