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2006 was a banner year for United for FamiliesWe proudly present the following achievements, measured by the safety, permanency and well-being of the children entrusted to us in 2006:
* 96 percent of children remained safe while in care. The state target for this measurement was 95 percent, placing United for Families third among other Community Based Care organizations throughout Florida.
* Furthermore, the average length of stay for these children was 11 months. The state target was less than a year.
* United for Families completed the successful adoptions of 76 children, exceeding the agency's annual goal of 75.
* Children in 80 foster homes were adopted during the holiday season by local groups, who contributed a total of $25,690 in donated toys and clothing.
* 3,600 gifts were collected for children in protective services
* Also last year, UFF provided shoe vouchers to 171 children.
* Funded the extracurricular activities of 42 foster children.
* Sent more than 80 children to camp.
* Provided school supplies to 300 children.
* Established a resource closet to assist foster parents who receive new children.
* Created a child safety-seat loaner program and a crib/bed loaner program.
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Lennar Corporation was one of more than 30 sponsors who coordinated employee toy drives this holiday season.
Gifts also await pick up from La Buona Vita residents in Port St. Lucie.
Lennar employees contributed gifts during their annual holiday celebration.
This trike was one of 3,600 gifts brought in through the Making Christmas Bright program.
Rosenthal and Levy also participated in the gift program. The law firm was a first-time participant in the program.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visited children at the Martin and Okeechobee County Foster Family Christmas party.
Martin County Foster Parent Dilsia Glover surveys the food spread during the event.
Martin County Foster Parent Mary Harding was one of many foster parents to attend the party.
United for Families' holiday drives served nearly 1,500 children.
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United for Families News
- United for Families will recognize the efforts of local donors who helped make the holidays bright in 2006. The appreciation breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at UFF headquarters. Invited guests are encouraged to RSVP to Violet Smith at 398-2920 by Jan. 8.
- On-line registration is now available for UFF's Teeing Off Fore Kids Golf Tournament, to be held Feb. 3 at Martin Downs Country Club. To register, go to unitedforfamilies.org and click the golf icon.
- Registration is now closed for United for Families' third quarter Domestic Violence inservice training. The training is scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. Call Cerena Wallace at 398-2920 for more information.
- United for Families' will unveil its first Case Manager of the Quarter award during the Feb. 15 training. A case manager will be recognized at each quarterly training, and the Case Manager of the Year will be revealed Oct. 27 at Le Bal Masque. That event will be held at Willoughby Golf and Country Club.
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Caregiver News- GRAND, or Grandparents Raising Abused and Neglected Dependents, was started in July 2006 to help support all relative caregivers and keep more children from entering foster care.
Though currently a Martin County program, GRAND eventually will expand to other counties pending funding.
The program features regular worhshops and seminars and a special fund that helps relatives pay for home repairs or trips to Disney. Any relative interested in participating should call Mary Steele, at 398-2920.
- Results from the first Foster Parent Mentor Program survey are in: 80 percent of the 18 foster parents who returned the survey said they were able to share their concerns with mentors, 90 percent said they were satisfied with assigned mentors, and 72 percent said they were satisfied with the program.
- Clothing, cribs, diapers, car seats and other baby goods now are available at UFF headquarters. Due to limited supplies, donations must be rationed. Please call Lea Ely for information at 398-2920 Ext. 298.
- Limited funding is available for class trips, family outings, sports registration, dance classes and other activities. Please call Lea for more information.
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Community News
- Jensen Beach High School and Martin County Project Northland have partnered to host the National Guard Youth Leadership Training Jan. 20 at Jensen Beach High School. The event is free to all Martin County middle school students. For more information, call Erin Madden at 260-0067.www.martin.fl.us
- The Heart Gallery, a photo essay of children available for adoption, will make its next stop Jan. 26 in the Okeechobee campus of Indian River Community College. The next stop will be Feb. 12 in the Indian River County Courthouse Executive Center in Vero Beach. Children's Home Society of the Treasure Coast is spearheading the project. www.chsfl.org/events.php
- The Hibiscus Children's Center Fashion Show is scheduled for Feb. 12. Call Lori Swift at (772) 334-9311 Ext. 404 for details. www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org
- United for Families' Run for the Roses 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for May 5 at Tradition. Stay tuned for more information.unitedforfamilies.org
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