The background story of our organization.

CHIPZ (Community Hope & Intervention Project of Zephyrhills) evolved from a 2018 meeting between Ms. Beth Aker, the current Executive Director of East Pasco Meals on Wheels, Inc., and Chief Derek Brewer of the Zephyrhills Police Department.  The discussion focused on resource deficiencies in Zephyrhills for the most vulnerable population.  They agreed to advocate together for significant improvements in identifying and meeting the crucial needs in our community.  

Chief Brewer asked Ms. Aker to take the lead in gathering like-minded community stakeholders to meet monthly to identify service gaps and explore ideas for community improvement.  This group included local pastors, representatives from other non-profits and health care providers, Ms. Aker, and Chief Brewer.  Ms. Aker brought in speakers and made impassioned pleas for support throughout the community.  The committed core group continued to grow until they decided to become official in 2023.  They had met monthly for over two years, had expanded to over fifty active supporters, and had gathered data to demonstrate a solid pathway and commitment to nurturing a healthy, safe community.  They researched various options, continued meeting with leaders in Zephyrhills and the surrounding counties, and developed ongoing partnerships.  The group adapted sound operating procedures used by similar projects and felt ready to share their own successful ideas and resources.

The committed core group became a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 2023 and now employs an experienced Social Worker. Chief Brewer and Ms. Aker's shared ambitions to provide needed community resources initiated the project, but many committed volunteers have made it happen. Passion, determination, research, and partnerships have all been instrumental in the foundation of CHIPZ. Now, it has evolved into a community-driven program prepared to meet crucial needs in Zephyrhills and neighboring areas.