(813) 907-3731

About Us

OUR  Mission

Hope Services fosters independence for people living with disabilities and members of the community by providing life skills, vocational training, and employment services.

WHO WE  Are

Hope Services is an organization that provides life skills and vocational training for people living with disabilities and members of the community. We work in partnership with Florida Vocational Rehabilitation and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to help individuals build confidence in their skills and realize their talents to find satisfactory work and gain independence. Our home office and training center is based in Land O’ Lakes and we serve all west-central Florida.

OUR Values

Compassion

We understand the challenges that come when trying to help loved ones living with disabilities, as many of us have lived the same story.  We believe that everyone has value; thus we will continue to advocate for our clients.

Trust

We get to know our clients as individuals and treat them with dignity, value, and potential.  For each of us, there is a personal role to play when building bridges of relationships that bring people together.

Professionalism

We value and uphold an elevated form of communication and generosity.  Our goal is to be approachable at any time and to strive forward with a clear goal in mind for our clients and the employers with which we partner.

WHY WE Care

We’ve been there too. Our story begins with our founder, Cindy Bray. Cindy’s daughter, Danica, was disabled and in need of finding employment. It was from this journey of helping her, and others along the way, that Hope Services officially began in 2003. At our company, we know that disabilities do not undercut a person’s value or potential, and we’ve found that these individuals carry with them unique giftedness that can enrich a company’s culture. As the company has grown tremendously throughout west-central Florida, our passion and core beliefs stay the same:

We Care. We Help. We give hope.

MEET THE TEAM

Executive Director

Cindy Bray

Cindy established HOPE Services in 2003. She has excelled in the employment services field for a decade and a half. Cindy has personally supervised the training of every other team member to ensure that we all succeed for you.

“I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team and their willingness to serve others in such a way to bring joy to their lives by becoming employed. We not only find jobs, we help change lives.”

Email:cbray@hopegetsjobs.com

Executive Director of Operations

Dave Caldas

David has over 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth and families. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of South Florida. David believes that by obtaining nationally recognized certifications and developing life skills our clients can not only obtain a job but find a career and independence. He has a history of leading programs that have been recognized by funders and state agencies as “Best Care Providers” for excellent services and client success.

“Some men see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say, why not” — George Bernard Shaw

Email:dcaldas@hopegetsjobs.com

Vocational Training Specialist

Kaylin Amabile

Having come from a long line of teachers and caretakers, Kaylin’s innate enthusiasm for helping others was encouraged from an early age. She has over a decade worth of experience aiding youth and adults living with disabilities become the best versions of themselves. She truly shines when given the opportunity to be creative and is looking forward to guiding others as they work towards highlighting their tremendous value within the community.

 

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Aristotle

Email:kamabile@hopegetsjobs.com

Senior Employment Specialist: Pasco, Hillsborough, & Polk Counties

Jason Bray

Jason’s energetic approach to employment services has created a vast network of companies who partner with HOPE Services for good jobs. His creative employment solutions have meant success for hundreds of job seekers. Jason is certified for Employment Services and Supported Employment in Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, and Pasco Counties.

“I enjoy getting to know each client and figuring out their strengths together, matching them up with the best possible opportunity.”

Email:jbray@hopegetsjobs.com

Employment Specialist: Citrus, Hernando, & Pasco Counties

Jackie Flores

Jackie has made a career of teaching and advocating for people with disabilities. She is passionate about helping them grow in confidence and skill so they can take their rightful place in the workforce. Jackie is certified for Employment Services, Supported Employment, On-The-Job Training, Pre-Placement Training, and Pre-Employment Transition Services in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties.

“I am blessed to be part of a company that gives hope and opportunities to people with disabilities. It is so satisfying to help others achieve their goals and realize their dreams.”

Email:jflores@hopegetsjobs.com

Employment Specialist: Hillsborough County

Rebecca Marquez-Goodnight

Rebecca has worked in the field helping and coordinating services for at-risk youth and adults for over 20 years. She has been working directly with and advocating for adults and youth with disabilities for almost 10 years now. She has a drive and desire to see consumers and works closely with the consumer, family, and support system in place to make sure the best services are provided and obtained. Rebecca is certified for Employment Services, Supported Employment and On-The-Job training in Hillsborough County.

“I have always wanted to work with those who are less fortunate and help them achieve their goals, in order to help them lead successful and meaningful lives”

Email:rgoodnight@hopegetsjobs.com

Community Work Incentives Coordinator

Larry Hensley

Larry has worked for the past 19 years as a certified Community Work Incentive Coordinator licensed by the Social Security Administration. He has worked with and assisted many individuals as they navigate the path to employment. He brings that experience and certification to Hope Services along with his compassion for and desire to help others meet their goal to live productive and fulfilled lives.

“I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to continue to serve others and to work for an organization whose name embodies their mission, their administration and their staff.” 

Email:lhensley@hopegetsjobs.com

Employment Specialist: Hillsborough & Pasco County

Debbie Keegan

With over 15 years of experience as a Master Certified Life Coach, Debbie understands that connection and communication are the foundation for successful relationships and partnerships. She has a passion for helping others, specifically those living with disabilities, and she prides herself on her steadfastness and enthusiasm for assisting them in achieving their goals . She looks forward to bringing out the best in those she will have the pleasure of getting to know and celebrating them as they grow their independence!

“Live the life you were created for, not the one you have been given.” – DK

Email:dkeegan@hopegetsjobs.com

Accounts Receivable

Lorena Little

Lorena has a true passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. Her personal experience with advocating for people with disabilities and empathetic nature allow her to connect with those she works with and assist them to fulfill their dreams. She is certified for On-The-Job Training and Supported Employment in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

“I have a heart for serving and helping people. I feel very fortunate to be a part of an organization that provides me with the opportunity to help others grow and accomplish their goals.”

Email:invoicing@hopegetsjobs.com

Office Administrator

Toyita Rivera

Toyita Rivera. Former Consular Associate with the Department of State brings 15 years of Federal Government experience working with highly diverse communities, domestically and overseas. Toyita also has an extensive background in the marketing field in which she developed a 12-year successful career in 3 countries. Toyita is bilingual and she handles our headquarters.

As Mother Teresa said, “the miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it”.

Email:office@hopegetsjobs.com

Vocational Evaluator & LMHC

Karen Schwartz

Since 2011, I have been providing mental health and rehabilitation counseling services. I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, coping with disabilities, trauma, career difficulties, family and marriage conflicts, etc. I believe in tailoring my sessions to the needs of my clients. I offer guidance and help clients work to improve and overcome what they are going through. I promote change through personal growth. I utilize various therapeutic techniques during sessions to help clients learn more about themselves.

“Working with people has been my passion. I am glad to have the opportunity to work with HOPE Services, where I can utilize my skills to help people reach their own potential. I want clients to know they can succeed and achieve their dreams. A dream is just a goal waiting to be achieved.”

Email:kschwartz@hopegetsjobs.com

Employment Specialist: Hillsborough & Pinellas County

Sheena Turner

Ever since her volunteering days assisting those with disabilities while still in high school, Sheena knew that her life would be devoted to helping others. Two decades later, and a wealth of knowledge and experience, Sheena has built a career teaching and being an advocate for people living with disabilities. Sheena is certified for Employment Services, Supported Employment, On-The-Job Training, Pre-Placement Training, and Pre-Employment Transition Services in Pinellas County.

“We don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note. Only notes that are different can harmonize. The same is true with people.” – Steve Goodier

Email:sturner@hopegetsjobs.com

FAAST Program Coordinator

Kaitlin Carroll-Cruz

Kaitlin has worked and volunteered her time to a multitude of nonprofit organizations over the years. Kaitlin has extensive experience working with youth and adults to help them navigate not only the legal system but some of the hardest times of their lives. Kaitlin’s passion for helping people from all walks of life has led her to Hope Services to be the FAAST Program Coordinator.

If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great-Tom Hanks

Email:kcarrollcruz@hopegetsjobs.com

Would you like to work for HOPE Services?  Download the Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Specialist Application and send it with your resume to our Executive Director.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

Joe Bray

In his current role as President of the Board of Directors of Hope Services, Joe brings a wealth of administrative experience in program development, policy writing, and strategic planning.  A retired educator and pastor, he most recently served as the founding Headmaster of The Paideia School, a K-12 Classical Christian academy in Tampa.  He had previously served in leadership in several schools and churches in Illinois, Kentucky, and Florida.

Joe is an alum of Lincoln Christian University (B.A. in Christian Education), Lincoln Christian Seminary (M.A. in Theology and Philosophy), and Lexington Theological Seminary (M.Div. in Theology).

Joe has enjoyed forty-six years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Cindy.  They have two adult children and five grandchildren.

Board of Directors

James “Bo” Bowman

Bo has served in the pastoral ministry in the Tampa area for the past thirteen years. He currently serves as the lead teaching elder at Holiday Bible Church, as well as being the Inmate Chaplain at the Pasco County Detention Center for the Pasco County Sheriff Department.

Bo earned an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Bob Jones University in 2001. He then earned his M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Bob Jones Seminary in 2007.

His wife Lacy and their four children make up the rest of the Bowman family.

Matthew Coughlin

Matthew is a Business Banker and former Controller at First Citrus Bank, where he has served Tampa Bay businesses, churches, and non-profit corporations for over ten years.  Matthew has also served as a board member and president of Palma Vista Association for over six years, where he has helped manage a $3 million reconstruction project from planning to completion.

Matthew currently lives in Tampa with his wife, Lauren, and their three children, and is an active parishioner at Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church.  Matthew is a devout Catholic who loves God, family, and country, and strives to walk the narrow path and live a life of prayer and deep devotion to Jesus Christ.  The gift of faith he has received directs all of his thoughts and actions as a husband, father, banker, small business advisor, community association board president, and youth ministry volunteer.

Dotti Groover-Skipper

Dotti exemplifies dynamic living through servant leadership. Since graduating from the University of South Florida, she has facilitated positive policy change through numerous community coalitions on tobacco, alcohol and gambling abuse. She is the also the founder of HeartDance Foundation, which serves men, women, and children exploited in sex trafficking and labor trafficking.

Dotti is an ordained elder and missionary. She serves on several local and state boards, including the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking, the SAFE Collaborative of Tampa Bay, The NOMORE Foundation, and The FREE Network. She was also appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to Florida’s Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council. At the national level, Dotti has trained and mobilized clergy and faith communities to engage in issues of addiction and abuse. She has received numerous awards for her anti-trafficking efforts, including Florida’s Anti-Trafficking Advocate of the Year and the Lightning Foundation’s Community Hero.

Dotti is married to her high school sweetheart, Roger, and together they enjoy seven children and two grandchildren.

Michael McCord

Mike is the principal and founder of Pinnacle Wealth Management, LLC. After acquiring his college degree from the University of Missouri in Finance, Mike has continued to advance his professional studies and credentials, earning his accolades as a Chartered Financial Analyst, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, and as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mike has resided in the Tampa Bay area since 1989 with his bride of thirty-two years, Jennifer. They have two adult daughters.

When Mike is not busy building investment portfolios and assisting clients with their individual financial goals, he enjoys biking, tennis, and reading.

Dan Mitchell

Dan is the Program Director for SMARTstart, an organization administered by the Pasco Economic Development Council and designed to help entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Pasco County.

In addition to being a Director for Hope Services, Dan also serves in the following offices: Advisory Board for UF/IFAS Family & Consumer Sciences, Industry Council for St. Leo University, Impact Board for SYNAPSE FL, and Florida High Tech Corridor Research Grant Review Team. His nomination to the Pasco County Food Policy Advisory Committee by the Board of County Commissioners is pending. His past service has included the Board of Directors of The Paideia School of Tampa Bay, the Advisory Council for Marchman Technical School, the Advisory Board for Right Plan Financial, and the SBCD Emergency Bridge Loan Committee.

Dan, his wife Dacia, and their six children currently attend Spark, a church plant in East Pasco. Their family motto is: With God and my family as my team, there is no circumstance we cannot overcome.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal/state program that helps people who live with physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people who live with disabilities find meaningful careers. On-the-Job Training (OJT) is one way of preparing them for success in the workplace.

Do I have to pay for Hope Services programs?

No. Our funding comes entirely from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, so our programs are completely free to our clients and their employers.

How do I sign up for Hope Services programs?

All of our clients come to us referred by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, so you must first register with those agencies and you may request Hope Services to be your provider.

Can Hope Services guarantee me a job?

For the past two decades, we have successfully placed thousands of clients with hundreds of employers. We know what it takes to find the right job for you.

How long does On-the-Job Training last?

The average length of an OJT is six to eight weeks. Training length is based on the skill set desired by the trainee, the difficulty of the job, etc. Even the days and hours worked are arranged to benefit the trainee and the employer.

Will I be paid for OJT?

Yes! State law requires that the OJT client be paid the same wages that others working that job would make. Hope Services provides the wages, liability insurance, and even workers’ comp for the trainee.