Metropolitan Ministries

After moving to Florida for a fresh start, Anastasia and her 6-year-old daughter faced unexpected hardship, leaving them without stable housing. In September 2024, they found hope and support at Metro’s Pasco campus.   Determined to build a better future for her family, Anastasia enrolled in Medical Assistant & Phlebotomy courses through our partners at Innovative Healthcare Training. Despite challenges—including not passing her phlebotomy exam on her first try—she refused to give up.    Through weekly tutoring and perseverance, she passed on her second attempt with an impressive 87%! Today, Anastasia is a state-licensed phlebotomist and was recently offered a full-time job at Quest Diagnostics. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right support, new beginnings are possible. 💙    #HopeDoesMore #AdultEducation #EducationChangesLives

Being a teenager is tough—but being a teenager while living in a shelter is even harder. At Metro, we care for more children than adults, and our CREATE Teen Program is dedicated to empowering middle and high school students with educational, therapeutic, and social experiences to help them heal and grow.   Recently, our teens got to just be kids at the Strawberry Festival—enjoying rides, fair food, and time with friends. These moments are just as important as the support we provide every day.   Want to help transform the lives of teens in our care? Join us at Bridge Builders, our annual fundraising event, where we’ll highlight the ripple effect of hope. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eE3ugW9R.   #BridgeBuilders #RippleEffect #TransformingLives #HopeDoesMore

MiraclePlace Pasco is coming to life!   From vibrant finishing touches to functional upgrades, our campus is nearly complete! Perimeter fencing is in place, interior tile and plumbing are done, and cabinets and countertops are installed. The CREATE Early Learning Childcare Center now features a bright red awning, with programmable sidewalk lights adding a fun nighttime glow. Outside, fresh sod, landscaping, and a newly regraded pond are transforming the backyard into a welcoming space for families and wildlife.   We’re excited to see this vision come together! Stay tuned for more updates.   #MiraclePlacePasco #HopeDoesMore #WestPasco

🎭🎶 Spring Break was nothing short of magical for our CREATE kids & teens! Thanks to the incredible team at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Patel Conservatory they spent the week learning dance, singing, acting, and public speaking—building confidence and expressing themselves through the arts.   This year’s theme, Love Conquers All, came to life with performances from Wicked, Cheetah Girls, High School Musical, and Hairspray! 🎤   A huge thank you to our partners for pouring into our kids and making this experience unforgettable! 💙    #HopeDoesMore #ArtsForHealing #LoveConquersAll

Bridge Builders 2025 - Presenting Sponsor Highlight    We are so grateful for Presenting Sponsors, Carl & Lyda Lindell and Lyndell Investments. Bridge Builders is our annual signature fundraising event. This year, attendees will experience how the power of their support creates a ripple effect that helps transform the lives of homeless teenagers in our care.    If you’d like to join us, visit https://lnkd.in/eE3ugW9R to learn more.   Your support—whether through sponsorships, table hosting, or spreading the word—creates lasting change for teens in our care. Be part of the ripple effect!    📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16 ⏰Time: Networking at 11 AM | Program at 11:45 AM 📍Location: JW Marriott Tampa   #BridgeBuilders #RippleEffect #TransformingLives #HopeForTeens #HopeDoesMore Lyda Lindell Carl Lindell, Jr. Lindell Investments, Inc.

🚛💙 Big thanks to BayCare Health System Food Rx for keeping our West Pasco Metro Market stocked with fresh produce and healthy food options! Our team and volunteers work hard to fill our fridges, shelves, and produce stands, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals. Interested in volunteering with us? Find out how you can get involved at .https://lnkd.in/eZr7g8xk    #HopeInAction #VolunteerWithUs

🌊 The Ripple Effect Starts with You! 🌊   Our annual Bridge Builders fundraising event is almost here, and we want YOU to be part of this powerful movement! This year’s theme, The Ripple Effect: Investing in the Lives of Teenagers Living in a Homeless Shelter, highlights the incredible impact of hope and opportunity.   As our CEO Tim and his wife Valeri put it: “There is nothing more gratifying than helping to change the trajectory of a teenager emerging from homelessness.”   Your support—whether through sponsorships, table hosting, or spreading the word—creates lasting change for teens in our care. Be part of the ripple effect! 📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16 ⏰Time: Networking at 11 AM | Program at 11:45 AM 📍Location: JW Marriott Tampa 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/emYY7iNt Tim Marks Valeri Marks   #BridgeBuilders #RippleEffect #TransformingLives #HopeForTeens

Inspiring the next generation!    Former USF QB & Super Bowl champ BJ Daniels stopped by to share his journey with our teens—talking career, faith, giving back, and overcoming struggles. His message? Be intentional about your impact. You’re not alone, and your future is bright!   Thank you, BJ, for pouring into our youth! 💙 #HopeGivesBack #Inspiration

She did it! 🎉 “I believe in the Program—I believe in Hope—I believe this is my chance for a new life.” – Tresand After years of being out of the workforce, Tresand allowed us to believe in her when she struggled to believe in herself. She worked tirelessly to transform her experience as a Publix Customer Service employee into a new career in health care. With dedication and perseverance, she earned her Medical Assistant license and secured a job at AdventHealth! She planned every step with intention—even making sure all her children’s doctor’s appointments were completed before starting her new role, ensuring she could fully commit to her career while being a full-time parent. Tresand, we are so proud of you! 💙 This is just the beginning. #HopeDoingMore #HopeDoesMore #AdultEducation #EducationChangesLives

We’re expanding to Pinellas County! Leaders and community members joined us to celebrate a powerful collaboration.   A heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Yeagley of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and David Jezek of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg for partnering with us to help more families transition from crisis to stability, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Special appreciation to Amy Foster with the City of St. Petersburg for her role in jumpstarting this initiative. We’re also grateful to our host, Jeff Brandes for his leadership and hospitality, as well as the entire Metropolitan Ministries Pinellas Leadership Council.   Through this partnership, SPFC will provide two housing sites along with nutritious food and health services for families in need. Metropolitan Ministries will oversee programming at both locations, offering stable housing, counseling, education, and career development services. Additionally, our collaboration with the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg will provide vital childcare and educational programs for the children in our care.   Our CEO Tim Marks often says, “Nothing good at Metro happens without our community,” and this partnership is a testament to that truth. Community collaboration is key to making a lasting impact, and we are excited for the work ahead in St. Pete.   Stay tuned for updates as we continue bringing Hope Doing More to Pinellas County!