HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE LABOR DAY, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH 2021
GOD BLESS AMERICA
ATTENTION READERS
Please take a few minutes to read our Newsletters to stay informed. Our community partners take time from their busy schedules to provide the Angels with feedback on the difference we are making in children’s lives and in our community. We provide many programs and everyone of them are so successful. Our WINGS are spreading throughout the community and beyond!
NEXT MEETING
September 14th, 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!
OUR MEETINGS ARE EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE SO PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER….
The Angels had another FANTASTIC and INFORMATIVE meeting in August! We would like to thank our speakers, Gloria Lawson, Fostering Hope of Florida, and Krista Shafer, Better Together. Everyone walked away knowing more than when they walked through the door and great connections were made. What the Angels do is extremely important and the more we know the better we can be for the children we serve. Many of our community partners attend these meetings and share their knowledge to help keep us informed so please come and Connect with us.
Gloria can be reached at: (727) 688-5328 or
[email protected]
THANK YOU FROM FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN
The Angels have been a part of Friends of the Children’s Program since it moved to the Bay area and we are thrilled with the success of the assistance they have provided over the past 6 years in making a difference in our children’s lives. Every time we have a need, the Angels make it happen. Uniforms, backpacks, school supplies, Christmas or simply a referral to an agency that can help if they cannot. The Angels have watched these children grow some starting in Kindergarten who are now in Middle and High School and have been a part of their journey since we started our program. During COVID, when learning had to be done virtually, many of our children were at a disadvantage learning virtually which resulted in their falling behind and it has been discouraging for these children. The Angels recently met with the FOTC Leaders and it was concluded that in order to get these kids back on track with their grades, they needed the right tools to help them. The Angels provided a total or 16 laptops, with a wireless mouse per laptop plus tutoring to help these children achieve the success of getting their grades up to speed. The FOTC Mentors will begin this new initiative the Angels have started called the Next Generation Tools for Success Program by providing the Angels with the first grading period grades of these children needing assistance and track their progress throughout the school year to see if their grades are improving by having these tools to succeed. The rest will be up to the kids and their mentors but, we feel success is eminent with this help from the Angels. For the 12 kids in Pinellas County the Angles have offered their Learning Center at the Angel Visitation Center as as a place to study since they have WIFI and a beautiful environment to be mentored or tutored. The Angels have provided the tools, now our kids have to do their part and get the grades.
The Angels are confident that these children will succeed and this will make a difference in their lives!
GO FOTC KIDS, THE ANGELS BELIEVE IN YOU!
Thanks Again Angels for all you do for our kids!
Sincerely,
Friends of the Children Tampa Bay
Another BabyCAT success story.
The mom, Kimberly, has 3 children under the age of 5 years old. Zander 4 years old, Maverick 3 years old, and Kaylani 2 years old. Mom started working with Baby CAT to regain at least 50% custody of her three children from their father and to get and stay sober consistently. The intensive case manager Ashley reported early on how inspired she was by Kimberly’s dedication to correct her mistakes. Kimberly was able to recognize how making good choices and repeating the same mistakes affected her loved ones and more importantly her children.
One of the challenges faced when working with this Mom was that her criminal case resulted in her being court ordered to wear an ankle monitor to track her alcohol consumption.
Kimberly was vocal about what she learned from the counselor, case manager and the IDT facilitator and was able to identify potential safety hazardous that might be present in the home and prevent her from reunifying such as each child having their own appropriate sleeping arrangement. The BabyCAT team worked on helping mom locate resources for new beds. For months, Kimberly maintained her sobriety by submitting to weekly RUAs. Kimberly remained forthcoming with information and completed her case plan. Kimberly was engaged in individual counseling sessions with Alyssa and regularly attended her IDT staffing’s. Healthy relationships were also addressed. Kimberly remained consistent with her engagement and motivation.
When the court hearing came to discuss Kimberly’s progress – Kimberly was able to speak in front of the judge, the BabyCAT team supported mom and provided documentation of her engagement in the BabyCAT program and examples of her demonstrated change. Kimberly was able to keep her head high and manage her stressors without reverting back to alcohol use. Kimberly was granted unsupervised and overnight visitation with her children and gained back 50% custody of her children. The court also made a plan to remove her ankle monitor for good.
The BabyCAT team considers this mom and her kids a success because of the positive changes made and the interventions being implemented in the home.
Guardian ad Litem Foundation (GAL)
Opportunity Outreach
Dream, Believe, Succeed!
The Angels take requests and make them a reality for children
in need of a little HOPE and a BIG Smile
The impact that Angels is having on these kids lasts long after the check has been cut. Thank you for seeing the value of bringing these opportunities to children in the dependency system and helping to give them an outlet to grow.
