PRESS RELEASES
Contact: Debbie Butler | GFNF4Kids | 772.807.3868 | info@gfnf4kids.org | www.gfnf4kids.org
The Treasure Coast Child Summit Set to Educate and Empower Community Professionals
Port St. Lucie, FL – 8/26/2024 – The 14th Annual Treasure Coast Child Summit will be held on September 25th and 26th at the Treasure Coast Safety Complex, welcoming professionals and community members dedicated to the wellbeing of children. The Summit runs from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM each day, focusing on current issues affecting children and effective strategies to better protect them.
The two-day conference features speakers from various disciplines, including healthcare, child welfare, law enforcement, and education. They will share their expertise on a range of topics that have been collaboratively developed with community stakeholders.
The summit invites a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals, prevention specialists, community coalitions, child welfare professionals, educators, law enforcement officials, social workers, parents, guardians, foster parents, and church leaders, particularly those serving as youth and child pastors.
“Crimes against kids continues to rise at an alarming rate. The Child Summit is absolutely the best place to learn how to better protect the children in our community.” said Debbie Butler, GFNF4kids Board President.
The Summit provides invaluable insights and networking opportunities, providing greater collaboration among those committed to child protection. For more information and to register visit www.gfnf4kids.org/events. The event is free and sponsorships are still available.
About GFNF4Kids
Guardians For New Futures is a leading advocate for child welfare on the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee, dedicated to protecting children through education, advocacy, and community partnership.
Debbie Butler
President, Board Member
772.807.3868 dbutler@gfnf4kids.org
GFNF4Kids Children’s Advocacy Center to Host Groundbreaking Event
TCPalm on WPTV: A look at the new Children’s Advocacy Center
Children’s Advocacy Center ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration.
Click Here to read the full story.
New Children’s Advocacy Center opens to much fanfare.
View Article
Click Here to read the full story.
Click Here to read the full story.
Local leaders including mayor Greg Oravec gathered with Hibiscus Children”s Center CEO Paul Sexton and Guardians For New Futures Board President Debbie Butler along with numerous guests to officially announce the opening of Sanctuary4Kids.
Actual tours are unavailable to the public in order to protect the privacy of the children living there, but Guardians For New Futures partnered with Living Faith church to hold a virtual tour of the sanctuary in order to provide the next best thing to a first-hand look at the home.
Guardians For New Futures is raising money to fund the construction of a home that will serve as a temporary sanctuary for displaced children until they can be placed with a relative or foster family.
Check out the wish list and help us furnish Sanctuary4kids. We still need new furniture for the house so please contact us if you have a contact that can assist. All donations are tax deductible.
Please help furnish Sanctuary4kids by participating in a Shower/House Warming event hosted by Living Faith Church at Tradition Town Hall, 10799 Civic Lane, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987
on Sunday, October 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Registered at Babies”R”Us and Target.
After successfully raising over $230,000 in donations, Guardians For New Futures has partnered with Port St. Lucie Properties to begin construction on Sanctuary4Kids.
Group aims to build hope for most vulnerable kids.
by Shelley Koppel
On September 4, 2015, there was a wonderful article in Your Voice News and Views about the Sanctuary4Kids Treasure Coast Program.
Sanctuary4Kids would house children who have been removed from their home for reasons ranging from fire to physical abuse to drug busts. Debbie Butler, President of GFNF, believes that the Sanctuary would fill a gap in the current system.
“These children need a loving distraction while people work in the background to find them a safe place to live.”
To learn how you can help make the Sanctuary 4Kids a reality, call 772.807.3868 or email info@gfnf4kids.org
GFNF was presented a Fostering Hope Award™ on Friday, May 15th at the 25 by 25 Community Breakfast. The breakfast was hosted by GFNF at Children Services Council SLC. This Campaign Kick-off is to recruit 25 new foster homes by December 25. Additional recipients were St. Lucie County Foster Parents Amanda and Daniel Gooch, Vineyard Church and Eric Seibenick of the Fort Pierce Farmers Market. The award was given to caregivers, individuals and groups who have worked to further recruitment efforts in their communities.
What a great way to start the month of April! GFNF President, Debbie Butler, is a Jefferson Award recipient for 2015.
Debbie left us with this important message which highlights the reason that organizations for GFNF exist:
“Just keep your eyes open and if you see something please report it. Don”t turn away from that child because they may not have anyone else.”
