The Mission of Winter Haven is a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit organization, founded in 1977 by Thomas Beauregard. He began foster care out of his home and soon realized that the boys he cared for had siblings and neighboring friends with families needing food. Thus, he founded The Kings Kids, Inc. “Papa Tom”, as they lovingly called him, and friends started feeding people twice a week.
In 1995, The Kings Kids moved from feeding at the park to 3rd Street SE in Winter Haven and later renamed to Christian Family and Youth Services. By 2000, due to zoning concerns, Christian Family and Youth Services purchased property at 180 E Central Avenue, officially becoming a small day center with facilities such as a clothing area, showers, restrooms, laundry, food pantry, hygiene area, and dining space. Locally, it became known as “The Mission.”
By 2005, The Mission was serving about 100 meals daily. They added lockers, washers, and dryers, aiming to expand services for the hungry and homeless. In 2005, David Berry was hired and developed internal and external comprehensive services, partnering with Polk State College for GED classes, literacy, and nutrition courses, winning the Florida Campus Impact Award for community partnership. In 2010, Papa Tom retired, and David Berry became Executive Director, with Beauregard remaining as pastoral counsel. By the end of 2013, “The Mission” was serving about 150 meals per day, and food pantry services expanded from 5 to 20 families per day.
New partnerships formed, including with Polk Health for health screenings and vaccinations, Youth for Christ for breakfast clubs, and Kidspack. Travis Technical College joined to offer vision screenings, haircuts, manicures, and more. By 2015, Christian Family and Youth Services, known as “The Mission”, was fully operational as a key resource for local needs.
In 2015, community garden towers were donated, providing fresh produce for the soup kitchen and food pantry. The Mission planned an expansion, and by December 2016, a new dining space and multipurpose room were completed. In 2017, The Mission updated its original building, added new shower facilities, and introduced daily engagement activities like art therapy and budgeting classes. They also partnered with Tri-County for housing and addiction services.
The remodeling and expansions were completed in January 2018 and officially became a full Day Center changing the name to The Mission of Winter Haven. In 2019 David Berry brought in Justin Scoggins as the Day Center Director, due to the growing demand and the need for separation of programs and services. Despite the 2020 pandemic, The Mission remained open and centralized community feeding programs on its property, benefiting groups like Mackie Ministry and Lake Shipp Church.
By 2021, The Mission’s Board and Executive Team sought additional space to accommodate the growth. In summer 2022, five adjacent lots on Central Avenue were purchased to enhance programs and services. In addition, new partnerships included Ridge Technical, Central Florida Healthcare, Rubens 5 Star School, Southeastern University, and Florida Southern University. In 2023 The Mission of Winter Haven purchased the final adjacent property on 170 E Central Avenue, with plans to open up new Dignity Center and Nourishment Center.
Today The Mission of Winter Haven continues to serve as a gateway, connecting the homeless and hungry with integrated services. Our Day Center currently has over 350 registered homeless, who receive daily meals, showers, and engagement opportunities. Our Dignity Center provides clothing and essentials like hygiene items to all in need. Our Nourishment Center serves as a choice food pantry and family center to more than 50 families per day.
Since 1977, we have provided essential resources, driven by the hospitable and loving spirit of our mission, continuing to extend support to anyone in need.