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Message from Interim CEO: James Carlson
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In high school, my niece Meagan was active on Space Coast crew, which according to their website, is a non-profit organization established during the summer of 1996 to promote the sport of rowing among Brevard County Scholastic students, grades 8-12. She was so accomplished that she received a crew scholarship to the University of Tampa.
I had the good fortune to watch several of her competitions which took place on the Banana River here in Brevard County. It was amazing to watch eight rowers, all working together, synchronizing their movements to achieve a single outcome. It was also informative to watch teams when the rowers were not in sync. Their boats did not go straight; the team lost speed, and usually lost the race.
It can be that way in child welfare as well. If we are aligned, "rowing together", we cannot help but have successful outcomes for our families, and for each other. If someone along the way loses their rhythm, it can negatively impact the success of the family, and eventually the success of our System of Care. Each one of us has our part to play in the success of the lives of the children and families we serve.
Read More
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From BFP Executive Director:
Valerie Holmes
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 Greetings Friends and Colleagues,
This month
signifies a new chapter in the story of Brevard Family Partnership; after many years of inspiring leadership, Dr. Patricia Nellius retired as the founding CEO. Here's to a
well-deserved and happy retirement!
The expression
"find your passion and it's no longer work" embodies what drives the child welfare workforce to operational excellence. I have come to find that those who choose this field are energized, uplifted, and inspired through the courageous work that others might find too daunting to encounter.
Never have I met so many talented individuals, dedicated to improving the outcomes and the future of the children and families entrusted to our care.
Your passion for positive change is at the heart of building better communities; together we can continuously improve the service delivery system through our progressive thinking and creative approach.
I'm proud of the work we do! It is with this realization that I extend my admiration to each of you for staying the course, staying focused, and making it happen!
Respectfully,
Valerie
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Domestic Violence Awareness
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Domestic violence is any physical, emotional, economic, or sexual abuse to ones intimate partner in an effort to gain control or power over them. Abuse can include any behaviors that humiliate, isolate, intimidate, manipulate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
Domestic violence does not know gender, religion, age, race, or sexual orientation. It can and does effect all socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels.
Abuse does not happen on an island and does not only affect the abused victim. Domestic violence causes a significant and lasting impact on family, friends, witnesses, co-workers, and the community as a whole.
According to
The United States Department of Justice, children who grow up witnessing domestic violence are among those most seriously affected by this crime. Frequent exposure to violence in the home, not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life, therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society's next generation of victims and abusers.
You DO NOT have to be a victim any longer! There is help close by. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse of any kind, please reach out for help!
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119
For more general information about domestic violence, including potential warning signs for emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline's information page:
For more information about the Domestic Violence awareness Project Visit:
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Halloween is such a fun night for the family! Candy, family, dressing up, friends, and did we mention candy? With all the fun and excitement please do not forget the dangers that can come with trick-or-treating.
Here are a few trick-or-treating safety tips to keep you and your family safe!
Plan a route in advance
Even if your child is familiar with the route make sure to walk with them, keep an eye on them at all times, and stick to your projected path. Use all designated sidewalks and crosswalks. Never assume a car can see you!
Wear comfy shoes
This one can be tricky due to costumes but having comfortable shoes will make the night much more enjoyable.
Stay well-lit
Carry a flashlight with you So you can see others and so they can see you!
Avoid masks and test makeup
Masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use non-toxic make-up to complete the costume instead. When using make-up test on a small part of your child's skin prior to Halloween to ensure there are no skin sensitivities.
Check your child's candy
When sorting through candy at the end of the night, be sure to throw away any candy that is not in its original wrapper, or that looks as though it has been opened. To prevent your child from eating candy before it is sorted bring some wrapped candy with you to give to them throughout the night.
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Last Chance! Decades in Revue Lip Sync Battle
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On Saturday, October 21, 2017, the biggest stars of Brevard County will take the stage to lip
sync and perform a song inspired by this year's theme, the "Awesome 80's". As the feature fundraiser for Brevard Family Partnership, the 3rd Annual Decades in Revue Lip Sync Battle will raise funds to help Brevard's most vulnerable children.
Performers will gather community "votes" prior to their performance in the form of donations. Each $1 raised will equate to one vote for the performer of your choice. At the end of the event, the performers will be judged by an expert panel and given scores based 50% on their performance and 50% on money they raised.
You can help support your favorite performer by purchasing a ticket or making a donation on their behalf.
