April 2021

The Angels see a Rainbow in sight and Hope is on the horizon for 2021! 2020 was a tough year filled with challenges for all of us, but we made it through the tough times and now we can look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you for all your support to the Angels and helping us to make a difference in the lives of the children and families we advocate for every day.

WELCOME BABY JOURNEE HARLOW – OUR NEWEST LITTLE ANGEL

9 LBS ARRIVAL DATE – APRIL 6TH 2021

CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY TOMINUS! WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!

APRIL 2021 NEWS LETTER

WE ARE HOPEFUL FOR MAY 11TH 2021

OUR APRIL 13TH ANGEL MEETING IS CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF ATTENDANCE.

The Angels are very excited to get back on track with our monthly Angel Meetings and every month we are optimistic that this month will be the month to get together. Since we still have only a hand full of people that are planning on attending, we have decided to hold off until MAY 11TH 2021 for our next Angel Meeting. Every month for the past year, we have wanted to get together and maybe May will be our lucky month. Hopefully everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be and everyone will feel more comfortable being around one another. 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.

OUR NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED may 11TH 2021

WE would love to see YOU…

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…

JUST HANG IN THERE!

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!

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!

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
298 CHILDREN’S
LIVES 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 changing lives for generations to come!

ONE SUCCESS STORY OF MANY OF THE DIFFERENCE THAT
The “FIRST FIVE” Baby CAT Program is making in the lives of these children!
AWESOME NEWS APRIL LOTT

In July of 2020 Baby CAT received referrals for two brothers who attend Campbell Park Elementary. These two boys were both acting out and were becoming aggressive in their classrooms. They both had been suspended from ELEMENTARY school on several different occasions.

The children had been exposed to domestic violence and extreme poverty, and their mother’s depressed mental health. In addition the family was homeless. Baby CAT staff worked with DFL’s homeless services staff and the family was housed in October 2020. In addition to the counselor the clinical consultant worked very closely with the boys and their teachers and stabilized them at school. The Baby CAT also connected mom to DFL’s psychiatric services for medication management. Mom recently got a job, the family remains stably housed and both are doing very well in school.

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.

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
Bailey’s Medical Equipment
Becky Hudson
Career Path Training/Roadmaster Driving School
Clearwater Barre
Corey Heilman
Curativa Bay Corporation
David Herman, Trustee White Family Foundation
Diana & Kerry Helinger
Douglas Bauer
Ella Reams
Evan Rosich
Flora and Mike Corrigan
Heather Yung
Helen & Rudy Consoni
J Larsen & Associates CPA
James & Kriste Helinger
Jason & Amanda Meland
John & Sandy Kearney
Karen Faller
Ken & Maureen Heretick
Kim & Richard Bauer
Kristen Davis
Mark & Jessica Young
Nicole & Tony Spinelli
Nicole Day
Paula & Charles Park
Rebecca Anderson
Susan Proctor
Ten Pins Bowling Alley
The Broadrick Family Foundation
The Speer Foundation
The White Family Foundation
TIGNA Grant
Veterans of Foreign War Post 2473
Weston Newman

The Angels & The Kind Mouse Have Teamed Up!
Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program
20 BAGS FILLED MARCH 2021
16 BAGS FILLED APRIL 2021

The Kind Mouse & Angels Against Abuse, Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program is a new program that we are very excited about! These baby bags will be filled with items specifically 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 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.

Angels helps a little boy have Easter

A 6 year old boy was removed from his home as a result of having been physically abused. He was exposed to domestic violence and his home was environmentally hazardous, additionally he was being medically neglected by his caregivers. Despite his physical pain and the trauma of being removed from his parents, he is a great example of the resilience. On the way back to the office following the child’s removal, he told the CPI that he thought CPI and CPIT were awesome, that he loved them, and that he wanted to grow up and be just like them so he could help people the way that we were helping him.

CPID reached out to Angels in order to get him some toys while the CPI used a gift card at Walmart provided by the Angels to secure an Easter basket and plenty of candy for him to enjoy on Easter morning. The boy was extremely excited, saying “Looks like I am rich!!! That’s a lot of stuff!”

It was immensely gratifying for the CPI to be able to make Elijah’s day just a little bit better, and we are very grateful to Angels for making this possible.

Angles Baby Starter Bags:

The Angles organization has donated baby starter bags for infants that are removed and placed both with licensed care and relative/non-relative care. Each bag is filled with a stuffed animal, baby outfit, PJ’s, bibs, bottles, shampoo, wash clothes, pacifier, and a book. You will also find an assortment of food/formula and diapers that are sorted based on age and meant to supplement each bag. The bags are labeled according to age range and gender, unicorn bags are for baby girls and the puppy bags are for the baby boys.

Several of our placements have commented on how wonderful these bags are to have and how they make an emergency placement a little easier. Once caregiver commented that she was grateful she didn’t have to run to the store in a pinch to get necessities, and instead, could focus on just making sure the little one place with her was loved.

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”

The Angels & The Kind Mouse Have Teamed Up!
Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program
20 BAGS FILLED MARCH 2021
16 BAGS FILLED APRIL 2021

The Kind Mouse & Angels Against Abuse, Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program is a new program that we are very excited about! These baby bags will be filled with items specifically 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 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.

Angels helps a little boy have Easter

A 6 year old boy was removed from his home as a result of having been physically abused. He was exposed to domestic violence and his home was environmentally hazardous, additionally he was being medically neglected by his caregivers. Despite his physical pain and the trauma of being removed from his parents, he is a great example of the resilience. On the way back to the office following the child’s removal, he told the CPI that he thought CPI and CPIT were awesome, that he loved them, and that he wanted to grow up and be just like them so he could help people the way that we were helping him.

CPID reached out to Angels in order to get him some toys while the CPI used a gift card at Walmart provided by the Angels to secure an Easter basket and plenty of candy for him to enjoy on Easter morning. The boy was extremely excited, saying “Looks like I am rich!!! That’s a lot of stuff!”

It was immensely gratifying for the CPI to be able to make Elijah’s day just a little bit better, and we are very grateful to Angels for making this possible.

Angles Baby Starter Bags:

The Angles organization has donated baby starter bags for infants that are removed and placed both with licensed care and relative/non-relative care. Each bag is filled with a stuffed animal, baby outfit, PJ’s, bibs, bottles, shampoo, wash clothes, pacifier, and a book. You will also find an assortment of food/formula and diapers that are sorted based on age and meant to supplement each bag. The bags are labeled according to age range and gender, unicorn bags are for baby girls and the puppy bags are for the baby boys.

Several of our placements have commented on how wonderful these bags are to have and how they make an emergency placement a little easier. Once caregiver commented that she was grateful she didn’t have to run to the store in a pinch to get necessities, and instead, could focus on just making sure the little one place with her was loved.

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”

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.

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 31st, 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!

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