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Note from the Executive Director
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A new year means new challenges as well as endless possibilities.
I'm more committed than ever to make it right for our children in care- to learn more about statewide trends and local updates,
read the full Executive Director update here.
How Your Dollars Help
Requests have been at an all time high-even though the year just began. Last year requests in January totaled $1,240 helping 28 children (with the majority needing emergency clothing).
In January 2017, we fulfilled 44 requests: 7 emergency clothing, 28 normalcy requests, 6 tutoring requests, and 3 emergency or medical needs requests-totaling $4,162 in support. Every dollar makes a difference.
Will you consider donating $25--50 dollars today to provide for emergency clothing when a child is removed by no fault of their own with nothing but the clothes on their backs?
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Pasco Music Festival
Saturday, Feb 18th, 2-8 PM
Pasco Music Festival was started by a group of community volunteers to provide a fun event and support non-profits in the area and this year Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay was chosen as a beneficiary. Come hear the awesome sounds of The Bearded Brothers Band, The Embry Brothers Band, Time Bandits and Cheap Date. For more information check out their website here.
 Chipotle Fundraising: Cause an Effect
Thursday, March 16, 5-9 PM
780 4th St. N St. Petersburg, FL
Help children in foster care just by dining out! Mention Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay and we receive 50% of all sales.
Hamburger Mary's Clearwater Bingo Night
Wednesday, April 5, 7:30 PM
28910 US Hwy 19 Clearwater, FL
Come join us at Hamburger Mary's Clearwater on Wednesday, April 5th 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 have some great prizes. You also don't want to miss our raffle for a 61 in TV or the 50/50- bring cash and be ready for a good time. Reservations should be made in advance by calling 727-400-6996!
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Transportation Resource Pinellas: DirectConnect
Do you advocate for a child/family that uses public transportation? DirectConnect allows riders to get Uber, United Taxi or Wheelchair Transport rides to and from designated bus stops for as little as one dollar each way. The progam is designed to make PSTA easier by offering affordable rides to and from certain stops throughout the county. Learn more
here.
2nd Annual Akerman Academic Excellence Scholarship
Akerman LLP and National CASA are excited to announce
 the Akerman Academic Excellence Scholarship application process is open! This program is designed to help young adults who have spent time in foster care pursue a post-secondary education through an accredited institution of higher learning such as a university, career college or technical school. The application deadline is 3/5 at 5pm.
Click here for more information.
Free Youthspark Camp Sessions
Do you know a youth interested in gaming or computers?
Our local Microsoft store offers free Youthspark activities that can spark imaginations and give youth skills they can build on for life. Go to the
website and scroll down until you see Attend A Workshop change the filters to Students K-12 to see upcoming events.
Free Busch Gardens Passes for Children Under 5
Busch Gardens is bringing back its popular Preschool Card that gives kids 5 and younger free admission to both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens through December 31. Register for the free admission at
Busch Gardens.
Volunteer Training: Trafficking of Children
This training has been developed to assist Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteer advocates with specific information regarding trafficking for both child labor and/or commercial sexual exploitation of children. If you are interested in learning more about this or other topics of interest.
Click here.
Volunteer Training: Strengths, Challenges and Value of LGBTQ Individuals
Develop a greater understanding of the strengths, challenges and value LGBTQ adults, parents and families what they can offer the GAL program and how to better service these children in your role as a GAL volunteer.
View Here
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Children Who Have a Guardian ad Litem
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Do Better in School
Have Fewer Placement Changes
Receive More Services
More Likely to be Adopted
Spend Less Time in Foster Care
Are 50% Less Likely to Return to Care
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Support the
Guardian ad Litem Foundation
of Tampa Bay
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| To provide advocacy and support for abused, abandoned, or neglected children in the Guardian ad Litem Program of Pinellas and Pasco Counties. |
| We envision a world where every child has a safe and permanent home with the opportunity to thrive. |
One of a Thousand Success Stories!
Our volunteer child advocates make a difference in children's lives every day. Here is one recent success story to show how a GAL helped find a forever family to ensure Elsie had a chance to thrive.
ELSIE
A child with significant medical needs came into care at 8 years old. She was just barely walking and had a feeding tube. Her mother was deceased and her father was not able to care for her due to his own significant mental health history so she was placed in a medical foster home. A GAL volunteer was appointed to Elsie in 2010 and he followed this little girl's journey closely. He wanted her to have a forever home. Read more of Elsie's story here.
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Does Your Company Offer a Matching Gift Program?
A matching gift is a charitable donation by a corporation that matches an employee's donation to an eligible nonprofit organization, most often dollar for dollar. Thousands of companies across the country have matching gift programs. To see if your company might be one of them, look here:
If your company is not on this list, check with your HR Department to see if your company matches monetary donations or volunteer time.
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