May 2021
TO ALL THE MOMS, MOMS TO BE & MENTOR MOMS
Happy Mothers Day to ALL the MOMS who make a difference every day in the lives of their children or other children who depend on their love and guidance. Each and everyone of you are appreciated more than you know, and for those of you that are not told enough, YOU are special and YOU are appreciated.
MAY 2021 NEWS LETTER
WELCOME BACK ANGELS, WE ARE HAVING OUR MAY 11TH ANGEL MEETING
WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US
Please mark you calendars and let’s meet face to face….
The Angels are very excited to get back on track with our monthly Angel Meetings and it seems like May 11th 2021 will be our lucky month! We know that many of you are still operating remotely and perhaps have not been vaccinated, BUT after the year and half that we have all had, it feels like Spring is in the air and there is a rainbow in site for getting back to a more normal life. I miss all of you so much and hope that you will join us May 11th. There is so much to catch up on and we would love to hear from each of you! It is time… It would be so nice to see smiles again instead of just eyes! Our meetings have always been a source of information and sharing and it takes each of you to help make a difference in building our awareness in the community. PLEASE try to attend our May 11th meeting.
WE would love to see YOU…
Bring your favorite beverage…
It’s Still Important We Stay In Touch To Let You Know Our News!
Hopefully Our Monthly News Will Give You An Update of
Angels Making A Difference…
MEETING DETAILS
NEXT MEETING – MAY 11TH, 2021 8:30 – 9:30 AM,
PASADENA COMMUNITY CHURCH
227 70TH STREET SOUTH, ST PETERSBURG, FL
PLEASE RSVP AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE MEETING DATE!
BLUE RIBBON GALA
NEW DATE
PLEASE CHECK YOUR CALENDARS
FRIDAY OCTOBER 22ND 2021
PLEASE SEE FULL DETAILS BELOW
A NEW DATE FOR OUR BLUE RIBBON GALA
As all of you know, our April 10th 2020 Annual Blue Ribbon Gala was postponed several times in 2020. The Angels felt for sure that the April 10th 2021 date would work, but unfortunately COVID is still standing in the way so we are now looking at Friday, October 22nd 2021 as the date for our Annual Blue Ribbon Gala. I would like to thank each of you that have been a support for our Gala and also thank you for your patience throughout this past year for the changes we have had to make. Since the Blue Ribbon event is our only awareness event that allows us to sustain the programs we provide to our community partners, it is important that we find a way to make it happen. The Angels feel that later this year will allow us sufficient time to work through COVID and have an amazing event that will be a celebration of being together while raising funds to touch the lives of the children and youth we advocate for throughout the year.
Every dollar we receive goes directly to one of our programs that make a difference in the lives of the child. Last year tested all of us and we are ALL stronger than ever to have survived such a challenging time but imagine how difficult it has been for these vulnerable children who have already suffered so much. We HOPE you will join us October 22nd 2021 and help us make a difference and celebrate our ability to adapt to change! Again, thank you for your patience and understanding through the many changes we have had to make due to COVID guidelines.
JOIN US OCTOBER 22ND, 2021 FOR A SPECIAL CELEBRATION OUR
ANNUAL BLUE RIBBON GALA
If you have already purchased your tickets, we hope to see you! If you have not, please follow the links below and purchase your ticket or table for a beautiful evening that we planned just for YOU. If you are unable to attend, you can make a donation directly on our Facebook page or our website www.angelsagainstabuse.org to make a difference in the a child’s life.
For those of you that have already donated, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!
Something to make you SMILE
One of the children I Mentor
by Byron Pressley, Program Director FOTC
I often look for big successes or want to see our kids achieve something big to be considered a success. But sometimes goals are small and successes add up over time. The truth is, many of our kids’ successes are small and they may need those successes a hundred times before they can move onto something bigger. The wins can be in the little moves forward, even if they take steps backwards at times, if the overall movement is forward, we are achieving our goals.
One of my girls struggles in reading. She can read, just slower than everyone else and gets stuck sounding out words in her head, so there can be long pauses, sometimes making it difficult to understand what she is reading.