Congratulations Debbie! And thank you for all of your hard work
GFNF President, Debbie Butler, has selected Leslie M. Kroeger as a newly elected board member. The entire board believes that Kroeger’s spirited attitude and fresh approach to children’s physical safety will be an asset to GFNF.
Help us in welcoming Leslie Kroeger to the Guardians for New Futures family! Kroeger chosen as new Guardians For New Futures Board members
The November 2014 edition of Stuart Magazine contained an article which highlights 10 local community service advocates who are devoted to helping children in need. GFNF President Debbie Butler was featured in the article.
“Children need the community to be there for them when others are not. If I can help to protect just one child from further harm, that is an awesome legacy.”
Take a look at the full article stuartmagazine.com
The gift drive for the 2014 holiday season was a success. Thank you to all who donated gifts and their time. Because of generous people like you, we were able to make the holidays a happier time for children in need.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Audi Stuart is helping children in need this holiday by sponsoring a gift drive. Gifts collected will fill the wish lists of abused and neglected children within our community. Most popular gifts include educational toys, remote cars and skateboards. Walmart and Target gift cards are also a favorite among the older children. Unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Audi Stuart, 3990 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34997 (772)214 -3900
Michael Ayzenberg, owner of Bottle Shock cordially invites you to a wine tasting to benefit Guardians For New Futures mission to support the needs of abused and neglected children.
Thursday
November 6, 2014
5:00 pm – 7:00pm
Bring an unwrapped gift for a child or a $5.00 donation and enjoy a fun wine tasting experience. You”ll see lots of old friends and make new friends all while helping maltreated children have a happy holiday.
1707 NW St. Lucie West Blvd.
Suite 186
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
772.224.2317
(located next to Panera)
Free two day child focused summit open to the public. An educational experience and training opportunity for professionals who work closely with children and others with interest in issues concerning children in the community.
Michael Ayzenberg, owner of Bottle Shock cordially invites you to a wine tasting to benefit Guardians For New Futures mission to support the needs of abused and neglected children.
Friday
August 15, 2014
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
For a $5.00 donation enjoy a fun wine tasting experience, see old friends, make new friends, all while helping maltreated children.
Bottle Shock
1707 NW St. Lucie West Blvd.
Suite 186
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
772.224.2317
(located next to Panera)
GFNF has the wonderful opportuntiy to take part in the Great Give – Make a donation to GFNF – Your donation will go a long way in helping GFNF to train and educate the community on how to recognize and report child maltreatment, as well as, the many other important initiatives designed to help address the needs of abused and neglected children.
Lincoln Park Academy student Julio Saenz presents contribution to GFNF Board President Debbie Butler
The mission of the town hall meeting is to effectively restrict the impact of the prescription drug pandemic and its far reaching effects through common awareness, communication, and networking within our communities locally, regionally and nationally. Panel members and partnerships include Martin County Sheriff”s Office, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspaper, GFNF, State and local Attorney General”s Office, DATA, DEA, Tykes & Teens, NOPE, Dunklin Memorial Church, Public Defender””s Office and Health and Human Services.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE HOLIDAY WISHES COME TRUE!
It is quick and easy to sponsor a child in need for the holidays by filling a wish list or making a donation at www.gfnf4kids.org and GFNF will purchase gifts on your behalf.
To sponsor a child or children e-mail emackenzie@gfnf4kids.org including how many children you would like to sponsor or call 772-807-3868. Cash donations can also be made on GFNF’s website www.gfnf4kids.org or mail to GFNF, 546 NW University Blvd., Suite 203, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
Through your generosity – you can change a child’s life and provide them hope for a brighter future during the holiday season.
The 19th Judicial Circuit Victims” Rights Coalition present a review and panel discussion of Telling Amy”s Story.
Actress and advocate Mariska Hartigay and Detective Deirdri Fishel present an emotional story about domestic violence. Telling Amy”s Story is based on a timeline of events leading up to a domestic violence homicide that occurred in central Pennsylvania in 2001.
October 24, 2013, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
St. Lucie County Commission Chamber
Roger Poitras Administration Building
2300 Virginia Avenue, 3rd Floor
Port St. Lucie, FL
For more information contact: Lane Frye at LFrye@SAO19.org
or call 772-462-1390
GFNF is partnering with the following to begin conversation between all those affected by this epidemic: Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Caron/Hanley, University of Florida Center for Psychiatry Addiction and Florida House of Representatives. The mission is to effectively restrict the impact of the prescription drug pandemic and its far-reaching effects through common awareness, communication, and networking within our communities locally, regionally and nationally.
Guardians for New Futures will be hosting a two (2) day conference:
September 26 – Interviewing Children of Sexual Abuse & Typology of Sexual Offenders
September 27 – Drug Endangered Children, Methamphetamine Awareness, Far Reaching effects of untreated drug addictions, Option for Treatment
(click on Events tab for more details and to register)
Indian River State College Training Complex
Join Guardians for New Futures for an informative and educational training on Eating Disorders and Self Harming Awareness. Indian River Sheriff’s Office
Join Guardians for New Futures and Ginny Jones for an informative and educational training on Reactive Attachment Disorder. Indian River Sheriff”s Department
Please join Guardians For New Futures and Ginny Jones for an informative and educational training on Reactive Attachment Disorder – Children”s Services Council of St. Lucie County.
Join Guardians for New Futures and Children”s Services Council of Martin County for an educaitonal training on Drug Endangered Children presented by Michelle Akins, with the Florida Child Death Review Committee.
Join Guardians for New Futures and Indian River Sheriff”s Office on an informative and educational workshop on Internet Safety and School Bullying.
Children”s Services Council of Martin County and Guardians for New Futures present a workshop on
ADHD and PTSD – Tykes and Teens presenting
Please join GFNF and the Jason Foundation for an educational and informative training on our nationsSilent Epidemic
Suicide Awareness
Presentaion provided by Leah Wypych, MPA,
Date: April 26, 2013
Time: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Indian River Sheriff””s Department 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960
RSVP: www.gfnf4kids.org
Questions, contact Elizabeth Mackenzie at emackenzie@gfnf4kids or 772-201-1996
1.5 FREE CEU CREDITS AVAILABLE
Please join Guardians for New Futures and SLC Children”s Services Council for an exciting and informative training.
CYBER AWARENESS
Presented by: Kalene Rawley, Executive Roundtable of St. Lucie County
Thursday, April 18, 2013
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
SLC Children”s Services Council, Kathy Basile Training Center, 546 NW University Blvd., Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
To register: www.gfnf4kids.org/events
Moe’s Southwest Grill Fundraiser
- Eating disorders affect millions of Americans
- Approximately 11 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder
- Nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder
- Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents
- Eating disorders do not discriminate: men and women, all economic classes, young and old are affected
Please join Guardians for New Futures and The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness for a informative training regarding eating disorders and substance use.
DATE: February 18, 2012
TIME: 10:00 am to 11:30 amLOCATION: Saint Lucie County Children’s Services Council Kathy Basile Center for Training.
546 NW University Blvd. Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34986
RSVP to: Elizabeth Mackenzie at
emackenzie@gfnf4kids.org
GFNF Launches 2012 Holiday Gift Drive
This conference is being held at the St. Lucie Civic Center and is open to the public. Several keynote speakers will be presenting on the following topics: Recognizing and reporting child maltreatment, social networking/cyber bullying, gangs and drugs of 2012.
Continuing education credits and in-service hours are provided. A $20 donations is being asked for registration. Contact GFNF to Register.
Abused, neglected and abandoned children need new school supplies….
Guardians for New Futures is sponsoring a FREE workshop on Drugs 2012. It will be held from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Indian River Sheriffi’s Office in Vero Beach (4055 41st Avenue).
Detective Bill Starr, Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement Unit, Vice and Narcotics of Indian River Sheriff’s Office will be presenting. This workshop is desgned to help individuals who work closely with children and our community members become familiar with the war on drugs in our own community.
Please RSVP to info@gfnf4kids.org or call 772-201-1996.
Thursday, May 17 from 5:30PM – 7:30PM at Finz Waterfront Grill located at 4290 SE Salerno Road in Stuart, FL.
This is an open invitation and everyone is welcome to attend. The even will benefit Guardians For New Futures. While there is a $10 minimum contribution, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to GFNF! Appetizers will be provided and your monetary donation entitles you to one free drink.
Attendance is not necessary to donate. Call 772-807-3868 for more information about the event or how to donate.
Sandy Pines and Guardians for New Futures presents “Recognizing Abuse and Neglect AND Social Networking and Cyber Bullying, Internet Safety” on April 30, 2012 at Sandy Pines in Tequesta. Registration begins at 9:00 am with the program running from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Presenters will include Michelle Atkins and Detective Rob Barton. This presentation will qualify for 5 CEUs, lunch will be provided and a Certificate of Completion will be presented to those in attendance.
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for teachers, school personnel and daycare providers on February 4, 2012 at the Palm City Presbyterial Church . This is the second of several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF’s mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child’s well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The conference is from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great learning and networking opportunity.
