SERVE OUR STATE

Anything. Anywhere. Anyone.

Serve Our State

Serve Our State (S.O.S.) was founded in 2016 to inspire and equip young people to become active, engaged community members through hands-on volunteer opportunities, leadership development, and service initiatives. SOS highlights a multitude of two-fold benefits provided through volunteering: improved mental and physical health, enhanced leadership skills, career development, fostered sense of community, provoked thought and new perspectives, and boosted economies.

Our primary goal is to encourage people of ALL ages and walks of life to find a positive relationship with volunteerism, emphasizing its free mental health benefits. With the lack of current mental health resources and professionals statewide, this is one solution to make a difference, engage in open conversations, and bridge the gap.

The 3 A’s of Serve Our State:

Anything: There are so many different passions to get involved in that can stem from personal experiences or thoughts.
Anywhere: Service is needed in each community in different capacities; Florida has 67 counties each with unique communities.
Anyone: Volunteerism is available and beneficial to all those interested, making it inclusive and open to all diverse backgrounds.

Favorite Projects

Bookin' It

After Covid, Bookin' It was created to collect book donations and host free book fairs for Title-i elementary students. Over 2,500 children's books have found new, loving homes. Bookin' It has won three awards, one being from Congressman Chip Roy. It has partnered with New Worlds Reading and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!
Fashion Shows

Serve Our State planned and hosted Walk a Mile as a fundraiser for Peaceful Paths, a shelter for domestic violence survivors, raising a record-breaking total of $13,750! In Spring 2024, SOS partnered with Dillard's to host Stigmatized Style, which was a fashion show geared at discussing mental health and embracing personalized creative expression.
Treats for Troops

In honor of Major Richard Martin, Treats for Troops seeks to donate candy, gum, and supplies to troops overseas each November. Since its launch in 2017, Serve Our State has collected and donated over 2,000 pounds of candy!
USA Ambassador Trip

Selected as 1 of 13 United States Delegates, SOS founder Halle spent a week in Trujillo, Peru, for the International Festival de Primavera with the Lion’s Club International. Highlights of the trip included visits (and donations) to their nursing home, girl's home, and children's center.
Awareness Walks

Since Halle could walk, her family has participated in Autism Walks with the Jacob's Touch Foundation in Tampa, Florida. Jacob was her first friend and she continues to support their mission to advocate/provide for families with specially-abled children. Aside from volunteering at NAMIWalks, Serve Our State began hosting Mental Health Miles at Depot Park with different UF clubs/organizations.
Super Server Workshops

Super Server Workshops are hosted by members of the SOS Advisory Board, engaging with elementary-aged students through fun and interactive activities and worksheets. Utilizing the Super Servers, these workshops equip students with the tools to enhance leadership skills and welcomes destigmatizing conversations about mental health.