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| Press Releases |
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| Feb 18, 2012 | Recognizing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect Conference Agenda |
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for teachers, school personnel and daycare providers on February 18, 2012 at Saint Lucie County Childrens Services Counsil. This is one of several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF's mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child's well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The conference is from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great learning and networking opportunity.
Conference Location:
Children's Services Counsil of Saint Lucie County
546 NW University Blvd.
Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34986
To RSVP call 772.201.1996
Flyer for February 18, 20 
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| Feb 4, 2012 | Recognizing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect Conference Agenda |
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for teachers, school personnel and daycare providers on February 4, 2012 at the Palm City Presbyterial Church . This is the second of several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF's mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child's well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The conference is from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great learning and networking opportunity.
Conference Location:
Palm City Presbyterian Church
Langill Hall
2700 SW Martin Hwy.
Palm City, Florida 34990
To RSVP call 772.201.1996
Flyer for February 4, 201 
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| Jan 27, 2012 | Media Release - Conferences on Abuse and Neglect |
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for educators, school personnel and community partners regarding Recognizing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect. This is oneof several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF's mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child's well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting.
GFNF_ad22012 media relea
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| Jan 21, 2012 | Recognizing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect - Conference Info & Agenda |
Conference for Educators and Child Daycare Providers:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for teachers, school personnel and daycare providers on January 21, 2012 at Indian River Sheriffs Department . This is the first of several conferences planned for the Treasure Coast. GFNF's mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel, educators and day care providers may be the only other adult to witness a child's well being from day to day. Individuals who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The conference is from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a great learning and networking opportunity.
Conference Location:
Indian River Sheriffs Department
Auditorium
4055 41st Avenue
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
To RSVP call 772.201.1996
Flyer for January 21, 201
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| Jan 10, 2012 | Guardian ad Litem Angels Gift Drive |
For information about our Annual Gift Drive just open the PDF. To make a monetary donation click the donation tab above.
Thank you for all you do to help our children.
GAL Holiday Gift Drive.pd
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| Dec 1, 2011 | First Lady Ann Scott's Letter of Appreciation |
First Lady Ann Scott's letter of appreciation to all of Florida's Guardian ad Litem volunteers. First Lady Ann Scott is also Florida's Chief Child Advocate.
First Lady Ann Scott Lett
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| Nov 21, 2011 | Flaming Knights Schedule Annual Toy Drive |
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| Oct 1, 2011 | 2011 Conference for Educators |
Recognizing & Reporting Abuse and Neglect:
GFNF is sponsoring a free training conference for St Lucie teachers and school personnel on October 22, 2011 at Florida Atlantic University. GFNF's mission is to increase awareness and education surrounding child abuse and neglect. In many cases of abuse and neglect, school personnel and educators may be the only other adult to witness a child's well being from day to day. Educators who are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and make effective reports can prevent the child from further harm. The conference includes professionals from multiple disciplines providing training and insight with regard to abuse, neglect and effective reporting. The Conference is an all day program FREE to teachers and school personnel with lunch included. The training has been approved by St. Lucie County School District for in-service hours. This is a great learning and networking opportunity. The full agenda can be viewed on our website www.gfnf4kids.org RSVP is required due to limited seating, please email info@gfnf4kids.org or call 772.807.3868
Educators Conference
October 22, 2011 - 8:00 to 4:00
Florida Atlantic University
MP Building 102 and 103
500 NW California Blvd
Port St Lucie FL 34986
Agenda Educator Conferenc
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| Sep 22, 2011 | Guardians For New Futures Offers Free Training |
