ORLANDO, Fla. – In a unique initiative aimed at supporting local community efforts, eight Central Florida nonprofits focused on youth development, health, and education have been selected to receive free advertising. This opportunity comes courtesy of the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority’s annual Public Service Bus Contest, spotlighting these vital organizations throughout Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
Emblazoned with the inspiring motto “Together for a Better World,” a 40-foot bus now hits the roads, showcasing the logos of these eight nonprofits. This mobile billboard travels daily through the region, offering invaluable visibility to thousands of commuters and residents who use public transportation.
For the next year, this initiative provides these organizations with more than just brand recognition; it offers a significant lifeline. The exposure is critical to their survival, expanding their reach and reinforcing their presence in the community.
Yanelis Civil, CEO and founder of Loving Hearts and Praying Hands, captures the emotional significance of this moment. “Seeing my organization’s logo on the bus was overwhelming,” she shared. “It’s a proud representation of not just us, but of the entire Orlando community and all our dedicated volunteers.”
Yanelis Civil, CEO and founder of Loving Hearts and Praying Hands, said seeing her organization’s logo on the bus was an emotional moment.
“I’m just happy because I feel like this represents not only me and my organization, but this represents the people in Orlando, and it represents all the volunteers who come out and help us each and every single time,” Civil said.
Loving Hearts and Praying Hands supports families navigating trauma through youth development programs and a mobile food pantry. Crystal Cole, the organization’s vice president, said the bus could help connect more people in need with their services.
“We’re here. Resources galore. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are here to support you with every need that you have,” Cole said.
LYNX has run the Public Service Bus Contest for 23 years, using one of its most visible community assets to raise awareness for organizations that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For Brent Moore, executive director of Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida, that visibility carries real weight.
“The Children’s Safety Village has been the lead agency related to child safety education for the last 30 years,” Moore said.
The organization teaches children critical safety skills, from how to swim and ride a bike to how to safely cross the street. Moore said being selected this year was a welcome opportunity to reach families across the area.
“I was glad that we were picked this year in order to spread our brand all over Central Florida, and we couldn’t be happier,” Moore said.
For organizations like Children’s Safety Village, even one family learning about their programs through the bus could make a life-saving difference.
Each of this year’s winners was selected through a random drawing of qualified applicants holding 501(c)(3) status and operating on annual budgets of less than $1.5 million.
Center for Change (Altamonte Springs) provides free health education, wellness coaching, and chronic disease self-management programs that help improve community health and expand access to preventive care.
Chance 2 Dance, Inc. (Maitland) provides inclusive dance and movement opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special needs through sensory-friendly classes, workshops and community partnerships.
Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida (Orlando) focuses on preventing injuries and fatalities of children through lifesaving education, advocacy and leadership.
Edible Education Experience, doing business as The Kitchen House (Orlando), creates immersive garden-to-kitchen experiences that connect youth and adults to food, nutrition and one another through hands-on learning.
First Nature Foundation (St. Cloud) provides equine-assisted, nature-based programs that support healing, growth and resilience for individuals and communities navigating trauma.
Glorious Hands Incorporated (Sanford) empowers girls ages 10–19 through an afterschool leadership academy focused on life skills, academic enrichment, social awareness, and healthy living.
Loving Hearts & Praying Hands (Orlando) serves the community through youth development programs, a mobile food pantry, and outreach initiatives that provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for families in need.
Victoria Helping Veterans Inc. (Kissimmee) provides emergency housing, food, utility, and supply assistance to veterans and their families while connecting them to long-term resources that promote stability and independence.
