When she began with FLOC, Mann said the organization was getting about $2,500 for 2,500 kids.
“That math is pretty easy,” she said. “And it wasn’t nearly enough.”
Mann said the organization used to operate through Montgomery County Children Services.
“Their strongest program was Christmas for Kids,” Mann said. “But I don’t think the fact that they were serving these children was well-known.”
Mann said FLOC has since become autonomous so it could provide services to a greater population.
“Children Services is fabulous, and provides us lots of kids we can work with,” she said. “We just wanted to open our doors to more kids.”
Mann noted that 100 percent of what is donated to FLOC goes directly into the programs and directly to the kids. FLOC is run by 22 volunteers, all of whom work for free.
She added that her husband, Doug Mann, and his law firm — Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz — also have been instrumental in their nonprofit operations.
“They have been our foundational rock, our monetary support, our computer support, our administrative support,” she said.
Mann held the FLOC’s first gala out of her Centerville home in 2008.
“That first year, we raised $26,000,” she said. “Last year, we raised $40,000.”
This year’s gala was attended by around 250 people, had a live auction and silent auction, and included testimonials from a young man and woman who were helped by FLOC.
Mann said the testimonials helped make people aware of the kids in need and how they can be helped.
“All childhoods are not sparkly and good and have Christmas bows on them,” she said.
FLOC has multiple programs to benefit children and parents, including baby classes; a skills center that offers the Ohio Graduation Test and other tutoring support; school supplies; Christmas for Kids, which provides new toys and gifts for up to 2,000 children during the holidays; a reading corner; Sponsor-A-Wish, which “grants” wishes to or for foster children to assist them in extracurricular activities and opportunities; two college scholarships of $2,500 each; and a Birthday Club.
“You can see a change in these kids,” Mann said of the effect these programs have had. “The community is just helping with both hands. They are not just stepping up, but jumping to help these beautiful children.”
For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit flocdayton.org or call Mann at (937) 657-9393.
“You can make a profound difference,” she said. “The fact is, we’re changing lives.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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