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| Sep 21, 2011 | GFNF Receives Award from SLC Chamber of Commerce |
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| Sep 5, 2011 | PanAmerican Roundtable |
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| Aug 11, 2011 | School Pacs for Abused Children in Martin County |
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| Aug 11, 2011 | School Supplies Needed |
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| Aug 1, 2011 | Guardians for New Futures starting third annual school supply drive |
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| May 22, 2011 | Movie Premier- Majestic Vero Beach |
Please come out to supoort Guardians for New Futures. The Indian River Youth Council is hosting the Movie Premier of Pirates of the Caribbean 4, on May 22, 2011. Please join us at the Majestic Theather in Vero Beach at 4:30 pm for a welcome reception. There will be local personalities, raffle items and door prizes. $ 20.00 covers a movie ticket, popcorn and a soda and will be donated to GFNF. For tickets call 772.240.8860 or email grossi@gfnf4kids.org
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| Mar 23, 2011 | GAL Spring Open House |
On 3-23-11, GAL will host our Spring Open House. Members from the community, our volunteers and friends and family of our volunteers are welcome to join us at the GAL Office to find out more about our program. The doors open at 6 pm and light refreshments will be served. This is an evening of mingling and sharing information. Feel free to invite your friends! RSVP to Gina 772.240.8860 or email grossi@gfnf4kids.org Event will be held at the GAL Office - 584 NW University Blvd, Suite 600 PSL, FL 34986
Flyer -Open House- 3-23.p
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| Feb 4, 2011 | Lumanaries- Young Angels Come to Rescue |
The St. Lucie Youth Council is a group of high school students committed to making a difference.
Members of the council teamed up with Guardian ad Litem to provide assistance to this advocacy group that serves children who are victims of abuse neglect abandonment.
Although the council was just created in July 2010, they have already formed a Board of Directors and outlined objectives. The group of busy teens meets regularly to discuss how they can increase community awareness for the GAL program.
During the recent holidays, members assisted with the GAL Angel Gift Drive, sponsoring 16 children.
Clay Dente, Taylor White, Josh Lawton, Stacie Elbert, Megan Ryan, Jessica Molyneaux and Rowan McGarry are several members of the St. Lucie Youth Council that helped Guardian ad Litem during the recent holidays
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| Dec 15, 2010 | Guardian ad Litem Program Holds Gift Drive |
By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - In the adult world, children are often seen and not heard.
Not if the volunteers with the Guardian ad Litem program can help it.
The 19th Judicial Court, which includes St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties, handle hundreds of cases a year that directly or indirectly involve children who have been removed from their homes because of alleged abuse, abandonment or neglect.
To help these children, the court appoints a volunteer from the Guardian ad Litem program, who visits the child, helps gather information about the case, interviews people in the child's life and makes recommendations to the court based on their findings.
"Our main focus is the child," said Gina Rossi-Scheiman, who is one of the guardians, as well as being on the board of directors for Guardians for New Futures.
"Our goals are two-fold," she said. "To act in the best interest of the child and to listen to the desires of the child."
Currently, in the four-county area, there are 1,300 children in the guardian program.
"There are kids of all ages, all with different levels of need," Ms. Rossi-Scheiman said. "We're there to make sure they don't fall through the cracks."
While the money provided by the state helps with recruiting and training volunteers, there is no money left when volunteers notice a child's need for clothing, school supplies or other necessities.
That's where the Guardians for New Futures come in. Since the ad Litem program is state funded, it cannot hold fundraisers or solicit money. Guardians for New Futures was established to secure funding to meet the extra need.
And the need for the children at this time of year is presents, so there's an angels holiday gift drive to make sure all 1,300 children in the ad Litem program receive a gift this season.
"The volunteers ask the kids what they would like, and make a list of the answers," Ms. Rossi-Scheiman said.
This is the third year the nonprofit has held a gift drive. Last year, it received donations for all 900 children in the program. Business owners, churches and families stepped up to purchase items off the child's wish list.
"The people in the community went above and beyond for the children, it's unbelievable," said Debbie Butler, president of the board of directors for Guardians for New Futures. "We are so humbled by the response, it's a huge outpouring."
A local motorcycle club, the Flaming Knights, have taken up the cause for the children. They will hold a holiday toy drive and fish fry from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at 104 N. 9th St. in Fort Pierce to raise money and toys for the Angel Holiday gift drive.
