On 15th Avenue, in Liberty City, FL, where resilience and hope meet every day, Ark of the City, Inc. continues to stand as a beacon of support for families and youth. Founded and led by husband-and-wife team Terry and Sherria Elliot, the organization has become one of the community’s most trusted pillars, offering mentorship, educational support, family outreach, and a wide range of empowerment programs designed to uplift and inspire.
For the Elliots, Ark of the City, Inc. is not just a nonprofit, it’s a family mission and a labor of love.
A Family Dedicated to Community
The couple’s dedication to service is mirrored by their children, who have been actively involved in the organization’s work since its earliest days. Whether assisting with youth programs, participating in outreach activities, or helping coordinate community events, the Elliot children have embraced the spirit of giving back that defines their parents’ legacy.
“Service is part of our family DNA,” Sherria says. “Our children have grown up understanding the value of community, and they contribute to this mission with the same passion we do.”
A Record of Impact
Ark of the City has earned its reputation through consistent, hands-on community engagement. The organization provides mentorship programs, leadership development, academic support, and resources for families facing hardship. Their approach is rooted in accessibility, meeting people where they are and offering the tools they need to move forward.
“Our mission is simple,” says Terry. “We want every young person who walks through our doors to know they are capable, valued, and supported. That’s the foundation for lifelong success.”
Parents describe the organization as a lifeline. Volunteers describe it as purposeful. The youth describe it as home.
Honoring Excellence: The Annual Wall of Fame
One of Ark of the City’s most distinguished traditions is its Wall of Fame Honoring Ceremony, held annually to recognize individuals who have made major contributions to the community. Honorees include educators, mentors, local leaders, outstanding alumni, and neighborhood change makers, people whose dedication has left a lasting impact.
The Wall of Fame serves as both a tribute and an inspiration. New honorees are added each year, their stories displayed prominently for the youth to see.
“The Wall of Fame is about representation,” Sherria explains. “Our young people deserve to see examples of success coming directly from their own neighborhoods. It reminds them that greatness grows right here at home.”
A Holiday Tradition: Christmas on 15th Ave
Each December, Ark of the City hosts its signature event: Christmas on 15th Ave, a celebration that brings the entire community together. What began as a small outreach effort has grown into a festive, city-wide tradition featuring music, entertainment, toys, food, and holiday joy for hundreds of families.
The Elliots and their children work alongside volunteers to ensure every child leaves with a gift, a smile, and a memory that lasts long after the season ends.
“Christmas on 15th Ave is our way of saying, ‘We see you. We care. You belong,’” Terry says. “It’s a moment of joy for families who need it most.”
The event has become a staple of the holiday season, uniting neighbors, lifting spirits, and reinforcing the values that Ark of the City stands for.
A Legacy in Motion
As Ark of the City continues to expand its programs and deepen its impact, the Elliots remain committed to their core philosophy: service, family, and community partnership. Their work is a reminder that meaningful change begins with people who care enough to act and who remain consistent in that commitment.
“With our children, our volunteers, and our Wall of Fame honorees, we’re building something that will last for generations,” Sherria says. “This isn’t just our story, it’s the story of everyone who believes in the power of community.”
On 15th Avenue, that power is alive and growing. And at the heart of it stands Ark of the City, Inc., a living testament to what happens when a family’s mission becomes a community’s hope.
CWC News 