Thank You Angels
Erin Authier
Executive Director
Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay
Three feel good feedback stories to share on requests that Angels has funded:
Amber is a special needs child. She has a lot of medical needs requiring her to be in a medical foster home. She was born very premature and suffering from being severely substance exposed. There was great concerns in the beginning on if she was even going to live. Amber is now two years old and receiving all the medical services she needs. However, she has still not been able to get a social security number which is needed to be able to get social security benefits. Due to Amber’s special needs, she needed a very specific bath/water chair that would support her as she grows. Since receiving the bath chair, Amber has been able to enjoy outside time in the water. The foster parents are eager to take her to the beach to enjoy the water as well. Being in the water helps soothe her. This chair has been able to help give her a better quality of life. The foster mother is extremely grateful as she has paid for all the this child’s medical equipment that Medicaid doesn’t cover out of her own pocket due to lack of social security benefits.
Sebastian is a great kid that entered the system after being removed from his father because of homelessness. Sebastian is incredibly resourceful and takes great pride in being able to care for himself. However, certain aspects of his health and education he needed additional support with. He struggled some in school and was under nourished when he arrived in the system due to his previous homelessness. The tutor the GALF helped provide helped him bring his grades up. The Publix gift cards the Angels provided for him have given him increased control over his diet and improved his overall independence by allowing him to shop for additional food items for himself.
C. & S. came into care as a result of multiple reports of neglect. They were found wandering in a Walmart parking lot in their pullups. Their parents were asleep in their motel across the street. C. & S. were moved to Mississippi to an adoptive placement with a relative a couple of months ago. Their adoptive parents threw them each themed water slide birthday parties and since the GAL couldn’t attend she wanted C. & S. to know she is still there for them no matter how far away they are. C. told this GAL he loved his towel and S. (who is non verbal) seemed to like hers too.
Thank you again for all that you do to help our kids thrive!
Erin Authier
Executive Director
Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay
Our Newest Little Angel JOURNEE
Who is now 5 Months
has some IMPORTANT NEWS to share
The Angel Center is really getting busy as I welcome our guests through the doors. Mom is really working hard and everyone loves the Angel Visitation Center! Yeah ANGELS!
When you walk through the doors of the Angel Center, what you see is a smile on all the faces!
Great things are happening at the Angel Center! Two families are on their way to reunification which makes us so happy! When families are re-unified the Center gives them tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where they can enjoy one on one time without supervision! We are so amazed by how well families are doing that utilize the visitation center! Let’s keep up the good work!
Here’s a family that is back together and went to the aquarium thanks to the Angel center!
Ashley Tominus
Angel’s Visitation Center Manager
Thank You
The BROADRICK FAMILY FOUNDATION
for filling our Resource Room at the Angel Center. Our bins were practically empty from all the requests and this wonderful organization sprinkled “Magic” in our lives for all the children and families who come to us for help and now our room is filled once again!
Thanks you so much from the bottom of our hearts,
The Angels
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.
A week or two ago Angels Against Abuse graciously donated baby formula to us. On Friday August 27th, one of our Parent Educators gets a frantic phone call from a mom saying she has a day or two of formula left. She is scheduled to meet with WIC next week but what can I do for baby formula. The Parent Educator calms the mom down and was able to supply the mom with 3 weeks of baby formula because of donations from Angels Against Abuse. Without help and donations we would not be able to supply our families with this kind of support.
Noelle Chase & Linda Thielmann
The Angels & The Kind Mouse Have Teamed Up!
Angel Baby Mouse Nibbles Program
ZERO TO 18 MONTHS
25 Baby Bags Filled in AUGUST
Thank you Gina, The Kind Mouse for Partnering with the Angels
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.
Thank you Joan Carmody our New York Angel
Every few days our friend from New York stokes our Resource Room with brand new clothes for kids in all sizes. Joan, thank you so much for you generosity and very BIG Heart! Every outfit is perfectly coordinated and packaged perfectly by age and gender. Joan you are amazing and we look forward to opening every package that is delivered to our door. You are truly an Angel!
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.
2021 BLUE RIBBON GALA NEWS
WE ARE STILL ON FOR OCTOBER 22ND 2021
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…
for those of you that are re-sponsoring!
We Need YOU To Make This Night Special
Please check out our Blue Ribbon Gala page to purchase your tickets or you can click on the appropriate buttons above.
If you are a Sponsor please send your guest list to Sandy Kearney at [email protected]
St Pete Glitter Queens 10th Anniversary Ball
Friday, September 24, 2021
Marriott Roosevelt”
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
CyberGrants, LLC
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
Duke Energy
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
Joan Carmody
John & Sandy Kearney
John & Karen Kearney
John Weir
Just Give – Great Non-Profits
Karen Faller
Ken & Maureen Heretick
Kim & Richard Bauer
Kristen Davis
Linda Connors
Mark & Jessica Young
Matt & Valerie DiGennaro
Nature’s Food Patch
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
Richard Kitchell DDO
Rebecca Anderson
Sheryl Rice
Socius Family Foundation
St Pete Glitter Queens
Susan Proctor
Tara Dudley
Target
Ten Pins Bowling Alley
Timothy Thomas & Jill Griffith
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
The Broadrick Family Foundation
The Kind Mouse
The Milkey Foundation
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.
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!
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
2021
September 14th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL
September 24th 2021 – Glitter Queen Ball
10th Anniversary Ball
Marriott Roosevelt
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
December 8th 2021 – 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Annual Christmas Giving
Pasadena Community Church
221 70th Street South
St Petersburg, FL