by GARY S. HATRICK

There’s nothing like being helped that makes you want to help others.

That is the attitude of Garfield Anthony Neal (Gary), founder and director of People Supporting People (PSP).

A local non-profit whose goal is to support those in need in pursuing their goals through networking, mentorship, shared knowledge, and resources.

Neal was about 12 years old when he came to the United States from Jamaica in 1984. He was assisted by others to accomplish his goals and now wants to pay it forward,

“We’re an immigrant family,” Neal said. In the late ‘60s, my aunt and grandmother were afforded the opportunity to come to America.

Then my grandmother used that opportunity to send for her children, adult children, and they brought our kids. My parents had eight kids, and they wanted to get us away from poverty and political violence in Jamaica, and we have capitalized on the opportunities that were given to us.”

“I received a scholarship of $500 in high school, and it meant the world to me,” Neal continued, “because we didn’t have the money to pay for college if not for that and my athletic scholarship, I always remembered that. So, I said, ‘If I ever make it, I want to give back to the community,’ but the vision that we have started way back when my aunt and grandma had this vision of helping each other.”

Neal attended Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Mass. He received a scholarship to attend UMass Lowell. He spent 24 years in law enforcement and decades mentoring student-athletes.

He created PSP to fulfill his desire to open doors for others.

Neal has assembled seven other board directors who share the vision: Garfield A. Neal II, Seth A. Timlake, Thomas W. McCasland, Jade Neal (Jay), Corey Henderson, Robin Penix, and Cesar Garcia.

While it is still a fledgling organization, it is still pursuing its goals.

“We gave our first scholarship in May [2026],” Neal said with satisfaction. “We partnered with the Hillsborough County Educational Foundation, and we just funded a second scholarship for a ’26-’27 school year graduating senior.”

We’ve accomplished our goals for 26-27 because we wanted to give out two scholarships.”

Currently, they are working toward a third scholarship.

“We wanted to open with graduating seniors transitioning to adulthood,” Neal explained, “and as we grow our funds, we want to extend it to the community, whether it be homelessness, domestic violence, and other issues.

We have a five-year business plan that includes

All that, but right now we’re just doing scholarships.

We envision a community where everyone has access to opportunities and support to overcome challenges in their path.

By connecting people with resources and mentors, we build stronger, more resilient communities across Florida.

“At this time, we’re just doing it with eight directors,” Neal said.

But they have created an application for those who may want to volunteer to help when growth creates more opportunities.

Those wishing to volunteer can find the application on the website.

Donations can be made from the website as well.

Check it out at peoplesupportingpeople.org. org.

Expect to hear more from Neal and PSP in the future as they carry out the belief of every director as

expressed on their website:

“We believe that together we are stronger. Together we are People Supporting People.” ♥