As a single mother of four sons, Thurman has worked tirelessly to supersede the expectations life threw at her. While the odds were continually stacked against her, she built a beautiful life dedicated to serving others. She was the first in her family to obtain a college degree, and was the first person to join the Advocacy department at ECHO, which she now directs. Under her leadership, the department has added two full time advocates, onboarded interns, and plans to expand by the end of 2023. While Thurman is a positive and compassionate, she is also a fierce advocate for those who lack resources and connections. She has been an inspiration for all who serve with or are served by her.
The grant tonight will be used to support the mission of ECHO. Due to soaring rent prices and increases in cost of living, there is a homeless epidemic in Hillsborough County. The number of homeless individuals served by ECHO has grown by over 200% year over year. With this funding, ECHO will fund a full time Homeless Advocate as well as provide immediate shelter for those experiencing homelessness via safe, clean, local motel partners.
Thurman became the 524th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $28.57 million to more than 700 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced that the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
