Trudy Persson

Trudy Persson came to Florida eight years ago following her husband's dream of warm water and big fish. She dropped anchor at United for Families in 2003 and has been casting life lines since.

Persson who, as foster care coordinator, serves as a liaison between foster parents and UFF, began her career locally as a placement specialist.

She became familiar with foster families and often helped solve their problems.
Persson now is responsible for helping foster parents troubleshoot the system and resolve conflicts. She is coordinator of both the newly created Foster Parent Mentor Program and the Co-Facilitators Program, which uses seasoned foster parents to help train new foster parents.She also makes follow up calls to foster parents within 24 hours of a child being placed to ensure that the foster parents have received all necessary information for the child.

Persson said she believes deeply in the power of teamwork. "If we could cooperate with one another, how great we would be," she said.

If you are in need of help, please contact Persson at 398-2920.

Free haircut coupons available

Free haircuts are available to foster children through Hair Cuttery's Share a Haircut campaign despite earlier uncertainty about the program's future.

Coupons are being sent to foster homes in this issue, and more will remain available through the office of community resources.The coupons are a result of a national campaign that awards a free cut for every child's cut sold locally.UFF was unsure if the campaign would benefit District 15 this year due to difficulty reaching Hair Cuttery during the planning stages of the campaign.

For more information, call Lea Ely at 398-2920 Ext. 308.

Foster parent volunteers needed

United for Families' development department is growing, particularly in the area of volunteer coordination.

Events Coordinator Leslie Haviland-Smith is looking for any foster parents who are willing to join the UFF Speakers Bureau or help tend information booths at community events.

"Their stories and experience will be valuable in recruiting new foster parents as well as drawing attention to the needs our agency has daily," Haviland-Smith said.

Some of the regular events UFF now participates in include Westfest at Tradition and Friday Fest in downtown Fort Pierce. UFF also will participate in the upcoming Downtown Vero Beach Anniversay Festival, Exchange Club CASTLE Chili Cookoff and the VNA Airshow in Stuart.

United for Families also is interested in establishing volunteer guilds and finding volunteers to help participate in local parades.

For more information, call Haviland-Smith at 398-2920 Ext. 303.

Local foster parent business made for relaxation

Serendipity Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Inc. is a local spa owned and operated by Foster and Adoptive Parent Cyndi Hurst.

Services at the Port St. Lucie spa include newborn massage and various spa packages and parties.

Hurst offers her services at discounted prices to fellow foster parents.

For more information, call (772) 781-7494.