2011 Citadel Backpack Drive

Unlike some children starting school this fall, many Devereux kids won’t know the thrill of taking the tags off new outfits, opening unused boxes of crayons or packing new lunchboxes. Help our kids be a part of the back-to-school excitement by participating in the annual Citadel Backpack Drive. Simply contact the Devereux Development office and obtain a school supply wish list. Purchase and fill a backpack with the listed supplies, or just send a check and we’ll do the shopping for you. For more information, email Kiersten Bakowski or call 407.362.9210 ext. 77209.

Devereux Kids Fish for Outdoor Fun

Last spring, Devereux and Fishing Florida Radio teamed up to hook kids on fishing at the first ever Kids Fishing Festival. Devereux children received a fishing rod and equipment, and enjoyed a special lunch with their caregivers. Held on April 23 at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando, the event was designed to help kids connect with their foster families, enjoy a day in Florida’s sunshine and discover the fun of fishing. Thanks to Captain Mike Ortego and other volunteers, who led children through stations that showcased fishing rods and equipment, casting, conservation, tying knots and water safety. Click for more information about Fishing Florida Radio.

Veteran Foster Mother Dorothy Johnson honored

In her 41 years as a foster parent, Dorothy Johnson has been a mother, comforter and protector to more than 375 children. Earlier this summer, representatives of several organizations gathered to honor Dorothy, for her devotion and service to Florida’s children. Pictured below is Emily Garten and Tia Llewellyn of Devereux, Glen Casel, CEO of Community Based Care of Central Florida, Orange/Seminole Foster Parent Association President Jerry Pitzer, and Dorothy’s adopted children. Click for more information about foster parenting.

Devereux Goes Blue for Child Abuse Prevention, Autism Awareness

The month of April brings on the blues for Devereux. This year, our team decorated in and wore blue in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Autism Awareness Month. Devereux offices were adorned with blue pinwheels, the symbol of child abuse prevention, to demonstrate our commitment to protecting Florida’s children. Our employees wore blue to showcase our support of families affected by autism. Pictured below, dawning blue attire, is Steven Murphy, Devereux Florida Executive Director and Carol Deloach, Assistant Executive Director. Click for information about Devereux child abuse prevention and autism services.

Devereux’s Front Porch Approach

When it comes to protecting the health and safety of our children, Devereux has always advocated community vigilance and family support. It is a philosophy we share with the American Humane Association, the nation’s voice for children, and creator of the Front Porch Project. This national initiative is designed to ensure the safety of children by engaging community members, encouraging them to intervene on behalf of children and offer support to families. Starting in 2000, Devereux Kids built a new system of child abuse prevention programs and services based on the Front Porch Project. Today, Devereux Kids employs three full-time facilitators who provide training and community education programs in Tampa Bay and the Lake/Sumter regions. The results are impressive. National studies show that, after completing the training, 95 percent of Front Porch Project participants say they more strongly believe they should play a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Click for more information about Devereux Kids.

Devereux Resale Shop

Located just down the street from the Devereux Viera Campus, the Resale Shop offers amazing deals, volunteer opportunities and a wonderful setting for the Devereux Vocational Program. You can support Devereux services by donating your new and gently used items or shopping our selection of quality clothing, toys, household items, furniture and home décor. Better yet, volunteer your time and talents by working in the shop or helping accept and sort donations. The Resale Shop is located at 5445 Murrell Road, just north of Viera Boulevard. For more information, contact Barbara Lupton at 321-633-6518.

Murphy Named to Behavioral Healthcare Board

Devereux Executive Director Steve Murphy has been named the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Florida Council for Behavioral Healthcare. The Council is a sister organization of the Florida Council for Community Mental Health (FCCMH), a statewide association of 60 community-based mental health and substance abuse agencies. Steve will assist the board in its mission of assuring that community treatment needs are being met. Click for more information about Florida Council for Community Mental Health.

Faces of Devereux

Margaret Farley is one of 15 foundation-wide recipients of the annual Thomas Donovan Culture of Caring Award, which honors direct care staff members for their service, professionalism and dedication. Committed and skilled in caring for at risk kids, Margaret has worked in the Children’s Unit at the Devereux Viera campus for 14 years. As a Direct Care Supervisor, she is known for leading one of the best residential activity programs in the network. Whether cooking a special weekend breakfast, creating a basketball camp or taking kids to sports events, Margaret helps our children make positive memories and life-changing emotional connections. Margaret and other awardees received a $500 honorarium and letter of merit from Devereux President Robert Kreider. Click for more information about our Viera Campus.

The Art Corner

This imaginative artwork was created by a Devereux child.