To sponsor a child, call the office indicating how many children you would like to sponsor. You will then receive a wish list with the child's first name and age, along with information concerning deadlines and drop-off sites. You can also make a monetary donation and the volunteers will purchase gifts for the child on your behalf.
There will be five drop-off locations spread throughout the five counties for people to take their donations. The deadline to drop off donations is Dec. 10.
If you wish to directly help in the child's life, volunteer forms are available at the Port St. Lucie office. Volunteers must complete 28 hours of classroom training and two hours of court observation.
For more information about being a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, call (772) 785-5804 or e-mail Jennifer Manis at jennifer.manis@gal.fl.gov. The main office is located at 584 N.W. University Blvd., Suite 600 in Port St. Lucie.
For more information about the angel holiday gift drive, call Gina Rossi-Scheiman at (772) 785-5804 or go online to www.gfnf4kids.org.
Gift Drive- Youth Council
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| Nov 10, 2010 | Dyer Difference Award |
Guardians for New Futures Recipients of the November Dyer Difference Award
Once a month for over two years now, Will and Tatiana Dyer of Dyer Auto Vero Beach have been honoring a local charitable organization with the Dyer Difference Award. Along with the Award comes a check in the amount of 3,000 dollars. This admirable program has honored many local organizations like the Salvation Army of Indian River County and the Visiting Nurses Association of the Treasure Coast. The recipient of the award is an organization whose services and contributions help make Indian River County a strong and caring community. Guardians for New Futures (GFNF) is the November recipient; acknowledged for their work in assisting the Guardian Ad Litem Program to provide advocates to children who are victims of abuse neglect and abandonment. Over 200 children in Indian River are served by the GAL program. The Dyer Difference Award will assist GFNF in holding a Spring Luncheon to cultivate and strengthen the organizations’ donor base and provide recruitment and training opportunities for GAL’s.
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| Nov 1, 2010 | Fish Fry- Raffle-and Toy Drive in Fort Pierce |
The Flaming Knights Motorcycle Club is holding a fish fry fundraiser on Saturday, December 4, 2010. 2pm- 6pm Participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the GAL gift drive.
See Flyer linked below for all the details!!
flyer flaming knights- ga
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| Sep 15, 2010 | Liberty Medical Donates School Supplies to GAL! |
One of the area’s largest medical suppliers, Liberty Medical, has an extraordinary Community Outreach Committee helping the community in a variety of ways. The Committee takes on special projects for local charitable organizations. They participate in holiday drives, fund raisers and food drives. They have helped Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Southport Middle School, and many other local charitable organizations. Their latest show of generosity was ten large boxes of new, good quality school supplies for the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Kits4kids drive. Outreach Committee member, Rick Decker of Liberty says, “I like that the GAL program has the ability to distribute these supplies to needy children in all four counties on the Treasure Coast.†(Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee and St Lucie) Guardians ad Litem are advocates for children who are victims for abuse, neglect and abandonment, and with Liberty’s help these children will have the tools they need to start off the school year on the right foot!
Photo Key: Liberty Outreach Committee Members (left to right): Betsy Johnson, Lisa Luna, Rick Decker
Liberty Medical Supply Do
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| Sep 12, 2010 | Colby Lufkin and GAL Youth Committee Honored |
Treasure Coast teenager Colby Lufkin and the Indian River County St. Edward’s GAL Youth Committee were honored with the Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Foundation Community Advocate of the Year Award. The award is given to someone who supports their local GAL program and impacts the life of children in a significant way. The winner was chosen from 20 state-wide nominations, one outstanding individual or group representing each Judicial District in Florida.
The Youth Committee hosted a movie premier for “Iron Man 2†at the Majestic Theater in Vero Beach. It included a GAL commercial featuring “America’s Most Wanted†celebrity John Walsh, a promotional clip from ESPN and donations for a raffle from golfer Greg Norman. Two hundred and fifty tickets were sold and donated to Guardians for New Futures. This group of 16-year-old visionaries has proved they have the fortitude to plan an elaborate, professional sold-out event.
