There is nothing better than to plant a seed and watch it grow. The Angels had a vision 10 years ago to find ways to get to know our community leaders and assess the needs of the children and youth we serve in the child welfare system. We also wanted to bring everyone together in one room and introduce them to the many resources available in our community in an effort to strengthen our partners ability to grow as well with their mission. We felt that working together as a TEAM would benefit the children, youth and families in the child welfare system. Our vision became a reality with the Child Advocacy Expo. This event has been effective in helping our partners network with one another, find ways to combine their efforts, eliminate duplication, identify solutions, and finding common ground that impacts our children in a much bigger way. Over the past 10 years this event has evolved to include not only our community partners, but also includes the organizations and businesses who provide funding by allowing one on one introductions; we have opened our doors to include students who are looking for possible employment opportunities within the system. This Expo has become a valuable resource in our community! After our 10 year journey, we feel we accomplished our goal and we now want to find new ways to make a difference in the community.

October 12th, 2018, was our last Child Advocacy Expo! BUT! Within minutes of this announcement, we were approached by Dora Starling with the Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association that they would like to take the Expo over. it was a bittersweet moment for the Angels, but there is no greater compliment than to have a program continue on with new blood and new excitement! Thank you Dora for keeping our legacy alive and you can count on the Angels to help in any way we can. Sandy Kearney

Special thanks to Nicole Spinelli for chairing this event for 10 years and to all those helping Angels that show up and meet and greet our guests.