See our Annual Report for 2019 Here!

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Netreputation
June 05, 2020, 14:24 GMT

Philanthropist Sam Lehrer Miami and republican state legislator Tommy Thompson discuss charity interests in Palm Beach, FL.

PALM BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, June 5, 2020 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Philanthropy is especially important during uncertain times. Sam Lehrer Miami has been a Florida philanthropist for years. His hard work and dedication to those less privileged than him led him to speak with republican state legislator Tommy Thompson on charity interests in Palm Beach, FL. The event took place on Admirals Cove and was sponsored by Scripps.

Sam Lehrer Miami has worked with countless organizations around the globe to improve the lives of those in need. His family has volunteered at the Little Yellow School House in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, for decades, he contributes to the Navy SEAL Museum, and donates his time and resources in countless other ways. Sam Lehrer Miami has now set his focus on raising awareness for charitable organizations in Palm Beach.

"Palm Beach is already home to countless respected charitable organizations," Sam Lehrer Miami said. "Our goal is to raise awareness for these charities, so people know where they can securely donate or where they can safely reach out for help."

Sam Lehrer Miami explained that he and state legislator Tommy Thompson discussed which charities are some of the shining stars of Palm Beach. Sam Lehrer Miami noted the Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, Inc., as a charity that does impressive work for foster kids throughout the area. He explained that the region's St. Catholic Charities also offer assistance to people with varying difficulties, whether they're in need of food, legal help or a variety of other needs. Charity Car Donations is another organization that Sam Lehrer Miami says people can trust, whether they're in need of help or donating.

"These organizations are all extremely professional and trustworthy," Sam Lehrer Miami said. "So many times, we want to give to charities, but we just don't know exactly where our money is going. Thankfully, Palm Beach is home to countless reputable charities that aren't just giving your donation dollars to CEOs."
Sam Lehrer Miami explained that there was no better time to meet with Republican State Legislator Tommy Thompson, as people across Palm Beach, around the country, and around the globe are in need of help during these trying pandemic times.

"From the Kids Cancer Foundation to Alzheimer's Community Care and the Big Dog Ranch Rescue, our region is full of outstanding charitable organizations," Sam Lehrer Miami said. "Whatever your interests or passions may be, there's a place for you to donate in the Palm Beach area and make a positive impact on your local community."

Caroline Hunter
Web Presence, LLC
+12019825138
email us here

https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/518738966/sam-lehrer-miami-and-republican-state-legislator-tommy-thompson-discuss-charity-interests-in-palm-beach-fl

By Town-Crier Editor - May 5, 2020

On Tuesday, May 5, Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss will issue a proclamation designating the month of May as National Foster Care, Speak Up for Kids and Guardian ad Litem Month in honor of the hard work and dedication exhibited on behalf of vulnerable children across the county.

There are 20 Guardian ad Litem circuits in Florida, with Palm Beach County the 15th Judicial District. The Palm Beach County Guardian ad Litem Circuit Director is Michelle Canaday, while the Executive Director for Speak Up for Kids is Coleen LaCosta. Together they work tirelessly to advance child advocacy.

In addition to the Palm Beach County Commission, the towns of Lake Park and Juno Beach, as well as the cities of Boynton Beach and Belle Glade, have either already issued proclamations or have agreed to do so this month. In May 2021, Speak Up for Kids will host its inaugural Celebration of Advocacy Luncheon to honor volunteers and community leaders in the continued effort to protect and speak up for children.

“In prior years, just about every city in our county signed proclamations in support of the Guardian ad Litem Program. Our ask this year is a bit different,” LaCosta said. “We asked the county as well as each city to sign a proclamation highlighting May as National Foster Care Month in addition to recognizing the work of Speak Up for Kids and the Palm Beach County Guardian ad Litem. The support has been tremendous.”

Canaday said that she is glad to see the continued support in these uncertain times.

“We are looking for opportunities to engage with each city in Palm Beach County to forward our mission of ensuring each child involved in dependency court proceedings is afforded a Guardian ad Litem; in essence, a voice in the court system representing only the child’s best interest,” Canaday said. “With greater than 300 children currently awaiting a volunteer, the need is great, but we continue to be encouraged by the outpouring of support and the opportunity to build awareness.”

Speak Up for Kids is the exclusive nonprofit supporting the efforts of the Palm Beach County Guardian ad Litem Program and the close to 700 volunteer child advocates who provide oversight and support to children while also serving as their voice in the court system.

The work of volunteer child advocates and their associated nonprofit supports generate a savings to the State of Florida of almost $20 million, estimating it would take an additional 450-plus employees to perform the work of the statewide network of Guardian ad Litem volunteer advocates. In Palm Beach County, that is a savings of greater than $1 million in salaries and mileage reimbursement costs alone.

Speak Up for Kids and the Guardian ad Litem Program work hand-in-hand to not only train and appropriately equip volunteer advocates, but to also locate potential foster and forever families, and provide funding for activities so children in the system can participate in activities comparable to their peers, including sports, birthdays and music lessons; all allowing for normalcy during the most chaotic time in their young lives.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.galpbc.org.

https://gotowncrier.com/2020/05/county-issues-proclamation-recognizing-may-as-national-foster-care-speak-up-for-kids-guardian-ad-litem-month/

https://www.echofineproperties.com/echoshowcase-supporting-kids-in-the-most-difficult-time-of-their-lives/

Agent Sophie Schneeberger, Hidden Gems of Palm Beach County introduces us to Speak Up for Kids Palm Beach County…

Speak Up for Kids gives abused, abandoned, & neglected children someone to Speak Up for their best interests in court…

Facilitating their development, ensuring their right to a safe & permanent home, & building their future…

On any given day there are 1200 to 1400 local child victims of abuse, abandonment or neglect in need of an advocate to speak up for them…

Supports the Guardian ad Litem Program-Palm Beach County, Florida to advocate for & protect the lives of children in the dependency (including foster care) system…

Looking for help from the community financially & through volunteers…

Share this video with family & friends looking to help change a child’s life for the better!

Contact Coleen LaCosta to learn how you can help!

 561.408.7779

Coleen@SpeakUpForKidsPBC.org

Contact Sophie for all of your real estate needs!

 561.808.4114

Sophie@EchoFineProperties.com

What’s Your Florida Home Worth? Check Out Your Home’s Value?

bit.ly/homevaluesPalmBeachesFL

#EchoFineProperties #NextWaveInRealEstate#PalmBeachCountyRealEstate #PalmBeachCountyHomes#PalmBeachCountyR

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20191227/foster-parents-next-millennial-trend-local-advocates-hope-so

By Kristina Webb 

Posted Dec 27, 2019 at 4:54 PM

As Palm Beach County sees a growing need for foster parents, advocates are working to draw more millennials into the system.

