We advocate for and support children, young adults, and families
impacted by abuse and neglect in Pinellas and Pasco Counties by collaborating
with community partners and the Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers who support the children we serve.

We envision a community where every child and young adult is safe, secure and thriving. We believe every child deserves to have a permanent family and be well prepared for their future beyond foster care.
March 2020
From the Executive Director
Dear Friend,

Jamie and her big sisters, Zoey & Anna*, arrived to Kid’s Day Out in the cutest pajamas. They, along with 7 other children, played games, made crafts, watched a movie and ate (too much) pizza. During that same time, their foster mom spent quality time with her teenage daughter, something she hasn’t been able do since the 3 girls came into their lives. 

When a child comes into a caregiver's home, no matter the situation, life always changes. It takes a village to make sure that every child has what they need to thrive. Our new programs Kid’s Day Out and Helping Hands strive to make life easier for our children and the families supporting them by providing respite or assistance with a project. Read more...

We appreciate all you do,

Amy E. Foster
Executive Director

P.S. If you haven't seen our 2019 Annual Report , check it out! Together, we are changing children's stories.

*not their real names
UPCOMING EVENTS/RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
Welcome To The Real World 2020
Monday, March 23; 9AM - 5PM
SPC EpiCenter
13805 58th St N, Clearwater
Is your teen ready for the real world? Can they manage their own money? Do they know how to read legal documents, like a lease? Do they want to know how to Dress for Success? They will learn all this and more during this fun, interactive day. REGISTER TODAY: http://bit.ly/lifeskil
Tampa Bay Rays Games
Various Times
1 Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
Join us to cheer on the Tampa Bay Rays at the Home Run Club! Your free tickets allow you and your GAL kiddos to watch the game in style - food and beverages are provided too! Click on a link below to register today for the game you would like to attend!


NEW YEAR, NEW YOU- A DAY OF SELFLESSNESS AND SELF-CARE
Saturday, March 21; 9AM - 4PM
Downtown Clearwater
The FREE Foster Care Youth Organization would like to shine a light on young women that are making strides by inviting them to this special day. Know a young woman 14-18 that embodies greatness? Nominate her here:  http://bit.ly/GALSHINE
Lunch will be provided.
Old Salt Kids Fishing Clinic Annual Kids Tournament
Saturday, March 21; 10AM - 12PM
ROC Park
200 Rex Pl, Madeira Beach
This event is presented in partnership with the  Gulf Beaches Rotary Spring Break Festival and Carnival. Each child will receive a fishing rod/reel combo to fish and will enjoy 2 hours of fishing.
Register your GAL child HERE for this event.
Friday, March 13; Opening Day
Downtown St. Petersburg
Tickets for this event can be picked up at the SPC EpiCenter office located at 13805 58th St N in Clearwater. T ickets available on a first come, first served basis. Children need not attend.
Scholarship Applications Open!
We are delighted to announce that our 2020 Lippitt Perseverance Scholarship and 2020 Merle Allshouse Scholarship applications are now open. Details and applications can be found on our  website ! The deadline is May, 13, 2020.
Summer Camp Applications Open!
Each year, we provide support for children 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 15, 2020. The average approval for summer camp is between $200 - $300. For a list of items you will need to fill out the application please go to our website for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS/RESOURCES FOR VCAS
Volunteer Happy Hour
Tuesday, March 24; 6PM - 7:30PM
Luna Restaurant & Lounge
950 Carillon Pkwy, St. Petersburg
Join us for a special Volunteer Happy Hour! Bring a friend to learn more about the Guardian ad Litem Program or attend to enjoy camaraderie with other volunteers advocating for children. Please RSVP so we can reserve enough space for the group to enjoy. Appetizers will be provided. Register here .
In Service: Programs & Services of Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay
Monday, March 30; 4PM - 6PM
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
37623 Magnolia Ave, Dade City
Did you know we support incentives for positive changes in behavior or grades? Learn about the programs and services the Foundation offers. You will learn where to go to get more information, how to fill out the forms, and what information you need to get started. Register   here .
Bingo For Charity
Wednesday, April 22; 7:30PM
Hamburger Mary's
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!
Savory & Sweet
Friday, May 1; 7PM - 10PM
The Event Center: 8718 Trouble Creek Rd, New Port Richey
Join us for a fun filled evening and delight in the gourmet tastes from many amazing restaurants. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles . Contact Amanda for more information. Tickets are $29/person and include drinks, tastes, music and entertainment. Sponsorships are also available; please contact  Amy for more information. Purchase tickets  here .
OPPORTUNITIES
TO SERVE
The Program Support Committee (formerly the Children's Needs Committee)
We are looking for several people from Pasco County to help get the word out about the Foundation's resources and how to obtain them. The committee is also looking for a volunteer to monitor the resource closets to ensure necessary supplies are available. Please contact Co-Chairs Mary Jones or Fran Scerbo to volunteer or request more information.
Silent Auction Items Needed
The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay needs your help securing items that can be used for various fundraising events over the coming months. Help us change more children’s stories by donating a basket or item that can be used in our silent auctions & raffles. Please contact Amanda for questions and donate by Monday, April 6. Here is some inspiration on items to donate !
WE HAVE A LENDING LIBRARY!
Thanks to a generous grant from the  Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg  we have a robust lending library at our SPC EpiCenter & Corporate Way offices full of books/games/dvds for adults and children that relate to issues children face in care and in life. Check out a book/resource the next time you go to the office!
WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Volunteer Child Advocate Appreciation Day
TB Rays Vs. CL Indians
Monday, April 27; 7:10 PM
Tropicana Field
We could not make any of this possible without YOU! To show our love and appreciation we invite you and a guest to join us for a special ball game just for our VCAs. Register here!
Helping Hands Applications Open!
Does your caregiver have a home project that they've been meaning to get to but just haven't been able to? Maybe we can help!

Learn more about our new program here and see if it might be a good fit for your family's next project.

Applications are being accepted now through March 31st for projects to be completed in May. For questions about Helping Hands or a particular project, please contact Tawnee .
Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay | 727.464.6528 | Website
14250 49th St, Suite 4000 Clearwater, FL 33712