DECEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER
CHRISTMAS GIVING 2020
ANGEL STYLE
When you walk into our Angel Visitation Center, it will take your breath away when you see presents in every room and still being dropped off. You will get goosebumps when you see what the Angels have done to brighten Christmas Day for hundreds of children in our community. With 2020 being such a difficult year for so many, try to imagine what children in our community are going through who face abuse and neglect every minute of every day. Even if it is for only one day, Christmas morning will give these children something to lift their spirits and make them smile! That’s our goal and we made it happen. I would like to personally thank my Elf Helpers for all they have done to make this happen.
There are no words to express our gratitude for the individuals, organizations and businesses who too are struggling but have found the time and energy to fulfill children’s wish list. God has blessed the Angels beyond belief and we are so grateful! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, December 15th and 16th, 4 agencies in our community will need large trucks, vans and people to load all the gifts to distribute to these children. Since we cannot see their faces, we have to rely on our community partners to share the joy and smiles on their faces so PLEASE Community Leaders, do that for the Angels so you can hopefully share at our January 2021 meeting. If for some reason we are still not meeting due to COVID, all your letters and cards will be shared in our January Newsletter.
PROUD GREAT GRANDMA!
MEET VIOLET REY
I have some very exciting news to share. My oldest granddaughter Kristen, made me a GREAT Grandma, December 2nd 2020 at 7:32 AM with a beautiful baby girl, Violet Rey, weighing in a 6 lbs 9 oz. She is adorable and officially now the youngest Angel! Congratulations Kristen and Andrew on your precious little Angel. Take a peek, she is ADORABLE – Sandy Kearney
THESE PICTURES ARE STOCK PICTURES VS ACTUAL PHOTOS DUE TO THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF CHILDREN IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM.
Something to Smile About.
Several weeks ago Directions for Living was notified of a mom and her 2 little boys who were living homeless and living in their car. DFL staff quickly jumped into action to get this little family out of their car and into shelter. Unfortunately emergency shelter for families is very limited in Pinellas County and all emergency shelters were full. The DFL staff placed the family in a hotel, but the trauma these children and their mother has experienced has been painful. As of today, for the first time in a long time they all feel safe and cared for. The boys are now attending school, and doing much better academically. Mom is now working and saving to be able to get into a permanent place of her own. DFL with the support of the Angels are providing the children with counseling and case management and the supplies they need for school and “home”. These children will receive Christmas presents and Christmas dinner to brighten their day. The entire little family is so grateful for all of the love and support.
April Lott, CEO
Directions for Living
WE LOVE THE ANGELS!
HEALTHY START PAT+ PROGRAM
CONGRATULATIONS EMILY – JOB WELL DONE….
Emily began with the Parents as Teachers Plus Program of Pinellas County (PAT+) May 24, 2019. She had recently admitted herself to treatment for drug addiction. The catalyst to her decision to enter treatment was the discovery that she was five weeks pregnant. Emily lost contact with her older son who was born in 2012 and learned from this heart-breaking experience that she wanted to do better and be an active parent this time. Prior to her entry to treatment, Emily was living with her husband in a tent using drugs. She walked away from this life to get back on track. Despite her trauma, she had earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration. She was determined to remain clean and sober in order to have a healthy pregnancy and maintain custody of her children. She was granted a spot at a local Transitional Housing program in 2019 and gave birth to twins, a boy, and a girl, at 34 weeks. The children were both 4 pounds 6 ounces at birth with health issues. They were monitored in the neonatal intensive care unit until deemed stable. Emily continued to attend her required courses in transitional housing and was an active participant in the PAT+ Program. In August 2020, Emily left transitional housing and began living independently in an income-based apartment. As of this writing she has been promoted at her job and trains others. Her greatest focus in life to be a good parent to her twin babies, who are now walking. Emily has resumed contact with her 8-year-old son who lives in Tampa and is working towards building a healthy relationship with him. Emily exemplifies resilience and a positive attitude and is on a path of healthy parenting.
When COVID first hit our community and our country, it was hard to imagine light at the end of the tunnel. Now we see HOPE on the horizon in the eyes of our children that there is something to look forward to. It has been the mission of the Angels for over 15 years to make a difference in their lives and give them HOPE for a better tomorrow! Thank you Angels for all you do.
Angels Making a Difference
Thank you Angels for giving us warm clothing and shoes during these colder days and thank you for always being there for us making a difference in our lives whenever a need arises.