BOYNTON BEACH — The trio of children known as “Z3” are everything you would expect from three siblings age 4 and younger: buoyant, chatty, eager to learn and excited by everything.

But it wasn’t always this way. Zachariah, 4, Zendaya, 3, and 2-year-old Zariah started their lives neglected — and found their way into the foster system.

That’s where they met the women who would change their lives: 36-year-old Michelle Senior and her partner Monica Peoples, 46.

Together they would turn the children’s lives around, making them “the happiest babies they’ve ever seen,” according to one foster care advocate.

The foster system in Palm Beach County is looking for more people like Senior and Peoples: Millennials or close to that age range — typically defined as people born between 1981 and 1996 — who want to become foster parents.

It’s a demographic Diana Reese, foster home recruiter with Speak Up For Kids of Palm Beach County, hopes to reach more in the coming years.

“I’ve had some luck with social media with the millennials, but they don’t often search out info until they’ve heard about the need somewhere such as in the news, ... or met us at an event, or if I’ve randomly emailed or posted places,” she said.

While some festivals have boosted numbers, it can take years of “nurturing” to turn those relationships into foster families, Reese said.

Of the 1,200 children in out-of-home care in November in Palm Beach County, nearly 44 percent were age 4 or younger, according to the most recent Department of Children and Families data available.

Of all the children in out-of-home care in Palm Beach County, 372 are in licensed foster care, according to DCF. Another 542 are with an approved relative, and 139 are with an approved nonrelative. About 150 are in group care or have another living situation.

Sixty-one children age 17 and younger entered the foster care system in Palm Beach County in November, DCF data show. More than half were placed in out-of-home care because of their parents’ drug abuse. Other reasons include domestic violence, inadequate housing and inadequate supervision.

From tragedy, a calling

The reasons people become foster parents are just as varied as the reasons children end up in foster care.

Michelle Senior and Monica Peoples began thinking about fostering as their seven biological children — Michelle has three, Monica has four — got older.

“The house got quieter and we were like, ‘Hmmm,’” Michelle said.

But the process seemed daunting at the time, and they worried they would get too attached.

Then their situation changed, in a way that would shatter their lives and leave them looking for a way to put the pieces back together.

Peoples’ son, James DeAngelo Peoples, was shot and killed on Dec. 8, 2016, outside a Chevron gas station in Delray Beach by Delinord Dumercy, who reportedly was jealous James was dating his ex-girlfriend. Dumercy on Dec. 13 was found guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm in James’ death. Dumercy’s attorney has filed a motion for a new trial.

Both Michelle and Monica fell into a deep depression following their son’s death. They started an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs. With the $1,000 left over, they decided to go on Facebook and look through local groups to find families that needed some financial help over the holidays.

That’s how they met Zachariah’s first foster mom. They fell in love with the spunky little boy to whom they brought Christmas presents just weeks after James’ death, and Monica, who had lost her job following her son’s slaying, offered to babysit Zachariah on weekends.

Soon the foster mother began taking care of Zendaya, and Michelle and Monica found their house filled on weekends with the giggles of both toddlers.

This went on for several months, with Monica and Michelle taking on greater roles in the youngsters’ lives.

In early 2017, the foster mother’s son brought the kids over to Monica and Michelle’s for what was supposed to be a run-of-the-mill weekend. He warned Michelle as he arrived that Zachariah had a scratch on his face.

But what Michelle saw on the little boy was much more than a scratch. Zachariah appeared to have been seriously injured. A photo taken by Michelle on that day shows one of his eyes swollen shut, a gash on his face, the flesh red and puffy. His eyes are filled with fear.

The couple rushed Zachariah to the hospital with Zendaya in tow. They called the foster mother, who said the boy had fallen and that they should leave the hospital. By then, police had responded to the emergency room to file a report.

“She kept coming up with excuses,” Michelle said, still furious two years later. “I said, ‘Have you lost your [expletive] mind?’”

A caseworker came and picked up Zachariah and Zendaya. They would not return to that foster family, Michelle and Monica were told. Then they were asked the question they knew was coming: Would you consider taking in these two children in need?

Their answer was “yes,” but not without some hesitation. The couple already lived in cramped quarters in Boynton Beach. But they couldn’t say no to the sweet children who had swiftly stolen their hearts over the past few months.

And soon the siblings would be joined in Michelle and Monica’s home by their little sister, Zariah, whose foster father was arrested around Thanksgiving 2017 for protesting ICE, Michelle said.

“It was a lot,” she said, sighing.

But something told them it was meant to be.

“We feel like it was James’ way of not wanting us to dwell on his death,” Michelle said. “By the time they got here, we didn’t have time to grieve.”

‘They’re my everything’

This past National Adoption Day, Michelle and Monica made it official and adopted Zachariah, Zendaya and Zariah — Z3 as they lovingly are known, and @welcome2thezoocus on Instagram — into their family.

The biological parents of the three siblings since have had two more children, who are placed with family members.

The couple see a little bit of James in the trio.

“They all have a piece of him,” Michelle said. When the adoption was processed, each child got a new middle name: DeAngelo for Zachariah, and DeAngela for Zendaya and Zariah.

That helps them to focus on the positive instead of the harsh reality, like the two trials it took to find their son’s killer guilty, and the uncounted times they’ve had to watch the surveillance video of James being gunned down.

The timing couldn’t have been better for Michelle and Monica, who say the children’s arrivals came just when they needed something to take their minds off James’ death.

“Without them, I don’t know, Christmas would be nonexistent,” Michelle said.

Monica said the children saved her life, pulling her from despair after James’ death.

“I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “I’d be dead. They’re my everything.”

Both said the foster care system isn’t easy to navigate, but it helps to have someone experienced to guide you. And though the process can seem intimidating, the rewards have outweighed any challenges, the couple said.

“They came and they saved us,” Monica said.

The biggest issue they faced was resources: time, money, advice. But once the children were in daycare and the paperwork was processing, “It was good,” she said.

“It was rewarding because you’re giving them a life, you’re giving them a home, you’re giving them a family,” Monica added. ”... We were actually given a blessing from something so bad, so terrible, but, I mean, it was worth it.”

There are still hurdles that have popped up along the way. When the couple adopted the trio, they lost a daycare subsidy and the costs skyrocketed, something they didn’t expect.

With six children at home, the couple’s latest challenge is finding a larger house to rent -- one that can better accommodate their brood.

