ABOUT US
Helping Neighbors in Crisis Build a Stronger Future
ECHO is a nonprofit organization serving residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County who are experiencing crisis. Since 1987, we have provided emergency food and clothing while helping individuals and families access the resources, programs, and support they need to move toward long-term stability.
What began as a volunteer-led effort has grown into a community-based organization offering emergency assistance, workforce support, financial counseling, advocacy, workshops, and other life-stabilizing programs in Brandon, Riverview, and throughout Eastern Hillsborough County.
Our Mission
ECHO’s mission is to assist residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County who are in crisis by providing emergency food and clothing, along with life-stabilizing programs and resources.
We believe that meeting an immediate need is only the beginning. Our goal is to help our neighbors move from crisis toward stability, opportunity, and a stronger future.
Our History
For more than three decades, ECHO has grown alongside the community we serve. From a small volunteer effort operating out of a local firehouse to a comprehensive nonprofit organization, our history is built on compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to helping our neighbors.
1987 – Founding
ECHO was founded in 1987 in partnership with the Brandon Ministerial Association and the local business community. It was created to provide a central location where churches and others could send people in need. Originally housed in a local firehouse, ECHO provided only emergency food and clothing, staffed entirely by volunteers.
1992 – Incorporation and Move
In 1992, ECHO hired a part-time executive director and became an incorporated organization. That same year, we moved to our current location at 507 W. Parsons Ave. Julian Craft, a local business executive, helped secure the site and worked closely with the county to ensure a smooth transition. His family also provided early financial support to ECHO.
2006 – Staff Expansion
Eleanor Saunders joined ECHO as the second part-time employee to work the front desk.
2012 – Welcome Center and Program Growth
The Welcome Center was created in 2012 to provide stability and rebuilding programs. This marked the start of ECHO applying for grants. Today, we operate with eight revenue streams, offering rebuilding programs five days a week in Brandon and Riverview. Our hours are:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday (Brandon) & Thursday (Riverview) evenings: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
2018 – Expansion and New Services
In September 2018, ECHO opened a second location to better serve neighbors in Eastern Hillsborough County. That year, we also added Job Coaching staff and an Advocacy Department to provide a higher level of support to our community.
Recent Developments – Thrift Stores
ECHO recently opened two thrift stores, with all sales supporting programs such as Empower, job coaching, financial counseling, workshops, emergency food and clothing, and more.
Accountability
ECHO is committed to giving the public online access to our financials (Form 990, Audited Financials, and Annual Report). Also available on our website are the following: Whistle Blower Protection Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Donor Policy, Donor Bill of Rights, and Client Privacy Policy. Being transparent and fiscally responsible is important to ECHO. We are proud to have received the highest rating of approval from Charity Navigator and GuideStar.
Our Leadership
Iris S. Thurman serves as Chief Executive Officer of ECHO, leading the organization’s mission to empower neighbors in crisis through emergency assistance and pathways to long-term stability. With a passion for servant leadership and community impact, Iris is committed to strengthening partnerships, expanding ECHO’s reach, and creating sustainable solutions that help individuals and families thrive throughout Hillsborough County.
A native of Miami, Florida, Iris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix. Her professional background includes nonprofit leadership, healthcare, fundraising, community engagement, and executive coaching.
Beyond her role at ECHO, Iris is an author, Certified Professional Life Coach, motivational speaker, and founder of IS Transformation Coaching and the I AM ME Movement. She is guided by the belief that “the most important legacy in life is the impact you have in the lives of others,” a philosophy that continues to shape her leadership and service to the community.
ECHO Board of Directors
Community Leaders Helping Guide ECHO's Mission
ECHO is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide leadership, oversight, and guidance as the organization works to serve neighbors throughout Hillsborough County.
Rick Monsipappa — Chairman
Dezeray Caiati — Vice President
Kelly Azzarelli — Secretary
Christine Peters — Treasurer
Connie Huber — Board Member
Lisa Tackus — Board Member
Maxine Price — Board Member
Ryan Reed — Board Member
Steve McKinnon - Board Member
Tom Gallow - Board Member
Be Part of ECHO's Mission
ECHO's work is possible because our community chooses to come together.
Whether you give financially, volunteer your time, attend an event, partner with ECHO, participate in a workshop, or help spread the word about our mission, you can help a neighbor move from crisis toward stability.
Together, we can help our neighbors find hope, opportunity, and a path forward.