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.
May 2020
From the Executive Director
Dear Friend,

This past Tuesday, we were overwhelmed with gratitude to the 35 individuals who made the decision to make an investment in our children and teens with a financial gift or in-kind donation through our Amazon Wish List .

·         24 VCAS gave more than $9,000
·         Gifts ranged from $10 to $2500

We heard your concerns about the financial needs of some of our families and our donors have made it possible for us to step up to help! This new program will provide financial support to caregivers who have experienced economic disruption to reduce placement changes and additional stress and hardships. You can find out more about this new program and the requirements to apply here .

We continue to evolve to meet the needs of abused and neglected children in our community and we appreciate all you do to make that possible.
We really are stronger, together.

With gratitude,

Amy E. Foster
Executive Director
You Will Not Want to Miss This!!

In honor of National  Foster Care Month , we will be surprising our caregivers and children with a special event just for them. Make sure to follow our social media pages and stay up to date on the latest news on how we plan on ending National  Foster Care Month with a BANG!

In addition, we know our children and teens are getting restless and we want to continue to support our families as they stay safe at home. To help with this, we will be sending out a special email series starting on Wednesday May 13 th that will include various virtual opportunities for the whole family! We hope you will forward these activities to the families you represent.
Stay tuned….
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
Scholarship Applications Open!
The 2020 Lippitt Perseverance Scholarship and 2020 Merle Allshouse Scholarship applications are still open. Details and applications can be found on our   website ! The deadline has been extended until May, 31, 2020.
COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program
This new program* will provide financial support to caregivers who have experienced economic disruption to reduce placement changes and additional stress and hardships. For eligibility requirements, required documentation and application see our website .

*Pinellas County residents should first check their eligibility with the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance Program and apply there if eligible.
Opportunity Passport for Older Youth
Ready for Life and Suncoast Voices for Children have teamed up to bring the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Opportunity Passport Program to older youth. This is an opportunity to receive a dollar for dollar match in savings up to $3,000. To learn more contact Michelle at Ready For Life.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
RESOURCES FOR VCAS
Healthy Minds & Hearts
Join us for a virtual chat specifically on children's mental health scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at 11 AM.

Details can be found on our website calendar and on our Facebook Page Events .
Virtual Fireside Chats
Our next Fireside Chat is on Wednesday, June 3 at 11 AM and will have focus on our annual Back Pack & Holiday Drives.

Details can be found on our website calendar and on our Facebook Page Events .
OPPORTUNITIES
TO SERVE
We are in planning mode for Back Packs Distribution and Holiday Gift Drive. We'd love to hear your ideas of how we can provide for our children and teens, while being mindful of our new normal.

Back Pack Distribution
Monday, May 18; 1 PM

Holiday Gift Drive
Wednesday, May 13; 1 PM

Please register to participate in one or both of these brainstorming sessions here .
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

We are grateful to all who have made donations during this time and to Christine and Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund ( a strategic collaboration of the Pinellas Community Foundation, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and United Way Suncoast) , TECO Energy , United Way Suncoast , United Way Pasco. UPC Insurance and Wells Fargo for their rapid response grants that ensure that we can continue to be there to help children thrive.
We know times are hard and many of us have been hit with unexpected economic challenges, but if you are in a position to help, children need it now more than ever.

Help us make sure that every family caring for one of our children
has what they need to stay safe, well and healthy here.
Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay | 727.464.6528 | Website
14250 49th St, Suite 4000 Clearwater, FL 33712