UPCOMING EVENTS

Tampa Bay Rays Games

Wednesday, April 3, 1:10 PM

Monday, April 22, 7:10 PM

Wednesday, May 29, 7:10 PM

Monday, August 19, 7:10 PM

Tuesday, September 24, 7:10 PM

1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg

Join us at this Tampa Bay Rays game to cheer on our local team and enjoy a fun outing at the ballpark.

These tickets were donated for Volunteer Child Advocate children, adults unaccompanied by a child will not be allowed entry with the exception of April 3rd's game.

This event is  free  of charge but space is limited and available on a first come-first served basis. Call or email Jonathan at 727-464-7171 or  jonathan.friedman@gal.fl.gov for more information and to reserve your tickets. 

Threshers vs. Ft. Meyers Mirage

Friday, April 12, 7:00 PM

Spectrum Field 601 N. Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater

Awesome game and FREE food. Join us at the ballpark to cheer on our local teams! This is a great bonding experience for you and the kiddo for whom you advocate!

For more information and to register click here.

Hamburger Mary's Bingo Night

Wednesday, April 24th 7:30 PM

28910 US Hwy 19N, Clearwater

Come join us at Hamburger Mary's to eat, drink and be Mary...while raising funds to support children's needs in foster care! Bingo is $10 for 10 games and we will have great prizes. We will also have a 50/50 raffle -- so bring some cash and be ready for a super fun time! Reservations should be made in advance by calling 727-400-6996!

Cooking Matters - Pasco

6 Wednesdays starting June 6

One Stop Shop 15029 14th St. Dade City, FL

Open to teens in the Guardian ad Litem program! Prepare healthy meals and snacks for yourself, your family and friends and make smart food choices. Register your teen here.

SuperHero 5K

Saturday, October 12 8:30 AM

Safety Harbor, FL

Registration is open!!! And this year we are offering up a .5K (yes, you read correct a .5K --that's 500 meters) too. You can register here. Volunteer Child Advocates use code VCA to get 50% off your registration and use code VCAK for 100% off registration for the child/ren for whom you advocate. If you are interested in sponsoring the SuperHero 5K, you can find out more information about sponsorship levels here.

RESOURCES

Scholarship Applications Open Now

The Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay is delighted to announce that our 2019 Lippitt Perseverance Scholarship and 2019 Merle Allshouse Scholarship applications are no w open. Detail and applications can be found on our  website! The deadline is April 3, 2019.

Summer Camp Applications Open

Each year, the Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay provides support for children with a volunteer child advocate to attend enriching summer opportunities like day camps, soccer leagues, dance classes and more. Requests for Summer Activities will be viewed on a rolling basis--the final deadline is Friday May 10, 2019. The average approval for summer camp is between $200 - $300. Please plan in advance whenever possible. For a list of items you will need to fill out the application please go to our website:  http://www.herotoachild.org/menus/summer-camp-requests-accepted-now.html

Frequently Asked Questions for Foster Youth Transitioning to Adulthood

Are you looking for information about issues pertinent to your teen like opening a bank account, getting a driver's license or more? Check out this guide chock full of incredible information here.

Lending Library Now Available!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg we now have a lending library at our ICOT & Corporate Way office full of books/games/dvds for adults and children that relate to issues children face in care and in life. Check one of them out today.

Developmental Relationship Training

Friday, May 10

9 AM - 11:30 AM: GAL staff, case managers and other child welfare professionals

1 PM - 3:30 PM: Volunteer child advocates, foster and adoptive parents

ICOT Office - 14102 58th St. N

Clearwater

Relationships are too important to leave to chance. Educational success and social-emotional development blossom when caring adults and supportive peers are present in young people's lives. Join us for this FREE training generously funded by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. Click here to register for the training for professionals. Click here to register for the training for volunteers and caregivers/parents.

ONE STORY

Amy is a medically complex child with multiple medical issues. She spent the first 6 months of her life in Shands' NICU. When she went home, her parents missed important doctor appointments and she was not growing appropriately. She was removed and put in Foster Care. She has been able to come off oxygen and many of her meds. She has grown and gained weight. She attends Kidz Club and has an Early Steps therapist who comes to her home. On a visit recently, Kidz Club told me she had outgrown her car seat. Amy is now in a car seat that fits her appropriately. This is much safer for her and I am so thankful for the support!

OUR IMPACT

In the first two months of 2019, we have answered 107 requests for a total of $13,401! That is a 67% increase in requests over the first two months of 2018 and a 115% increase in dollars spent!