SUMMER IS HERE BREAK OUT THE SUNSCREEN

JUNE 2021 NEWS LETTER​

EVERYDAY IS GETTING BETTER WITH THE EVER CHANGING COVID GUIDELINES

PLEASE JOIN US JUNE 8TH ANGEL MEETING

let’s meet face to face….

The Angels are very excited to get back on track with our monthly Angel Meetings and we are not taking a summer break since we already had a break for over a year. It is time to get back on track and get life back to normal. I miss all of you so much and miss your updates and stories about the kids! It is so nice getting to see smiles again instead of just eyes! I am sure lipstick sales are up quite a bit!!. 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 June 8th meeting.

WE would love to see YOU…
Bring your coffee or water

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 – JUNE 8TH, 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!

MASK

WATCHING JOURNEE SPREAD HER WINGS
OUR YOUNGEST LITTLE ANGEL

Welcome Back Ashley Tominus from your maternity leave. We sure missed you, but we have a special shout our to Larry Gareau for filling in for Ashley at the Angel Visitation Center when she took time off to become a mom! We are so proud of your accomplishments and all you have achieved. We are all so excited to be a part of watching your beautiful little Journee grow and spread her wings! She is adorable!

Stay informed for our October 22nd 2021 Gala through our newsletters and Blue Ribbon Gala page. You Can Purchase Your Tickets If you have not already…

EXCITING NEWS

OUR BLUE RIBBON GALA

WILL BE HAPPENING

OCTOBER 22ND 2021

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…

for those of you that are re-sponsoring!

Friday, October 22nd 2021 is 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 and a half 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 as well as educate our community on the programs we provide, it is important that we find a way to make it happen. Our Angel Awareness Event, the BRG, will not only be an amazing event as always, but t will be a celebration of being together and getting life back to normal, while raising funds to touch the lives of the children and youth we advocate for throughout the year. Only YOU can make it happen!

COVID has tested all of us but we are ALL stronger than ever to have survived such a challenging time, but imagine how difficult it has been for children who have already suffered so much and have had to overcome so many of life’s obstacles. 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.

If you have already purchased your tickets, we hope to see you! If you have not, please follow the links above 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 website 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!

A story to share from Byron Presley about the true meaning of Family Values…

I wanted to share just a bit on what one of the Friends and I would call a success story. One of the main aspects of FOTC is truly relationship building with our youth and community . We are committed to providing a sense of belonging to the children that may have never experienced that. The Angels have really brought this to life for our youth.

This past week, the Friend had to cancel a couple appointments with his youth due to a family emergency. He shared with his kids that his 4 year old daughter broke her arm in the middle of the week and needed surgery immediately. Of course, they were all understanding, as were the caregivers.

A few days after the cancellation, one of his youth borrowed his mother’s phone to call and check up on him and his daughter!!!! Another one called him through skype on the tablet that the Angel’s provided. We thought that the Friends were the ones who supposed to be the one looking out for their youth? Ken stated that “It was very heartwarming to know that my boys share the same concern over me, as I have over them.” It may not seem like much to the standard observer, but these 2 young men has struggled with connections in the past due to the broken connection from their birth-parents. Through our consistency and genuine care for my youth, they KNOW that they are a part of our FAMILY. Thanks Sandy and Angels for continuing to help our program and the youth that are in FOTCTB.

Byron B. Pressley Sr. | Mobile: 813 310 4428 | [email protected]
Program Director
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN – TAMPA BAY
friendstampabay.org | LEARN MORE: The Power of One

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

“Elias was referred to the BabyCAT team by his school in December 2020 due to having behavioral concerns in the classroom. The child has also experienced trauma including observing domestic violence and relocating to new homes several times.

Since participating and engaging with the Counselor, Priscila and Case Manager, Samantha, Elias has made progress including, he has decreased negative behaviors in the classroom, he has learned new skills, he is asking for a break when he is getting upset, he is using deep breathing activities, and he is using relaxation skills to prevent further incidences in his classroom. Elias’s grades have improved, his school attendance is excellent, he is advancing to the next grade and now communicating more effectively with his mother and staff.
The Counselor and Case Manager have advocated for Elias’s needs including the behavioral modification plan in order to foster the child’s success. The Case Manager and Counselor have also linked the family to community resources as well as assisted the mom with communicating her concerns in order to benefit her family and their needs.

A contributing factor for Elias’s success is his mother’s partnership with all professionals. The mother partners with the school, she communicates with the Counselor and Case Manager, and she attends meetings with staff and the school each week. The mom has invested her time and efforts into the change process and demonstrates her ability to meet her child’s emotional and educational needs. The mom has engaged, demonstrated change, and is resilient.

The BabyCAT team considers Elias and his family a success because of the positive changes made and the interventions being implemented in the home and school. Thank you Angels Against Abuse for being the secret sauce to this little ones success.

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

CAMPBELL PARK ELEMENTARY
AND KINGS HIGHWAY ELEMENTARY

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LITTLE ONES FOR MAKING THE GRADE AND GRADUATING. WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

YOU HAVE ONLY BEGUN YOUR JOURNEY

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

YMCA Summer Camp

G’s Story
G. lives with his paternal grandmother in an apartment. Both parental rights were terminated. Prior to living with his grandmother, he lived with his paternal grandfather and his parents. G. lives in an apartment complex where he is not able to play outside without direct supervision. The apartment complex has signs posted that state children are not permitted to play in the parking lot areas. He does not have friends nearby that he could play with over the summer. G. lives with his paternal grandmother as his caregiver. She is on a fixed income and cannot afford to cover the full cost of summer camp tuition fees. This request is to fund a summer day camp at YMCA.

Summer Camp

T’s Story.
T. is a precocious child, very engaging and verbal. He is very smart, loves to read and play video games. He has adapted very well in his placement. His one year old half-sister is also in this placement and she and T. are very attached and bonded to the foster parents. Thanks to the foster parents T. has really experienced normalcy in a family like environment and has frequent and regular contact with the foster family’s extended family that T. perceived to be his family (he calls them aunties, uncles and cousins). The parents have rarely visited and their whereabouts were unknown until recently when the father was arrested for several serious felonies and the mother’s location is now again unknown. T. would benefit greatly by interacting with other children and doing new and exciting things in camp. He loves learning and is very athletic.

Summer Camp

B’s story:
B. is an energetic soon to be 11 yr old boy. This is his 2nd time out of the home. He has never been to camp before. GAL would like to see him have fun, release some energy, socialize and just be a kid. He presently lives with his maternal grandfather in a small RV where there are no children around. This camp has martial arts 3 x per week, sports, field trips twice weekly, swimming which I think all would benefit him for socialization, meeting new friends, a chance to do things he wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to do plus someone to do them with.

Summer Track and Field Team Participation

A’s Story
A. and his siblings entered care in July 2017 and lived with their neighbors who found them all hard to manage. The children went and lived with the neighbor’s adult daughter and her husband. After a short time, this placement broke down due to A’s brother’s aggressive behaviors (which scared the caregivers. A. and his brother have been separated ever since. A. bounced around after a stable (and very strict) placement and then was physically disciplined in a foster home and was removed. This led to more bouncing around until he landed in his current placement in March 2020. He has done well there. The current FPs are AMAZING with A. and work with him on his behaviors and are loving towards him.

The FPs would like A. to join the Track Club near them for the summer. The club meets for practice on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday with meets once or twice a month. The practices are 1.5 hours long through the entire summer.

A. has PTSD and takes a psychotropic med. He has a lot of energy and a track club would be wonderful for him! A. is only 8 and due to COVID, hasn’t participated in much formal activities while in this foster home. There are other boys in the home who would participate as well.

Beach Towels For Birthday

C&S’s Story
C. and S. are in an adoptive placement with their Bio mom’s step sister. They seem to be thriving in this new placement. They are having REAL birthday parties for the first time ever. Their birthdays are within two weeks of each other. C. is having a Fortnight waterslide party and S. is having a mermaid waterslide party. I’d like to give them each a new beach towel.

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
23 Baby Bags Filled

Thank you Gina, The Kind Mouse for Partnering with the Angels

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 our community partners to assist with baby needs and urgent items for babies when removed or in a homeless situation. In May we received a call from Directions for Living that they needed assistance for the Angel Baby Bags. The request came to the Angels and the next day 23 bags personalized with the baby’s initials and age was filled and delivered. Thank you Kim Bauer and Ashley Tominus for making this happen! These baby bags 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.

A few years ago, we worked on a case with a child who had special needs. The child was around 4 years old at that time, no language and covered in lice. The child was so small that it was very difficult to keep child in a regular chair, so we improvised and used our high chair for treatment. I don’t think it was comfortable for the child, but it helped us doing the job. My supervisor and I worked together combing nits. We probably were there more than an hour. The hardest part was to wash the hair, when one of us had to hold the child and the other washed the treatment. It was a long and stressful night. I saw so much lice that my hair itched when I went to bed.

Another experience occurred this year, when I was on call and received a case at 2:00 am with 4 children all with lice. The kids were well behaved and did great during their lice treatment, but it was very uncomfortable and difficult to comb hair on our regular chairs. A little one was also included in the group making the job a little bit more difficult. I finished the treatments in the morning around 8:00 am, My coworker came to my rescue and helped me with the last kid and other things we needed to do for the case.

I’m happy to have a chair that can adjust to children height and is comfortable for them. A chair that can make them feel special, prevent meltdowns and make children feel safe because they are sitting in something made for someone their size.

Thank you so much for your donation!

Nayana Garnica
Family Support Worker
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (727) 582-3802
[email protected]

“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.

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.

Here is a great story from Noelle Chase
We have a family that finally was able to move from a hotel to a rental house. She has been with us since April 2020, had her baby boy in November and we helped her get into the house this month. Angels provided her with a baby bath, bottles, baby clothes and lots of other essentials when the baby was born. This family is now very stable and without Angels help, we would not have been able to help this family as much as we did

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.

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!

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

IF ALL GOES WELL

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

IF ALL GOES WELL

2021

June 8th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL

July 13th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL

August 10th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL

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