SUMMER IS HERE BREAK OUT THE SUNSCREEN

JULY 2021 NEWS LETTER​

EVERYDAY IS GETTING BETTER WITH THE EVER CHANGING COVID GUIDELINES

PLEASE JOIN US JULY 13TH ANGEL MEETING

let’s meet face to face….

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

MEETING DETAILS

NEXT MEETING – July 13th, 2021 8:30 – 9:30 AM,
PASADENA COMMUNITY CHURCH, LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER
227 70TH STREET SOUTH, ST PETERSBURG, FL
PLEASE RSVP AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE MEETING DATE!

IF YOU WANT TO STAY CONNECTED READ OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
THEY ARE FILLED WITH INFORMATION & STORIES TO WARM YOUR HEART…

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…

​

The Angels had a FANTASTIC and INFORMATIVE meeting in June! Everyone was so excited to be back on track and learn about what successes have occurred over the past year plus! April Lott, CEO/President of Directions for Living gave us an amazing report on the First Five/BabyCat Program and its amazing success for children at the pre-k to 8 age group. Families are being turned around and children saved from the child welfare system changing lives for generations to come. Congratulations April for your passion for children and Hooray for the Angels to partner with such an amazing organization.

We hope all the wonderful dads had a fantastic Father’s Day! It is our honor to recognize those dads who make such a difference in their children’s lives and in many cases have to be both the mom and dad to their kids!

Many times dads are overlooked for their role in a child’s life since so much focus is on the moms, but for those dads that are both a mom and a dad to their child, you are appreciated. I have a very good friend that has advocated for his child since she was born and he finally prevailed Thanks my friend for being vigilant.

FINALLY, SOMEONE LISTENED!

Speaking of amazing dads, I would like to congratulate and thank this amazing dad for keeping his little girl safe. After a six year battle, someone finally listened and he prevailed in a system that is flawed. His story would bring tears to your eyes, but the end result is what matters. This child is on a healthy journey thanks to the efforts of this amazing dad!

Time to Toss Those
MASKS

WATCHING JOURNEE SPREAD HER WINGS
OUR YOUNGEST LITTLE ANGEL

Thank you Ashley for sharing Journee at our June Angel Meeting! She is a precious little Angel and we were so happy to have here a part of our morning so everyone could meet her! Thanks for sharing so many cute pictures and allowing us to be a part of her JOURNEY!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…

for those of you that are re-sponsoring!

We Need YOU To Make This Night Special

The Angel Center is on a “WAIT LIST” and we are so excited. Hearing the sounds of children interacting with their parents is music to our ears! Everyone coming to the Center is thrilled that things are getting back to normal and our Angel Center is the place to make visits happen! Special Thanks you to our Community Partners for getting the word out about our Center and getting us to a “wait list” status. If you have not visited our Angel Center, Please do; just let us know and we will get you a tour.

We Are Back to Normal

On behalf of Friends of the Children, we would like to thank Angels Against Abuse for making the Angel Center available for our monthly meetings. It is so nice to be back to meeting in person with our Board and especially we are grateful for the beautiful facility we are able to utilize. Thank you Ashley for your making us feel so welcome!

​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

A SUCESS STORY
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

Dominic was one of the most shy kids I had ever met 7 years ago. He literally thought everyone that looked at him was talking about him. He has since been exposed to so much and has overcome his fears slowly.

Although he has some family nearby, his caregiver was the only person that was going to watch him perform at his band event. The Friend wouldn’t miss this for the world. He performed amazing in front of a fairly full gym. The flute section in which he plays was front and center. It was quite a night.

ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

Joshua was held back a grade when he first came into the program due to his reading level and scores and the help of the Sandy and Angels with getting the youth a tablet and with the purchase of different books. While mentoring Joshua to help him get his reading levels up to his accurate grade level, I used the tools that his teacher had given me, the books that the Angels purchased and websites that enhanced his reading. Last school year Joshua was promoted to the 8th grade during the summer because he took a test that would allow him to be promoted to the 8th grade instead of going to the 7th and he is now in his correct grade because of his resilience. Joshua is now in his correct grade and is doing exceptionally well. Joshua also enjoys playing soccer and competing in chess. He will be one of our 1st High Schoolers next school year.

Sincerely,
Byron B. Pressley, Sr.
Byron B. Pressley Sr.
Program Director
Friends of the Children Tampa Bay
[email protected]

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 July.”

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!

Thank you April for attending our June Angel Meeting and sharing the Good News about the BabyCat Program also referred to as First Five! We have received so many emails and calls from our attendees on your presentation since it painted such clear picture of this program and why it is so important to grow in our community and hopefully our state as we move forward. A HUGE Congratulations to YOU for your vigilence and passion to see this through. Children all across our community and beyond will have HOPE for a better tomorrow thanks to YOU…

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

for making a difference

On behalf of Directions for Living, we want to thank the Angels for purchasing weighted blankets in all sizes for our little ones in the BabyCat Program. These blankets are a wonderful aide for children feeling anxiety and in need of comforting. Thank you Angels for making a difference in the lives of these children and our lives for making it possible to comfort these children!