“Some mornings you see their smile and you just understand why you do what you do,” Monica said.

‘Doing the right thing’

For other millennial foster parents, the journey may begin with fertility issues. That was the path for 27-year-old Maureen of Palm Beach County. She and her husband, David, tried for several years to conceive a child.

Maureen declined to give her last name to protect her foster son’s privacy.

The couple tried first to conceive naturally, then sought help from an in-vitro fertilization specialist.

Her heart broken after two miscarriages, the couple turned to another path to parenthood: fostering.

She too has discussed the resource challenges faced by foster parents.

“We had two days to prepare for our first foster placement,” she wrote on her blog, The Magical Mundane Life. “We knew his age, race and diaper size.”

She painstakingly documented her fertility struggle on social media, where she has tens of thousands of followers across several platforms. More than 10,000 people follow her on Instagram @themagicalmundanelife, and 30,000 people subscribe to her YouTube channel, where she logs near-daily video diaries covering almost every aspect of her life.

Her video announcing the couple’s decision to become foster parents has been viewed more than 18,000 times.

Including her foster son in her social media presence is tricky. His name and face cannot be published. He occasionally appears in her videos, but what’s seen typically is a chubby arm here, a thick little thigh there, most often the back of his blond head. In still photos, his eyes are blocked out with a bar.

And she refers to him only by his nickname: “Bubba.”

Maureen has addressed on her blog any concerns about getting “too attached” to her foster child.

“Think about all the people you love, your mother, father, spouse, child, friend,” she wrote. “Are you afraid you’ll get too attached to those people?”

In a blog post titled, “Foster Care Is Incredibly Hard,” Maureen wrote that she has to “fight” regularly for her foster son’s future.

“Foster care is hard but having the knowledge that I’m doing the right thing, that I’m right where I’m suppose to be, that I’m showing God’s love, that I’m caring for innocent children, that’s worth it,” she said.

kwebb@pbpost.com

@kristinawebb

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agenda on Thursday, Nov. 21 included four items associated with the continuing Tuttle Royale development on the south side of Southern Blvd., just west of State Road 7. Over the past year, items related to Tuttle Royale have dominated the council’s time.

The council began by approving Tuttle’s request to rezone two tracts of land for Royal Palm Beach public ownership. Totaling 13.44 acres, the land is designated for future recreational use.

The next item was a request to allow smaller unit sizes, offset by additional amenities offered to residents, at a 401-unit multifamily parcel on just over 29 acres.

Similar to what happened when the request was discussed at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, it included a presentation that led to both comments and questions from the council. Developer Brian Tuttle’s argument was that the market is not demanding the apartment sizes called for in the village’s code.

Councilman Jeff Hmara noted they have already approved similar requests twice.

“Because I dissented both times on those, I will do it again, because the units are so small,” Councilwoman Selena Samios said.

Mayor Fred Pinto also weighed-in to provide context on the issue.

“We’ve had other projects and units like this developed in the village. The marketplace is driving the size thing,” Pinto said. “These projects have been very successful. Amenities that come with that not only enrich the sub-area, but overall it really enriches the community.”

The request to allow the 401-unit plan, including smaller unit sizes, was ultimately approved 4-1, with Samios dissenting.

Also approved were variances for parking and a site plan reducing a landscape buffer requirement of 15 feet to 5 feet, due to there being a separation of a total of 25 feet when the easement space is included.

Tuttle addressed the council noting plans to open the recreation space to the general public for events.

“We are potentially buying out 1.8 acres of the recreation site. One of the options we will present is in the activity center, we are thinking of putting one to two acres of recreation space in the middle of that site. That would be open to the public,” Tuttle said. “We may have concerts or yoga, or different types of events for them to come and enjoy.”

Also at the meeting, the council heard volunteer recruiter Christie Geltz give a passionate presentation on behalf of the Guardian Ad Litem program. The program is designed to provide volunteer advocates for children who are separated from their home environment because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

“I wanted to come out and introduce what we do and what we hope to accomplish,” Geltz said. “There are more than 1,700 children in foster care in Palm Beach County. We are the advocate and the voice for that child through the court system.”

Geltz further explained that volunteers sign up to be personal advocates for individual children. These volunteers become a stable presence in representing kids at school and with physicians, in addition to supporting them in court.

“Volunteer commitment is about 10 or 12 hours a month. I am hoping the community hears this and wants to jump in full blast. I would love to see you all get involved. We have 630 volunteers and more than 1,700 kids in foster care,” Geltz said. “Everything in [the child’s] life has been uprooted. Children are going through school and graduating because they have someone watching out for them.”

Samios mentioned that another way the community can help is to select the option to turn over the fees for attending jury duty to the program instead of receiving a personal payment.

“That’s a blessing for us,” Geltz said. “We are state funded. We don’t have the budget to go out and hire people to go out for funding, so we have a nonprofit called Speak Up for Kids. We are always looking for charitable donations, whether they are toys or books or games or sneakers, because these children are leaving their home a lot of times with nothing.”

For more information on the Guardian Ad Litem program, visit www.galpbc.org.

In other business:

• Pinto shared information on the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency’s transportation plan, which looks out to 2025.

“There was a spirited discussion that went on. The bottom line is by Dec. 12, the TPA must submit its updated plan, otherwise we are going to be defunded for certain projects,” Pinto said. “Our strategic planning really needs to be strategic. We don’t want folks 20 years from now to look back and say, ‘What were they thinking?’”

• The council also discussed a public request to post information about underage drinking. It was decided not to present an ordinance, since both the state and county already have ordinances regarding the sale of alcohol to underage buyers. Ultimately, the council opted to have staff draft a resolution to be presented at a later meeting so the council could show its support for local groups to reach out into the community on the issue.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 26, 2019

MEDIA CONTACT
Savannah Kelly
savannah@volunteerflorida.org
(850) 556-9799

Volunteer Florida Announces $370,000 in Funding for Florida Nonprofits
 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Volunteer Florida announced that $370,000 in Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant funding has been awarded to 22 nonprofit and service organizations throughout the state. Together, these organization have also secured $370,000 in local funding, bringing the total investment in Florida communities to $740,000.

“Volunteers play a critical role in our communities and without them, many of the goods and services that we know today would cease to exist,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I applaud Volunteer Florida’s efforts to ensure that Florida’s nonprofit organizations have the resources they need to be successful in our communities.”

Volunteer Florida's VGF program, which is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, helps organizations use skills-based volunteers to serve Florida students, families and communities. Skills-based volunteerism expands the impact of organizations by leveraging the experience and talents of professionals, such as teachers, IT consultants, accountants and attorneys.