Conference Location:
Palm City Presbyterian Church
Langill Hall
2700 SW Martin Hwy.
Palm City, Florida 34990
To RSVP call 772.201.1996
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for educators, school personnel and community partners regarding Recognizing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect. This is oneof several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF’s mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child’s well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting.
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for teachers, school personnel and daycare providers on January 21, 2012 at Indian River Sheriffs Department . This is the first of several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF’s mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child’s well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The conference is from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great learning and networking opportunity.
Conference Location:
Indian River Sheriffs Department
Auditorium
4055 41st Avenue
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
To RSVP call 772.201.1996
For information about our Annual Gift Drive just open the PDF. To make a monetary donation click the donation tab above.
Thank you for all you do to help our children.
First Lady Ann Scott’s letter of appreciation to all of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem volunteers. First Lady Ann Scott is also Florida’s Chief Child Advocate.
Recognizing & Reporting Abuse and Neglect:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for St Lucie teachers and school personnel on October 22, 2011 at Florida Atlantic University. GFNF’s mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel and educators may be the only other adult to witness a child’s well being from day to day. Educators who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The Conference is an all day program FREE to teachers and school personnel with lunch included. The training has been approved by St. Lucie County School District for in-service hours. This is a great learning and networking opportunity. The full agenda can be viewed on our website www.gfnf4kids.org RSVP is required due to limited seating, please email info@gfnf4kids.org or call 772.807.3868
Educators Conference
October 22, 2011 – 8:00 to 4:00
Florida Atlantic University
MP Building 102 and 103
500 NW California Blvd
Port St Lucie FL 34986
On 3-23-11, GAL will host our Spring Open House. Members from the community, our volunteers and friends and family of our volunteers are welcome to join us at the GAL Office to find out more about our program. The doors open at 6 pm and light refreshments will be served. This is an evening of mingling and sharing information. Feel free to invite your friends! RSVP to Gina 772.240.8860 or email grossi@gfnf4kids.org Event will be held at the GAL Office – 584 NW University Blvd, Suite 600 PSL, FL 34986
By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – In the adult world, children are often seen and not heard.
Not if the volunteers with the Guardian ad Litem program can help it.
The 19th Judicial Court, which includes St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties, handle hundreds of cases a year that directly or indirectly involve children who have been removed from their homes because of alleged abuse, abandonment or neglect.
To help these children, the court appoints a volunteer from the Guardian ad Litem program, who visits the child, helps gather information about the case, interviews people in the child’s life and makes recommendations to the court based on their findings.
“Our main focus is the child,” said Gina Rossi-Scheiman, who is one of the guardians, as well as being on the board of directors for Guardians for New Futures.
“Our goals are two-fold,” she said. “To act in the best interest of the child and to listen to the desires of the child.”
Currently, in the four-county area, there are 1,300 children in the guardian program.
“There are kids of all ages, all with different levels of need,” Ms. Rossi-Scheiman said. “We’re there to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.”
While the money provided by the state helps with recruiting and training volunteers, there is no money left when volunteers notice a child’s need for clothing, school supplies or other necessities.
That’s where the Guardians for New Futures come in. Since the ad Litem program is state funded, it cannot hold fundraisers or solicit money. Guardians for New Futures was established to secure funding to meet the extra need.
And the need for the children at this time of year is presents, so there’s an angels holiday gift drive to make sure all 1,300 children in the ad Litem program receive a gift this season.
“The volunteers ask the kids what they would like, and make a list of the answers,” Ms. Rossi-Scheiman said.
This is the third year the nonprofit has held a gift drive. Last year, it received donations for all 900 children in the program. Business owners, churches and families stepped up to purchase items off the child’s wish list.
“The people in the community went above and beyond for the children, it’s unbelievable,” said Debbie Butler, president of the board of directors for Guardians for New Futures. “We are so humbled by the response, it’s a huge outpouring.”
A local motorcycle club, the Flaming Knights, have taken up the cause for the children. They will hold a holiday toy drive and fish fry from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at 104 N. 9th St. in Fort Pierce to raise money and toys for the Angel Holiday gift drive.
To sponsor a child, call the office indicating how many children you would like to sponsor. You will then receive a wish list with the child’s first name and age, along with information concerning deadlines and drop-off sites. You can also make a monetary donation and the volunteers will purchase gifts for the child on your behalf.
There will be five drop-off locations spread throughout the five counties for people to take their donations. The deadline to drop off donations is Dec. 10.
