Melanie Brown-Culpepper-Beilke has spent her whole life in Polk County. At 17, she had her first child. By 19, she was in cosmetology school, and by 24, she owned her own salon. Raised by her grandmother, Granny Brown, Melanie kept the name “Brown” because it was so closely tied to who raised her and how the community knew her. Melanie was engaged to Michael Culpepper, and the couple had planned to marry in May, but the pandemic delayed their wedding until October. “Michael C

For ten years, Lakeland nonprofit Gospel Inc. has provided resources, fostered community, and helped find purposeful employment for homeless folks across the city. Founder Brian Seeley knew more could be done to serve this vulnerable population. Seeley, along with his Gospel Inc. team, volunteers, and community leaders, have worked together to secure sustainable and affordable long-term housing for the city’s chronically homeless. On February 3, 2021, property on E. Lemon Str

A place for girls to grow and learn and be themselves, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven is making a difference in the lives of girls within our community. More than an after-school program, it is enrichment and opportunity, art and expression, friendship, and giggles. Even through a pandemic, the Girls Inc. staff, led by Executive Director, Peggy Threlkel, has continued to support girls’ education and personal development. Threlkel joined Girls Inc. of Winter Haven in 2007. The Gir