The committee members Colby Lufkin, Lauren Edwards, Jared Jillson, Cole Legler, Connor Moore, Jack Santini, Jay Schulte, Lonnie Scott, Lucy Sexton, Jad Shalhoub and Oliver Wilkey were honored Aug. 24 at the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Awards Reception in Orlando. The group said it has committed the next three years to being a voice for this important program that provides advocates for abused and neglected children.
Picture left to right:
Jay Schulte, Debbie Butler (President Gfnf), Jared Jillson, Lauren Edwards, Colby Luftkin, Elizabeth Mackenzie (19th District Circuit Director)
Awards Ceremony- GAL Yout
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| Jul 8, 2010 | Kits 4 Kids!!!!!! |
Guardians for New Futures hosts its second annual school supply drive
GRS, a member of the Treasure Coast community. This story is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with this site.
Originally published 02:57 p.m., July 8, 2010
Updated 02:57 p.m., July 8, 2010
Kits4Kids
$20.00 can provide back to school supplies to the less fortunate children in our community. These kits not only give children good quality, contemporary supplies, it also gives them confidence and pride. There are hundreds of children in our community who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment, served by the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program. They may be living in foster care or staying with relatives who have agreed to take them in. Many of these children don’t know what it’s like to start school even with the basics - they have absolutely nothing. No new notebook to take notes in. No back pack, No loose leaf paper. No pencils or pens.
For children whose life is in turmoil does it really make sense to have them start classes’ one step behind everyone else? It’s a real problem, academically and emotionally, when students simply don’t even have the basic supplies to start their year. If we cannot provide the children in our community with the fundamental tools to complete their educations, then truly, we are disabling them. We are almost asking them to fall behind.
New school supplies are very exciting for students. Clean, fresh notebooks, markers and crayons all help get kids excited about school and eager to learn. It is so important that every single child is on equal footing the first day of school. This is why Guardians for New Futures (Gfnf) vows to provide children supported by the GAL program with good quality school supplies. For so many children, school may be their only hope, a place where they have friends, teachers and can feel good about their accomplishments. School can be a beacon of light for many underprivileged children; it provides them with support and gives them the tools they need to reach their individual potential.
Please visit our website or donate with a check by mail. If you can afford just one kit, you will know you gave a needy child a reason to smile on the first day of school and helped that child feel energized about the upcoming school year.
Last year Gfnf provided kits close to 500 children in the Treasure Coast; donations are accepted in ANY amount. Donate through our website using pay pal: http://www.gfnf4kids.org
Or send a check or money order to
Guardians for New Futures
584 NW University Blvd,
Port St Lucie, Florida 34952
772.785.5804
If you have questions, or would like to host a drive at your work or place of worship, contact grossi@gfnf4kids.org for an order form.
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| May 11, 2010 | View endorsement video from Governor Charlie Crist |
Governor Charlie Crist applauds the work of the Guardian Ad Litem program for improving the lives of children and families involved in dependency court. Governor Crist thanks GAL for 30 years of success and their continued efforts of raising their voices for our children.
GAL day2010 Crist.wmv
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| Apr 2, 2010 | View endorsement video from John Walsh |
John Walsh from America's Most Wanted shows his support for the efforts of Guardians for New Futures and St. Edwards student Colby Lufkin. Together, they have raised awareness of the children in dependency court on the Treasure Coast.
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| Mar 18, 2010 | View endorsement video of Jay Corbin from ESPN |
Jay Corbin from ESPN thanking Colby Lufkin, who is a student at St. Edwards, for organizing the St. Edwards Youth Advisory Committee to promote the Guardian Ad Litem program on the Treasure Coast. The committee helped facilitate 800 children with Christmas gifts this year!
