SUMMER/FALL 2015
B OARD OF D I RECTO R S
Garth E. Rosenkrance Chairman of the Board William B. Peterson First Vice President Penny Heller Second Vice President Heather B. Ferguson Secretary James Llende Treasurer John C. Castronuovo Member at-large Christine Oberlink Member at-large Lynda M. Murphy, Esq. Immediate Past President Matthew Constantine Chief Executive Officer, LCSW Cristina Araujo Sean P. Bresnan Mari Frankel Karen Johnson-Young John P. Marasco Jay R. Marcus Kirstin Turner
Adopt-A-Family is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, charitable organization established in 1983. Our mission is to strengthen families with children in their efforts to achieve stability and self-sufficiency by providing access to all-encompassing services.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
of the Palm Beaches, Inc. ADOPT-A-FAMILY ANNOUNCES GARTH ROSENKRANCE AS NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN
Adopt-A-Family is proud to announce that Garth Rosenkrance has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2015. Garth has been a dedicated member of our board for 15 years. He is a Certified Public Accountant and shareholder with LKD Certified Public Accountants and Consultants in Jupiter, Florida. He will work closely with the Board of Directors and the CEO to ensure that the agency continues to fulfill its mission to strengthen families with children in their efforts to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Adopt-A-Family’s CEO, Matthew Constantine stated, “We are excited to have Garth as our new Chairman. He is an incredibly caring, compassionate, and committed volunteer who truly embodies our agency’s mission and core values.” SERVICE ENRICHED HOUSING FAMILY CELEBRATE S NEW HOME
After only 14 months in our Service Enriched Housing program, the Estevez-Tavares family successfully closed on their new home in June in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County. Les and Gina worked very hard and took advantage of every opportunity available to them. They were also extremely proactive in learning about the homebuyers process so they could make informed financial and home purchasing decisions. Now that they have their new home, Gina is looking forward to decorating the inside of the house, while Les is focusing on using his landscape background to plant a vegetable garden in the backyard. We congratulate the family on this special achievement. PROJECT GROW STEAM INITIATIVE UPDATE Adopt-A-Family’s innovative afterschool program for youth in kindergarten through 5th grade continues to take major strides in introducing various STEAM-themed themed activities, field trips, lessons, and projects in the classroom. Since late 2013, teachers have facilitated more than 300 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activities and more than 20 speakers have conducted unique, educational presentations for our students. A recent project included Dr. Cleo’s Cooking Club, which introduced healthy, hands-on nutrition options. The activity was sponsored by our friends at Molina Healthcare, who have maintained a steady presence and support of our Project Grow program. Another exciting opportunity was a presentation by Annabelle Marie from Voena Children’s Choir. Voena is a professional music program based in California that teaches children aged 5-18 culturally diverse musical rhythms, styles, and tones with a mission of promoting peace and a hard work ethic. You can watch a video of our students perform on our Facebook page.
S TAT E O F F A M I LY HOMELESSNESS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY
Collectively, agencies in Palm Beach County have taken great strides in addressing family homelessness over the past several years. According to the most recent Point-In-Time count data, family homelessness is on the decline in our community. Since 2013, there has been a 24% reduction in overall family homelessness, and a 53% decrease in unsheltered family homelessness. These accomplishments are a result of all the programs and collaborative efforts in our community dedicated to eradicating homelessness. Thanks to all who make a difference.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY’S HOMEBUYER’S C LU B P R E PA R E S FA M I L I E S F O R H O M E OW N E R S H I P Adopt-A-Family’s Homebuyer’s Club is a 6-hour seminar series that prepares families to become homeowners. Topics during the class include: budgeting and saving for a home, credit repair, obtaining a mortgage and loan options, and resources for first-time homebuyers. In late May, 10 families graduated the course that brought them one step closer to becoming homeowners. The class is taught by the Service Enriched Housing Program Manager, Christina Hewitt, who is a certified Housing Counselor through NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling. Additionally, the course is enhanced by guest speakers specialized in all aspects of the home purchasing process.
