From the Executive Director |
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Dear Friend,
Wow, what an incredible first two months of 2021 this has been. Thank you for the outpouring of support that you have provided to our kids as we move into this new normal with schools and life opening more fully.
I’m happy to share that requests for emergency financial assistance due to COVID-19 have gone down significantly in the past couple of months (although if there is still a need please do not hesitate to make a request here). In its place though is an increase in the need to provide kids a greater opportunity to connect with their friends and communities. Kids have been alone far too long, so we are incredibly grateful for partners like Angels Against Abuse for helping fund our “Let Kids be Kids” program which provides for enrollment in sports, arts, and other activities to get kids engaged in normalcy activities again.
We’ve also seen an increase in the need of educational support requests and I’m happy to share that once again Myrna Allshouse and Family, Mary Lippitt, Raymond James, the Miliotes Family, and Capital International will be helping us meet these needs. If you have a graduating senior or GED graduate looking to attend a Technical School, Trade School, or College please share this scholarship information with them and encourage them to apply. Deadline to apply is May 16th with funds being awarded by July 1st.
Are you a GAL looking to connect in a larger way? We are happy to share that a private Facebook 6th Circuit GAL page will be coming soon where you can share stories, access resources, and meet other GALs in your community.
Finally, I’m excited to share that our 2020 Annual Report and our 2020 Holiday Thank You are both now available. Tawnee did a beautiful job putting these together so I hope you take a few minutes and review how your partnership with Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay made a difference in the lives of so many last year.
Thank you again for your generosity and unwavering support of our kids. You are truly making a difference.
With gratitude,
Erin Authier
Executive Director
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Request: Summer Camp
Requestor: GAL Pam P.
Maya has been in care since June 2018 and her parents' rights were terminated in September. Maya is placed with 3 of her siblings in a home where the foster parents plan to adopt the children. Due to a history of emotional abuse and 5 different placements in the last 2 years, Maya has been struggling with her self esteem. But thanks to being in a loving foster home with her siblings, Maya is finally blossoming in personality. She recently was placed on her school's honor roll for the first time ever! Maya would love to attend summer camp this year and thanks to our generous donors we've been able to make that a reality for her and her siblings. She is most looking forward to a new adventure and her GAL/caregiver is most excited about giving Maya another area for her to grow, improve her self-esteem, and continue to feel she is important and belongs. We cannot wait to share more of Maya's story with you and let you know how much she loved camp.
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If you would like to help send a child like Maya to summer camp or give them the opportunity to participate in self-esteem building activities like arts and sports,
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RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & FAMILIES |
Virtual Coffee Chat
Wednesday Mar 10; 11A - 12P
Join us for our first Virtual Coffee Chat of 2021! We look forward to catching up with you! Join us here.
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Normalcy Requests
We are now accepting Normalcy requests. For instructions on how to fill out the form, please visit our website. If you are familiar with the process and want to go right to the form, you can find it here.
Summer Camp Requests
Does your GAL child want to attend summer camp but the caregiver is struggling to pay for it? We can help! For instructions on what information is needed and how to fill out the form, please visit our website. If you have questions pertaining to a specific request please reach out to us.
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"We See You Wednesdays"
Have you worked with a CAM, case manager, attorney, caregiver, etc. who has helped to change a child's story, made your role a bit easier or goes above and beyond? Beginning in June, this social media campaign will highlight those who make a difference. The nomination form takes less than 2 minutes to fill out--get yours in today!
Social Media Warriors Wanted
Do you love catching up with old friends on Facebook? Or posting photos of your grandchildren, children or pets on Instagram? Or maybe you are a political junkie and can't stand to be away from Twitter for more than an hour?
We could use your help!
Like, comment and share our posts and help us gain a greater social following so we can help more of our kids!
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Heroes Giving Hope are monthly givers who help to
sustain our programs and help children heal.
Becoming a Hero Giving Hope is easy!
choose the monthly level that suits your budget.
Thank you to all our Heroes!
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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.
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Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay | 727.464.6528 | Website
14250 49th St, Suite 4000 Clearwater, FL 33712
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