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“This isn’t just about homelessness, trauma or poverty,” says Sara Meyer, executive director of Eight Waves. “It’s about the absence of belief and hope — whether in oneself, one’s potential or in the strength of our community We’re standing alongside local children and families — determined to rebuild that sense of hope and possibility.”
Eight Waves was born out of tragedy. In Winter Garden, a 16-year-old was shot — a stark reminder of the dangers faced by at-risk youth in our community. This heartbreaking event sparked a movement to offer mentorship, provide tutoring and connect with community members to uncover the root causes of poverty. It wasn’t just a response to violence; it was a commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues that children face daily.
Meyer, who leads Eight Waves, brings a personal connection to the mission.
“Growing up, I faced immense trauma and significant learning disabilities,” she shares. “I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle academically and emotionally, feeling like the odds are stacked against you. But through Eight Waves, I’ve found healing. Helping children who are facing the same challenges I once did has not only provided hope for them but also has transformed my own story into one of resilience and redemption.”
SEE THE WORLD THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES
Close your eyes and picture this: A 4-year-old girl in West Orange County, lying in the back seat of a car parked at Walmart. It’s not just any night — she’s shivering beneath a thin blanket, the cold metal pressing against her small body. There’s no dinner waiting for her. Her mother sits nearby, silently crying in the dark. This little girl doesn’t understand the full weight of their situation, but she feels the gnawing emptiness in her stomach and the crushing fear of uncertainty. Each morning, she and her three siblings wake up hungry, dirty and exhausted. They walk into school with empty bellies, unable to concentrate; their sense of safety shattered.
“Living without security traps Emma in a constant state of fear,” Meyer says. “At just 4 years old, her childhood is slipping away. Without help, the cycle of struggle becomes her reality.” But there is hope — a solution rooted in the teachings of Matthew 25:35-40, where we’re called to care for the most vulnerable among us.”
Eight Waves steps in, responding swiftly to the call from Emma’s school. Volunteers arrive with warm meals, hygiene supplies and resources for her mother. Emma and her siblings are welcomed into a free after-school program that not only provides stability but also a place where they can learn, grow and just be kids again.
This isn’t just about food and soap — it’s about giving Emma a chance to rewrite her story!
THE STARK REALITY OF CHILD POVERTY IN ORANGE COUNTY
What kind of future can we expect when more than 21% of our children are living in poverty?
In Orange County, 62,427 children are growing up in poverty. This doesn’t just limit their resources — it reshapes their entire lives, increasing health risks, hindering learning and damaging their chances for success.
“Childhood poverty is not just a lack of resources; it’s a lack of opportunity,” Meyer says. “These children deserve more than survival — they deserve the chance to thrive.”
Schools bear the brunt of this crisis. Teachers are stretched thin. They become both educators and caretakers, as schools shift limited funds to cover food, clothing and mental-health support. The result? Lower test scores, higher dropout rates and disrupted classrooms.
“Every child we help is one step closer to stabilizing our schools and strengthening our community,” adds Chloe Johnson, Eight Waves’ director of community relations. “When we invest in children, we invest in our future.”
The impact ripples through our community. High drop-out rates weaken the workforce, increase crime and strain resources. Health issues linked to poverty drive up health care costs, affecting us all. Poverty breeds disconnection, undermining our unity and trust.
But the cycle can be broken.
“With consistent support, nourishment, education and mentorship, these children can do more than survive —they can thrive,” Meyer says. “Imagine a seed struggling in hard soil. It has potential, but it needs care to grow. That’s what Eight Waves offers: a chance for every child to flourish, stabilizing schools, strengthening the workforce and building a healthier community for all.”
EIGHT WAVES: A BEACON OF HOPE
Eight Waves not only was born out of tragedy but also fueled by a passion to prevent more tragedy from occurring. What began with a child being shot in Winter Garden has grown into a movement that restores belief in children’s futures. The organization’s name symbolizes new beginnings — reflecting the fresh start that every child deserves.
This year, Eight Waves reached thousands of local children, providing mentorship, tutoring, hygiene supplies and safe spaces through after-school programs and summer camps. Every meal provided, every mentorship offered and every barrier broken has been made possible by the compassionate hearts of local community members who choose to believe with us.
Thomas, a local child who once faced an uncertain future, shares: “I used to think graduating high school was impossible, but now I know I can do it. It feels like someone finally believes in me.”
This impact is made possible by more than 100 dedicated volunteers, with a mission to continue expanding support. However, rising costs and increasing needs have stretched resources thin, creating an urgent call to raise $20,000 by year-end to sustain this critical work.
TURNING BELIEF INTO ACTION
Eight Waves calls on the community to turn belief into tangible change. Here’s how your support can help:
CREATING A WORLD OF WONDER: THE VISION BEHIND EIGHT WAVES’ NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Eight Waves is on a mission to break the cycle of poverty by making education and literacy exciting and accessible for every child. The new Children’s Museum in Winter Garden will be a one-of-a-kind space, where learning meets play and imagination knows no bounds.
“The Children’s Museum isn’t just a building — it’s a magical gateway where books come to life through dramatic play, creativity soars and children discover the incredible power within themselves,” Meyer says.
The museum will be more than just a place to visit; it will be a lifeline of hope for children in need. It will create stability for Eight Waves through grants, admissions, memberships and community donations, ensuring long-term sustainability while keeping it accessible for everyone. It will serve as a vibrant hub, uniting children and families, sparking curiosity, and building connections that last a lifetime.
With engaging exhibits, hands-on activities and arts-based programs, the museum is designed to empower children not only as learners but also as creators and dreamers. It will allow Eight Waves’ programs to expand far beyond current limits, reaching thousands more through school partnerships and additional exhibits across Central Florida.
Meyer says: “This museum isn’t just about changing lives; it’s about creating a future filled with possibility. Every exhibit, every story, and every moment will be a step toward giving children the confidence to explore, imagine, and achieve.”
Be part of this transformation. Let’s build a place where every child can dream big, feel safe and discover their full potential. Together, we’re not just shaping a museum —we’re shaping futures.
LIVES TRANSFORMED
The impact of these contributions is profound. Thomas, once uncertain about his future, is now on track to graduate — a milestone no one in his family has ever achieved. Kai, once lagging in reading, is now keeping pace with his peers. But there are still many more children awaiting their new beginning.
As we look to the future, Eight Waves envisions a community where no child goes to bed hungry, where every local classroom has the resources to support every student, and where each child knows their worth and potential. This holiday season, as you reflect on what you’re grateful for, consider being the reason a child smiles, learns and believes in a better tomorrow.
Meyer closes with a powerful message of hope
“We’ve achieved so much this year because of the unwavering support of our community,” Meyer says. “But as we look to 2025, we need your help to reach even more children. Your donation isn’t just a gift — it’s a lifeline, a chance for transformation and a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty.
“Stand with us, be the change, and give hope today,” Meyer says. “Believe with us that local children can have radical transformation.”
For more information or to donate, visit www.eightwaves.org, email Sara Meyer, [email protected], or call (352) 255-7350.
