March 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the March edition of the All Star Children's Foundation newsletter!

Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter, where we usher in the season of renewal and growth with the vibrant energy of spring!

This month, we celebrate Social Worker Month with gratitude for our case mangers who advocate for the well-being of kids placed in foster care on our campus and in the community. Our Spring Fling featured an epic Easter egg hunt and cuteness overload with a Petting Zoo featuring adorable baby goats, llamas, chicks, and a special appearance by the Easter bunny. Our “Rally for the Kids” for Community Foundation of Sarasota's Giving Challenge is right around the corner - Join us!

In heartwarming news, we celebrated the reunifications of three of our campus kids with their families, rea rming the importance of our mission. Additionally, the joyous visits from Child Protection Center's PAWs puppies remind us of the healing power of furry companionship. Join us as we embrace the spirit of spring and continue our journey of compassion and support for our community's children and families.

Top to bottom: Fun at the Spring Fling with new baby goat friends!; All Star Founder and Board Chair Graci McGillicuddy was honored as a Champion for Children by Safe Children Coalition at their annual Giving Breakfast.

April 9-10

Noon-Noon Giving Event

We're so excited that Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Giving Challenge is happening again April 9-10, Noon-Noon! Giving Challenge 2024 is an exciting 24-hour online giving event that connects nonprofit organizations with the community.

�� Buckle up for our Giving Challenge Day event �� Rally for the Kids �� on the All Star Campus! Join us for a rally of food trucks and a variety of cars & trucks — all in support of youth in foster care! Your donations will go the extra mile with a 1:1 match up to $100 by The Patterson Foundation!

Don't miss out on the mouthwatering o erings from Birria Station and Vesuvio Wood Fired Pizza Food Trucks, serving up seriously good eats at All Star!

You can donate at our event Giving Stations or online April 9-10, from Noon-Noon.

Food trucks Food trucks

@vesuviosarasota @birriastation

Social Work

Celebrating Month

Our case managers o er hands-on help and creative problem solving, helping foster families to thrive.

As we celebrate Social Worker Appreciation Month, it's essential to shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in our community. At All Star Children's Foundation, our case managers embody the essence of compassion and resilience, navigating the complexities of child welfare with unwavering dedication and grace. In a recent interview, our case managers - Lisa Dixon, Brandi Roebuck, and Sh’terrian Bryantshared insights into their roles and experiences, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they encounter daily.

Individual Job Functions & Roles

Each of the three case managers at All Star Children's Foundation brings a unique set of skills and responsibilities to the table. Lisa Dixon serves as a case manager for All Star's clinical team, focusing on trauma screening and consultations and providing vital insights into the intricate web of a child's emotional landscape. Brandi Roebuck oversees Case Management in Outpatient Services, ensuring children receive the necessary psychological assessments and therapy, fostering healing and resilience. Sh’terrian Bryant, who is a case manager for our campus families, offering hands-on support and advocacy where and when it is needed.

Collaboration and Communication

One of the critical elements highlighted by our case managers is the importance of collaboration and communication in child welfare. They underscore the profound importance of collaboration and communication, forging alliances with primary case managers, the Safe Children’s Coalition, clinicians, Guardians ad Litem, and teachers. All Star Case Managers have a wonderful relationship with teachers at Tuttle Elementary and have worked together to meet the children’s needs more effectively. Through open discussions and consultations, they bring together various stakeholders, including families, caregivers, and service providers, to create holistic support plans tailored to each child's needs.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey of a case manager is filled with challenges, but it's also marked by moments of resilience and triumph. Brandi shared a personal story of a challenging case involving a mother's reunification with her children. Through dedicated efforts, including providing basic

Our Case Workers from L to R: Brandi Roebuck - Case Worker for Outpatient Services, Lisa Dixon - Case Worker for Clinical Services, and Sh’terrian BryantCase Worker who focuses on our Campus.

essentials such as bedding and clothes, along with follow-up support, Brandi and the team facilitated a successful reunification, ensuring the family's well-being.

Creative Problem-Solving

In the face of intense situations, our case managers exemplify creativity and innovation in providing services to children in crisis. Lisa Dixon recounted a scenario where the agency intervened to provide appropriate services after a particularly challenging interaction with a child. Through empathy, flexibility, and a child-centered approach, the team navigated the complexities of the situation, ensuring the child's safety and care.

Preventing Burnout

Managing burnout is a significant concern in the field of child welfare. Our case managers highlighted the importance of maintaining a supportive team environment and practicing self-care to prevent burnout. The entire All Star team helps out when needed, and by prioritizing their well-being and seeking support when needed, they ensure they can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the children they serve.

As we express our gratitude to social workers and case managers during this special month, let us also recognize their unwavering dedication and commitment to creating brighter futures for the children in foster care. Their compassion, resilience, and unwavering advocacy genuinely make them the unsung heroes of child welfare.

“

Overheard at All Star

“ Our case manager is the real MVP of our foster family’s team! ASCF Campus

Campus Happenings

From Spring Fling to PAWS visits, the first days of Spring have been buzzing!

Spring Fling!

The cuteness just couldn’t be contained at our Spring Fling. We had a campus-wide Easter Egg hunt with hundreds of eggs and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Kids, sta , and volunteers made fast friends with the baby goats, llamas, and bunnies and everyone went home with smiles and Easter Baskets donated by Diana Bernal & friends.

From L to R:

(a) Spring is in full effect on Campus- pictured here, loquats ripe for the picking!; (b) Child Protection Center’s P.A.W.S program brings puppies to campus for our young clients to cuddle; (c) Monarch butterflies enjoying our Butterfly Garden; (d) Easter Baskets donated by Diana Bernal and her daughter; (e) Graci, our founder and board chair, made the First Pitch at the Orioles v. Pirates game at Ed Smith Stadium!; (f) Chief Advancement Officer Stephen Fancher speaking about our mission and giving a tour.

d.

e.

f.

a.

c.

b.