Borders Benefit Days

Benefit Days are Coming Soon!

On August 14 – 15 & August 21 – 22, finish up the last few books on your summer reading list or purchase your child’s back-to-school required reading, while helping us create possibilities for children and families!

When you present this certificate at the register of any participating local Borders location or enter the code online at Borders.com at checkout, Borders will donate 10 – 25% of your purchase to support Family Services of Metro Orlando.

Participating stores are listed on the certificate and online purchases are also encouraged. Please pass this certificate along to 3 other family members or friends to help us give every child in Orange and Osceola County a childhood.

For more information, contact Janice Brodie at 407-398-7335 or Jbrodie@fsmetroorlando.org

Thank you for your support!

Click Certificate Image for Printable Version
BenefitDays_Certificate_Small

Family Services of Metro Orlando
2600 Technology Dr.
Orlando, Florida 32804

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Florida Reduces Number of Children in Foster Care by One Third

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced that more than 12,000 Florida children in foster care have been adopted since 2007, including 3,368 children adopted in the past year. Florida’s recent success reduces the number of Florida children in foster care by nearly 36 percent since 2007.

“Florida has been recognized as the best in the nation at increasing adoptions because we believe the children in our care should have the best opportunity possible to be matched with a loving family,” said Governor Crist. “Our adoption successes are possible because Floridians are looking into their hearts and finding room for the teenagers, sibling groups and children with medical needs who typically wait longer to be adopted.”

In 2009, Florida was awarded a $9.7 million federal bonus for outpacing all other states in the number of adoptions of children from foster care. Florida set adoption records adoptions in fiscal year 2007-08 with 3,674, and in fiscal year 2008-09, with 3,777.

“Our bottom line in Florida is that no child should grow up in foster care,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon. “We have not yet fully achieved that goal, but we are making extraordinary progress through increased adoptions, safe reduction of the number of children in foster care, and more family reunifications and permanent guardianships with relatives.”

Florida’s leadership position among the states in adoption of children from foster care is a result of the combined efforts of the Explore Adoption public awareness campaign through the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection, the Florida Department of Children and Families, 20 community-based care agencies and other local partners that include Heart Galleries across the state.

“When we started the Explore Adoption campaign to educate Floridians about the joys of adoption, 1,000 Florida children were in need of a forever family on any given day,” said Florida’s Chief Child Advocate Jim Kallinger. “Today, we have reduced that number to 850 children.”

Florida’s ongoing commitment to finding loving adoptive families for children in foster care is outlined in the recently launched Florida Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Plan: July 2010-June 2015. More than 800 partners representing 200 agencies and organizations around the state contributed to the plan’s development. The new plan lays out cost-effective, attainable strategies for empowering communities, strengthening families to better care for their children and preventing child abuse before it occurs. Additionally, the plan promotes adoption from foster care and support of adoptive families.

A key to Florida’s success, in December 2008, the Department of Children and Families established the “Longest Waiting Teens” list, which identified 103 teenagers and their siblings awaiting a permanent home. To date, 38 teens have been adopted and 14 have transitioned out of foster care upon turning 18. Efforts continue to find loving, permanent families for 48 youth on the list who remain without an adoptive family.

The Explore Adoption campaign promotes the benefits of public adoption in Florida through public education, partnerships, Web-based outreach and a mass media campaign. Explore Adoption educates Florida’s citizens about the benefits of public adoption, including:

· Costs little or nothing. Compared to many private adoptions, which can cost $20,000 or more, virtually all costs to adopt a child from the public system – the home study, attorneys’ fees, court costs and training – are borne by the state.

· Is very secure. Children are not made available for public adoption until a judge has terminated their birth parents’ rights.

· Provides financial supports. Children adopted through the public system qualify for free health care until they turn 18, free college tuition at any state university, community college or trade school, and may qualify for monthly financial assistance, depending on the child’s needs.

· Provides an opportunity to get to know a child. Prospective parents can search for a child who matches their interests through a searchable database on www.adoptflorida.org. Prospective parents can then meet and get to know a child to make sure it’s a good match for all.

· Can be speedy. The entire process – from orientation, training, background checks, and home study to getting matched with a child or children – can often be accomplished in about nine months.

To learn more about the Explore Adoption campaign, please visit www.adoptflorida.org or call 1-800-96-ADOPT. Media are encouraged to visit the resources section of the website for additional fact sheets and other information.

Back to School Slam Dunk Bash

More than 20,000 Central Floridians lined up for last year’s event. This year, Hope Now International expects to supply 9,000 backpacks and is asking for Volunteers to help fill them.