Corbin.wmv
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| Feb 23, 2010 | Olympian Winners- GAL |
ST. LUCIE WEST -- American's, like many around the world, find themselves glued to their TV's this winter for the amazing Winter Olympics Games. In the name of this competition we turn our attention toward these amazing feats of downhill skiing, ice skating and snowboarding. When we see these athletes of such tremendous strength and dedication, we are enthralled, and as American's, totally invested in their win, most likely because most of us regular folk cannot even imagine what it took them to get where they are. Behind every one of them, it always seems waiting in the wings, teary eyed and smiling, is their best advocate cheering them on.
You've seen them; the camera always makes a point to showcase this advocate. The athletes' personal hero draped in their country's flag and a big knit hat, it's usually a parent or trainer ready to meet the athlete with a consolatory hug, or run, slamming through the crowd, pushing over the reporters with open arms, just to be the first to embrace them. Each Olympian has their own private champion, supporting them relentlessly, through what we can only imagine must be a long and arduous journey. When we look back on the tough journeys in our lives, isn't it always the people who supported us and pulled us through that we remember the most? Imprinted on our memories are those words of encouragement from a teacher, heartfelt hugs from friends, and the undying, fervent love of our parents and families that tell us, no matter what we score, no matter where we stand, no matter gold or no gold, they will always be there, waiting anxiously in our corner, to pat us on the back, to support us.
When we recognize how blessed we are to have these supports in our lives, those who don't have anyone always spring to mind. An athlete with no personal hero or advocate, no one to share in that victory or loss, would be a sad picture. On the Treasure Coast, hundreds of children who are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment, find themselves involved in judicial proceedings. This road is a long and strenuous legal battle, and caught in the middle, one small and frightened child is watching, awaiting the outcome of their fate, with no one in their corner they can turn to, no parent or friend they can look back on for that last smile or wink before they set off from a shaky past into an unknown future.
The Guardians For New Futures and Guardian ad Litem program have a goal and a happier picture. A picture where every single one of the children in the system on the Treasure Coast has that personal hero, someone waiting at the ready to be there for this child come what may. To provide them that needed assurance of no matter what happens, win or lose, stand or fall, someone will be there waiting and listening, someone who won't stop supporting them until they are safe and secure. In our picture, a small monthly time commitment to a child can make a volunteer that secret champion, one who inspires and enables a needy child to heights they never imagined. No, there may be no ticker tape parade, no gold medal glinting and national anthem blaring, but all can certainly agree, to make a difference in the life of just one child who needs an advocate is truly more precious than any bronze, silver or gold.
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| Feb 2, 2010 | Judge Levin Welcomes Advocates |
Chief Judge Steven Levin swore in the latest group of newly Certified Guardians ad Litem (GAL) volunteers Feb. 1. The swearing-in ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Saint Lucie County Annex Courthouse located at 250 N.W. Country Club Diver, Port Saint Lucie. Chief Judge Levin welcomed the newly Certified GALs and said, "The Guardian Ad Litem is a crucial and hopefully not an underappreciated party in the dependency system. These volunteers give their time and energy to speak for the ones who cannot voice an opinion before the court, the children who have been allegedly neglected, abused or abandoned. It was a pleasure and an honor to be permitted to swear in approximately 35 Guardian Ad Litem individuals from Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties during the morning of Feb. 1. These dedicated individuals will be responsible for preserving and increasing the quality of lives of hundreds of children throughout the Treasure Coast in the next few years. I appreciate being part of the process".
A reception followed the ceremony at the 19th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program office located at 584 N.W. University Blvd, Port Saint Lucie. The addition of the newly certified Guardians into the Program was greeted with excitement, as it is anticipated they will be assigned to 70 of the more than four hundred children who are without a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem and therefore, voiceless in court.
GALs are appointed by Circuit Court Judges to serve as advocates for children who have been removed from their homes because of alleged abuse, abandonment or neglect. Guardian ad Litem volunteers, and the attorneys working with them, make sure victims of child abuse and neglect are protected and have a safe place to live and the necessary services to overcome their circumstances. Children range in age from infants to high-school students.
1,254 abused and neglected children reside in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties. Due to limited resources, only 825 of these children are assigned a volunteer.
