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 7^th 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)

To make a referral, call (321) 281-3840 ext. 277

The Art Corner

This imaginative artwork was created by a Devereux child.