By Karen McEnany-Phillips, Seminole Voice—Florida guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers are lending a hand to children in foster care. They serve as an extra resource for children when they need it the most. They visit, help obtain supplies, voice a child’s concern when people are not hearing it. They advocate for children without any compensation and often without much support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now GALs are getting a little help of their own. FAACES (Floridians Advocating for Abused Children and Encouraging Sotions) was formed to address the need of volunteers in child welfare. FAACES Director Blanche Pilnick started as a GAL voluntee2005. She found that she sometimes could not find the resources she needed as a volunteer. She started FAACES to provide meals during certification trainings, offer financial assistance for gas, and to fund enrichment education.

“We know the volunteers put in blood, sweat and tears for the children,” Pilnick said. “They need a pat on the back.”

Seminole County Friends of Abused Children is another organization that has been reaching out to assist volunteers says group President Faith Shorthouse. Their organization helps connect volunteers and the children with whom they are working to available resources in the community. They also garner community support to expand the services being offered through fundraising and building partnerships. She explains about one of their current partners, Heathrow Women’s Club.

“The Heathrow Women’s Club has been a godsend,” Shorthouse said. “They recently supplied many school supplies for our kids. Sometimes a child is recommended to take martial arts to learn control and discipline because they have anger issues. These kids have already lost part of their childhood, so to go to summer camp or have sports lessons means the world to them. We also have a secret Santa program that we organize for about 350 kids.”

Both groups hope to continue to provide assistance to volunteers in child welfare to increase the volunteers’ impact on the children they serve.

Courtesy of Seminole Voice

Original Article: Keeping Promises

http://www.seminolevoice.com/news/2011/sep/08/giving-kids-normal-life/