To join the 35 volunteers determined to make a difference in this community, contact Pattra Farthing-Dodd, M.S.W., Recruiter/Trainer, at (772) 871-7225 or Pattra.dodd@gal.fl.gov or visit our website at www.Guardianadlitem.org for an application and more information.
Volunteers must complete a course of training consisting of four day-long classes and six hours of courtroom observation. Volunteers must be 19 years of age or older.
The GAL Program holds training monthly at their Saint Lucie West Office.
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| Jan 20, 2010 | Guardian Riders on the Move |
PORT ST. LUCIE - Motorcycle Group "Guardian Riders" Will be on the road traveling to the Starbucks and Guardian ad Litem Program's Recruitment Coffee on Jan. 30.
The 19th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program's volunteer motorcycle group the "Guardian Riders" will be at the Starbucks Recruitment Coffee on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. The Starbucks Coffee located at Britt Road and U.S. 1 will be hosting the recruitment coffees to assist the Riders with recruitment of new volunteers. With every new volunteer recruited, one more abused and neglected child will have someone speaking on his or her behalf in the court system.
A Guardian ad Litem focuses exclusively on the child. Guardians ad Litem conduct an independent investigation and make recommendations about what is in a child's best interests. They visit the children regularly; and advocate for services that the child may need while they are involved in the court system. Most importantly, the Guardians ad Litem advocate for permanency; a place the children can call home. Guardian ad Litem volunteers work with community partners and judiciary and are recognized as the eyes and ears of the court system and the voice of the children they represent.
The volunteer riders will be handing out brochures and signing up anyone interested in volunteering and attending free volunteer training sessions in February and March. Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age and undergo a background check.
Stop by meet a Guardian Rider, enjoy a free cup of coffee and you too can make a difference in the life of a child this year!
For more information contact Pattra Dodd at (772) 871-7225 or visit www.guardianadlitem.org.
Florida's Guardian ad Litem Program is a network of professional staff and community volunteers who serve as advocates for neglected and abused children in the court system.
There are local Guardian ad Litem programs in all 20 of Florida's judicial circuits. Guardian ad Litem volunteers and the attorneys working with them, make sure victims of child abuse and neglect are protected and have a safe place to live and the necessary services to overcome their circumstances.
For additional information, contact Pattra Farthing-Dodd at (772) 871-7225, or visit www.GuardianadLitem.org.
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| Jan 11, 2010 | New Years Resolutions |
PORT ST. LUCIE -- It is an ancient tradition to set a resolution at the start of the year and although the New Year is celebrated at various times by people of many different creeds and nationalities, one thing remains constant. Each year we resolve to do at least one thing better.
We reach down deep within ourselves and we resolve to start over. To do something that is going to change our life and make it better. Therefore, we buy exercise equipment and cut out the snacks. We try to stop using bad language and vow no matter what, to get organized and keep the house clean.
We throw the cigarettes and chocolate away and cut up credit cards. We go to church, and buy recyclable grocery bags all in the name of trying to do better and be better; then we want to make a difference.
Still, even with the best intentions, these resolutions end up feeling like sacrifices and we simply do not follow through and sometimes, by February we have forgotten about our good thought and intentions. The closet is a wreck, the treadmill is already getting dusty and we say "This year I am going to give back to my community" but we have not taken any action steps to do so.
The Guardian ad Litem program in St Lucie County wants give the Treasure Coast residents an opportunity to take that first and paramount step. The GAL program is a unique collaborative effort between community volunteers and professional staff who unite in order to advocate for the best interest of children in judicial proceedings. These children have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment or neglect. They are alone, fearful and often displaced and confused.
A Guardian ad Litem is a volunteer who becomes the voice for a child and offers support and hope where before there has only been fear. GAL volunteers advocate for the best interest of a child. Professional training is provided free. For more details call (772) 785-5800 or visit www.gfnf4kids.org
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| Dec 14, 2009 | Angels We Have Heard |
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| Nov 1, 2009 | Guardian ad Litem Angels Holiday Gift Drive |
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