After a grassroots efforts spanning two years, leaders of Orlando's “The Ripple Effect” successfully launched their Community Voice Mail program!

In a ceremony on April 29 in Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Local Channel 2 News Anchor Wendy Chioji congratulated Kelly Caruso of "The Ripple Effect" on becoming the CVM Host Agency for the Orlando area.  Also in attendance was CVM Board Member Amy Smith: "As a Board member and a CVM Host Agency member, I understand the power of this simple tool to change thousands of lives," said Smith.

Community Voice Mail seeks to remove phonelessness as a barrier to opportunity – to level the playing field for people in crisis and transition through consistent telephone access, empowering them to reclaim their lives.

Jenn Brandon, Executive Director of the CVM National office notes, "The communities we serve depend on us as a vital resource. These communities, including Orlando, face the everyday challenge of economic downturns, state budget deficits, cuts in human services, and record unemployment. We believe that Community Voice Mail is a critical part of Orlando’s response to these challenges."

For over a decade, Community Voice Mail has been helping people reclaim their lives by providing a concrete and reliable tool that enables them to transition back to self-sufficiency.

CVM users receive a unique 7-digit telephone number that accepts messages 24/7. Greetings are recorded in the user’s own voice. Enrollment takes only 3 minutes – and users leave with a reliable point of contact for resumes, housing applications and assistance.

Community Voice Mail users find jobs, housing, safety and stability – because they have a reliable link to the rest of the world.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Kelly Caruso, the citizens of the greater Orlando area can now utilize Community Voice Mail as a vital link to opportunity.

Congratulations, Orlando!