“Skills-based volunteers are an integral part of many nonprofits as they help extend the reach and capacity of organizations to meet their missions,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram. “Since 2014, Volunteer Florida has been able to empower 50,943 skills-based volunteers to serve 746,487 hours, a value of nearly $17 million to the State of Florida, through the VGF program.”

The following organizations received VGF funding for the 2019-2020 program year:

Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church ($15,000) – Bay County
The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church will recruit and utilize at least 400 volunteers who will help rebuild Hurricane Michael-damaged homes.

Big Bend Hospice Foundation, Inc. ($15,000) – Leon County
Big Bend Hospice will recruit 450 volunteers who will conduct Valor Ceremonies to honor the organization’s veteran patients.

Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, Inc. ($15,000) – Duval County
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council will recruit 500 volunteers who will lead STEM, financial literacy and life skills programs to Girl Scouts in north Florida.

Girls on the Run of the Big Bend, Inc. ($20,000) – Leon County
In their third year of funding, Girls on the Run of the Big Bend will recruit 400 volunteers to fulfill the organization’s mission of inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc. ($15,000) – Wakulla County
The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, Inc. will recruit 400 volunteers who will lead environmental education tours, assist with sea turtle releases, collect and identify marine specimens, care for marine specimens, participate in educational outreach events, and create educational exhibits at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea, Florida.

House of Hope ($15,000) – Martin County
House of Hope will recruit 400 volunteers that will contribute a total of 3,000 volunteer hours. Volunteers will assist the organization with various volunteer projects and duties in the organization’s food pantries, gardens and centers.

ICU Baby, Inc. ($15,000) – Miami-Dade County
ICU Baby will recruit 400 volunteers who will provide support to families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at Baptist Health System’s South Miami Hospital and Holtz Children’s Hospital at UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center.

Junior Achievement of Greater Miami ($15,000) – Dade County
Junior Achievement of Greater Miami will recruit 400 volunteers who will visit K-12 classrooms and interact with students and educators, sharing business knowledge and real-life experiences that relate to the lessons of Junior Achievement's programming.

Junior Achievement of South Florida ($20,000) – Broward County
In their third year of funding, Junior Achievement of South Florida will recruit 400 volunteers who will instruct and mentor eighth grade and high school students and teach financial literacy, substance abuse prevention, and workforce readiness.

Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast ($15,000) – Palm Beach County
Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast will recruit 400 volunteers who will teach Junior Achievement curriculum in classrooms.

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine ($15,000) – Polk County
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine will recruit 400 volunteers that will provide clinical and operational support at their clinics.

Manna Food Bank ($15,000) – Escambia County
Manna Food Bank will recruit over 400 volunteers that will help the organization provide emergency food assistance and specialty programs to those in need in northwest Florida.

New Hope for Kids ($20,000) – Orange County
In their third year of funding, New Hope for Kids will recruit 400 volunteers who will work with children and adults dealing with grief and loss.

Performing Arts Center Trust, Inc. (The Adrienne Arsht Center) ($20,000) – Miami-Dade County
In their third year of funding, The Adrienne Arsht Center will recruit 400 volunteers who will tutor, mentor and engage more than 60,000 students from Miami-Dade County Public Schools as part of the center’s free art education program.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum ($20,000) – St. Johns County
In their third year of funding, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum will recruit 400 volunteers who will educate the public about the maritime history of Florida.

Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital ($15,000) – Broward County
The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital will recruit 400 volunteers who will aid in fostering environmental stewardship.

Schott Memorial Center, Inc. ($20,000) – Broward County
In their third year of funding, Schott Communities will recruit 400 volunteers who will lead and assist with nutrition, mental health, and exercise activities for special needs clients at the organization’s center in Cooper City, Florida.

Seniors on a Mission, Inc. ($20,000) – Duval County
In their third year of funding, Seniors on a Mission will recruit 400 senior volunteers who will assist local nonprofit organizations in Jacksonville through various activities, such as sorting clothes and stuffing envelopes.

Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, Inc. ($20,000) – Palm Beach County
In their third year of funding, Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, Inc. will recruit 400 volunteers who will serve as child advocates, making sure that the child’s best interests are met during dependency cases in Palm Beach County.

St. Lucie County Oxbow Eco-Center ($15,000) – St. Lucie County
The Oxbow Eco-Center will recruit 400 volunteers who will serve to support the multi-faceted Riverlution Program and assist with education and outreach throughout St. Lucie County.

The School Board of Broward County, Florida ($15,000) – Broward County
The School Board of Broward County will recruit 400 volunteers who will complete service projects at over 100 school-sites throughout Broward County.

Volunteers in Service to the Elderly ($15,000) – Polk County
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly will recruit 400 volunteers to provide supportive services to more than 4,200 seniors, age 70 and above, to help them live safely and independently in their own homes.

Funding for the VGF program is awarded through a competitive application process. To learn more about this funding opportunity and others, please sign up for the Volunteer Florida newsletter by clicking here.

###

About Volunteer Florida
In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established in Florida Statutes to manage national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, and advocate for volunteerism throughout the Sunshine State. Since then, Volunteer Florida has evolved to serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters, including managing the Florida Disaster Fund. After 25 years, Volunteer Florida remains committed to promoting volunteerism in Florida, and recently launched the state’s official volunteer opportunities platform, Volunteer Connect. Through our work, Volunteer Florida delivers high-impact volunteer programs and opportunities that engage Floridians, transform communities and make the state a better place to live. For more information, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org.

https://www.volunteerflorida.org/volunteer-generation-fund-funding-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3oOhTWVaEhEj-R6kdVHHg9t9di3mIHKj7T7uJVjef872-ULNcAcRh1kGE

For Immediate Release: 

SPEAK UP FOR KIDS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY NAMED “2019 TOP-RATED NONPROFIT” by GreatNonprofits

Award based on Outstanding Online Reviews 

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA (November 6, 2019) –Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County announced today it has been named a “2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. 

Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County provides advocacy for 1600+ abused and neglected children in Palm Beach County, resulting in newly funded positions at the Guardian ad Litem Program as well as funding for children to support their well-being, normalcy activities, clothing, shoes, birthdays, school supplies and more!

“We are honored to be named a 2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit,” says Coleen LaCosta, Executive Director, Speak Up for Kids. “We are proud of our accomplishments this year, including our Targeted Initiatives: Therapeutic Court, Early Childhood Court, and Foster Palm Beach.” 

