December, 2017

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH , 2017,
ST PETE YACHT CLUB, WATERFRONT ROOM
11 CENTRAL AVENUE ST PETERSBURG, FL. 33701
8:30 – 10:00 AM

 

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ANNUAL CELEBRATION THAT WARMS YOUR HEART WITH OUR CHRISTMAS GIVING PROGRAM AND HEAR FIRST HAND FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS WHAT A DIFFERENCE WE ARE MAKING IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH WE ADVOCATE FOR 24/7.

THANKS TO YOUR GENEROUS AND GIVING HEARTS, APPROXIMATELY 300 CHILDREN AND YOUTH WILL HAVE A SMILE ON THEIR FACE CHRISTMAS MORNING AND KNOW THAT THERE ARE ANGELS WHO CARE….

THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY ANGELS FOR ALL YOU DO!
SANDY

MASTRY BREWING COMPANY ON ST PETE BEACH IS HOSTING A WINTER SOLSTICE EVENT FOR ANGELS AGAINST ABUSE INC DECEMBER 16TH 2017 AT 7701 BLIND PASS ROAD, ST PETE BEACH, FL 33706 WHICH IS A DAY AND NIGHT EVENT. PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DETAILS OF THIS EVENT.

WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK ALL OF OUR ANGELS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FUN FILLED EVENT THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH THAT WE SERVE 24/7 IN FOSTER CARE. WE KNOW THIS IS A BUSY TIME OF THE YEAR, SO IF YOU JUST DROP BY AND SAY HI, MATT AND DANIE WILL APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.

ON BEHALF OF ANGELS AGAINST ABUSE, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK MATT AND DANIE DAHM FOR THEIR GENEROUS HEARTS IN HOSTING THIS EVENT FOR THE ANGELS!

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO READ THE THANK YOU MESSAGES
FROM SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS.
THE ANGELS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY
AND WE WANT TO SHARE THE NEWS WITH OUR ANGELS! ENJOY

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR GIVING AND PUTTING SMILES OF THE FACES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO OFTEN HAVE LITTLE TO SMILE ABOUT.

AS OF THIS WRITING, IT IS WITH SUCH JOY AND HAPPINESS THAT WE HAVE MANAGED TO MAKE CHRISTMAS WISHES HAPPEN FOR THE MANY AGENCIES THAT WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH THIS YEAR! I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK ALL OF MY ANGELS TO HELPING WITH THIS EFFORT. FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ADOPTED A FAMILY, OR A CHILD, OR A GROUP OF CHILDREN, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! OUR LIST CONSISTED OF APPROXIMATELY 300 CHILDREN FROM THE VARIOUS AGENCIES REQUESTING OUR HELP AND WE DID IT! WHEN YOU ATTEND OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVING CELEBRATION DECEMBER 13TH AT THE ST PETE YACHT CLUB, YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH YOUR HEART FILLED WITH JOY. WHETHER IT IS A CHILD, A SIBLING GROUP, A YOUTH OR A FAMILY, THE ANGELS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, JUST LET US KNOW.

IT IS THAT FEEL GOOD TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE ANGELS WHERE WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT SMILES ON A LOT OF FACES. FROM THE LITTLE BABY TO THE YOUTH AGING OUT, OR A SPECIAL FAMILY IN NEED, EVERY YEAR THE ANGELS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN FOR MANY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO WOULD NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IF NOT FOR THE ANGELS.

WE HAVE GATHERED OUR LISTS, CHECKED THEM TWICE
AND THANK YOU ANGELS FOR MAKING THEIR CHRISTMAS BRIGHT!

2018 Blue Ribbon Gala News

We have some very exciting NEWS about our 2018 Annual Fundraiser.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be our Presenting Sponsor and Mr. David Yates will be our Keynote Speaker

THE BLUE RIBBON GALA 2018

New Venue, New Theme

Mark your Calendar NOW,
YOU will not want to miss this event!

Date: April 28th, 2018
Venue: St Petersburg Yacht Club
Time: 6:30 – 11:00 PM
Theme:
No matter how BIG the JOURNEY AHEAD
Always take it on HEADFIRST
Semi-Formal Attire
Silent/Live Auction

Limited Seating (300) 30 Tables of 10
Get Your Reservation in EARLY!

THANK YOU ANGELS AND FRIENDS!