If you wish to directly help in the child’s life, volunteer forms are available at the Port St. Lucie office. Volunteers must complete 28 hours of classroom training and two hours of court observation.
For more information about being a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, call (772)785-5804 or e-mail Jennifer Manis at jennifer.manis@gal.fl.gov. The main office is located at 584 N.W. University Blvd., Suite 600 in Port St. Lucie.
For more information about the angel holiday gift drive, call Gina Rossi-Scheiman at (772)785-5804 or go online to www.gfnf4kids.org.
Guardians for New Futures Recipients of the November Dyer Difference Award
Once a month for over two years now, Will and Tatiana Dyer of Dyer Auto Vero Beach have been honoring a local charitable organization with the Dyer Difference Award. Along with the Award comes a check in the amount of 3,000 dollars. This admirable program has honored many local organizations like the Salvation Army of Indian River County and the Visiting Nurses Association of the Treasure Coast. The recipient of the award is an organization whose services and contributions help make Indian River County a strong and caring community. Guardians for New Futures (GFNF) is the November recipient; acknowledged for their work in assisting the Guardian Ad Litem Program to provide advocates to children who are victims of abuse neglect and abandonment. Over 200 children in Indian River are served by the GAL program. The Dyer Difference Award will assist GFNF in holding a Spring Luncheon to cultivate and strengthen the organizations donor base and provide recruitment and training opportunities for GALs.
The Flaming Knights Motorcycle Club is holding a fish fry fundraiser on Saturday, December 4, 2010. 2pm- 6pm Participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the GAL gift drive.
See Flyer linked below for all the details!!
One of the areas largest medical suppliers, Liberty Medical, has an extraordinary Community Outreach Committee helping the community in a variety of ways. The Committee takes on special projects for local charitable organizations. They participate in holiday drives, fund raisers and food drives. They have helped Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Southport Middle School, and many other local charitable organizations. Their latest show of generosity was ten large boxes of new, good quality school supplies for the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Kits4kids drive. Outreach Committee member, Rick Decker of Liberty says, I like that the GAL program has the ability to distribute these supplies to needy children in all four counties on the Treasure Coast. (Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee and St Lucie) Guardians ad Litem are advocates for children who are victims for abuse, neglect and abandonment, and with Liberty’s help these children will have the tools they need to start off the school year on the right foot!
Photo Key: Liberty Outreach Committee Members (left to right): Betsy Johnson, Lisa Luna, Rick Decker
Treasure Coast teenager Colby Lufkin and the Indian River County St. Edwards GAL Youth Committee were honored with the Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Foundation Community Advocate of the Year Award. The award is given to someone who supports their local GAL program and impacts the life of children in a significant way. The winner was chosen from 20 state-wide nominations, one outstanding individual or group representing each Judicial District in Florida.
The Youth Committee hosted a movie premier for Iron Man at the Majestic Theater in Vero Beach. It included a GAL commercial featuring America’s Most Wanted celebrity John Walsh, a promotional clip from ESPN and donations for a raffle from golfer Greg Norman. Two hundred and fifty tickets were sold and donated to Guardians for New Futures. This group of 16-year-old visionaries has proved they have the fortitude to plan an elaborate, professional sold-out event.
The committee members Colby Lufkin, Lauren Edwards, Jared Jillson, Cole Legler, Connor Moore, Jack Santini, Jay Schulte, Lonnie Scott, Lucy Sexton, Jad Shalhoub and Oliver Wilkey were honored Aug. 24 at the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Awards Reception in Orlando. The group said it has committed the next three years to being a voice for this important program that provides advocates for abused and neglected children.
Picture left to right:
Jay Schulte, Debbie Butler (President GFNF), Jared Jillson, Lauren Edwards, Colby Luftkin, Elizabeth Mackenzie (19th District Circuit Director)
Guardians for New Futures hosts its second annual school supply drive
GRS, a member of the Treasure Coast community. This story is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with this site.
Originally published 02:57 p.m., July 8, 2010
Updated 2:57 p.m., July 8, 2010
Kits4Kids
$20.00 can provide back to school supplies to the less fortunate children in our community. These kits not only give children good quality, contemporary supplies, it also gives them confidence and pride. There are hundreds of children in our community who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment, served by the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program. They may be living in foster care or staying with relatives who have agreed to take them in. Many of these children don’t know what it’s like to start school even with the basics – they have absolutely nothing. No new notebook to take notes in. No back pack, No loose leaf paper. No pencils or pens.
For children whose life is in turmoil does it really make sense to have them start classes one step behind everyone else? It’s a real problem, academically and emotionally, when students simply don’t even have the basic supplies to start their year. If we cannot provide the children in our community with the fundamental tools to complete their educations, then truly, we are disabling them. We are almost asking them to fall behind.
New school supplies are very exciting for students. Clean, fresh notebooks, markers and crayons all help get kids excited about school and eager to learn. It is so important that every single child is on equal footing the first day of school. This is why Guardians for New Futures (GFNF) vows to provide children supported by the GAL program with good quality school supplies. For so many children, school may be their only hope, a place where they have friends, teachers and can feel good about their accomplishments. School can be a beacon of light for many underprivileged children; it provides them with support and gives them the tools they need to reach their individual potential.
Please visit our website or donate with a check by mail. If you can afford just one kit, you will know you gave a needy child a reason to smile on the first day of school and helped that child feel energized about the upcoming school year.
Last year Gfnf provided kits close to 500 children in the Treasure Coast; donations are accepted in ANY amount. Donate through our website using pay pal: http://www.gfnf4kids.org. Or send a check or money order to
Guardians for New Futures
584 NW University Blvd,
Port St Lucie, Florida 34952
772.785.5804
If you have questions, or would like to host a drive at your work or place of worship, contact grossi@gfnf4kids.org for an order form.
Governor Charlie Crist applauds the work of the Guardian Ad Litem program for improving the lives of children and families involved in dependency court. Governor Crist thanks GAL for 30 years of success and their continued efforts of raising their voices for our children.
John Walsh from America’s Most Wanted shows his support for the efforts of Guardians for New Futures and St. Edwards student Colby Lufkin. Together, they have raised awareness of the children in dependency court on the Treasure Coast.
Jay Corbin from ESPN thanking Colby Lufkin, who is a student at St. Edwards, for organizing the St. Edwards Youth Advisory Committee to promote the Guardian Ad Litem program on the Treasure Coast. The committee helped facilitate 800 children with Christmas gifts this year!
Click Here Jay Corbin
ST. LUCIE WEST — American’s, like many around the world, find themselves glued to their TV’s this winter for the amazing Winter Olympics Games. In the name of this competition we turn our attention toward these amazing feats of downhill skiing, ice skating and snowboarding. When we see these athletes of such tremendous strength and dedication, we are enthralled, and as American’s, totally invested in their win, most likely because most of us regular folk cannot even imagine what it took them to get where they are. Behind every one of them, it always seems waiting in the wings, teary eyed and smiling, is their best advocate cheering them on.
You’ve seen them; the camera always makes a point to showcase this advocate. The athletes’ personal hero draped in their country’s flag and a big knit hat, it’s usually a parent or trainer ready to meet the athlete with a consolatory hug, or run, slamming through the crowd, pushing over the reporters with open arms, just to be the first to embrace them. Each Olympian has their own private champion, supporting them relentlessly, through what we can only imagine must be a long and arduous journey. When we look back on the tough journeys in our lives, isn’t it always the people who supported us and pulled us through that we remember the most? Imprinted on our memories are those words of encouragement from a teacher, heartfelt hugs from friends, and the undying, fervent love of our parents and families that tell us, no matter what we score, no matter where we stand, no matter gold or no gold, they will always be there, waiting anxiously in our corner, to pat us on the back, to support us.
When we recognize how blessed we are to have these supports in our lives, those who don’t have anyone always spring to mind. An athlete with no personal hero or advocate, no one to share in that victory or loss, would be a sad picture. On the Treasure Coast, hundreds of children who are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment, find themselves involved in judicial proceedings. This road is a long and strenuous legal battle, and caught in the middle, one small and frightened child is watching, awaiting the outcome of their fate, with no one in their corner they can turn to, no parent or friend they can look back on for that last smile or wink before they set off from a shaky past into an unknown future.
The Guardians For New Futures and Guardian ad Litem program have a goal and a happier picture. A picture where every single one of the children in the system on the Treasure Coast has that personal hero, someone waiting at the ready to be there for this child come what may. To provide them that needed assurance of no matter what happens, win or lose, stand or fall, someone will be there waiting and listening, someone who won’t stop supporting them until they are safe and secure. In our picture, a small monthly time commitment to a child can make a volunteer that secret champion, one who inspires and enables a needy child to heights they never imagined. No, there may be no ticker tape parade, no gold medal glinting and national anthem blaring, but all can certainly agree, to make a difference in the life of just one child who needs an advocate is truly more precious than any bronze, silver or gold.