By her teacher and myself advocating for her, she was able to get extra time during test taking, passed her 3rd grade FSA, and is improving in her reading skills during 4th grade. She is still slow during reading, but continues to improve. The other day on our outing she said she likes to read. That was both surprising and a joy for me to hear. But again, success is sometimes in the small moves forward. Together, because of the Angels help with getting us tablets for our youth, we are reading a chapter book about a boy who also struggles with reading, and should finish by the end of the school year and look forward to choosing a book for the summer. Earlier this year, we had goals for her to read independently, but she wouldn’t read at home. We readjusted our goal and now just read together. This also allows us to discuss what we are reading to develop fluency and comprehension. My hope is that she will start to create a desire to read independently and will begin to ask herself questions to make sure she is understanding what she is reading. For her to say she likes to read, to me, is a success.
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN
The Angels are proud to once again partner with the Friends of the Children Mentoring Program in 2021. Thank you for your tireless effort and commitment to dedicate 12 1/2 years to children who need guidance and a mentor to guide them through life’s many challenges. These amazing individuals are changing lives for generations to come and the Angels are proud to be a part of their mission.
MONTHLY UPDATE BABYCAT FIRST FIVE PROGRAM
Directions for Living (DFL)
Campbell Park Elementary & Kings Highway Elementary Schools
FIRST FIVE PROGRAM IS A HUGE SUCCESS!
BIG NEWS
Here is the note from April Lott, CEO/President Directions For Living
“Wonderful news our BabyCAT Program has been recommended for full funding. Fingers crossed that the Governor signs the recommendation!! We have started to grow something that is making a difference in the lives of little children. We will update you again in June.”
LIVES WILL BE CHANGED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME…
Thank you April for your updates on how the little one are doing!
The Angels are very excited to be a part of this amazing program!
The Angels are a part of breaking the pattern of abuse!
A Message from April Lott,
President & CEO
Directions for Living
“It is so heartwarming when we receive a gift from a generous supporter of Directions for Living that allows us to say “yes” to one more family or deserving adult in need. Thank you Angels Against Abuse for being a champion for children in our BabyCAT Program. This program was created to assist children in their first 5 years of life that have been identified by a teacher at one of our partner elementary and early learning schools as experience a mental, emotional, or behavior issues that is preventing them from being successful in their learning environment. Many of these kiddos are at-risk of out-of-home care due to domestic violence between caregivers substance issues in their home or other stressful situations. Thanks to your generous support to DFL we are working towards our vision of thriving children, Empowered adults and Strong families! Organizations like the Angels provide vital support that helps bring out BabyCAT families back together. As a Donor and Friend of Directions for Living, you are a part of something really special — you are a part of our community.”
April Lott, LCSW
President & CEO
Directions for Living
1437 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764
Cell: 407-592-5574
Office: (727) 524-4464 ext.1702 | Fax: (727) 524-4474
www.DirectionsForLiving.org
Guardian ad Litem Foundation (GAL)
Opportunity Outreach
Dream, Believe, Succeed!
WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED FILLING REQUESTS
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
DREAM it, BELIEVE it, SUCCEED
The Angels are so proud to once again work with the Guardian ad Litem Foundation to help address the needs of the children they advocate for 24/7. With visitations down due to COVID, and schools being closed for almost all of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, there are requests for these children to try and live as normal a life as possible and give them a sense of normalcy in their lives. The Opportunity Outreach Program is a direct benefit to children allowing them to have real, “normal” kid experiences. These funds help to make sure that they can participate in the school, church, and/or community activities that they are interested in without putting the burden of funding on the child or foster parent. Some examples of funding requests include:
- Registration fees for school sports and the equipment needed to participate.
- Going on a school field trip or church/YMCA outing
- Going to homecoming or prom and purchasing a dress or suit
- Getting a bike
- Being able to purchase school pictures
- Taking dance, karate, or music lessons after school
- Covering the cost of a cake for a birthday party
- Attending summer camp
- Taking swim lessons
This program will give Hope to children who often have little to smile about. It is the little things that could potentially turn a child’s life around, and if one wish granted can make a difference in their lives, the Angels will make that happen!
