The DeBartolo Family Foundation’s Spirit of Humanity Award honors local nonprofit organizations that impact the Tampa Bay community in a meaningful way. Recipients of this award create unity, demonstrate hard work, and extend their outreach by helping people in need to overcome obstacles that are beyond their control. Since 2002, 60+ recipients have been recognized with the $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award, awarded three times annually.
If you believe your organization, or an organization that you support, would be a candidate for this award, please download our nomination form by clicking the Apply Here button below. Please e-mail the completed form, along with the organization’s most recent 990 to Judy Bragdon, at jbragdon@debartoloholdings.com.
AWARD SPOTLIGHT
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is proud to present Our Children Have Rights .Org (OCHR) with our $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award. This award honors local nonprofits that demonstrate exceptional compassion, resilience, and a powerful commitment to uplifting others, a mission OCHR lives every day.
Founded to guide and support families navigating the child welfare and dependency court systems, OCHR meets parents at the most difficult moments in their lives. The organization provides personalized support, legal education, and co-parenting guidance to help parents better understand their rights and reunify with their children whenever possible.
Their approach “teaches parents to fish” by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to create long-term, positive outcomes for their families. Through partnerships with other nonprofits and a deep network of support services, OCHR builds hope while breaking down systemic barriers for parents in crisis.
“We are grateful to receive the DeBartolo Family Foundation’s Spirit of Humanity Award. These funds will support the necessary materials for our Child Custody and Co-Parenting Educational Workshops. Offered year-round at no cost to parents, grandparents, and the stakeholders whose co-parent engagement is critical; our school system, early learning community, healthcare providers, court system, social service agencies and more. Our co-parenting strategies are customized by age, 0-18, tailored to school readiness, student success, and ultimately youth being prepared for life after high school. This award enables us to meet the high demand of bringing the program to our community across all of Tampa Bay.”, says Greg Hill Jr., President & CEO and Jake Hornstein, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Our Children Have Rights .Org.
The Spirit of Humanity Award will help expand OCHR’s reach and ensure more parents across Tampa Bay receive the critical support they need during life’s most challenging seasons. In addition to financial support, the award offers increased visibility and credibility, strengthening OCHR’s ability to engage future funders, donors, and community partners.
Lisa DeBartolo, Chief Executive Officer of the DeBartolo Family Foundation, added: “Our Children Have Rights .Org is a powerful example of what’s possible when advocacy, education, and compassion come together. Their work truly embodies the spirit of this award, and we’re honored to support their continued efforts.”
Congratulations again to Our Children Have Rights .Org for being a source of hope, strength, and opportunity in Tampa Bay.
To learn more about The Skills Center, visit ourchildrenhaverights.org.