Thanks to your reviews, the Angels made the Top Non-Profit List for 2017. Two years in a row. Keep the Reviews Coming Please!

Thank You BrewHaHa Foundation
Another Fantastic Year for the Angels

Wednesday, November 15th, the BrewHaHa Foundation presented Angels Against Abuse with a check in the amount of $35,000 which were the proceeds from their FANTASTIC BrewHaHa Extravaganza

The best part of the check presentation was that they chose the Angels as their Charity of Choice again for 2018. This is such a compliment to all of the Angels to have a foundation like this group of hard working women with tireless energy to believe in what we do.

Thank you ladies for making a difference in the lives of the children and youth we provide services to 24/7.

YOU are the Angels….

December 13th, 2017 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Christmas Giving Program – St Pete Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, FL

December 16th, 2017 – All Day Event
Winter Solstice Event Hosted by
Mastry Brewing Co.
7701 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

November 10, 2017

NOVEMBER ANGEL MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14th , 2017,
PASADENA COMMUNITY CHURCH, LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER,
227 70TH STREET SOUTH, ST PETERSBURG, FL.
8:30 – 9:30 AM

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET RSVP YOUR ATTENDANCE,
PLEASE DO SO RIGHT NOW!
THIS IS OUR BUSY TIME OF THE YEAR WITH OUR CHRISTMAS GIVING PROGRAM AND WE HAVE LOTS TO SHARE.

OUR GUEST SPEAKER WILL BE
MICHELLE SCHAEFER, FIMR COORDINATOR FOR
HEALTHY START COALITION OF PINELLAS INC.

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO READ THE THANK YOU MESSAGES
FROM SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS.
THE ANGELS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY
AND WE WANT TO SHARE THE NEWS WITH OUR ANGELS! ENJOY

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

WHETHER IT IS A CHILD, A SIBLING GROUP, A YOUTH OR A FAMILY, THE ANGELS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, JUST LET US KNOW.

IT IS THAT FEEL GOOD TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE ANGELS WHERE WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT SMILES ON A LOT OF FACES. FROM THE LITTLE BABY TO THE YOUTH AGING OUT, OR A SPECIAL FAMILY IN NEED, EVERY YEAR THE ANGELS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN FOR MANY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO WOULD NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IF NOT FOR THE ANGELS.

WE ARE GATHERING OUR LISTS, CHECKING THEM TWICE
AND ASKING OUR ANGELS TO HELP MAKE CHRISTMAS BRIGHT!

IF YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS AMAZING TIME OF THE YEAR, PLEASE CLICK BELOW ON SANDY KEARNEY’S EMAIL ADDRESS AND GIVE HOPE TO CHILDREN THAT THERE IS A SANTA CLAUSE IN THEIR LIVES.

2018 Blue Ribbon Gala News

We have some very exciting NEWS about our 2018 Annual Fundraiser.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be our Presenting Sponsor and Mr. David Yates will be our Keynote Speaker

THE BLUE RIBBON GALA 2018

New Venue, New Theme

Mark your Calendar NOW,
YOU will not want to miss this event!

Date: April 28th, 2018
Venue: St Petersburg Yacht Club
Time: 6:30 – 11:00 PM
Theme:
No matter how BIG the JOURNEY AHEAD
Always take it on HEADFIRST
Semi-Formal Attire
Silent/Live Auction

Limited Seating (300) 30 Tables of 10
Get Your Reservation in EARLY!

THANK YOU ANGELS AND FRIENDS!

Thanks to your reviews, the Angels made the Top Non-Profit List for 2017. Two years in a row. Keep the Reviews Coming Please!

FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED,
WE FIND OUT THIS WEEK WHAT A WONDERFUL SUCCESS THE BREWHAHA WAS FOR THE ANGELS!
WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED!

November 14th, 2017 – 8:30 – 9:30 am
Angel Meeting – Pasadena Community Church
Life Enrichment Center – 227 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL

December 13th, 2017 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Christmas Giving Program – St Pete Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, FL

Serving The Youth Of Our Community

Serving The Youth Of Our Community

Gas Cards Make a Difference in the Life of a Child!
Thank Yous, Quotes, and Other Stories 2017

George is the GAL for 3 cases-a total of 7 children. Most of the children for whom he advocates are located in Sarasota County. Because of the contentious nature of the case and wanting to develop a good working relationship with the children and their caregivers, George visits the children personally and couldn’t have done it without gas card support. The face to face contact has built trust between the children, their caregivers, and the Guardian. It has also allowed the Guardian to develop a better understanding and perspective of the concerns expressed in this case. The benefits of the gas cards has been invaluable!

Paul Lambis has been a GAL since 2011 and currently has 4 cases with 3 children in Tampa, one in Zephyrhills, one in St Petersburg, 2 in Largo, 2 in Pinellas Park and 1 boy in Clearwater. Paul not only visits each child monthly, he goes to see them at school, brings the children to summer camp, court, and attends staffings. Paul also uses the gas cards to help provide normalcy for his GAL children by bringing them to attend special activities like bowling, Mad Hatter, the Grand Prix, and movies.

Kristine is a Dade City volunteer who has an infant case placed in St. Petersburg and a teen boy who is placed in Clearwater. Colby (the teen) is autistic and often struggles in his group home placement. Gas cards have helped Kristine go above and beyond for Colby to ensure someone at the group home knows she is watching as he is easily targeted. Kristine also has used this support to take Colby to places including the St Pete Clearwater Airport (he loves planes), the Florida Air Museum, the Henry Willaford Train Museum and the Rush Truck Center. Gas cards are an important tool for GALs to do their work-thank you!

Tanya just recently became a Guardian ad Litem volunteer. Although she lives in St. Petersburg, she accepted a case where the teenager is placed in a group home in Tampa. She accepted the case and by the first week she scheduled a visit and the child was not at the group home when he was supposed to be. She tried again the next day where she was able to visit with the child and help get up to speed on his case and his needs. Tanya says thank you for helping ease the frustration of long trips so she can visit the child she chose to serve!

I travel to visit kids living in Tarpon Springs from St Pete on a weekly basis. I recently drove to Lake Mary near Orlando to visit a prospective caregiver before changing a child’s placement. The gas card helps LOTS!!!! – Thank you from Collette Burgess

Jill has been a GAL since 2012 and has had about 6 cases-some with multiple kids in different placements. She was very excited and grateful to receive the gas cards during a tough time in her case. She sent the following email: “I wanted to sincerely thank you for the gas cards you sent to me. In 5 years, I have never received anything like that. I am so grateful!”

Thanks so much for the gas cards! Each visit to the kids in foster care is 37 miles round-trip, and in addition to the monthly visits, I’ve been observing visitations for both parents as well. The gas cards help defray the cost considerably. Appreciate it greatly, Dana

I wanted to thank you for the gas cards I have received over the past months to use with the current case I have. A round trip to the home or the school is about 60 -75 miles at a time. As a volunteer, I know I assume the expenses that come with the position but with a case as far away as mine, it provided me the opportunity to make a few extra trips a month. Thanks again for the support. Charles L. Derexson

Thank you so much for the gas cards. It has been difficult having my teen placed out of Pinellas County. The gas cards have been most appreciated especially since we have been able to track down my teen’s father who is incarcerated beyond even Hillsborough County. Without the financial help, it would have been an extreme hardship to have driven across several counties to make her dreams come true. Best Regards, Jennifer

I never thought having a bus pass would be a big deal. Taking the bus shouldn’t be a big deal right. Well when you’re trying to go to school and work it helps to have that pass that allows you to ride for free. I thank Ready for Life for providing myself and are youth with the ability to get to point “A” to point “B”. if I didn’t have transportation or had to dig into my pockets all the time for uber I wouldn’t be anywhere. The Bus passes have been an amazing commodity a necessity at times.

Sincerely yours,
Sa’Quan Ward

Words cant describe how much the the Upass program has helped me! Last year I remember feeling stuck and hopeless because I couldn’t obtain employment but the root of not obtaining a job was not having a way to get there. I was facing many struggles like not having transportation, not having a job and not having daycare to keep a job. I couldn’t have have one without the other. Once I heard that the bus pass program was put in place at Ready for life it was a relief! I was able to at least get around to job hunt once I secured daycare. I got a job within a month and have been working ever since. The bus pass gives me a piece of mind and allows me to be more independent and responsible. I’m on the bus from sun up to sun down in order to get my daughter to daycare and then to work. I have been able to keep my job longer than I normally would if I didn’t have reliable transportation. Also my daughter was sick on a few ocassions and If it wasn’t for the bus pass Im not sure how quick I would have been able to get her to the emergency room twice in 3 days. The burden of not having a way to get around has been lifted off of my shoulders! I’m so grateful and thank you.