Calling all volunteers! Join Hope Now International is looking for help on August 11, 12 and 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to help more than 9,000 children’s backpacks for the upcoming school year. Volunteers will receive a light dinner during each night they volunteer at the Amway Arena.

The back-to-school event, which is in its sixth year, will be August 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Amway Arena. Communit members can come by to receive school supplies and a variety of services including:

• Free Back to School Immunization Shots!  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
• Free 9000 Back Packs stuffed with school supplies!
• Free Community Resources!
• Free Hair Cuts!
• Free School Information
• Free Parking and Entrance into the Arena
• Free Prizes, Entertainment Music, Fun!
• Free School Supplies!
• Free Health Screenings for Adults!

For more information, call Hope Now International toll free at 1-877-674-7497 or visit www.hopenowinternational.org

Click here to download or share the event flyer!

Family Services of Metro Orlando Fundraiser with Woamtec Orlando

Join Family Services of Metro Orlando and WOAMTEC for a FREE networking fund raiser event Thursday June 15 at Timpanos Chophouse in Dr. Phillips. Free refreshments, free trade show, and networking. Bring old broken, unwanted gold for on-the-spot appraising and selling. A portion of the proceeeds from all sold gold will go to support Family Service of Metro Orlando and its mission to empower communities to create opportunities for children and families. Together, we can give a child a childhood, together we can stregthen our community.

Foster Parent Resources and Appreciation Events

We strive to equip and value our incredible foster parents.

Did you know?
Family Services is committed to supporting our foster parents through every step of their journey as loving, temporary parents to the children of Orange and Osceola Counties. Our foster parent support team, Maria Narvaez, Foster Parent Assistant, and Victor Salgado, Foster Parent Liaison, work together to answer any questions and address any concerns our foster parents may have.
Additionally, we offer two important resources – a Foster Parent Handbook and a Foster Parent Resource Guide – each filled with creative ideas, practical solutions and motivating parenting tips to help keep foster parents empowered and enthusiastic. Our Foster Parent Advocate newsletter is sent out each month to keep parents aware of upcoming Foster Parent Association Meetings, Community Awareness Orientations and Adoptive Parent Support Groups.
This summer, Family Services of Metro Orlando held two Foster Parent Appreciation events.
On May 22, 2010, in partnership with Devereux, Children’s Home Society, Youth and Family Alternatives and One Hope United, Family Services put together a fun-filled event at the Colonial Lanes Bowling Alley. Foster parents and their children enjoyed hours of free bowling, pizza, soda and door prizes and had fun meeting their Family Services Foster Parent Support team.
On June 5, 2010 the Kissimmee Belk location hosted Children’s Home Society, Youth and Family Alternatives and Family Services of Metro Orlando for an in-store event. Skate Reflections, Gatorland, Medieval Times Dinner Theater and Planet Beach Spa provided raffle prizes and Kissimmee Family Wellness provided free therapeutic massages for foster parents. Family Services’ Foster Parent Support Team would especially like to thank to Janira Gomez, Belk Community Marketing Liaison, for partnering with us for this event.

Interested in fostering or adopting a child? Please call 1-877-6MYKIDS.

Family Services of Metro Orlando Appoints Three New Members to its Board of Directors

Family Services of Metro Orlando, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities to create possibilities for children and families, announces three new board members.

On Friday, June 18, 2010, the Family Services Board of Directors passed the vote for Stephanie Batista of Orange County, Nancy Ellis of Osceola County, and Ronald Edwards Jr. of Orange County to be added as the three newest board members.

Stephanie Batista is currently a Senior Vice President, Finance for Tavistock Group, a global private investment company. She has previously worked for CNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Batista, an Orlando resident, also volunteers with Christ Church of Orlando and the Salvation Army. “The areas of need served by Family Services are ones close to my heart,” said Batista. “If I can have an impact in any capacity in an organization with this mission, I know I am doing exactly what I am meant to be doing.”

Nancy Ellis is currently Medicare Benefit Consultant for Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. She has previously worked for Aflac Insurance. Ellis, a Kissimmee resident, serves on the Hispanic Business Council of Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County. She has also volunteered as the executive secretary of the Cultural Center of Puerto Rico. “Our children are our future,” said Ellis. “We need to nurture them and guide them.”

Ronald Edwards Jr. is currently an attorney with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor, & Reed, P.A. Edwards received his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2007. He volunteers as the vice-president of the Orlando chapter of the Christian Legal Society. Edwards, an Orlando resident, is an active volunteer with First Baptist Church of Winter Garden. “I have a desire to help children in need,” said Edwards. “Particularly those in need of a family.”

