January 2021
From the Executive Director
Dear Friend,

First, let me say thank you for the warm welcome and wishes that I have received from so many of you. Amy Foster left some big shoes to fill but I am thrilled to be picking up where she left off and joining such an amazing group of individuals supporting children and teens in dependency.

To say 2020 was an unprecedented year is a bit of an understatement. Our children and families have had to be stronger than ever, adapting not only to virtual school but also virtual visits with their families, case managers, GALS, and friends. We, as a Foundation, also had to adapt. We saw an 86% increase in funding for basic, medical, and emergency needs to support children and teens and shifted to an almost entirely virtual holiday gift drive to ensure more than 1200 kids didn’t miss out on the joy of opening gifts this year.

And you made it happen.

Because of your dollars, your volunteer hours, your donations of gifts/diapers/shoes…our children continue to grow, thrive and heal. We step into 2021 hopeful for what the year holds and excited to look toward the future. We will be opening back up the needs closet in the next couple months and will begin planning our annual back pack distribution and our Superhero 5k with the hopes of safely seeing everyone face to face soon.

Our full 2020 impact report will be out in February as will more information on our plans for virtual support programs & events for our children and teens, caregivers, and Guardians ad Litem.

For now, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do help change children's stories and meet the needs of thousands of children here in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. We could not do this without you.

With gratitude,

Erin Authier
Executive Director
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & FAMILIES
Zero to Three: Supporting Children and Families Around Developmental Disorders/Disabilities
Friday Jan 22; 1 PM - 3 PM
Computer/Tablet/Phone
The arrival of a baby whose development, physical or cognitive capacities are delayed or reflect disability can have significant impact on the family. This session will review ways to identify developmental disorders and disabilities, provide early intervention and foster family support and competence. Register here.
GAL Program In-Service Training: Human Rights? Priceless!
Wednesday Jan 25; 1 PM - 3 PM
Computer/Tablet/Phone
Redefining Refuge is dedicated to fighting for women and children who have been victims of the depraved injustice of sexual abuse, with a prevailing emphasis on the abolition of the domestic sex trafficking of minors. Register here.
OPPORTUNITIES
TO SERVE
Holiday Thank Yous
Please send thank you notes to us via mail/email. We will put them into a document and send them to donors. They love to receive them and it helps us retain sponsors year after year!
Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem?
There are short 30 minute Virtual Information Sessions every week!
Upcoming Pasco Sessions
"We See You Wednesdays"
Have you worked with a CAM, case manager, attorney, caregiver, etc. who has helped to change a child's story, made your role a bit easier or goes above and beyond? Beginning in February, this social media campaign will highlight those who make a difference. The nomination form takes less than 2 minutes to fill out--get yours in today!
Are you a skilled organizer?
Our closet has been closed due to COVID-19, but we want to re-open it for "shopping" and need help getting it back in working order.

This opportunity is broken up into multiple days and times to allow for social distancing. Masks required. Sign up here.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

We are grateful to all who have made donations during this time!
Your monetary and in kind donations have helped to ensure that our children experienced joy this past holiday season and your annual appeal donations ensure that we will be able to meet children's needs into 2021! Thank you!
We know times are hard and many of us have been hit with unexpected economic challenges, but if you are in a position to help, children need it now more than ever.

Help us make sure that every family caring for one of our children
has what they need to stay safe, well and healthy here.
We advocate for and support children, young adults, and families
impacted by abuse and neglect in Pinellas and Pasco Counties by collaborating
with community partners and the Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers who support the children we serve.

We envision a community where every child and young adult is safe, secure and thriving. We believe every child deserves to have a permanent family and be well prepared for their future beyond foster care.
Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay | 727.464.6528 | Website
14250 49th St, Suite 4000 Clearwater, FL 33712