Christian Service Center — Local services in Orlando

I don’t write many reviews at all. But these people and center deserves it!!! And yes, it’s long!

The utter appreciation I have for this center and what they do is unexplainable. Words would never be able to explain how blessed I feel to have had Maria, Latoya and Colleen with me during this process and transitioning in my life. I was need for housing assistance and just a little help to get in a place safe for me and my toddlers. When I first met with Latonya, I was met with non-judgement, compassion and willingness to help me get to the next step in my life! Starting over as newly single mom, going through a nasty vindictive divorce with a special needs son… it’s hard! These women understand my situation and the assignment… compared to how difficult to get help even with a son with special needs… having to explain my situation over and over with humility…is tough!

I was actually taken back with how “easy”… for lack of better words.. the process was with the service center. I have hit SO MANY brick walls and obstacles … that you understand why people would return to a toxic environment feeling hopeless. I was to the point where I just didn’t know what else to do.

When they told me they would help me with deposit and means to get a place of our own … I put in the work! Looked at several places and was straight forward with my situation. The next week, I reached out via email and let them know I pass the first approval and need to go through a second process…. I got a response in a few hours from Latoya and then received a call from Colleen. She was also sweet and compassionate asking the details for what I need, my situation, and my safety concerns. She told me what I needed to provide for the next step. I sent via email but I also showed up the next morning with a copy of it as well. Within that same day, I was placed in a safe place with my boys while the process of approval for my apartment was being completed until the following Sunday. (Oct 1st - the anticipated start of my lease). That following week (last Thursday Sept 28th) I got the approval from HOA at 4pm. I again got an email within a few with my Case manager Maria. The next Morning, Friday… Maria was on top of it and reached out to me that morning - she asked me to come to office. I showed up and she was ready to help, let me know what else I need and what she needed to continue the process. With no hesitation she extended my stay where I was and never ….not once …did I feel rushed, regardless of the people waiting. That Monday (Yesterday) she did her part and everything was ready for my property manager. Today, Oct 3rd - I am getting key to my new beginning and start over with my boys!! Due to my situational circumstances, could of never had made it happened with out them! I am not only very grateful to what the CSC does but so impressed on how quickly and responsive they were. Especially when I first hand saw how busy they are! I will forever be appreciative to them! God uses people places and things in our lives to move mountains! Sadly people can abuse help that the CSC does and make it questionable for others because there are families that need a little push to get the wheels turning!

The point of this long review is to tell other moms or survivors that NEVER GIVE UP, fight for yourself and don’t let a “No” stop you!!! Because you will get that one life changing “YES”. Christian Service Center was my Yes!

But Listen, you cant expect them to make things happen alone, you gotta do the same. They can’t hand it over on a plate, I’m far from having everything I want, but I got everything I need. One day, I will be able to tell my story, the struggles, objections, the hard work and also the many blessings…. Maria, Latoya and Colleen will be a big part of it!!!!

Having a safe place, a place to call home for you and your children will be forever priceless! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I look forward to the day I can give back to them to...

Life was going well for us until a series of events caused us to lose everything we had worked so hard for. We were faced with homelessness and joblessness. We were desperately seeking help. Just when we thought our situation couldn't get any worse it did. We contacted organization after organization to no avail. We sought out out family and friends but they couldn't help. Throughout the entire situation, I kept praying and it appeared that our situation grew worse and worse by the day. I begged Jesus for help but it "appeared" that He was not listening. As the eviction deadline drew near, I called 211 and they directed me towards the Christian Service Center in Orlando, Florida. I contacted them and shared my story with Mr Jose. He explained the Reunification Program and gave me instructions on how to proceed. The entire time God was listening. He was hearing our prayers.What a Mighty God we serve! Jesus Christ is awesome! From the time we stepped through the Christian Service Center door, Ms. Liz was so kind to us. Ms. Latoya made us feel welcomed, encouraged us and provided us with food as she worked on securing tickets for us to leave Orlando to begin a new life. The icing on the cake came when Mr. Eric, the CEO, took time out to come and speak with us and spoke so kindly to us. Prior to arriving at the Christian Service Center people said some of the cruelest and nastiest things to us as if we chose to be where we were. But everyone at the Christian Service Center treated us with kindness, respect and dignity. Mr. Eric, Ms. Latoya, Mr. Jose and and Ms. Liz were so warm and kind. We thank God for them showing compassion and not snubbing us or turning their backs on us. Through their display of warmth and kindness, we felt the true love of Jesus Christ. They not only talked the talk, they walked the walk. Through these four amazing individuals, God let me know He was listening the entire time and that He had a plan. Because of their compassion, generosity and kindness we were headed to another city to begin a new life. Within the first week of arriving in our new city, we were able to stay with relatives and secure employment. The scriptures warn us to be careful how we treat strangers because we may be entertaining angels unaware. Those four angels Eric, Latoya, Jose, Liz and my amazing uncle who agreed to take us in were those angels. God bless them all! We praise Jesus Christ for working through them and allowing us to begin a new life. If you ever find yourself in a dire position, reach out to the Christian Service Center. Also, remember when you can't see God's hand moving in your situation, trust His heart. He loves you and He cares for you. It is true, when one door closes another one always opens. Keep the faith. God will answer you in His own time and in His own way. Thank you Christian Service Center for being a beacon of light in a dark...

⭐️ Horrible Experience with The Christian Service Center! ⭐️

⭐️ AVOID AT ALL COSTS! ⭐️

If you're considering donating to The Christian Service Center, DO NOT waste your hard-earned money or valuable resources here. I implore you to thoroughly research this so-called "charity" before getting involved.

What was once seen as a noble cause to help the homeless and those in need has now become a breeding ground for corruption and exploitation. The Christian Service Center is allegedly misusing donations in the most appalling ways—employees have been reported taking home donated food, clothing, and even stealing monetary funds for personal gain. How can an organization that claims to care about the vulnerable treat their donors and the people they purport to serve with such disregard? It is beyond disappointing.

To make matters worse, the conditions at their facilities are nothing short of deplorable. Filthy, unsanitary, and unfit for human use. How can anyone trust that the food they provide is even safe to consume when their premises are in such a state of neglect? The level of mismanagement and lack of accountability is mind-boggling.

I strongly advise you to steer clear of this so-called "charity." There are countless other organizations that truly have the well-being of the vulnerable at heart and put their donors' contributions to good use. The Christian Service Center does not deserve your trust, your time, or your donations. Save yourself the heartbreak and find a better cause to support.

** attached you'll find a picture of the urinal in the first porta-potty facility that I entered during my visit here. The others were...