Thank you Joan Carmody our
New York Angel

Every few weeks we get packages delivered from various popular stores where Joan has purchased new clothing for our kids. Every package contains an outfit, not just a top or a bottom but a complete outfit in all sizes. Joan you are amazing and we look forward to opening every package that is delivered to our door. You are truly an Angel!

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.

Birthday gift: Phone case and headphones

A GAL Request
GAL would like to purchase a birthday gift for high school teen child living in group home.

Summer Camp

L’s Story
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.

UPDATE
L is a mature, smart, ambitious young women who lives in a group home after being removed from her mother’s care for the second time, three years ago. She gets good grades and looks forward to graduating high school and then going to college. L has always wanted to learn to play the piano but due to being in and out of foster care, there was never an opportunity. Thanks to the partnership between Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay and Angels Against Abuse, L received a keyboard and is teaching herself to play the piano using you tube videos! Playing the keyboard has been a wonderful outlet for L—giving her a healthy way to process her emotions, while learning a long-desired skill.

A Bicycle Request

D’s Story
D. needs a bicycle. He is in middle school and his family is unable to meet this need. He did not receive a birthday gift from his family due to financial hardships and fact he was in a group home. He is now placed with his grandparents and has no age appropriate sports equipment or “toys” that will keep him active and encourage him to be physically active for outdoors. This is a great opportunity to help him start fresh with an item that all youth his age enjoy owning and riding now that he is moving from a group home to his grandmothers.

Nintendo Switch

L’s Story
L was abandoned by his grandmother and placed into foster care; it was determined that L. suffered from sensory disorders and developmental disabilities. L. was given a Nintendo Switch lite by his aunt for his birthday in 2020. He utilized this game system to help him with his sensory issues and his switch is also sentimental because his aunt gave it to him on a special day. It was his birthday and coincidentally the day the judge granted the GAL motion to place him back in the care of his family. When L. was moved back into care in January, he insisted that he take the switch with him to his Foster home. The aunt tried to stop him but L. suffers from major explosive episodes so she allowed him to take it. Shortly after his placement another foster child in the home, stole it then moved out of the home and it’s gone. This has been an issue for L. and her perseverates on it every weekend when he visits his aunt. The aunt is a single mother, newly divorced, and hasn’t yet received any child support from her ex husband and asked for help in replacing the switch

Swim Lessons

T’s Story
T. was sheltered in March 2021 due to the mother mental health. She is not placed with any of her other 4 siblings. T. is doing very well in her placement, but doesn’t get to see her siblings or her mother very often. Although she is doing well, she is struggling being away from her family. T. is starting to open up at her placement, and discussing things that she has seen in her life. The current foster parents have a pool, and being in Florida the child is around water regularly. The child would benefit from swim lessons to learn water safety, and understand how fun and dangerous water can be. The child enjoys water, but needs to learn how to be around it safely. Hopefully participating in swimming can get her mind off the other things going on.

Summer Camp

Their Story
These 3 children were placed with their Paternal Grandmother due to neglect, drug abuse and domestic violence. The parental rights were terminated. Grandmother works full time, as does her spouse. They are now on a limited income after taking in and offering full support to their 3 grandchildren. The children can not be left home alone and no other relative or daycare system is available while the grandparents work. The summer camp will allow them the space, time and energy they need to express themselves while out of school.

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
ZERO TO 18 MONTHS
32 Baby Bags Filled in JULY

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. 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 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!

Andrew Maurin, Executive Director, Suncoast Voices for Children provided us with some GREAT news to share! GREAT JOB SUNCOAST VOICES

United Way Suncoast has approved Voices to provide the Opportunity Passport program again in 2021-2022! To date, 41 young adults who were previously in foster care have received financial training, financial coaches and the opportunity to match dollar for dollar to buy assets like vehicles, housing, small business expenses, credit repair, health care expenses and more. To date, young people have purchased $87,374 in assets in under a year!

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

As we all know housing has been hard to find and then obtain due to various issues. We had another family secure stable housing this month!! The family has been working with us for almost 2 years and this is the first apartment they have had! This is a big YAY!!!

GINA’S 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!

​

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!

CONGRATULATIONS DISABILITY ACHIEVEMENTS ON YOUR SUCCESS

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.

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.

Are you coming to our Angel Meeting?

LOCATION
Pasadena Community Church, Life Enrichment Center

DATE AND TIME
07/13/21 8:30am – 07/13/21 9:30am

Angels on the move

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

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