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A message from the CEOWhat a difference a year makes! United for Families truly has had a very successful year. We have a wonderful board of directors, dedicated to moving United for Families forward. Our staff shows its commitment to our mission and vision every day. We have also developed some remarkable partnerships that have resulted in significant outcomes that could not have been achieved by United for Families alone. These outcomes required true community partnership and support. I believe our commuity has the vital and relevant services needed to protect children and build families. Still, there is much more to do.
To assure that we continue to grow as a company of value, United for Families' staff must ask a simple question every day. They must ask themselves, "Is there a better way?" This question will lead to the continued strengthening of our systems, as we strive to improve the child welfare system and services to our families. This question will keep our committment to you and the children alive.
Yes, it has been a truly wonderful year at United for Families. I am grateful to be a part of this organization and to work daily with people of passion and purpose. With your help and support, we will make 2008 the best year yet for our children. Once again we will stand united as caring citizens, united for our children, and most certainly, United for Families.
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Katherine Fryer gets into the Caribbean theme of the Dec. 7 Stuart Christmas parade.
From left, Emily Batton, 4, and Brittany Krumme, 5, peek out the window from the United for Families parade float. The children were two of about 20 who participated on the UFF float.
From left, Rose Nodine gives her daughter, Mary Harding, a hug during the Dec. 11 tree dedication at the new Martin County service center.
About 50 people attended the tree-dedication event.
Jennifer Lipscomb, a UFF volunteer, helps create a display for the Dec. 9 United for Families book fair at Barnes and Noble.
Mrs. Lipscomb reads "The Longest Christmas Llist" to children during the book fair.
Volunteer Angela Rowe helps visiting children create book marks during the event. The next book fair is tentatively scheduled for the spring.
United for Families CEO Christine Demetriades kicks off the tree dedication. Mrs. Demetriades worked many years at the old site, on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The new center is located just south of the health department on Willoughby Boulevard.
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United for Families News
- Welcome Asia Rinaldi. Asia joined United for Families Jan. 2 as the new placement specialist in the program services department.
- The Stop the Tears 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk is scheduled for March 15 at Tradition. Registration soon will be available on line at unitedforfamilies.org. Entry fee is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
- The next If These Walls Could Talk tour is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 16. If you are interested in learning more about United for Families, its programs and its latest accomplishments, please call Lea Ely at 398-2920 Ext. 297 to register.
- Ed Ciampi, owner of Sweet Sarahs candy and icecream shop in Palm City, is the newest member of the United for Families Board of Directors. Please welcome Mr. Ciampi, who also is running for the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
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Caregiver News- Changes are in store for The Extended Family, a United for Families newsletter mailed to caregivers. Beginning this month, the newsletter will be incorporated into the quarterly community newsletter, The United for Families Connector, in order to offer more in-depth caregiver-related news. Look for the Connector this spring.
- United for Families will begin using a telephone blast system to disseminate time-sensitive caregiver news and information. One use of the system will be to notify caregivers of upcoming meetings and available resources.
- The Royal Palms of St. Lucie County awarded United for Families' Shoes that Fit program with a $3,500 grant Jan. 10. The grant was matched by a gift from the First Presbyterian Church of Stuart. Both awards will allow UFF to distribute shoe cards to children in care for the next year. See Lea Ely at 398-2920 Ext. 297, for more information.
- Several funds are available to United for Families caregivers. All children in out-of-home care are eligible for the Ounce Fund, which provides up to $200 for supplemental "fun" purchases. Also, both foster parents and relatives in Martin and St. Lucie counties have additional funds to help pay for emergency and supplemental needs thanks to grants in their communities. Please call Jill Feaster at 398-2920 Ext. 203 or Lea Ely at Ext. 297 for more information.
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Community News
- United for Families thanks the United Way of Okeechobee for its generous donation of $2,000 to the Caregiver Support Program and Camp Foster Child. The United Way awarded the grants during a breakfast Dec. 17.
- New Horizons will host the Children's Behavioral Health Summit from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 25 at the kight Center for Emerging Technologies, IRCC Main Campus, Fort Pierce. Registration is $50 per person, due Jan. 15. For more information, email pdaum@nhtcinc.org www.nhtcinc.org
- The 2nd Annual Sundaes in the Park, presented by the Lifelong Literacy Coalition of St. Lucie County, is set 12-3 p.m. Jan. 27 at Whispering Pines Park, 800 Darwin Blvd., Port St. Lucie.
Free icecream, the library bookmobile and other resources will be available.
- WE CAN, Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition, encourages residents to get involved in a local community health initiative from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 15 at the Martin County Fairgrouds.
Registration is $5. To register, email donna_goodwin@doh.state.fl.us
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