Anna- Marie Viccia

 

Child Advocacy Expo

LET’S STAY CONNECTED!!!

THANK YOU COMMUNITY PARTNERS
our
9th Annual Child Advocacy Expo
WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

October 6th, 2017 marked our 9th year of hosting our Annual Child Advocacy Expo. We apologize for our tardiness in thanking all of our participants, but the Angels have been busy bees this year, but we wanted to give you a quick recap of the success of this event.

We want to thank the St Pete College Seminole Campus for allowing us to host our Expo at their campus. It was the perfect venue for our group and there was so much interaction and networking going on that you could feel the energy when you walked through the doors.

The Angels would like to say a special “Thank You” to Brandi Lazzaris, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, CPI Division for being our guest speaker and Amy Foster, Guardian ad Litem Foundation, for getting the Speed Networking up and running. Both these individuals are experts in their fields and they helped make this year’s Expo the success that it was. Thank you to our special angels, our Expo Chair, Nicole Spinelli and Kim Bauer for working this event.

We apologize for the inconvenience for the road construction which hopefully will not be an issue next year.

By popular demand, all hands raised when the question was raised to keep this event going next year which was music to our ears. The Angels feel this event is such a benefit for our Community Partners and each of us walk away with more knowledge than we walked in with. Thank you for wanting to keep this event.

Thanks to all of you who participated at the Expo with your commitment to work with us in the coming year to build this event and double our attendance. As we discussed at the Expo, we would like to add funding resources and students who are interested in getting in the field of social services to be included in this event. We feel this is the perfect venue and event to allow these potential donors and student to meet the resources in our area and have one on one introductions to learn more about who they are and what they do.

For those of you that were unable to attend, we will hold this event again in 2018 at the same venue in the month of October. As soon as we have a set date that is determined by the College, we will send out an email blast so everyone can mark their calendars.

Many of you have requested being added to our Angel Distribution List to stay in the loop of Angel News. We take that as a wonderful compliment so each of you will be receiving emails monthly from the Angels so everyone knows what we are doing. Anyone who wants to attend our Monthly Angel Meetings, please feel free to attend. We would welcome you not only as a guest, but an Angel Member and would ask that when you do attend, you let us know what you do.

If there are any changes to your contact information or your website, please notify me immediately so we can keep our website accurate at all times. If there is news that you would like for us to add to our newsletter, please contact me and I will be sure to include upcoming events in our Newsletters.

Our next Angel Meeting is November 14th, 2017 at our regular meeting location, Pasadena Community Chuch, Life Enrichment Center, 227 70th Street South, St Petersburg, FL. at the below email address if you would like to attend.

Contact: [email protected]

NOVEMBER ANGEL MEETING REMINDER
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR NEXT ANGEL MEETING,
NOVEMBER 14TH, 2017
8:30 am – 9:30 am
PASADENA COMMUNITY CHURCH, LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER,
227 70TH STREET SOUTH, ST PETERSBURG, FL.

PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO RSVP YOUR ATTENDANCE.

Please Write A Review About The Angels!

As you know, Angels Against Abuse, Inc. was recognized as one of the top Non-Profit Organizations in our community which is a HUGE honor. We need to keep the reviews coming in order to maintain that honor. Please take a few minutes and write a review. Just click on the Great Non-Profits Icon above and it will take you right to their site. We have a lot that we can write a review about! Our new project, the Angel Visitation Center, The Mad Hatter Tea Party, the Child Advocacy Expo, the BrewHaHa Monster Ball and our Christmas Giving Program for 2017 and so much more! We are counting on YOU!

Your Reviews Make A Difference!!!

November 14th, 2017 – 8:30 – 9:30 am
Angel Meeting – Pasadena Community Church
Life Enrichment Center – 227 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL

December 13th, 2017 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Christmas Giving Program – St Pete Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, FL

November 2017

NOVEMBER ANGEL MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14th , 2017,
PASADENA COMMUNITY CHURCH, LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER,
227 70TH STREET SOUTH, ST PETERSBURG, FL.
8:30 – 9:30 AM
RSVP NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 8TH, 2017

LET’S STAY CONNECTED!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR 9TH ANNUAL EXPO. IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

This year’s Child Advocacy Expo hosted by Angels Against Abuse was a HUGE Success with some amazing energy in the room. The St Pete College, Seminole Campus was the perfect venue for this event. Brandi Lazaris, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, CPI Division was our Guest Speaker and gave a wonderful message to every person sitting in the room. Amy Foster, Guardian ad Litem Foundation, opened the program with the Speed Networking which was an awesome way to keep the energy flowing. In fact, there was so much energy and networking with all of our community partners that you felt proud to be there to share all that you do with others. From the beginning to the end, it was AWESOME. By popular demand, our group of partners have requested we have our 10th Child Advocacy same place, same month in 2018. In 2018, we will do things just a little different. We will be including organizations and businesses who fund our non-profits so they will have an opportunity to meet and greet personally with the many resources in our area, and we will also open up this event to bring in students who are looking for a career in the field of social services. This will widen the benefit of this event and allow our community to come together to make even more of a difference. Thank you to all of our Community Partners for your support and participation.

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

WHETHER IT IS A CHILD, A SIBLING GROUP, A YOUTH OR A FAMILY, THE ANGELS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, JUST LET US KNOW.

IT IS THAT FEEL GOOD TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE ANGELS WHERE WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT SMILES ON A LOT OF FACES. FROM THE LITTLE BABY TO THE YOUTH AGING OUT, OR A SPECIAL FAMILY IN NEED, EVERY YEAR THE ANGELS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN FOR MANY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO WOULD NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IF NOT FOR THE ANGELS.

WE ARE GATHERING OUR LISTS, CHECKING THEM TWICE
AND ASKING OUR ANGELS TO HELP MAKE CHRISTMAS BRIGHT!

IF YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS AMAZING TIME OF THE YEAR, PLEASE CLICK BELOW ON SANDY KEARNEY’S EMAIL ADDRESS AND GIVE HOPE TO CHILDREN THAT THERE IS A SANTA CLAUSE IN THEIR LIVES.

2018 Blue Ribbon Gala News

We have some very exciting NEWS about our 2018 Annual Fundraiser.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be our Presenting Sponsor and Mr. David Yates will be our Keynote Speaker

THE BLUE RIBBON GALA 2018

New Venue, New Theme

Mark your Calendar NOW,
YOU will not want to miss this event!

Date: April 28th, 2018
Venue: St Petersburg Yacht Club
Time: 6:30 – 11:00 PM
Theme:
No matter how BIG the JOURNEY AHEAD
Always take it on HEADFIRST
Semi-Formal Attire
Silent/Live Auction

Limited Seating (300) 30 Tables of 10
Get Your Reservation in EARLY!

THANK YOU ANGELS AND FRIENDS!

Thanks to your reviews, the Angels made the Top Non-Profit List for 2017.

Please Write A Review About The Angels!

As you know, Angels Against Abuse, Inc. was recognized as one of the top Non-Profit Organizations in our community which is a HUGE honor. We need to keep the reviews coming in order to maintain that honor. Please take a few minutes and write a review. Just click on the Great Non-Profits Icon above and it will take you right to their site. We have a lot that we can write a review about! Our new project, the Angel Visitation Center, The Mad Hatter Tea Party, the Child Advocacy Expo, the BrewHaHa Monster Ball and our Christmas Giving Program for 2017 and so much more! We are counting on YOU!

Your Reviews Make A Difference!!!

THE BREWHAHA WAS A FANTASTIC PARTY. PERFECT NIGHT, PERFECT WEATHER, PERFECT PARTY! OUR ATTENDANCE WAS AROUND 600 AND THAT IS A RECORD. THANKS TO THE BREWHAHA FOUNDATION, IT WAS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW SOME OF THE NIGHT AND ALL THE COSTUMES…
THANK YOU BREWHAHA FOUNDATION

ST PETE GLITTER QUEENS, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ST PETE GLITTER QUEENS WHO RAISED $73,697 FOR THE BETH DILLINGER FOUNDATION. GREAT JOB LADIES – YOU ROCK!!!

November 14th, 2017 – 8:30 – 9:30 am
Angel Meeting – Pasadena Community Church
Life Enrichment Center – 227 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL

December 13th, 2017 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Christmas Giving Program – St Pete Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, FL