OPPORTUNITY OUTREACH SUCCESS STORIES
Thank You Angels
Erin Authier
Executive Director
Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay
Original request:
K, Middle School boy.
K. is a sweet teenage boy that has been longing for normalcy and permanency. Due to being in a group home for the majority of his time in care, he has been unable to participate in extracurricular activities.. He is now in a wonderful foster home that may result in permanency. K. used to play baseball years ago prior to coming into Foster care. Since he has spent the past few years in a group home where extracurricular activities were not an option, he hasn’t been able to play. K. now lives in a wonderful foster home and has just joined a baseball team. Due to the years he was unable to play, he’s feeling extremely insecure with his abilities. With a few extra lessons to get him up to speed, his confidence will improve, as will his enjoyment of the season.
Update:
K. and his two siblings came into care after years of neglect and substance abuse by their parents. After bouncing around to multiple placements, K. is now in a wonderful foster home where he is finally able to have a more normal teenage life. Prior to shelter, K. had played baseball and really showed potential. With a break of several years, he lacked confidence due to feeling behind the other kids. Thanks to your support, K took hitting lessons prior to the start of the season to get him up to speed for the level he now plays at. I’m happy to share that not only is K. physically playing baseball better, but more importantly it has helped his self-esteem to be more evenly matched with his teammates. He looks forward to practices and games and is really thriving!
Update:
We received the sweetest update on C from his guardian ad litem. C. is a middle school aged boy who has been in the dependency system for a few years and has struggled with ADHD. His GAL and caregivers were looking for a therapeutic outlet to help C. work through his feelings and gain a new skill. They found music therapy and thanks to Angels, C has been in piano lessons for a few weeks. The GAL actually just submitted a request for additional lessons for C because it is going so well, and he is getting both the music engagement and the therapy support through this activity. We are so grateful for the support of Angels in helping to make this a reality for C! Below is the note we received from this GAL:
“Piano lessons are making a huge impact in C’s life as he chose his own teacher from the website and talks to her about personal issues as well as enjoys the learning and music therapy. He has been taking lessons now for a few weeks and enjoys it so much he wants it to continue. We are so thankful for the ability to provide him this experience.
Thank you!”
Healthy Food Request .
S. would like to receive gift cards that he could use at local grocers to augment the food supplied by his group home. He is interested in gaining a little more control over his diet (and honestly this would be something else in his life he could have a little more control over). At 14 he’s eating everything in sight, just because that’s what you do at 14. On top of that, due to his homelessness prior to placement in the Group Home, he was also likely under nourished when he arrived at the house.
Piano Keyboard
L. is currently placed at Educational Advantage. She is in her 2nd year there and doing quite well. She attends school regularly and wants to go to college when she graduates from High School next school year. She is a junior and her grades are good. She has just gotten her Learner’s permit to learn to drive and plans to stay in Foster Care until she graduates from High School then go in to PEES. She has been consistent in what she wants and shows quite a bit of maturity in thinking things through for herself and making good choices since she has been at Educational Advantage. L. has stated for quite a while that she would like to take piano lessons. Eckerd is helping find lessons, as GAL I am working to find her a keyboard.
A Yamaha Keyboard 76 key keyboard can be purchased on line through Walmart.
One Year of Karate
Plus Gear & Uniform & Registration
V. has been in and out of foster care for over four years, yet she remains a bubbly and creative little kiddo. She is currently in karate lessons, which she absolutely loves, but the foster mother requested financial support to continue it.
V. has been taking karate for several months and loves it. Every time the GAL visits her, she demonstrates her latest moves and makes the GAL learn the new forms. She packs an impressive kick
Camp
C. is living in a therapeutic foster home. He was in his original placement for 9+ months, but interrupted due to a FP family dispute. C. was then placed on an emergency basis for 3 months but is now in what appears to be a new, permanent placement. C. would like to participate in camp this summer and the family believes it will be good for him to have the social and physical outlet
Sandbox
The boys are placed with the paternal grandfather and paternal great-grandfather. Placement is stable; however, the residence is small. Thankfully the boys are little, but they’re active! Grandpa is doing a great job of providing for the children’s basic needs. He has adjusted to having two young children which was not his plan in life and this may become permanent.
Every child likes to play in sand and the backyard of the residence (it’s part of a duplex) is shaded and perfect for a sandbox. The sandbox selected is slightly elevated so toddlers would stand at it and thus not have so much sand in their pants afterwards, but still allows for plenty of fun.
The impact that Angels is having on these kids lasts long after the check has been cut. Thank you for seeing the value of brining these opportunities to children in the dependency system and helping to give them an outlet to grow.
The Angels & The Kind Mouse Have Teamed Up!
Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program
36 Bags March & April 2021
Waiting on our May Request
The Kind Mouse & Angels Against Abuse, Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program is a HUGE SUCCESS and the Kind Mouse and Angels are very excited to partner together to provide assistance to these precious little angels! These baby bags are filled with essentials to provide a start for infants that will be distributed to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to assist with baby needs and urgent items for babies when removed. There has been a big increase in 2020/2021 infant removal and this is a concern that needed to be addressed. The Angels have partnered with The Kind Mouse to make sure no babies are going without! These baby bags will include items that will make a difference until they are placed with relatives or in foster care. The bags will include pre-mixed formula or baby food depending on the age of the infant, diapers, wipes, baby wash, diaper rash ointment, clothing based on age and gender of infant, washcloths, bibs, baby book, pacifier, rattles, and baby bottles. The Sheriff’s office said the average removal per month of infants right now, is around 15-17 a month. We feel this is a need that should be addressed.
TWO SISTERS BROUGHT TOGETHER – ANGELS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Child Protection Investigation Division recently connected two young adult sisters, one who has a newborn and a 3 year old daughter, and the other sister has a 10 month old daughter. The sisters were subjected to a lot of neglect by their own parents growing up as a result of their parents’ drug addictions. They relied on one another for support to get through their home environment growing up, and continue to do so today. They both work, one as a housekeeper and the other in sales, and reside with each other, alternating shifts to cover child care needs. The sister with the newborn had some medical complications shortly after being discharged home, and had to be readmitted to the hospital to undergo surgery. Despite life throwing them many challenges, they have persevered and done all they can to ensure their children have the love and stability they themselves did not have growing up. Thanks to the Angels, these sisters were assisted with much needed supplies to include the prepared baby bags, extra diapers, wipes and other essential items. The sisters expressed being extremely grateful for the donations, and talked about how they felt so lucky to receive the assistance. Every penny for them counts, and the items donated by Angel’s brightened their day and reaffirmed that there is so much good in the world
Kelly H. Johnson
Program Administrator
Child Protection Investigation Division
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
8550 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33771
(727) 582-3814
“Leading The Way For A Safer Pinellas”
A Message from Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Dear Angels Against Abuse,
Thank you for your generous donations of infant supplies. The baby bags of stuffed animals, baby clothing, bottles, diapers, formula, baby snacks and other essential items needed to provide care for our most vulnerable little ones is making such a positive lives of the children in our community and we are grateful for your contribution.
Thank you for making a difference!
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO THE ANGELS
Al & Susan Bennati
Alexandra Bryant
Alina Linthicum
Allen & Sarah Keesler
Allen, Johanna
Amanda Meland
Angels Against Abuse, Inc
Aviation Academy
Bailey’s Medical Equipment
Becky Hudson
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Blakemore & Satori Kearney
Brad & Kathy Ball
BrewHaHa
Bridgepoint Church
Brittany Mills
Career Now Brands
Career Path Training/Roadmaster Driving School
Clearwater Barre
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Corey Heilman
Creative Outdoor Advertising
Curativa Bay Corporation
Cynthia Fabrizzi
David Herman, Trustee White Family Foundation
David & Joanne Yates
Dawn Rush
Dayton Foundation
Deep Glow
Derby Lanes
Diana & Kerry Helinger
Dillards Tyrone
Donald & Holli Hudson
Douglas Bauer
Ella Reams
Evan Rosich
First Home Bank
Florida Graphics
Flora and Mike Corrigan
Fostering Hope of Florida
Heather Yung
Helen & Rudy Consoni
J Larsen & Associates CPA
James & Kriste Helinger
Jason & Amanda Meland
Jason & Christi Strauss
John & Sandy Kearney
John & Karen Kearney
John Weir
Just Give – Great Non-Profits
Karen Faller
Ken & Maureen Heretick
Kim & Richard Bauer
Kristen Davis
Mark & Jessica Young
Matt & Valerie DiGennaro
Neil & Cindy Campbell
Network for Good
Nick & Kay Catizone
Nicole & Tony Spinelli
Nicole Day
Nigella Industries
Nives Plavizanic
Patricia Calhoun
Paul Mathis
Paula & Charles Park
Pinellas Realtor Organization
Rebecca Anderson
Socius Family Foundation
St Pete Glitter Queens
Susan Proctor
Tara Dudley
Ten Pins Bowling Alley
The Broadrick Family Foundation
The Kind Mouse
The Speer Foundation
The White Family Foundation
TIGNA Grant
TisBest Philanthropy
Vector Commercial Real Estate
Veterans of Foreign War Post 2473
Werner Enterprises
Weston Newman
If we have inadvertently left anyone out, please contact [email protected] and we will get you added. Every dollar makes a difference and we want everyone to know how grateful we are for all donations to our organization.