2017 Performers include: Catherine Wright, Harris Corporation, Teachers representing Roy Allen Elementary School, Junior League of South Brevard and Friends, Dr. Joni Oglesby, Florida Institute of Technology, Joshua Adams, Rock Paper Simple, Brevard County School Board, and the Community Foundation for Brevard. Learn more about our performers here.
 Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite fashion or icon from the 1980's for a chance to win
"best dressed" in the look-a-like contest.
Tickets are $125 each and include dinner, entertainment, and much more. Tables of 8 are available for purchase at the discounted rate of $800. To purchase a table, please use code TABLE in the promo code box when registering. Seats are limited,
reserve yours today.
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Help Us Give: Make a Contribution
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Protecting children and strengthening families is the responsibility of every member of the community. While not everyone can be a foster parent, we can all contribute in some way to help a child or family in need.
Help us give children in foster care a brighter future.
Most children in foster care arrive at their first placement with little to nothing in their possession. Your financial or in-kind donation can make a significant difference in the life of a child in our community.
Your Financial Contribution Can Provide Children With:
- Positive & Enriching Activities: Summer camps, field trips or music lessons
- Gifts for holidays, birthdays and graduations
- Clothing and shoes
Su
pport Foster Families by Donating:
New care seats
High chairs
Toys
Gift Cards
Back to school supplies
New or gently used duffle bags
Ready to Make a Difference In the Life of a Child?
Contact our Recruitment Specialist Christina Gagum to find out additional information at 321.752.4650 x3031 or
foster@brevardfp.org.
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Every year, Brevard Family Partnership joins our local partners to ensure every child in our care has a gift to open on Christmas day.
It is only with the community's support that we are able to provide gifts for these children and help make their holiday season merry and bright.
How can you help? It's Easy!
- Allow your place of business to be a collection site for donated gifts
- Engage your employees and "adopt" as many children as you can as an organization! We will provide you with a specific wish list from each child.
- Make a financial donation to Brevard Family Partnership and specify the funds be used to purchase gifts. We'll do the shopping.
For Additional Information or to Make a Donation Contact:
amanda.finley@brevardfp.org
321.752.4650 Ext. 3084
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BFP is Looking to Grow Our Foster Parent Team!
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Foster families are some of the most extraordinary people in our
com
munity
-your friends and neighbors who open their hearts and homes to the many children every year who suffer abuse or neglect. Join them and give a c
hild
a safe play to stay. Take an active role in their life and contribute to their health and well-being each day with guidance and support.
Interested in learning more? Join us for an informational session and get answers to all of your questions from professionals in the field like, foster parents, adoptive parents, licensing and adoption experts.
Foster Parent Informational Sessions are held twice a month at either our Central Care Center in Rockledge or our South Care Center in Palm Bay from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
For additional information or to RSVP, please contact Christina Gagum at 321-752-4650 ext. 3031 or Christina.Gagum@brevardfp.org
Our next session will be held October 24,2017 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
BFP South Care Center
1591 Robert J Conlan Dr, Ste. 128,
Palm Bay
,
FL
32905
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As Brevard Family Partnership and our Family of Agencies continue to grow and expand, we would like to introduce you to some our amazing team members.
Each month, we will be highlighting one of the members from our spectacular 2017-2017 Leadership Team.
Understanding what each team member does helps the collective team accomplish more. Utilizing and recognizing our teammates gifts and talents help us to grow and learn from one another.
Helen Keller said it best "Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much."
This month, we are featuring the Leadership Team Chair, Sheralyn Jenkins.
Here are a few amazing things about Sheralyn:
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Which Agency do you work for?
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Brevard Family Partnership
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How long have you worked for above agency?
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3 Years
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What is your current title?
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Care Coordinator
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Briefly in 2-3 sentences explain what you do in your current role:
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Coordinate and facilitate Family Team Conferences. Assist with the stabilization of children in our system of care that involve their environment of current services to ensure a flexible, responsive, culturally competent service delivery system.
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Have you ever been in any other role within the agency?
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Yes. I am currently the Chair of the 2017-2018 Leadership Team.
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What is your favorite thing about working here?
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I enjoy making a difference in the lives of the people I serve. I also appreciate and respect the knowledge my colleagues are willing to share.
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What do you like to do in your spare time?
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Rest - Relax - Travel- Go Shopping - Relax- Catch A Movie- Listen to Music- Rest
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Who or What inspires you? Why?
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Progress Inspires Me. You can see the before and after results.
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If you were a color crayon what color would you be? Why?
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Brown. Its a combo color. It is the color I am in real life. It is one of the colors of nature.
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