The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is the based on the rating and number of reviews that Speak Up for Kids received from volunteers, donors and aid recipients. In the words of one Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocate, “Speak Up supplies the little extras that mean so much to a child that has been removed from his family and feels totally alone. I have gone to them for the extra gift of the high school graduation ring, or scholarship money to send a young girl to a very special conference in Washington. When we have a child who would benefit by having riding lessons, art lessons, music lessons, or even the musical instrument that is not available by any other means. SPEAK UP FOR KIDS works continually raising enough money to make sure that the children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned have what they need.”

“Speak Up for Kids is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews they have received from people who have direct experience working with Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County.” 

GreatNonprofits is the leading website where people share stories about their personal experiences on more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the charities – as donors, volunteers and recipients of aid.  

About Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County
Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, Inc. is the exclusive 501(c)(3) fundraising arm for the Guardian ad Litem Program of Palm Beach County, Florida. We champion best-interest child advocacy through the recruitment, training, and retention of court-appointed volunteer child advocates. These “guardian angels” are committed solely to each child’s emotional, educational, and physical well-being throughout dependency court proceedings as the only 100% objective voice. Through effective advocacy the cycles of abuse, violence, and crime are being broken one child at a time, and children’s futures are being rewritten. 

About GreatNonprofits 
GreatNonprofits is the leading site for donors and volunteers to find stories and ratings of nonprofits. Stories on the site influence 30 million donation decisions a year. Visit www.greatnonprofits.org for more information. 

Media Contacts 
Fiona Wade 
Fiona@SpeakUpForKidsPBC.org
561-355-3799 

Perla Ni
Great Nonprofits
650-249-3792
perlani@greatnonprofits.org

In Palm Beach County there are nearly 1,600 children involved in dependency court proceedings, a situation that no child should have to face – especially not alone.

There are nearly 300 children every year who still need a voice. These children need a gal (Guardian Ad Litem) to speak up for their best interest. 

The Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program in Palm Beach County is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida’s abused and neglected children. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers (GALs) are trained, court-appointed advocates for children who have been abused,  abandoned, or neglected. 

Speak Up for Kids is a not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose is to support the Guardian ad Litem program in Palm Beach County by funding projects and needs that are not supported through other sources. This is why Speak Up For Kids exists. 

Speak Up For Kids is currently collecting toys for their Holiday Toy Drive. “We collect for 1600+ children – all children in care, we are the only agency that does that. We do have a gift guide when people are looking for suggestions, but anything is welcome!” Children range in age from newborns to 18 years old. 50% of the children Speak Up for Kids cares for are under 5. You can reach out to Coleen LaCosta directly at coleen@speakupforkidspbc.org to find out how you can make a difference this holiday season.

Speak Up For Kids Palm Beach County, Inc. is a non-profit located in West Palm Beach. You can find out more ways to help (volunteer, donations and more) at www.speakupforkidspbc.org.

https://www.pbparenting.com/2019/11/07/holiday-toy-drive/?fbclid=IwAR2fnLBzIj5rexnG5QSM1JRhqXGOXKbbTUEbozYDH08NbPYa4EQpSahWkQc

HERE WE ARE IN THE CHANNEL 20 PROGRAM GUIDE FOR NOVEMBER 2019

Leading Charities And Foundations 2019-2020
https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2019/November/

MAGNIFICENT video story of Guardian ad Litem and Speak Up For Kids out produced entirely by the extraordinarily talented DANTZI media by Danilda Martinez and family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G194PFSylc4

[Tallahassee] – The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program has recognized State Representative Rick Roth of West Palm Beach as its newest honorary member, thanks to his work on behalf of abused, abandoned and neglected children in the state foster care system.

Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz said the lawmaker, now in his second term, has championed a number of measures to help these children find permanent homes.

"Since he took office, he's made protecting vulnerable children one of his top priorities," Abramowitz said.

The Guardian ad Litem Program represents abused, abandoned and neglected children in dependency court proceedings. In House District 85, Representative Roth is very supportive of Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, the non-profit arm of the GAL circuit program, which honored him at its gala earlier this month.

For the upcoming 2020 legislative session, Representative Roth is sponsoring House Bill 61, which would allow veterans and military service members to be eligible to receive adoption benefits when adopting children from the state's child welfare system. He also is sponsoring House Bill 193, which provides additional childcare benefits for certain foster parents.

"As a state, we should be looking for ways to support people with loving homes who adopt and foster children," Representative Roth said. 

An agricultural business owner, Representative Roth earned his bachelor's degree from Emory University and serves on the boards of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau. He is affiliated with the Belle Glade Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Farmers Feeding Florida, the Florida Association of Food Banks and the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.  

To learn more about the Guardian ad Litem Program or to become a volunteer, visit GuardianAdLitem.org or call 1-866-341-1425.

Thirty-eight do-gooders are up for the coveted “Woman Volunteer of the Year” award.

Hosted by the Junior League of Boca Raton, the annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon will return for the 32nd year on Nov. 8 to the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

Over 1,000 Junior League members, nominees and guests are expected to attend the festivities, which kick-off at 10 a.m.

The luncheon celebrates outstanding women in the community nominated by nonprofit organizations throughout Palm Beach County for their dedication and expertise as volunteers, as well as the work they do to further the missions of the organizations they serve.

“The coolest part of this event is we get to honor these women who make such an impact in our community,” Junior League of Boca Raton president Cristy Stewart Harfmann said. “What would Boca be like without our volunteers?”

This year, the event will be planned by co-chairs who know what it takes to put on a large luncheon. Nicole Mugavero and Lisa Warren co-chaired the luncheon 10 years ago. They have been Junior League members for 20 years.

And while they wouldn’t dish out what surprises they have up their sleeve for the event this year, they shared that there will be a big surprise when you walk in the room.

Amy Kazma, a long-time member of Junior League, has been named the honorary chair of this year’s luncheon.

The 38 volunteers were introduced late September during a kick-off event at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute.

The hospital is the award sponsor and hospital president Mark Larkin said it is something that the hospital is “honored to do.”

Also announced during the kick-off event is the fashion designer who will be featured during the fashion show produced by Saks Fifth Avenue.

This year, the designer is Andrea Lieberman and her ready-to-wear line A.L.C. Lieberman will attend the event and sit at the Saks-VIP table. The swag bag at the Saks-VIP table will include gifts from A.L.C.

“We’re thrilled to have such an exciting designer showcased in this year’s fashion show and attending the luncheon! Andrea Lieberman’s design is known for being bold, versatile, and modern; a style which also embodies the essence of our volunteers and members,” Stewart Harfmann, said.