OUR GOAL IS TO FILL
650 TUMMIES IN 2021
That’s AMAZING…
Thank You Gina for all you do in our community to take care of the hunger needs of children and families. YOU are amazing and the Angels are so happy to partner with you!
HEALTHY START PAT+ MISSION STATEMENT
Healthy Start PAT focuses on reducing infant mortality and morbidity rates in the community by providing comprehensive case management and support services to pregnant and parenting substance abusing women with children ages 0-18 months. The Angels have partnered with them for the past several years through our Christmas Giving and our Angel Assistance Programs. Throughout the year when we receive requests for the moms or their babies, we address those needs quickly to make sure their needs are met.
Approximately 100 Always Be A Kind Mouse T-Shirts were downtown last week celebrating Kind Mouse’s 9th birthday!
SHARE SOME NEWS!
We would love to share some good news to our Angels, Friends and Families that receive this newsletter. During these times of uncertainty, fear and frustrations, good news gives us Hope and something to brighten our days. We know there is some amazing work being done by so many individuals and agencies in our community so please share your stories so we can pass them on to others. Please email Sandy Kearney at [email protected] and we will make sure your stories are shared in our next newsletter.
Please Mark your calendars for August 21st, 2021, the famous Kind Mouse Mousequerade! The Kind Mouse never wants a child to go to bed hungry and thanks to Gina Wilkins, the Founder & President, Children in our community get their little tummies filled, but without the support of our community, The Kind Mouse would not be able to accomplish this.
The Angels are proud to be a partner with The Kind Mouse and be a part of assisting with this terrible pandemic of hunger that we have in our community.
Thank you Gina for all you do!
Are you coming to our Angel Meeting?
LOCATION
Pasadena Community Church, Life Enrichment Center
DATE AND TIME
05/11/21 8:30am – 05/11/21 9:30am
Welcome back meeting from COVID-19
Angels Against Abuse Gives HOPE,
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow….
WE NEED YOUR VOTE TO STAY ON TOP.
THANK YOU ANGELS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE A REVIEW!
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT SO PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND LET EVERYONE KNOW HOW WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
YOUR WORDS SPEAK VOLUMES IN THE COMMUNITY!
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
We are looking for volunteers for all of our upcoming events. Please contact Sandy Kearney by clicking on the above link and let us know which of our upcoming events you are available to help volunteer. Please remember that all of these events benefit the Angels and your support will make a difference. Thank you for your support!
When it comes to helping others, there are no little things…the accumulation of a lot of little things isn’t little…it takes each of us to make a difference for all of us…none of us can do everything at one, but all of us can do something at once…one person can make a difference, and every person must try…
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
IF ALL GOES WELL
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
IF ALL GOES WELL
2021
May 11th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL
June, July & August No Meetings
Summer Break
August 21st 2021 – 6:00 – 11:00 PM
The Kind Mouse Mousequerade
September 14th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL
October 12th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL
October 22nd 2021 – 6:00 PM -11:00 PM
Annual Blue Ribbon Gala
The St Pete Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL