SUMMER 2014
Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Inc.
Adopt-A-Family Proud to Announce Matthew Constantine As New CEO
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dopt-A- Family is proud to announce that Matthew Constantine has been appointed CEO of the agency. Mr. Constantine, who has been with Adopt-A-Family since 2002, will now manage the $5.5 million budget and the day-to-day operations of the agency which serves more than 1,500 families throughout Palm Beach County each year. Mr. Constantine’s achievements during his tenure at the agency include playing an instrumental role in significantly expanding our affordable housing portfolio from 2008 to 2013, enhancing our social service and housing programs, and garnering national attention through grant awards from the Kresage Foundation, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders, and TD Bank’s Housing for Everyone Competition.
“Helping families to realize their potential and improve their circumstances is a passion of mine,” said Mr. Constantine when asked about this new role within
the organization. “I am excited to bring some new ideas to life, and to watch our organization grow and help even more children and families. We’ve done great work over the years. I look forward to the future.”
Mr. Constantine’s predecessor, Wendy Tippett, spent 23 years with Adopt-A-Family. During her tenure as CEO, the agency expanded the services it provides to local families in crisis, including providing affordable housing in Lake Worth, and the agency’s partnership with Palm Beach County through the Philip D. Lewis Homeless Resource Center. Ms. Tippett’s dedication to, and advocacy for the homeless population, especially families, is admired by all who know her and have worked with her. In addition to his work with the agency, Mr. Constantine has served as the Vice Chairman of the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency and was an executive member of Palm Beach County’s Continuum of Care. He received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University. Mr. Constantine resides in Lake Worth with his wife, Linnea and son, Matthew.
Ducky Derby Another Swimming Success! 10,000 yellow rubber ducks made a big difference for homeless families here in Palm Beach County. The 2nd Annual Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches Ducky Derby took place in Downtown Lake Worth on Sunday, March 16 as part of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. For $5, anyone could “Adopt-A-Duck” and have the chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize and other fabulous prizes. At the Derby, the “adopted” rubber ducks “swam” in a special duck pond staged near Dave’s Last Resort, a popular establishment in downtown Lake Worth. Local celebrity Greg Rice, emceed the
random plucking of the winning ducks. The $25,000 raised will help Adopt-A-Family continue to provide programs and services for local families in crisis. “What a great day,” said Matthew Constantine, CEO. “This is our second year of bringing the ducks to Lake Worth, and the excitement about the Derby is just amazing. We truly appreciate the community’s support.” Sponsors of the 2nd Annual Ducky Derby were Dave’s Last Resort, Edgewater Enterprises, LLC; Stuart & Shelby Development; Morgan Stanley Foundation; LKD Certified Public Accountants; PNC Bank; PBC Credit Union; Tauber Real Estate Services, LLC; The Lake Worth Herald; Joseph McHale and Northwestern MutualJim Larschan.