Mouse Nibbles Program
The Kind Mouse has been busier than ever during this difficult time packing and delivering to hungry children and families by filling there little bellies. No child should go to bed hungry and thanks to the Kind Mouse, little bellies get filled every day! Thank you Gina for paving the way!
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN
Thank You Angels
Byron Presley and his team of Mentors just got off a Zoom call with 23 of their families making pizza, salad and cookies. This would not be possible without the generosity of the Angels getting tablets and laptops.
Also, the family who was facing a lot of challenges this past year with their living situation now has a place to live! Thank you Directions for Living and Angels for making this happen. 2020 has been difficult for so many, but having Angels on your side has definitely made a difference.
We have partnered with the Kind Mouse to provide food to our community children (see the attached photos). CPI’s distribute this food to the children and families on our caseloads that have little to no extra income to buy food until their Food Stamps renew for the following month. This has been especially helpful during COVID when job loss and stress levels are on the rise which has a direct correlation to the rise in child abuse. By providing needed food to our families, it allows us to not only engage with the families, but it establishes a rapport with the community that people care and our community families are important. We’ve had several children give positive feedback about the brands of food, equating “name brands” as the “good food, not the store brand stuff” which means a lot to the families that can’t always afford “name brand” food. Because of this partnership, we’ve been able to build better relationships with the communities we serve and an overall higher quality of care. Thank you Kind Mouse for all that you do and thank you to the Angels for making that connection happen!!!!
OUR COVD GIVING ANGELS & CHRISTMAS ANGELS
Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations that have helped us to keep going through COVID and our Christmas Giving Program 2020. Thanks to these amazing individuals, businesses and organizations, we have been able to provide assistance to the many community partners that come to us in time of need and put smiles on the faces of over 300 children in our community who need to Believe in the Magic of Christmas.
Thank you to the following:
Al & Susie Bennati,
Alexandra Bryant,
Alina Linthicum,
Allen & Sarah Keesler,
Amanda & Jason Meland,
April Lott (DFL)
Bailey’s Medical Equipment,
Becky Hudson,
Brittany Mills, Brad & Cathy Ball,
Career Path Training/Roadmaster Driving School,
Creative Outdoor Advertising of America,
Curativa Bay Corporation,
David Herman, Trustee White Family Foundation
Diana & Kerry Helinger,
Duke Energy,
Evan Rosich,
Flora & Mike Corrigan,
Heather Larson,
Helen & Rudy Consoni,
J Larsen & Associates CPA,
Jan’s Mission,
Joan Carmody,
Johanna Allen,
John & Sandy Kearney,
Ken & Maureen Heretick,
Kim & Richard Bauer,
Kristin Dawes,
Mike & Jessica Young,
Monica Hidalgo,
Neil & Cindy Campbell,
Network for the Good,
Nicole and Tony Spinelli,
Paula & Charles Park
Paul & Marty Mathis
Rhonda & Cameron Shaw,
Scott & Dixie Steciw,
Socius Foundation,
Susan Proctor,
Ten Pins Bowling Lanes
The Speer Foundation,
The St Pete Glitter Queens,
The White Family Foundation,
The Wood Family Foundation,
TIGNA Grant,
Timothy & Jill Griffith,
Werner Enterprises,
Weston Newman,
From the bottom of our Hearts “Thank You”
Healthy Start PAT+ Program
Healthy Start recently announced that Angels Against Abuse was named their Volunteers of the Year for all we do for the little ones and their moms throughout the year! Thank you so much for this recognition.
The Angel Visitation Center
Despite COVID the Angel Center is doing AWESOME! Ashley has kept it going because she knows how important it is for the children to see their parents. The Angel Center is almost back to full capacity and everyone is following the COVID guidelines. We are so proud to see reunifications taking place during this challenging time and everyone who walks through the front door of the Center feels Welcome and grateful to visit their children. We welcome visitors who would like to have a tour of our facility if you have never seen it. You always walk through the doors with a smile and leave with a smile!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED…
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.
Friends of the Children Mentoring Program
Putting a smile on a child’s face is what we do, especially during difficult times like we are all experiencing at this time, but our hearts go out to all the children and youth who already have challenges and obstacles to overcome, so if we can give them Hope and a little something to brighten our day, we are doing our mission! Thank you community partners for sharing smiles with the Angels!
