Lionheart's House of Bread
Refuge · Respite · Retreat · Revival
PO Box 145, Lady Lake, FL 32158
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Every ministry begins with a story. Ours begins with a hurricane, a hard year, and a conviction that would not let go.
Lionheart's House of Bread exists to provide safe refuge, practical support, and faith-centered restoration for special-needs families in crisis through housing, hospitality, education, and sustainable living programs. We believe every family — no matter how heavy the season they're walking through — deserves a place to rest, be seen, and encounter the love of Jesus Christ.
"And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him: and he became a captain over them."1 Samuel 22:2 — KJV · Foundational Scripture
Like David of old, we believe this ministry is called to be a place of refuge and leadership for those who are struggling, overwhelmed, and forgotten.
Jessica Leonard didn't set out to build a ministry. She set out to hold her family together.
Raised in income-based housing as the oldest daughter, Jessica grew up helping care for her younger sister and learning early what it meant to make do with little. That grit carried into adulthood — for more than fifteen years she worked in landscaping and horticulture across Central Florida, tending grounds that ranged from modest neighborhoods to million-dollar estates in The Villages. It was steady, honest work, and it taught her how to build things that last.
Jessica is also the mother of two children with special needs — a fourteen-year-old daughter and a twelve-year-old son, both diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She has lived the reality that so many special-needs parents know well: the exhausting search for the right support, the isolation, the sense that the world isn't quite built for your family's pace.
After Hurricane Milton displaced our family, I saw firsthand how few resources exist for special-needs families in crisis. Lionheart's House of Bread was born from that experience — and from the conviction that every family deserves refuge, respite, and the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus Christ.
Jessica Leonard, FounderWhen Hurricane Milton struck, Jessica's family was displaced from their home and spent months living in a travel trailer. In the middle of that disruption, she saw up close just how few resources exist for families like hers when disaster and disability collide. Rather than simply weather the storm, she leaned into it — becoming a member of the Good Soil Forum, a partnership between Bishop T.D. Jakes and Wells Fargo, where she spent three-plus years training in nonprofit leadership, business lending, and financial stewardship. That season of preparation became the foundation this ministry now stands on.
Al & Mary Leonard
Great Depression Generation
Lionheart's House of Bread is named in honor of Jessica's grandparents, Al and Mary Leonard, who lived through the Great Depression and modeled what it meant to provide for others even when there was little to spare. The name "Leonard" is traditionally associated with being "lion-hearted" — courageous, steady, and strong for the sake of others. That spirit is woven into everything this ministry is building.
Mary Leonard passed away in January 2025. Her legacy of quiet generosity and unshakable faith now lives on in the ministry that carries her family's name — a house of bread for families who, like hers once did, simply need somewhere to stand.
The path that led to Lionheart's House of Bread, step by step.
Great Depression Era
A Foundation Laid Long Ago
Al and Mary Leonard raise their family through hardship, modeling generosity and faith even in scarcity — the example this ministry is named for.
2024
Hurricane Milton
Jessica's family is displaced and spends months living in a travel trailer, coming face to face with how few resources exist for special-needs families in crisis.
A Calling Confirmed
The Conviction Takes Root
Out of that disruption grows a settled conviction: every family deserves a place of refuge, respite, and rest — regardless of circumstance.
Preparing to Build
Good Soil Forum
Jessica trains for three-plus years through the Good Soil Forum, a partnership between Bishop T.D. Jakes and Wells Fargo, in nonprofit leadership, lending, and financial stewardship.
January 2025
In Loving Memory
Grandmother Mary Leonard passes away. Her legacy of faith and generosity becomes part of the foundation the ministry is built on.
Established
Lionheart's House of Bread Is Born
The ministry is formally organized and approved as an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit, State of Florida approved, ready to begin serving families.
Today — Phase 1
Building the First Campus
Lionheart's House of Bread is working toward its first campus of refuge, respite, retreat, and revival for special-needs families in crisis.
"Today's vacationing family may be tomorrow's family in need — and tomorrow's family in need may one day become the family extending hope to others."
IRS-Approved 501(c)3 · All Donations Tax-Deductible · Florida Approved