Tee Time set for 7th Annual Golf for the Kids Tournament
This December, Central Florida golfers can hit the links in support of
Devereux Florida's efforts to improve the lives of our community’s children. Sponsored
by Copytronics Information Systems, the 7th Annual Golf for the Kids
Tournament offers 18 holes of golf at the Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club, one of
Orlando's premier venues. Registration for foursomes is $800 and sponsorships
are available starting at $500. “The Devereux tournament is a great way to
network with local business leaders and support kids in the Central Florida
community,” says Lena Combs of Averett, Warmus, Durkee, Osburn, Henning, CPA. Participating
golfers are entered in the tournament, invited to our awards luncheon and will
receive a premium golf item. Click for more information about the Devereux Golf Tournament, or contact Dan Samuels at (407) 625-8284.
Substance Abuse Program Celebrates Third Year
This
fall marks the third anniversary of the start of Devereux Florida's renowned
substance abuse program. A specialty program offered at the Viera campus, the
comprehensive program helps children and teenagers with drug and alcohol issues
work toward recovery. Individual
therapy and group meetings focus on drug education, personal therapy and
relapse prevention. “Because they
are still growing and developing, children are 10 times more susceptible to
addiction than adults,” says program leader Steven Wollman. “The key is to
engage kids, help them own their problem, then show them that together we can
overcome it.” For more information,
contact the Central Referral Unit at
800-Devereux (1-800-338-3738 ext. 77130).
Community Garden Thrives Through Orlando CAFE Program
With
the help of Devereux Kids, members of Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood are
sowing the seeds of nutrition, community and healthy families. When a community
garden was established at Grand Avenue Elementary through the Child
Advancement/Family Empowerment (CAFE) Program, everyone knew the harvest would
include wholesome vegetables and good times shared among neighbors. But in
addition to the sweet onions, carrots and variety of greens, the garden has
given Grand Avenue students a place to learn about nature, healthy eating and
responsibility. The garden even provides a place for teachers to bring students
to “chill out” during stressful times. The garden is a welcome addition to the
many services CAFE provides, including family and parenting resources, healthy
lifestyle counseling, sexual abuse prevention and more. Click for more
information about CAFE.
Devereux Helps Care Givers Fill the Gap
For
grandparents, family members and nonrelative caregivers who take in abused and
neglected children, the first 30 days of adjustment can be overwhelming. Providing
clothing, food, furniture, school supplies, transportation, medical care and
emotional support can be a challenge. That’s why Devereux Florida developed the
Gap Project, an effective and cost-efficient orientation program designed to
assist new caregivers. In each South Central Florida county served, caregivers
are invited to attend orientation events and receive professional guidance. In
addition, caregivers are connected with community resources and provided
one-on-one assistance in completing important documents. In the past year, Gap served nearly 600 children and helped
ensure home placement stability for 92 percent of participating children.
Devereux Florida celebrates this dramatic improvement from previous years and
thanks its counselors for their hard work. Click for more information about the Gap
project.
Family Team Conferencing Program Earns 98 Percent Satisfaction Rating
How do we know the Devereux Kids Family Team Conferencing (FTC) program is a
success? Because the families who take part in the program tell us so! In the
past 18 months, 98 percent of the North Central Florida families who take part
in the program report satisfaction. FTC provides challenged families the
opportunity to work in partnership with Devereux facilitators. Together, the team
outlines a family support plan that addresses potential child abuse or neglect. The
family then acts on the plan, receiving guidance and follow-up counseling as needed.
The program’s unique aspects include the connections it
provides to community resources that ease families’ financial challenges.
Families are linked with support services and necessities such as discounted
rent, furniture, household appliances, car repairs and exterminator services,
as well as support from faith-based or neighborhood groups. Click for more information about FTC.
Devereux Kids Making a Difference in Sulphur Springs
Though the Tampa Bay neighborhood of Sulphur Springs
faces many challenges, it boasts a group of talented, enthusiastic young people
determined to improve their community. And thanks to Devereux Kids, they receive
much needed support through its award-winning Sulphur Springs Project. The
project and its advocacy group, Youth Spring Into Action (YSIA), were founded
to engage and develop the leadership ability of neighborhood youth. Funded by private donors and foundations, the
Sulphur Springs Project provides leadership development opportunities through
community service, educational, cultural and recreational activities. For example, YSIA members traveled to Tallahassee last
April to attend workshops and tours as part of the annual Children’s Week. The program’s success recently was
recognized with the Hillsborough County Neighborhood Recognition Award for the
Most Successful Youth Program (see photo). Click for more information about the Sulphur Springs Project.
Faces of Devereux
Devereux Florida Program
Director José Fernandez has been honored by the Association of Rehabilitation
Facilities (ARF) with the 2011 Circle of Champions award. José
received the award for his extraordinary commitment to professional growth,
contributions to Devereux’s mission and pride in his position. José
joined Devereux in 2007 as Program Director for Family Care. Before being promoted
to his current position, José earned a positive reputation as a Quality
Assurance Specialist for his “can-do” attitude and positive outlook. “Mr. Hernandez not only contributes to the
organization and clients we serve, but recognizes and nurtures the strengths of
his staff,” said Devereux Regional Administrator Lisa Kroger, who nominated José for
the award. Click for more information about ARF, which represents Florida service
agencies making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with
disabilities.
Devereux' Osceola County office has moved!
We are now located at the Children's Advocacy Center. Services we provide:
- Medication Management
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- In-school and In-home services
- Foster Care
- Targeted Case Management
- Best Kidz (Sexual Abuse Counseling)
New Address:
704 Generation Point
Kissimmee, FL 34744
To make a referral, call (321) 281-3840 ext. 277
The Art Corner
This imaginative artwork was created by a Devereux child.
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