Campbell Park – First Five Program 90% Success
The Campbell Park Elementary School (First Five Program) is proving to be a huge success. Directions for Living is now under way with their second pre-school elementary school. These amazing consultants and teachers are keeping the little ones from entering the child welfare system and breaking the pattern of abuse. It is a WIN for not only the children but the parents and their families for generations to come! GO April Lott, CEO Directions for Living are this huge success. The Angels are privileged to be a part of this wonderful program!
The Angel Visitation Center
Despite COVID the Angel Center is doing AWESOME! Ashley has kept it going because she knows how important it is for the children to see their parents. The Angel Center is almost back to full capacity and everyone is following the COVID guidelines. We are so proud to see reunifications taking place during this challenging time and everyone who walks through the front door of the Center feels Welcome and grateful to visit their children. We welcome visitors who would like to have a tour of our facility if you have never seen it. You always walk through the doors with a smile and leave with a smile!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED…
Making Masks Fun
The Angels feel that if our little ones have to endure a mask, it should be a fun and fancy one so we took on the challenge of creating fun masks for kids starting back to school. We will be providing 250 children’s masks and 100 adult masks to our little ones and big ones who can use a smile!
Contact Sandy Kearney to request masks. We are limited on our supply but will do our best to accommodate you!
To all the first responders, the community leaders, the generous individuals and our Angels who are making a difference in the lives of children and families. Over the past several months you have worked tireless hours to help the children and families in our community who are in need of so much be safe and cared for. To all of our friends and family members who are struggling through this difficult time, our prayers and thoughts are with you!
NEVER lose sight of HOPE, hold on to your FAITH, and know that WE are all in this TOGETHER! God never puts more on our plate than we can handle and there will be brighter days ahead of us. WE all need to pull together as ONE and find PEACE and HARMONY in our days ahead!
NO MEETINGS SCHEDULED UNTIL JANUARY 2021
Unfortunately COVID Is Still In Charge Of Our Days,
however PCC is reopening on a very limited number of people
and many guidelines to follow, but we are grateful for what we can get!
If you are interested in attending, it will be based on when you RSVP
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…
We have a lot to do to get ready for the holidays so please start working on your wish list.
prepare for this huge undertaking.
JUST HANG IN THERE!
Are you coming to our Angel Meeting?
LOCATION
Pasadena Community Church, Life Enrichment Center
DATE AND TIME
1/12/21 8:30am – 1/12/21 9:30am
Welcome back meeting from COVID-19
SINCE OUR April 19th 2020 Annual Blue Ribbon Gala was been cancelled for this year, and rescheduled for April 10th 2021, we still are making a difference in the lives of so many children in our community who need our assistance. We have been working hand in hand with our community partners helping to get these children ready for school as well as assisting with the many needs of our homeless families trying to keep their children safe and our of the child welfare system. As you can imagine, since we were unable to host our annual Blue Ribbon event, our ability to raise funds has been challenging. Every dollar we do receive is immediately put directly on a child’s need. If there are any individuals or businesses that would like to help us help our kids, please DONATE. Since the BRG is our only annual event that raises awareness in our community as to what we do for the children who are victims of abuse and neglect, but how we raise the funds to sustain the many programs we provide. Right now we could use your help big or small to help our kids! Every dollar makes a difference. We are 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 could use a lending hand if you can help!
You can make a donation directly on our Facebook page or our website
For those of you that have already donated, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!
JOIN US APRIL 10TH 2021 FOR A SPECIAL CELEBRATION – OUR BLUE RIBBON GALA
Angels Against Abuse Gives HOPE,
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow….
THANK YOU ANGELS FOR WRITING YOUR REVIEWS!
IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR TO GET THOSE REVIEWS IN. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT SO PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND WRITE A REVIEW TO LET EVERYONE KNOW HOW WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. YOUR WORDS SPEAK VOLUMES IN THE COMMUNITY!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTONS FOR EACH OF THE UPCOMING EVENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENTS GOING ON IN OUR COMMUNITY AND ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE PART OF ANGELS AGAINST ABUSE, INC. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND [email protected]
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
2020
Annual Christmas Celebration
Distribution of Presents
The Angel Visitation Center
2200 Tall Pines Drive, Suite 100
Largo FL
December 15th & 16th
9:00 am to Noon
Good Bye Until 2021
HAPPY NEW YEAR
WE WELCOME 2021
2021
January 12th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL
January 30th 2021 – 6:00 PM -11:00 PM
8th annual Kind Mouse Mousequerade
The Kapok Tree
923 N. McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL
April 10th 2021 – 6:00 PM -11:00 PM
Annual Blue Ribbon Gala
The St Pete Yacht Club
11 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL
