Transforming Lives Together
by Emma Dixon
Sreenivas Jarugula traded his homeland of India for a better future in Central Florida, moving to Lake Mary in 2000. Sreenivas found the opportunities and success he’d been seeking here and wanted to give back to the community that had welcomed him.
“I felt a shared spirit of gratitude with other Indians who have come to America to pursue their educational and career dreams,” he says.
In the spirit of giving back, Sreenivas founded the nonprofit Central Florida Indian Community (CFIC) in 2023, and its positive impacts have been felt in Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties.
CFIC is a mission-driven organization dedicated to connecting local communities and supporting homeless students and families in need with a variety of activities designed to unite and inspire.
Sreenivas and his wife Sridevi have two sons, Karthik and Rithvik, who both graduated from Seminole High School. Karthik is now pursuing a master’s degree in medicine at Boston University, while Rithvik is studying for his master’s degree in osteopathy at Nova Southeastern University. The entire family is all-in when it comes to CFIC’s important work.
Always There To Help
The organization regularly partners with Bentley Elementary School in Sanford, providing students with school supplies, clothing, personal hygiene products, and holiday gifts, as well as adding to the food pantry.
Additionally, the charity offers mentoring services for the kids in subjects such as mathematics, science, and robotics, and it conducts reading and art workshops to encourage creativity and innovation.
Christine Sharpe, principal at Bentley Elementary, is thankful for the partnership.
“CFIC members donate food, gift cards, and their time to support students and families at Bentley Elementary,” she says. “They have volunteered at our Family Fun Day and Mega Blast events and have donated complete Thanksgiving meals for the past two years, as well as supporting our Angel Tree for the winter holidays.”
Adds Christine, “Mr. Jarugula is an excellent communicator and has such a kind heart. He has helped the CFIC community grow exorbitantly and spread the message of giving back to our community. Wherever the need is, CFIC is there to help.”
A Celebration of Diversity
Bentley Elementary recently hosted CFIC’s Spring Mela, a vibrant Indian festival featuring artisans, music, children’s activities, art displays, photo ops, a chess tournament, and a raffle.
“The festival brought the community together in celebration of diversity and togetherness,” says Sreenivas. “It featured cultural programs, food stalls, and a variety of vendors to create a lively and enriching atmosphere. It was a perfect opportunity to connect, enjoy, and celebrate the richness of our shared heritage.”
The organization also holds sports tournaments in the Central Florida area, including a recent pickleball event that attracted many players.
“These tournaments highlight CFIC’s hope for positive change, supporting local schools and neighborhoods and creating opportunities to make a lasting difference,” says Sreenivas.
CFIC also hosts community webinars that cover a wide range of topics such as health, education, finance, legal and tax services, and science and technology. The sessions are intended to raise awareness, empower families, and spark meaningful conversations.
In addition to its work with Bentley Elementary, the organization has helped feed the homeless at Rescue Outreach Mission in Sanford and donated food pantry items to Seminole High School.
“Together, we have the power to transform lives,” says Sreenivas. “By extending our support to homeless children and families in our local communities, we can pave the way for brighter futures. Imagine the possibilities: empowering the next generation to excel in school, unlocking their full potential, and equipping them to build thriving careers without the burden of these challenges.”
To learn more about CFIC, please email cfic2023@gmail.com or search for Central Florida Indian Community on Instagram.