Yves Saint Laurent is the 2019 Beauty Partner for the fashion show and will provide YSL gifts for the nominees at the kickoff reception and gifts in the Saks-VIP Table swag bag on the day of the luncheon.

Saks also donated a Fendi Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag valued at $2,690 to be raffled off. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Raffle tickets cost $100. The winner will be drawn at the luncheon.

Tickets to the luncheon start at $150 per person. VIP runway seats cost $250 per person, which includes priority check-in and access to a VIP lounge where guests can sip on a signature cocktail in Saks Fifth Avenue’s Beauty Bar. Runway VIP guests will have an opportunity to meet the Fashion Show’s featured designer during a pre-show meet and greet.

2019 nominees: Judi Shuman, Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center; Cheryl Van Hare, Alzheimer’s Association; Jan Dymtrow, American Association of Caregiving Youth, Inc.; Lori Castle, American Cancer Society; Meryll Bangsil, Best Foot Forward Foundation; Julianna Miron, Boca Ballet Theatre; Mariebel Torres, Boca Helping Hands; Pamela Higer-Polani, Boca Raton Brain Bowl (Alzheimer’s Brain Bowl); Sabrina Smith, Boca Raton Children’s Museum (ImagiNation at the Children’s Museum); Maria Di Pasquale, Boca Raton Christian School; Joanne Barnes, Boca Raton Firefighter & Paramedic Benevolent; Denise Alman, Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum; Jane Katzen, Caridad Center; Nilsa McKinney, Caring House Project Foundation; Fran Nachlas, Connected Warriors; Becky Knapp, CROS Ministries; Sherry Thomas, Debbie Rand Memorial Service League; Martine Pierre-Paul, Eat Better Live Better; Gwen Collins, Faulk Center for Counseling; Kelly Ferrarese, Florence Fuller Child Development Center Inc.; Nancy Dockerty, George Snow Scholarship Fund; Robyn Raphael-Dynan, Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County; Aggie Stoops, HomeSafe; Kim Beaumont, Impact 100 Palm Beach County; Kirsten Stanley, Junior League of Boca Raton; Julie Rudolph, Junior League of the Palm Beaches; Lisa Ashley, KidSafe Foundation; Marilynn Wick, National Society of Arts & Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter; Michelle Stallone, Pinkball; Renee Feder, Place of Hope Rinker Campus; Marilyn Wilson, Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton; Shaw Thomas, Speak Up for Kids Palm Beach County/Guardian ad Litem Program Palm Beach County; Debbie Anderson, Spirit of Giving Network; Jamie Levin, Student ACES; Jeannette Stark, Unicorn Children’s Foundation; Viviane Altef, Women’s Executive Club of South Palm Beach County; and Rosie Inguanzo-Martin, YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Boca.

Red shoes and red ties abound, Speak Up For Kids Inaugural There's No Place Like Home took guest from Kansas to Emerald City in a night to remember. Characters greeted guests who were led from Kansas to the Lollipop Land then down the Yellow Brick Road to Oz. The message of the night "There's No Place Like Home" hit the heart of all those that attended.

Jupiter, FL, October 28, 2019 --(PR.com)-- Presented by event Chair, Robin Henderson and Honorary Chairs Ric & Dorothy Bradshaw, this ruby shoe and red tie affair was held October 19 at Jupiter’s Johnathan’s Landing Clubhouse and transported attendees to our very own Emerald City where cocktails, silent auction, dinner, and dancing was abound - all in support of the 15th Judicial District Guardian ad Litem advocacy program; the volunteer corps serving as the voice of the estimated 1,700 children involved in abuse and neglect cases in our county.

“Our heart is to remain true to not only our mission, but also to the hearts of the children we serve,” says event chair, Robin Henderson who is a Senior Vice President/Senior Client Manager with Bank of America Merrill Lynch in the Palm Beach Business Banking Division and serves as the Vice President of Speak Up for Kids board of directors. “Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, local children are yearning for home. Speaking up for them fuels us.”

This desire also resonates with Honorary Chairs, Ric & Dorothy Bradshaw who say “There is no higher duty than the one we have to ensure children have hope and a future."

The night’s events included recognition of the Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow honorees; Voloridge Investment Management, Representative Rick Roth, and Ackerman LLP, respectively, for their heart, courage, and the intellectual capital exhibited to enhance impact and improve legislation in the child welfare arena.

“Our honorees have granted children’s holiday wishes, served to champion legislation for improvement of the dependency system, and empowered our youth through scholarships and pro bono legal services,” says Bradshaw. She continues, “Collective impact deserves recognition and Palm Beach County exemplifies unified dedication to elevate children above their current circumstance and pave the way for them to thrive.”

Sponsored by: PBSO, Steinger, Greene & Feiner, DS Eakins Construction, Split Rock Foundation, Bank of America, Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, Caracuzzo - Keller, Keller, Caracuzzo, Cox & Belluccio, Wendy Dohner, NextEra, Woodland Landscaping, Southern Certified Incorporated, Morgan Mitchell Photography, Robin Henderson, Sherrie Wolfe and Enrique Echave,

Speak Up for Kids champions the efforts of the local Guardian ad Litem Program, volunteer child advocates who serve as the voice for child victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect. Funds raised from this event will provide resources so that every vulnerable child in care has what they need and has a voice representing their physical, educational, and emotional best interest in court proceedings. For information, visit www.SpeakUpforKidsPBC.org.

Contact InformationSpeak Up for Kids
Coleen LaCosta
561-355-3799
Contact
speakupforkidspbc.org

https://aguyonclematis.com/2019/10/an-unbirthday-party-by-speak-up-for-kids-on-clematis-street/

by Aaron Wormus | Oct 25, 2019

This is why it takes me so long to walk down Clematis Street each day, also why I love it so much.

After work while strolling back to my car I walked into an “Unbirthday Party” that @speakupforkidspbc was throwing at @subculturecoffee. The event was to raise awareness to their Guardian ad Litem program.

Chris Warner did an excellent job in putting together a whimsical tea party to benefit Kids in Foster Care and all the quality of life items like birthdays, which are often not even acknowledged 😭. 

Artist Heather Neiman supported the event through her art.

Chris reminisced about his time in the Foster care system and how they treasured the birthday cards that their Guardian ad Litem sent them each year.

As part of the event party goers could buy a birthday card for $25. For each card sold Speak up for Kids PBC will give a card, cake and gift for a child in the Foster Care system.

It was inspiring to hear all the work that they were doing. Thanks for bringing your passion and throwing a party on Clematis Street!

