LaRosa is the definition of resilience. Having come from a rough upbringing that included child abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse, he knows all too well the struggles of those he has dedicated his life to serving. In 2013, LaRosa founded The Portico, which is a place of safety and welcome for all people, particularly the homeless, addicted and lost. Since the opening of The Portico, LaRosa has been able to change the lives of countless individuals struggling with homelessness and addiction by giving them the tools and resources needed to find solutions to the problems they are facing. Additionally, LaRosa also founded Portico Housing Solutions, a 501(c)3 that provides transitional housing for homeless men.
The grant tonight will be used to support the mission of The Portico in assisting the homeless and addicted communities. The Portico offers numerous opportunities to give individuals a hand up, through The Portico Café and Portico Housing Solutions. The Portico Café provides great food, coffee and service while helping to employ over 30 individuals in need of meaningful life change. Portico Housing Solutions provides 12-month housing opportunities along with case support management for those looking to get back on their feet.
LaRosa became the 516th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $28.17 million to more than 700 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced that the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
