news release

The Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) announces that Jonathan Orozco, Development Director for The Source, has been awarded the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, which is designed to identify individuals with broad based knowledge and real-world experience in the field of grantsmanship. The GPC provides widely recognized affirmation of the GPC practitioner as a person of integrity whose broad interests in building social capital and helping guide less knowledgeable stakeholders to become truly professional and altruistic practitioners.

Orozco joins a select group of more than 600 grant professionals who have attained the GPC credential. Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the GPC is awarded to grant professionals who meet eligibility requirements and successfully demonstrate proficiency in the required competencies and skills of the grants profession. The GPC credential is based on rigorous standards and ongoing research.

Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, wholeheartedly agrees with the standards put forth by the GPCI in recognizing candidates that are committed to excellence and accountability in grantsmanship and states, “Jonathan has continually and successfully guided and shaped the outcomes of our funding endeavors and we are proud of how he has demonstrated excellence by attaining the GPC credential.”

Individuals who receive the GPC credential must meet GPCI-set standards that include education, professional experience in the grants field, professional development, and community involvement. They also must pass a two-part written examination testing the competencies and skills required of grant professionals, which include building an effective grant application as well as project design, funding research, organizational development, ethics, grant management, funder cultivation, and professionalism. All GPCs must uphold the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Code of Ethics.

Doug Sweeny, a long-time donor of The Source and an active member of several Vero Beach community organizations, works closely with Orozco and recognizes his skills. “Jonathan is an extremely hard-worker and compassionate and always displays the highest ethical practices expected by GPCI standards. In addition to fund-raising, he has helped guide the Source in creating the many successful Dignity programs including the Dignity Ranch, Dignity Bus and Community Works.

I am Ministries DBA The Source, is a Christian social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service for the homeless, needy and families of Indian River County (IRC) since 1995.  Local residents in need may visit their full-service reSource Center to become a member, receive a membership card, and begin their journey to restoring their lives. In doing so, The Source provides a wide range of Dignity Programs, housing through the Dignity Bus Mobile Shelters and other nearby housing facilities, restaurant-style hot meals, clothing provisions, counseling services, support groups, hygiene amenities, access to showers, mail and telephone facilities, and referrals for benefits through core programs and services that instill a sense of community. Their goal has always focused on, and is well on the way to eradicating homelessness in IRC. For more information, feel free to contact Jonathan Orozco call 772-564-0202 or visit:www.iamthesource.org for more information about The Source.