Get more info at https://speakupforkidspbc.org

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

Speak Up For Kids, through their Foster Palm Beach program, is devoted to finding caring homes for abused, abandoned, & neglected children in Palm Beach County.

https://www.wpbf.com/article/this-day-in-history-einstein-szilard-letter-delivered-to-president-roosevelt/29432639

Boca Raton, FL – Nonprofits First, Inc. has announced 113 nominees, representing 90 local nonprofit organizations and community partners, who will be recognized at its third annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards ceremony.

The event, a spirited, hat-themed cocktail reception, will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Harriett Himmel Theatre in West Palm Beach.  Well-known former TV personalities Suzanne Boyd and Eric Roby, who host the Rise+Live morning talk show, will emcee the evening.  In keeping with supporting the nonprofit community, hors d’oeuvres will be catered by Joshua Catering from The Lord’s Place.

Awards will be given in nine categories, including awards for organizations and individuals. New this year is the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring an individual who, over the years, has effected noteworthy change in Palm Beach County and is held in high esteem by the community. The winners in each category will be kept a secret until they are announced on stage during the ceremony.

A blue-ribbon panel of 50 community leaders in the public and private sectors selected. Two live awards will also be announced at the event. Guests will be invited to vote on the People’s Choice Award, which will acknowledge the nominee receiving the most votes.  Also, judges will be scouting for creativity when selecting a winner of the Best Hat Award.

“This event sold out last year, so we encourage people to buy their tickets early,” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First, which is hosting the event. “We anticipate another exciting evening of cheerful celebration for those in the business of doing good.”

Funds raised from this unique event benefit Nonprofits First Education Programs. These programs focus on the professional development, leadership and training the nonprofit community volunteers and employees need to lead and succeed.

To view the nominees, visit https://www.nonprofitsfirst.org/page/HatsOffNominees. To purchase tickets, go online to www.HatsOffAwards.org or call Nonprofits First at 561-214-7435.

For more than 12 years, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of success.

2019 Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Nominees

Nonprofit of the Year – Small – (Operating budget less than $500,000)

Chasin A Dream Foundation

Eat Better Live Better

Encore Palm Beach County

Florida Fishing Academy

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach

Friends of Palm Beach

Funding Working Families

Holy Ground Shelter of Palm Beach County

Ladies of Futurity

Piper’s Angels Foundation

Princesses Against Cancer

Restoration Bridge International

Sea Turtle Adventures

The Reef Institute

WiseTribe.Us

Nonprofit of the Year – Medium – (Operating budget $500,001-$2.49 million)

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Christians Reaching Out to Society (CROS Ministries)

Coalition for Independent Living Options

Compass LGBTQ Community Center

First Serve

NAMI Palm Beach County

Susan G. Komen Florida

Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Village of Hope of Palm Beach County

Nonprofit of the Year – Large – (Operating budget more than $2.5 million)

Achievement Centers for Children and Families

Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Community Partners of South Florida

Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County

Place of Hope

Redlands Christian Migrant Association

The Arc of Palm Beach County

Lifetime Achievement 

Nancy G. Brinker

Jan Cairnes

Gregory Demetriades

John A. Foley

Liz Lieber

Jane Robinson

Lauree Simmons

Julie Swindler

Monique D. Brown Wellons

Dan West

Tenna Wiles

Nonprofit Executive of the Year 

Sharon Alexander, Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Jervonte Edmonds, Suits for Seniors

Tracey Godin, Feeling Fine Canine and Equine Rescue

Scott Hansel, Community Partners of South Florida

Elizabeth Harrigan, The Reef Institute

Karen Hilo, Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County

Lisa Johnson, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

Laura Kallus, Caridad Center

Sharon L’Herrou, 211 Helpline

Coleen LaCosta, Speak Up for Kids

Lizabeth Olszewski, Horses Healing Hearts

Rhonda Rogers, Lake Worth West Resident Planning Group

Wil Romelus, Digital Vibez

Edna Runner, Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center

Colleen Smith, Ballet Palm Beach

Dr. Chase St. James, Operation Wounded Warriors

Valerie Staggs, Pandora’s Kids

Nancy Stellway, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach

Travis Suit, Piper’s Angels Foundation

Julie Swindler, Families First of Palm Beach County

Debra Tendrich, Eat Better Live Better

Chris Tress, Urban Youth Impact

Nonprofit Professional of the Year

Stephanie De La Cruz, Center for Child Counseling

Kathryn Grace, Hanley Foundation

Nickie Hennevelt, West Palm Beach Library Foundation

Josh Hirsch, Susan G. Komen Florida

Amy Mann, Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Katherine Murphy, NAMI Palm Beach County

Berthanie A. Pierre, Achievement Center for Children and Families

Kelly Powell, Community Partners of South Florida

Chloe Rits, Be Like Brit

Barbara Scarlata, Pediatric Oncology Support Team

Lauren Scirrotto, Center for Child Counseling

Carolyn Williams-Smith, YWCA of Palm Beach County

Melissa Wise, United Way of Palm Beach County

Nonprofit MVP of the Year

Tara Hails, Pathways to Prosperity

Wilbert Jean-Baptiste, Digital Vibez

Robbriannia “Annia” Johnson, YWCA of Palm Beach County

Tracy Speranza, Community Partners of South Florida

Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year

Michael T. Bayer, Redlands Christian Migrant Association

Melissa Bilodeau, Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Robert Cataldo, Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Evan C. Deoul, Philanthropy Tank

Dana Finegan, Restoration Bridge International

Angela Fisher, Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Keely Gideon-Taylor, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach

Brian Kappen, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

Thomas M. Kirchhoff, Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Wayne Lefkowitz, Compass LGBT Community Center

Theresa LePore, YWCA of Palm Beach County

Bill Lynch, Center for Child Counseling

Denise Mariani, No Kid Hungry, Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Jupiter Beach, Leadership Palm Beach County

Fr. Seamus Murtagh, Holy Ground Shelter for Homeless

Adam Narkier, Community Partners of South Florida

Judy O’Malley, Historical Society of Palm Beach County

John Tedesco, Police Athletic League of West Palm Beach

Shaw Thomas, Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County

Melissa Wise, Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County

Community Collaborators Award

Feeding 150 Children and Families Over Summer Weekends Through the Distribution of Over 1200 Bags Of Food 

Achievement Centers for Children and Families, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Volunteers of the Palm Beaches, and the Polo Club of Boca Raton

Empowering Foster Care Youth in Palm Beach County to Realize and Achieve Their Dreams by Graduating from High School and Leading Successful, Productive Lives

Best Foot Forward Foundation, Inc., ChildNet, and AT&T

Engaging the Youth of Palm Beach County while out of School for the Summer, Winter, and Spring Break

Boynton Beach Police Department, Delray Beach Police Department, Stuart & Shelby Development CEO Chuck Halberg, and GBDC Entrepreneurship Institute

Delivering Medical and Behavioral Health Services to the Chronically Homeless and Other Underserved Adult Patients Across Palm Beach County

1. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics – Mobile Clinic, City of West Palm Beach, The Lord’s Place, St. Ann Place, St. George’s Center

Locally-Led Solutions for Community Wellness, Including Healthier Together Sites in Northern West Palm and Riviera Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and the Glades

Community Partners of South Florida and Palm Health Foundation

Getting Kids Moving Toward a Lifestyle That Prioritizes Health and Fitness 

Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center and Palm Health Foundation

Creating Safe and Beautiful Visitation Rooms to Promote Bonding and Interactions Between Parents and Children in the Child Welfare System

Guardian ad Litem, Childnet, Children’s Home Society, Palm Beach County Youth Services, FAU, The Breakers Palm Beach and community supporters

Encouraging Children to Show Other Children Inclusiveness and Belonging While Raising Awareness About the Negative Impact of Bullying  

Mental Health America of Palm Beach County and Author/Educator Loverly Sheridan

Saving the Lives Of Adoptable Animals Entering the Palm Beach County-Run Shelter

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control

Giving Youth the Opportunity to Reach Their Full Potential as Productive, Responsible Adults Who Will Enhance the Communities Where They Reside

Student and Athlete Mentoring Program and Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County

Creating a Comprehensive, Integrated System of Care That Meets the Changing Needs of Persons With Special Needs/Disability Throughout Their Life Span

The Palm Beach County Special Needs Advisory Coalition

Teaching the Students of Palm Beach County to be Stewards of Our Oceans Through Research and Educational Opportunities

The Reef Institute (formerly Healthy Aquatics Institute) and the School District of Palm Beach County

Keeping Victims Of Domestic Violence and Their Children Safe With Their Non-Offending Parent and Holding Perpetrators of Domestic Violence Accountable

YWCA of Palm Beach County, Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence, DCF Circuit 15, Childnet, Children’s Home Society, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, Children’s Legal Services, and the Florida Department of Corrections

Communications strategist, business owner, mother of two, and diehard child advocate Shaw Heydt Thomas, was introduced to child welfare and the societal implications of abuse, abandonment, and neglect through her work with various South Florida organizations. Through her many service efforts, she was learned about the work of the Guardian ad Litem Program, a league of approximately 600 volunteer court-appointed child advocates serving as the voice for victims of maltreatment. At any given time, in Palm Beach County alone, there are between 1,400 and 1,600 children involved in victimization cases; usually perpetrated by the adults they trusted the most. Each of these children deserve a voice in the court system; but the workers are too few to meet the need. 

“I saw, in a very real way, how the budget shortfalls realized by the Guardian ad Litem Program had a direct impact on the safety, security, normalcy, and permanency goals of the children the system set out to serve,” says Thomas. When a dedicated group of volunteer advocates decided to form the Speak up for Kids of Palm Beach County nonprofit with an exclusive focus on raising supplemental funding for the Guardian ad Litem, Thomas was at the table as a founding member, dedicated to achieving 100% advocacy for all children involved in dependency proceedings. “I cannot believe that was 10 years ago; so much has happened since then,” Thomas laughs. “Most recently we reached 100% advocacy for children in Belle Glade. That is tremendous, but there is always more to do.”

Today, Thomas is the President of the Board of Directors of Speak Up for Kids and her resolve remains unwavering.  While attending a symposium, she learned that most children in foster care never experience a birthday party; she was determined to change that. Known in her professional circles as an action-oriented leader, she is adept at creating solutions when challenges were presented. Thomas created and implemented the Speak Up for Kids ‘Gift-A-Birthday’ program. “To be truly impactful, conversations around child welfare and foster care must include normalcy for victims. That includes celebrating a child on his or her birthday,” says Thomas, “and anyone can make that happen with a $25 donation.” 

“The foster care and child welfare systems do not reach as many people as they should because the message is just too much. It is a gargantuan issue, laced with epic shortfalls, and even though the masses are moved emotionally when they hear the sad stories, they feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to help in any meaningful way,” says Guardian ad Litem child advocate, and former foster child, Christopher Ray Warner.

Warner began his journey in foster care at the age of three and remained in the system until he ‘aged out’ at 18. Now in his 20’s, Warner recalls his experiences growing up ‘in care’ as a time of constant upheaval and uncertainty with very few moments of joy or celebration. When he heard about Speak Up for Kids Gift-A-Birthday program, he thought, “Wow! They get it!” 

Citing Thomas as his inspiration, Warner created the unBirthday Party, an event where art and creativity combine with a cause. Warner, as well as other child welfare advocates, will be on hand to ‘Spill the Tea’, a euphemism for the foster care truths Q&A session central to the event.  

Warner hosts these events several times per year.  “This is a community effort with businesses either partnering for each event,” says Warner. “Partners like Subculture Coffee, who, donates the space to us, Heather Neiman Art make these conversations possible,” he continues.

“We have increased participation with each event and more people are beginning to see that everyone can do something,” Warner says. “It is revolutionary when I tell someone that it is ‘OK’ to impact only one person and I see that they get it. Not everyone is made to take on an entire system; most of us aren’t equipped to do that.”

Warner, who has fond memories of his own Guardian ad Litem, admits that he has kept every birthday and greeting card he has ever received through his time in foster care; even through periods of homelessness. “By celebrating a child, we tell them they are worthy, and they begin to internalize their value. Sometimes, that is all they’ve got. I know how much it meant to me.”

Through ongoing financial support, Speak Up for Kids champions the efforts of the volunteer child advocates of the Guardian ad Litem Program. Their Foster Palm Beach program works to find foster homes for children in care.  For more information on this event, to sign your business up to host an unBirthday event, or to find out ways you or your organization can help, call 561.408.7779.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A shortage in foster care parents in Palm Beach County has a foster care advocate asking people to step up and become foster parents. 

The reason for the need is the increase in parents using opioids.

Diana Reese, advocate with Speak Up for Kids, said over 400 hundred children have ended up in foster care in the county since the beginning of the year, outpacing the number of foster homes available.

This is causing many of children to end up in group homes.

https://cbs12.com/news/local/increase-in-opioid-addiction-is-causing-a-strain-the-foster-care-system?fbclid=IwAR1fDxjSF1SHjAml8FeBlf2mbwZ4eMji_9DqnIYEt_Ktzc-i5xU0wCoibWI