Nestled in the southeast neighborhood of Montopolis, you’ll find this welcoming house. Its lime green exterior peaks through metal artworks, colorful beads, windchimes, and found objects cascading down its façade. The home is larger than life. Just like its owner, Florence Ponziano. 

Florence is a do-it-yourself wonder. An artist. An unstoppable force. In this quarter-acre lot, she has created a sanctuary. 

Florence’s Comfort House began organically. After neighborhood children joined her in a clean-up project, Florence discovered the power of a shared purpose. She opened her doors and her heart to the children and neighbors of Montopolis. Word got out. And, in 1999, Florence’s Comfort House was officially registered as a nonprofit.  

It would be impossible to describe all the toy drives, food drives, holiday parties, and acts of service done by the Comfort House. Florence isn’t slowing down. “I’m not going to stop,” she says. “What’s the use of being here on this earth if we’re not making good things happen?”   

At age 80, she treks through her yard, making sure the various rescue cats are fed. Florence has chosen to be a beacon of light. The darkness in her young life robbed her of a carefree childhood, but it ignited her life with a purpose. It awakened her mission to ensure no one would ever feel unloved or devalued. In the 60’s, she joined a Civil Rights march with Jesse Jackson and Volma Overton that would make a lifelong impression.  

In addition to her work with the Comfort House, Florence is a talented artist who loves reggae music and donates her designs to up-and-coming reggae artists without taking commission. “I just want the artists to get their music out and feed their families.”   

Florence feels a deep connection with the Rastafari respect for nature, community, and the belief that the Divine is found in each person.  

And if the Divine is found in each of us, then all of us are one.