Embrace.Educate.Empower.
January 2014
Building Champions
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed.

Recent Changes
What does it take to be a champion?  In an increasingly competitive world, raw talent alone doesn't suffice.  You've got to have courage, confidence and a will to succeed.  At HANDY, we recognize that Broward's  most vulnerable children, ones being raised by relatives or in foster care, need more help than most to achieve their full potential.  That's why our mission to"embrace, educate and empower" made positive changes in the lives of over 1,500 children across our community last year. 

 

 

I'm proud to be HANDY's new CEO, because we build champions from the classroom to the Capitol, to the corporate boardroom.  HANDY's LIFE Scholars Program enables youth to stay in school, understand their educational and employment options and to learn to make positive choices to break the cycle of poverty and abuse.  In 2013, we sent 119 scholars to 19 colleges and universities across Florida and the nation.

 

HANDY also collaborated with Florida Youth Shine to pass major legislation to give more than 7,000 foster children in Florida lives like any other child.  Our young people spent hours taking part in advocacy training and then walked the halls of Tallahassee. It all paid off!  Foster parents can now make decisions on issues regarding school trips, performing in plays and going to beaches outside their counties.  Previously, these decisions would have required a court order.

 

HANDY's first-of-its-kind "Resume 4 LIFE" program works with corporate partners to prepare out youth for the workforce.  Through job site visits, discussions with industry leaders and career readiness training, the program helps young  people explore professions they may have never considered before.  Special thanks to Moss Construction and Resolve Marine Industries for launching this remarkable effort.

 

Building Champions is what fuels our work on a daily basis.  Nowhere will you find an organization providing our level of kindness, caring and support.  So come join our efforts!  Become a volunteer, make a generous donation or mentor a child.  There are many ways to build champions and it takes all of us, working together, to achieve success.

 

Evan Goldman

HANDY, CEO

 

Upcoming Events
Lunch Box- Feb
HANDY's Lunch Box Luncheon

Date: Friday, January 17, 2014
Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Event Venue: HANDY, Lillian S. Wells Center, 501 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

 
HANDY's "Lunch Box" is a bi-monthly luncheon held at HANDY, usually falling on the 3rd Friday of the month. 

 

It's free of charge, very laid back and the best way to get a sense of the heart and soul of HANDY. We always have young people and life coaches involved in the discussion. In addition, the "Lunch Box" has proven to build relationships among community members and spark ideas for enhanced collaboration and partnerships. Lunch, of course, is provided. 

 

Space is limited, so please RSVP to Phyllis Tinker, PTinker@HANDYinc.org if interested. 

 

New Year's Two-Fer to benefit HANDY and Rising Voices

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Event Venue: Vibe- 301 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL

 
Get to know two great organizations at one fun event! Rising Voices and HANDY will be hosting a joint happy hour at Vibe Las Olas on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. Come learn about both organizations, and how you can get involved. To register, click on the image to the right. 
 
HANDY's 9th Annual Scholars Breakfast 
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Event Venue: Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in the Crystal Ballroom
Tickets: $55  Contact Beth Bryant at EBryant@HANDYinc.org for more information.
Sponsorships: Contact Beth Bryant at EBryant@HANDYinc.org for more information.
 
HANDY will be recognizing three Champions of Children whose interest, vision, and generous support have significantly contributed to HANDY's success: Joseph Farrell, Jr., President/CEO of Resolve Marine Industries, community leaders Marsha and Alan Levy, and Eugene K. Pettis, Esq. of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, P.A.  and President of the Florida Bar. The breakfast is truly memorable and also recognizes HANDY scholarship recipients who are graduating from college this year. 

Sponsored by:  
 
Presented by: 
 
HANDY Alumni 
coed-grads-steps.jpg

Nothing means more than an "attitude of gratitude." We received this note along with a small contribution from one of our alums...

