The Journey: From One Act of Kindness to a Thriving Community Mission
Founded by Lela, Portamento of Hope was born from her deep commitment to serving the homeless and food-insecure. Lela, whose extensive background spans health and wellness as the founder of Nature’s Health Foods and her career as a surgical technologist at Tampa General Hospital, always sought ways to bring healing, hope, and health to her community. Witnessing how much food was being discarded by local businesses, she saw an opportunity to turn waste into nourishment. As Lela often says, “Food should never be wasted when there are people in need.”
Determined to make a difference, she formed partnerships with 7-Eleven, GFS, and other local donors, securing thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste. What began as a small food redistribution effort quickly evolved into a structured community initiative, earning Portamento of Hope the prestigious 2017 Non-Profit of the Year award in recognition of its profound impact.
Today, thanks to the dedication of our founders, volunteers, and community partners, we not only provide meals but also build opportunities for stability and self-sufficiency.
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Lela & Floyd Lilyquist: The Heart of Portamento of Hope
Our Volunteers: The Hands That Make a Difference
Community Partners: The Backbone of Our Outreach
Numbers That Tell a Story
Community Champions
Zeeshan & Karina Hayat
One summer, Zeeshan and Karina Hayat, along with their children, spent time volunteering at Portamento of Hope—a humbling experience that deepened their understanding of food insecurity and community care. Alongside with the fellow volunteers, they helped prepare and distribute meals, learning first-hand the impact of a warm plate and a kind word. It was more than just service; it was about connection, empathy, and shared humanity. Through their initiative, 100 Meals a Week, they continue to support vulnerable communities, inspired by the lessons and memories made at Portamento of Hope.
Bill Bryant
Bill Bryant knows first-hand what it means to struggle. Once homeless himself, he now calls 107 Mason St. home, a property owned by Portamento of Hope that has been transformed into a place of renewal. Here, Bill tends to a thriving vegetable garden that supplies fresh produce to the kitchen. The same soil that grows tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs has also given Bill a renewed sense of purpose. The roadside stand where he sells extra produce helps support the mission, turning what was once an empty lot into a space of nourishment, sustainability, and second chances.
Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith spends her days in the ER caring for children in crisis, but she couldn’t turn away from another crisis happening just outside the hospital doors. Volunteering at Portamento of Hope has given her a way to act—to serve hot meals, offer a kind word, and see people not as statistics, but as individuals with stories worth hearing.