Throughout their three-year terms, members of the voluntary board of directors oversee the governance and strategic development of the organization, as well as assist with fund development efforts. Board members will be responsible for helping to build and leverage community partnerships to enhance opportunities for those in need in order to further the organization’s goals of improving the lives of children and families in Orange and Osceola counties.

“These three individuals will only add to the quality of governance of our board of directors,” stated Greg Kurth, CEO of Family Services of Metro Orlando. “Not only are our board members highly qualified to govern our organization, they each have a tremendous record of stewardship for our community. We are excited for each new board member to offer a fresh and dynamic perspective toward our vision of creating partnerships to ensure the well-being of our central Florida children.”

In addition, Melinda Tedder of Darden Restaurants was appointed as Secretary of the Board of Directors. Tedder has worked with Darden Restaurants for 18 years. She was the senior financial analyst for Olive Garden finance before managing accounts payable. With her position, Tedder manages the day-to-day operations and monthly close of accounts with Darden. She received both her bachelor of education and M.B.A at the University of Central Florida. Tedder joined the Family Services board in 2009 and previously served on the Board of Directors at the Community Service Center.

See attached for headshots of Ellis, Edwards and Tedder.

Existing Family Services of Metro Orlando board members include:

• Board Chair Grant Lacerte, vice president and general counsel, Kissimmee Utility Authority (Kissimmee, Fla.)
• Board Chair-Elect Valerie Pendergrass, president/owner, The Next Step Coaching and Consulting (Orlando, Fla.)
• Board Treasurer Chirag Bhavsar, executive vice president and CFO, CNLBancshares Inc. (Orlando, Fla.)
• Jay Polachek, city councilman, seat 3 for the City of St. Cloud, Florida (St. Cloud, Fla.)
• Kim Baer, foster parents and child advocate
• Lauren Carmody, associate, Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A. (Orlando, Fla.)
• Veenod Chulani, MD, MSEd, director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and medical director of Teen Xpress, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (Orlando, Fla.)
• Randall King, executive director, The Athletic Preparatory Institute (Orlando, Fla.)
• Sarah Lindquist, commercial litigation associate, Zimmerman, Kiser, & Sutcliffe, P.A. (Orlando, Fla.)
• Xiomara “Cee” Rivas, licensed real estate agent, Ray A. Clarke Realty, Inc. (Kissimmee, Fla.)
• Marta Moczó-Santiago, Osceola County community leader (Osceola County, Fla.)
• Erica Slater Thompson, pharmacy director, South Lake Hospital (Orlando, Fla.)
• Greg Mainguth, assest resolution manager, Florida Choice Bank (Orlando, Fla.)
• Dan Stockman, founder and principal, i-Tech Support, Inc. (Maitland, Fla.)
• Melinda Tedder, manager, accounts payable, Darden Restaurants (Orlando, Fla.)

One Family, One Community Celebrate 1,000 Adoptions

Eight-year-old Melissa had been counting down the days until June 25. Little X’s marked her calendar, leading up to a big red circle drawn in excitement. She knew there would be a big party for her on that day, but it wouldn’t be for her birthday.

“After our two children went to college, we thought we were done raising children,” said Debbie Defour, Melissa’s new adoptive mother. “We never thought we would raise another family. But we’ve adopted four since then, and when we first took Melissa in, we just knew she was going to be part of our family.”

Debbie and her husband, Joseph, have made fostering-to-adopting a lifestyle and are active members of the Osceola County Foster Parent Association. On Melissa’s red-circle day, she became their fifth adopted child – and Family Services of Metro Orlando’s 1,000th adoption.

But they were not the only ones celebrated. As the Defour family waited in a packed courtroom, 17 other Osceola County families also finalized their own adoptions of 22 children.

Judge Margaret T. Waller presided over the ceremony that placed the children with their new families. “It’s always a joyous occasion when a new family is created through adoption,” said Judge Waller. “The 1,000th adoption is a joyous occasion the entire community can celebrate.”

Osceola County School Board Member Jay Wheeler opened the ceremony, followed by comments from Saint Cloud City Councilman and mayoral candidate Jay Polachek and Osceola County Chairman Fred Hawkins.

Afterward, many of the families gathered with their case managers to do just that. Family Services of Metro Orlando then decorated the Jury Room of the Osceola County Courthouse to honor and celebrate not only the milestone its 1,000th adoption, but the unforgettable milestone in each of these family’s lives.

Debbie and her husband, Joseph, had been excited for the day as well. “[Family Services of Metro Orlando] has provided all the support we need to go through with our adoptions,” said Debbie.