 

"Everyone comes to a point in life where they look back on how they got where they are. I looked back and realized I got where I am because of HANDY. The hours of dedication and time spent by HANDY made me the adult I am today. Every year, my kids are on the Christmas list, so this year I am making a contribution. It's not much, but a day will come when I will have everything and HANDY will get it all. I love everyone at HANDY...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

 

Scholars Update 

Did you know...

 

HANDYcurrently supports 119 students who attending 19 colleges and universities throughout Florida and the nation.  Our experience clearly demonstrates that higher education changes their lives forever.  

 

HANDY took 18 youth on a college tour of FSU

and FAMU in Tallahassee from January 2-4. In addition, we brought 2 kids back for the winter semester and took one of our Broward College grads, Stephen S., to FAMU for his very first semester "away from home." Tours were conducted by HANDY youth already attending the respective schools and students met with the Director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment. HANDY family spirit shone through and they even celebrated one of the youth's 17th birthday!   

 

Our HANDY Scholars demonstrate excellence in classrooms across the nation.  During the winter semester, we had 24 funded scholars with a 3.0+ GPA, 8 on the Dean's List and 2 on the President's List (4.0+)!  

 

Now that is "the HANDY way!"

 
Want to support a HANDY scholar???  Donate now!
HANDY in the NEWS

Bella's Group Holiday Party 

Check out the NBC-6 Forever Family video featuring not one, not two, but three (Marc, Erol and Shanice) of our HANDY youth at the Bella's Group Holiday Party

 

See the link below...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KFistmtlEI

 

 

A December to Remember

In case you missed these pictures from our last e-blast, take a look at some highlights from the month of December! 

 

A December to Remember 

Join Our Cause

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Become a HANDY member and join HANDY's Heartbeat Society

We have membership levels designed to fit any budget! HANDY offers a variety of levels that are renewable annually. Corporate matching gifts count towards all gift levels if received or verified within the fiscal year. These gift levels are designed to remind donors that we are ALL part of a team with ONE common goal: to embrace, educate, and empower HANDY's youth. 

Click here to join HANDY's Heartbeat Society 

 

    

 

Join HANDY's "Next Generation" group of young professionals! 

Next Generation is a group of young professionals who perform meaningful volunteer activities to benefit the abused, neglected, and disadvantaged youth served by HANDY and enjoy relationship-building mixers connecting with like-minded people who share a commitment to HANDY's good work. 

Why Should I Join?

 

Next Gen is a fun group of people who value giving back to the community and have a good time doing it! 

 

 

Host a special fundraiser!!

Gather friends and family to host a special fundraiser for HANDY. Whether it's for your birthday, your class, your church group, or because you want to help any way you can, use your imagination and get ready to have fun helping children and young adults!

 

 



Please message Beth Bryant at EBryant@HANDYinc.org 
   to get involved! 

HANDY's 2013-2014  Board of Directors

 

Board Chair

Barbara Burnette, Entrepreneur

 

Vice Chair

Nicole Akers, Indian Creek Country Club

 

VP of Annual Giving Campaign

Ian Lis, Tripp Scott, PA

 

Treasurer      

Susan Smith, Marcum LLP

 

Secretary

Suzanne Driscoll, Shutts & Bowen, LLP

 

Past Board Chair

Lucy Weber, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st

  

Boar Member Emeritus

Elaine Appel, Guardian ad Litem Liaison

 

Directors

 

Marcelle Abell-Rosen, MD, MPH, Diplomate, Internal Medicine

Eric Coffman, Esq., Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Sean Coyle, Akerman Senterfitt

Kathryn Krause MN, ARNP, Guardian ad LitemCommunity Volunteer

Judge Phyllis Kotey, FIU College of Law

Marsha Levy, Guardian ad LitemCommunity Volunteer

Chad Moss, Moss Construction Managers

Carolyn Stewart, MBA, Broward County Public Schools, Public Information Office

Raul Vega, Auxis

Donovan Wildgoose,The Northern Trust Company

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HANDY
Lillian S. Wells Center
501 NE 8th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304