OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Karla Grimsley, Chief Executive Officer of Interfaith Emergency Services (IES), is guided by the word of the lord.

Grimsley has been at the helm of IES for nearly 15 years. The nonprofit, founded in 1983 by a coalition of local pastors, supports homeless individuals as they rebuild their lives.

The effort begins with a dedicated team of 35 mostly part-time workers and numerous volunteers. Grimsley says their commitment drives the mission forward: “We’re nothing without our staff.”

The Interfaith Emergency Services Center offers the homeless with much-needed amenities.
The Engagement Center offers the homeless with much-needed amenities. Courtesy: Courtesy: Karla Grimsley/ CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services
The Interfaith Emergency Services Center offers the homeless with much-needed amenities.
Courtesy: Karla Grimsley/ CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services

Courtesy: Karla Grimsley/ CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services

That mission is made possible through the IES Engagement Center, which opened in November. Designed to help individuals take their first steps out of homelessness, the center offers practical resources like hygiene products, showers, a washer/dryer, board games, a television, and a welcoming, living room-like environment.

This particular room is animal themed.
This particular room is animal themed.
This particular room is animal themed.
Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today

Job support is another key element. Visitors can access computers and meet regularly with CareerSource representatives to explore employment opportunities.

“We want them to work towards getting a job and finding a better life, and it starts in the engagement center,” says Grimsley.

Across the street from the center are additional support facilities, including a soup kitchen, clothing boutique, and women’s shelter.

The amenities IES offers continue just across the street from the engagement center.
Brother's Keeper soup kitchen has been serving Ocala's poor for 25 years.
Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today

The Brother’s Keeper Soup Kitchen, open every day of the year, has served the community for over 25 years. Its motto, “Helping Hands Helping Others,” captures its commitment to feeding Marion County’s most vulnerable residents.

Across from the kitchen is a clothing boutique with a vast selection of clothes, ranging from kids to extra-large adult sizes.

The boutique offers clothing to people in need of a shirt on their back.
The boutique offered clothing to people in need of a shirt on their back.
The boutique offered clothing to people in need of a shirt on their back.
The boutique offers clothing to people in need of a shirt on their back.
Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today

The women’s shelter is next to the kitchen, where IES provides beds, showers, food, and everything the women need to stay on their feet.

The shelter includes various themed rooms, including the garden, princess, and beach rooms.

A special section of the shelter, known as the “Elizabeth House,” offers rooms reserved for expecting mothers. Each room is inspired by biblical figures—Mary, Hannah, and Sarah—reflecting the organization’s spiritual foundation.

The "Elizabeth House" section is reserved for expecting mothers.
The bathrooms in the Elizabeth House rooms had a baby changing station.
Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today

Much of Grimsley’s work is rooted in religion. She gives the example of one room in particular, which was once designated for prayer.

“The room was beautiful… it had this glowing chandelier,” says Grimsley.

When the shelter reached capacity, Grimsley says she was brushing her teeth one morning when she received a message from God.

“He told me that there will be a family of three that will need that room,” says Grimsley.

She turned the space into a three-bedroom apartment in preparation.

A few days later, her vision came true. A single mother with two children arrived in need of help.

Prayer runs deep within IES. Grimsley notes that a close relationship with God allows those struggling to maintain hope.

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