Family Services of Metro Orlando is the lead agency for community based care in Orange and Osceola counties. The non-profit organization coordinates services to families in need such as foster care, adoption and youth mentoring. This month’s adoptions in Osceola County were coordinated in partnership with Youth and Family Services, Children’s Home Society, Osceola County Guardians ad Litem, the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Children’s Legal Services, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

During each of the past six years Family Services of Metro Orlando, together with its partners, has set new records for annual adoptions. There have been 219 adoptions during the 2009-2010 fiscal year, surpassing the 202 adoptions in the previous year.

Family Services Joins Florida Association of Heart Galleries

Establishment of Florida Association unites statewide Heart Galleries in purpose.

Family Services of Metro Orlando proud to announce its membership in the new Florida Association of Heart Galleries. This statewide network will provide support to existing heart galleries and assist additional communities in establishing new galleries of their own. Through the association, Family Services will be able to work collaboratively and efficiently with Heart Galleries all over the state, from Miami to Tampa to Jacksonville. Each city will share best practices for securing new display venues and creating brochures and other print media pieces for public use.

“It is wise for our heart galleries to pool their talents and resources to make our state even stronger in raising public awareness and recruiting forever families for Florida’s children,” said Jim Kallinger, Florida’s Chief Child Advocate. “We strongly encourage [all Florida heart galleries] to join the Florida association of Heart Galleries.”

Florida currently leads the nation in the development of Heart Gallery exhibits, with 15 in existence statewide. Over 40% of the children who have been featured in the Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando have been adopted.

Family Services new 2010 Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando will have its grand opening on September 15, 2010 at the Magic Experience Center in Orlando, Florida. This event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and is open to the general public. Following the grand opening, the Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando will tour Orange and Osceola counties on public display.

Please visit our website for continuously updated photos of Heart Gallery children available for adoption.

UCF Masters of Social Work Program Extends to Osceola County

New UCF program will offer Osceola County social workers the chance to earn a master’s degree in their field while remaining in their community.

Beginning August 2010, the University of Central Florida College of Health and Public Affairs will be offering classes for its new three-year Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree program in Osceola County. Designed for working professionals, the program will meet twice a week at UCF’s satellite campus in Kissimmee, Florida.

Dr. Michael Frumpkin, Dean of the college and a member of the Family Services of Metro Orlando Medical Advisory Board, was instrumental in the establishment of this new opportunity. When he noticed that Osceola social workers would have to make the hour-long drive from Kissimmee to Orlando several times a week to earn a MSW degree from the main campus, he began to advocate for the program to be offered at the Kissimmee campus as well.

Now, Marixa Salgado – a recruiter for the program and the wife of Family Services of Metro Orlando’s Foster Parent Liaison, Victor Salgado – believes strongly that this program presents a valuable opportunity for Osceola County social workers.

“Approximately 40 people have already signed up for the program, which is even more than we expected,” said Salgado. “We are excited about being able to improve the accessibility of this program to Osceola County residents.”

Florida Encourages More Adoptions

<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsmetroorlando/4688277497/” title=”Jim Kallinger &amp; Greg Kurth pose with smiling adoptive family by Family Services of Metro Orlando, on Flickr”><img src=”http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4688277497_80a3603c1e.jpg” width=”500″ height=”317″ alt=”Jim Kallinger &amp; Greg Kurth pose with smiling adoptive family” /></a>

Chief Child Advocate Jim Kallinger (left) and Family Services of Metro Orlando CEO Greg Kurth (right) meet with the Burt family to celebrate a legacy of adoptions.

-from the Orlando Sentinel

Every day, hundreds of Florida’s deserving children await their chance to join their forever families. Recently, I met two brothers — Morgan, 9, and Malik, 8 — who finally have a permanent place to call home. As Florida’s chief child advocate appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, I have been honored to meet parents like Orlando’s Becky and Evan Burt, who adopted Morgan and Malik last spring. The Burt family invited me into their home to share their adoption journey, including how Becky Burt’s life has been touched twice by adoption — first as a child who was adopted and now as an adoptive mom. As educators, the Burts not only fill their home with love, but also a love for learning as evidenced by their sons’ thirst for knowledge.

Part of the Explore Adoption initiative, this visit was to encourage other Floridians to follow in the Burts’ footsteps. We hope their willingness to share their story will inspire others in the Orlando area to explore public adoption.

Under the leadership of Crist, Florida has set a record number of adoptions two years in a row. Through the tireless dedication of local organizations like the Family Services of Metro Orlando, 205 children were adopted last year in Orange and Osceola counties.

Jim Kallinger, Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection