- About Us -
Hands of Hope America, Inc.
Hands of Hope America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals, children, and families throughout Central Florida’s Four Corners community—Lake, Polk, Osceola, and Orange Counties.
Our mission is to EQUIP, EMPOWER, AND RESTORE communities by providing accessible, evidence-based services that help people overcome barriers, meet essential needs, and build pathways toward greater stability and independence.
Our Vision
We envision a community where everyone has access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive—regardless of background or circumstance.
Through dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we are working together to build stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures.
Evelisse Bookhout, Founder, Exec. Director, (MSW, LCSW)
Evelisse is a US Army veteran, leader, ordained minister and advocate in her community. She currently has a BSW from Southeastern University with a certificate in Child Welfare, and her MSW in Clinical Social Work.
Evelisse discovered her passion for empowering the next generation while working as a residential counselor for the developmentally disabled at Springbrook, a leader of providing supports and services across the state of New York for the developmentally disabled. Her passion for human services continued to grow as she worked as a nursing assistant with disabled veterans and the elderly. Moving to state of Florida in 2012, she quickly became involved in mentoring at-risk youth in her community and assisted with local church youth groups.
Currently, Evelisse sits on the Board of Lake County Children’s Services Council and is the Executive Director of Hands of Hope America; a nonprofit organization that provides services and resources to equip families, empower youth, and advocate to restore underserved communities.
Maritza Garcia, Co-Founder, Food Pantry Director
Born on the US island commonwealth of Puerto Rico and moving to New York City at age 4, Maritza Garcia is an active community member and retired law enforcement official with the New York City Department of Corrections. In her twenty years, she has worked with numerous law enforcement agencies, has navigated the court systems as a city employee and has experience working with incarcerated individuals on their path to rehabilitation.
Upon moving to Florida in 2008, she created a small business and quickly became involved within her local community. Maritza currently coordinates and supervises the Hands of Hope Food Pantry and Thrift Store located off of US 192 (W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) in the Four Corners community. Lake County Board of Zoning Adjustment
Steve Silcock - Board Member
Steve Silcock serves on the Board of Directors of Hands of Hope America, bringing more than 25 years of experience in real estate, business development, leadership, and senior management. As Broker and Owner of RE/MAX Heritage – A Bardell Real Estate Company, Steve is a respected business and community leader throughout the Four Corners area.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve has a genuine heart for serving his community. He believes in giving his time, experience, and leadership to initiatives that strengthen local families, businesses, and the communities they call home.
Steve is actively involved in community leadership, serving on the Board of the Rotary Club of Four Corners and with the Osceola Chamber Four Corners Council. He has also held leadership roles within the real estate industry, including serving as President of the East Polk County Association of Realtors (EPCAR).
Through his service with Hands of Hope America, Steve brings valuable business expertise, strong community relationships, and a passion for helping others. His commitment to collaboration and service supports HOHA's mission to equip, empower, and restore individuals and families throughout the Four Corners community.
Judith Cunningham MSW, RCSWI, Board Secretary
Judith is a compassionate and dedicated medical social worker at Lakeland Regional Health, where she excels as a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI). With a Master's degree in social work and currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Strategie Leadership, Judith brings a wealth of advanced education and expertise to our team. Judith's commitment to servant leadership is deeply rooted in her faith in Christ Jesus, guiding her to find profound joy in serving others. Her work is characterized by deep empathy and a steadfast devotion to making a positive difference in the lives
of patients, their families, and the community.
Through her professional and personal life, Judith embodies the principles of service and faith, ensuring her contributions to Hands of Hope America are both impactful and inspiring.
Rosemarie Sterling – Senior Case Manager
Rosemarie Sterling is a dedicated Senior Case Manager at Hands of Hope America, where she has served individuals and families since 2022. With a background in psychology and education, as well as previous experience as a preschool director and case manager, Rosemarie brings compassion, knowledge, and a strong commitment to helping families overcome challenges and move toward greater stability.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Rosemarie plays an important role in helping Hands of Hope America provide accessible and culturally responsive services to the diverse families throughout the Four Corners community.
Rosemarie’s passion for helping others is deeply personal. Having experienced poverty while growing up, she remembers the meaningful difference a caring case manager made in her own life. That experience inspired her to provide others with the same encouragement, guidance, and support that once helped her family. Her commitment to service began at an early age, volunteering alongside her mother to help individuals experiencing homelessness.
Today, Rosemarie continues that lifelong commitment through her work at Hands of Hope America, advocating for individuals and families facing financial hardship and other life challenges while helping connect them with resources, services, and opportunities to build a stronger future.
Outside of her professional role, Rosemarie enjoys spending time with her husband, her high school sweetheart, and their three sons. She also enjoys leading marriage groups and exploring new adventures on the water, reflecting her strong values of family, faith, service, and community.
William Hennix – Chair, Board of Directors
William Hennix serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Hands of Hope America, bringing more than 40 years of leadership and management experience, along with a lifelong commitment to service.
Born in New Jersey, William began his military career when he joined the United States Air Force in 1982, specializing as a weather forecaster. He proudly served 20 years on active duty before retiring from military service. Following his retirement, William continued supporting the Department of Defense as a private weather contractor for an additional 14 years.
William earned a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University in 2005 and later a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2011. Throughout his military and civilian careers, he accumulated more than 30 years of experience developing instructional and training programs and four decades of leadership and management experience within the Department of Defense.
William's dedication to service extends well beyond his professional career. He has volunteered with Hands of Hope America for the past five years, faithfully supporting the organization's work and the families it serves. His commitment, leadership, and belief in HOHA's mission led him to his current role as Chair of the Board of Directors, where he helps provide guidance, accountability, and strategic leadership as the organization continues to grow.
William is married, has three children, and is a proud grandfather to several grandchildren. His dedication to family, service, leadership, and community continues to guide his work with Hands of Hope America.
Dillan Alcorn – Program Coordinator
Dillan Alcorn serves as Program Coordinator at Hands of Hope America, bringing a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and service. He earned his degree in Nonprofit Management in Ohio before recently relocating to Florida, where he continues his passion for strengthening communities and helping others.
Dillan has been actively involved with Kiwanis, where he has served in leadership roles and helped lead community projects and service initiatives. These experiences have strengthened his skills in program coordination, volunteer engagement, project planning, and community collaboration.
At Hands of Hope America, Dillan helps coordinate programs, community initiatives, volunteers, and partnerships that support individuals and families throughout the Four Corners community. His commitment to service and nonprofit leadership supports HOHA's mission to equip, empower, and restore communities while creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.
