news release

What started as a simple explanation to younger school aged children about homelessness, suddenly took on a life of its own. The idea of educating the public about The Source, became as simple as “Let’s make a coloring book… something basic… but fun… and informative enough for anyone at any age to understand,” Tony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source quips. “The team quickly snapped into place and in short time, created The Source Coloring Book.”

According to Judy Graziosi, Marketing Manager at The Source, “The whole team at The Source was involved in gathering ideas and input for the graphics.  We went through several generations of revisions and edits pouring our hearts into getting each scene just right.  One really cool thing is that we actually had a group of young children look at it and give their input which really changed the artistic style.” 

Jade Alexander, Operations Manager of The Source, has had experience with self-publishing and has several of her books on Amazon that includes books for kids, bedtime prayers, as well as brainstorming ideas and step-by-step goal organization. “Because of that experience, Tony asked me to take a swing at this project and I was all in,” shares Jade. “Since I know the programs and services at The Source like the back of my hand, and I am also a mom, putting my words to Judy’s graphics came easily. Twenty-four pages came together like clockwork…like teamwork!”

Along with Zorbaugh, Jonathan Orozco, Development Director of The Source is actively pursuing distribution opportunities and meeting with potential businesses and educators in making this book public. “We are super excited to launch our first coloring book for children in our community” Orozco exclaims. “We know this is about educating people about the homeless and through that it is also wonderful exposure for our organization.”

 Zorbaugh concludes, “We are super blessed that our good friends and donors  Megan and George of The George Shinn Foundation,  have decided to put our coloring book at the Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Boone, NC. We know the idea first came to us for children to use, but this is “A Coloring Book for The Young and the Old.”

“George and I are so proud to be believers in what is being done at The Source and support their efforts by selling copies of this new coloring book from our North Carolina bookstore,” states Megan Shinn.

The Source Coloring Books are currently being included in monthly gift bags to homeless children in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties from the non-profit Little Birthday Angels and books were handed out to children visiting The Outback Steakhouse, Route 60 in Vero Beach during their annual Trick or Treat Night. The books, sponsored in part by Paris Productions, may be ordered for $3.00 apiece through Jonathan.Orozco@iamthesource.org .