Volunteer at The Portico Received Presidential Pardon
One of The Portico’s volunteers, Thad Bereday, was recently surprised with presidential pardon, wiping out his conviction for a federal crime from several years ago. Thad has been volunteering at The Portico for some time, serving with The Portico Work Force Housing Solution. His unexpected pardon removes any trace of the federal conviction he received during his time at WellCare, a Tampa company, and has given him a fresh start on life. In addition to working with clients in Work Force Housing, he is involved in Criminal Justice reform. Watch Thad’s story in the video below.
Paddle with Purpose Showcased by 10TampaBay
@10tampabay covered our faith-based group who have decided to not only build community through kayaking together, but to also clean up the water while we paddle! We all value connection and community, but also want to help our neighborhood stay clean. You’re invited to join us on the third Sunday of every month!
Paddle with Purpose takes to the waters of the Hillsborough River at 8 a.m. on the third Sunday of every month. See launch instructions and other information here.
WMNF Reports on Homeless Memorial With Special Focus
Local community radio station, WMNF, reported on this year’s Homeless Memorial held at The Portico on Jan. 25. After setting the scene, reporter Daniel Figeroa IV described the reading of the names of 112 men and women who died on the streets of Tampa in 2020. He interviewed Officer Daniel McDonald, Tampa Police Department, who recognized some of the names as they were read. McDonald interacted with many on the streets, providing resources and assistance. The story then focused on Esau “EJ” Coney, known to many for his involvement at The Portico. For more, visit WMNF’s website and play their story.
WEDU: Can We Talk? Race in America
WEDU will air an a honest conversation about race in our region. From the Black Lives Matter movement to public health, white ally ship to social reform, community members will open up, debate, and share perspective on the topics that often divide us. Hosted by Dalia Colon, one of the facilitator’s of our White Fragility study group at The Portico, the program includes and interview with the Rev. Justin LaRosa, minister of The Portico location.
9 p.m. Friday, July 24 on WEDU
News Channel 8: Hyde Park’s Response to Opening Onsite Worship
News Channel 8’s “8 On Your Side” broadcast a report on how churches are responding to requests to return to onsite worship services. The Rev. Magrey deVega, our senior pastor, was interviewed and shared the perspective that we are called to “Do no harm and love your neighbor.” Pastors and lay leadership are monitoring data on the pandemic and following guidance from the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Watch The Report