201 5 BET TER BALL INVITATIONA L The 4th Annual Better Ball Invitational marked another successful year for Adopt-A-Family and the dedicated Golf Tournament Committee, grossing more than $100,000 for families in need. This is the fourth consecutive year in which total donation amount increased for the tournament. On Friday, May 1st, 80 golfers and supporters of Adopt-A-Family gathered at the exclusive Pine Tree Golf Club for an incredible day of golf, lunch, and cocktails. Congratulations to Ray and John Lazzara, who won the tournament with a net score of 64. We owe special Christina Hewitt with Homebuyer’s Club participants. thanks to our volunteer golf committee: Frank Bresnan, Sean Bresnan, Joe Carron, Joe LaRocca, Jr., Gary Pohrer, Jeff Preston, Ned Grace, and Tom Frankel. This tournament is only possible because of your efforts. The generous tournament sponsors were Frank and Sean Bresnan, and North American Development Group (NADG). A sincere thank you to all of our sponsors: E. Burke Ross; Artemis Investment; Sabadell United Bank; Dan Stanton; Frankel Realty Group; David Lambert; Malone Schooler; Comiter, Singer, Baseman & Braun, LLP; Glidden Spina; Alvarez & Marsal; Atlantic Retail Properties; Regions Bank; Casey Cowell Charitable Fund; LaRocca & Associates, Inc; Richard & Trish Rendina; Rendina Healthcare Real Estate; Alan Leist; The Kolter Group; Cigna; Lynda & Dave Archer; Doug & Peggy Briggs; Greenberg Traurig; Wells Fargo; Avison Young; Peter & Cathy Spano; Ned Grace; Michael Charles; Mark Kalinowski; Robert & Kathleen Kobel; Daniel Ponton; Stuart & Shelby Development, Inc.; Nozzle Nolen, Inc.; Dom Telesco; LKD CPA; Family Dentist of Palm Beach; The Paradise Fund; Richard Higginbotham; Atlantic Refrigeration; James & Diane Brecker; List Shared Services, Inc.; RJS Builders; Florida Blue; Eric Gustafson; AIG; Banyan Printing; Ray Celedinas; The Zender Family; Jay Marcus; Mario & Deborah Boiardi; Alan Scheuer; Penny Heller; C. Steven Duncker Foundation; Thomas & Laura Speno; William & Kathleen Peterson; Debbie & Peter Vasilopoulos; Pine Tree Golf Club. Frank Bresnan with Lynda Murphy
2 PLACE GREAT GIVE 2015 FINISH ND
TREE LIGHTING
SAVE
THE DATE
Save the Date, 31st Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, Tuesday, December 1st, The Sailfish Club Palm Beach, Dinner, Silent & Live Auctions. Contact Layren Calvo at 561.253.1361 ext. 112 for questions regarding the event.
9TH CONSECUTIVE CHARITY NAVIGATOR RATING
CORNER
IMPACT
In May 2015, Adopt-A-Family earned its 9th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Receiving 4 out of a possible 4 stars indicates that Adopt-A-Family adheres to good governance and other best practices. Only 1% of charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least 9 consecutive 4-star evaluations. This achievement is a reflection and testament to our incredible supporters, funders, Board of Directors, staff, and families we serve. We thank you all.
Thanks to everyone who participated during this year’s Great Give of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Due to your support, we exceeded our goal of 150 unique donations, finishing with 181 total donations. This earned us a 2nd place finish for total, unique donations out of 437 participating nonprofits. Adopt-A-Family raised more than $17,000 for the Great Give, including matching dollars. We are overwhelmed and humbled to achieve this milestone that will ultimately benefit Palm Beach County families in need. Thanks to all who reached out to friends, family, and support networks to ensure Adopt-A-Family had a strong showing for this fundraising event. A special thank you to United Way of Palm Beach County, United Way of Martin County, and Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties for spearheading this campaign. In total, nearly 11,000 donors raised over $3 million for local nonprofits. Congratulations to all!
PROJECT G ROW Project Grow was proud to accept a plaque for achieving Maintenance Level for the 5th consecutive year during the Prime Time Afterschool Symposium in May 2015. Project Grow is 1 of only 11 programs to achieve this honor out of 120 programs monitored by the Quality Improvement System in Palm Beach County.
IN THE PAST YEAR, THE HOUSING STABILIZATION PROGRAM
prevented 173 families from becoming homeless.
THE SENATOR PHILIP D. LEWIS CENTER (HRC) JUST CELEBRATED its 3rd year of operation in our community. In this time, thousands of families and their children experiencing homelessness have been housed.
Adopt-A-Family’s
Service Enriched Housing
program has assisted 5 families successfully transition into homeownership in the past 14 months.
Adopt-A-Family runs programs through the HRC
to shelter & house families who find themselves without a place to live.
Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Inc. 1712 Second Avenue North Lake Worth, FL 33460-3210 Phone: (561) 253-1361 www.adoptafamilypbc.org Pleaseremember Adopt-A-Family in your will.
HELP OUR FAMILIES
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage
Who We Help
• Homeless families • Income–challenged, working families at risk of becoming homeless • Children ages Kindergarten–5th grade in need of quality after–school activities
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #CH2076