FLITE Center's 5th Annual Signature Grand Heroes Luncheon Program Book

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Dear FLlTE Center Supporters and Friends:

Welcome to FLITE Center’s 5th Annual Signature Grand Heroes Luncheon! I hope you are excited as we are as we continue to expand and “Explore the Future!” Today’s theme acknowledges the mission FLITE Center has been on to increase its collective impact on youth who would otherwise be traveling the road to adulthood alone. Over the last six years, we have evolved and expanded the ways we support transitioning youth, partnering organizations and the community. Moving into a larger space and adding essential partners has allowed us to take huge steps in broadening the “one stop” model concept, offering access to a wider array of services that were previously difficult for youth and system professionals to engage. At FLITE, we provide a single access point for critical services that quickly address the immediate needs of those transitioning youth who are struggling more than ever throughout Broward County.

To the donors who support FLITE Center and the TIL System of Care, THANK YOU! Without your support, the ability to connect and provide youth with employment, education, emergency and long-term housing and health & wellness opportunities would continue to be a challenging and daunting process. Because of the impact of your funding, we can give youth hope and are able to make the talented staff, across the system of care, available for youth who have no one else standing in their corner.

As many of you know, FLITE cannot work in a silo. We are invested in“exploring the future” with each youth, making their journey to adulthood more successful, alongside the many organizations and individual heroes who dedicate their expertise and time to impacting the lives of those who represent our future. Equally important to the donors who make our work possible, are the other champions who carry out the mission of FLITE and the entire TIL System of Care. Therefore, today will include one of the most important honors we can give...“The Unsung Heroes Award.” This award is presented to a front-line staff member from each organization FLITE collaborates with, holding true to the work we all do, in partnership, with the transitioning youth in Broward County. Truly, nothing FLITE does would be possible without the many organizations who form the TIL System of Care, and no single organization would have such a tremendous impact without the work these“heroes” do daily!

Our hope for today is that everyone will walk away with an immense appreciation for the collaborative partnerships that form the TIL System of Care as well as a clear understanding of how FLITE Center’s framework directly impacts the availability of resources for each organization and youth, alike. On behalf of the FLITE Center, thank you for your support as we continue to “explore” future growth opportunities that will allow us to serve even more youth.

I hope you enjoy this momentous day,

ChristineFrederick

CEO

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Dear Friends, Welcome to all partners, contributors, employees, board members and frontline staff to the 5th Annual FLITE Center Signature Grand “Explore The Future” Heroes Luncheon, recognizing the unsung heroes in our community who champion young people. Today, we honor our community partners and frontline staff from collaborating organizations who support and dedicate their lives to impacting youth in Broward County’s Transitional Independent Living (TIL) System of Care.

Like many of you, FLITE Center was not alone in its challenges these past two years, yet here we stand stronger and more dedicated to the work we do every day in the community. You, our staff, community partners, and contributors, rose to show the quality of the human spirit and desire to help one another through difficult times. Your commitment is an inspiration, but our work is not done. Our “one-stop shop” approach toward helping vulnerable youth receive education, employment, housing, health and wellness, resource navigation and system of care coordination remains unwavering.

FLITE Center experienced tremendous growth in 2022 that reflected the needs of our community and the gap in services we continually work to close. While we wish the need for our services would not exist, we are excited about our new initiatives over this past year. We recently expanded into Palm Beach County with our dedicated services for human trafficking survivors, and can now offer proactive healthcare coverage for our youth through our new CDTC (a subsidiary of Broward Health) Primary Care Center at FLITE Center that opened in August. FLITE Center is also currently being studied by the Florida Institute for Child Welfare as a model to be replicated within the State of Florida.

Our future looks bright thanks to the dedicated FLITE staff, TIL partner agencies and YOU. Thank you for coming to support our community’s heroes and strengthening the TIL community.

Max C. Rudolf, Esq.

Max Rudolph

Board Chair 2022-23

ABOUT FLITE CENTER

UKG ULTIMATE ACTS OF KINDNESS AWARD

The mission of the Broward State Attorney’s Office – the Office of the State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida – is to build a safer community and promote justice, fairness and equity for all who live, work and visit here.

The office is responsible for prosecuting all alleged criminal violations of state law that occur in Broward County. Led by Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, our staff consists of more than 460

dedicated public servants. That includes approximately 213 assistant state attorneys, investigators, victim advocates and support staff. State Attorney Pryor is a Florida constitutional officer who was elected by Broward County voters in 2020.

Under the Constitution of the State of Florida, the state attorney is the chief prosecuting officer of all criminal trial courts in the circuit and performs all other duties prescribed by general law. Our office is also involved in community organizations and efforts to fight crime, reduce recidivism, support victims, and promote justice and fairness for all.

The State Attorney is required to provide personnel and procedures for the orderly, efficient and effective investigation, intake and processing of all felony, misdemeanor, criminal traffic, juvenile and specially enumerated civil cases. These cases may be referred by law enforcement, by other state, county and municipal agencies, and members of the public. The State Attorney is required to represent the State of Florida in the prosecution of all criminal cases arising out of their respective circuits.

GORE FAMILY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION YOUMATTER AWARD

BROWARD COLLEGE

Broward College is ranked as one of the top state / community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. This is a recognition of not only student achievement and graduation rates but also the quality of our curriculum and faculty. All our programs are structured under Career Pathways which helps students stay on track towards their goals from the first day of class through graduation.

Our mission at Broward College is to transform lives and enrich our diverse community through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities. We believe higher education is pivotal in improving lives and should be accessible and affordable to everyone; whether you’re a traditional student or a non -traditional student, a first-generation in college student or a student from an underserved community. We embrace you.

You will find our curriculum engaging and exciting as we help you develop new skills, learn new technology, and gain the knowledge necessary to succeed. We have strong partnerships with the fastest growing industries in South Florida which ensures our programs are aligned with employer needs and the latest workforce tools and trends. These are some of the many reasons that Broward College graduates are among the most in-demand workers in the region.

We are passionate about your success, both inside the classroom and the workplace, and committed to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you are starting college for the first time, returning to the classroom for further studies, or here to improve your skills to advance in the workplace, you will appreciate the range of services available to address your needs. These include our Academic Success Centers, advisors, specialized tutoring, and mentorship. Additionally, our Career Centers offer valuable work experience through internships, on-the-job training, and job placement.

Your college experience should go beyond what takes place in the classroom and I encourage you to use every opportunity to make lifetime connections and build memories by participating in our rich Student Life activities, public events, and community outreach initiatives.

MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TIL COLLABORATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Our Fund Foundation was launched in 2010 by a small group of committed activist philanthropists in response to the low ratio of philanthropy directed to LGBTQ organizations in the region, and across the country. Recognizing that a concentration of LGBTQ wealth exists in the region for the next several decades due to the dense LGBTQ population base in South Florida, a LGBTQ foundation was envisioned as a means of capturing and preserving LGBTQ financial resources to create a livable communityforthisandfuturegenerationsinSouthFlorida.

Since 2011, Our Fund Foundation has become the 3rd largest LGBTQ foundation in the country, granting $1,500,000+ annually to worthy non-profit agencies advancing LGBTQcausesinSouthFlorida.

Founded in 2002 as the first agency providing for the social service needs of the LGBTQ community of South Florida, Sunshine Social Services, Inc. (SunServe) has been advocates, allies and champions for economically disadvantaged and marginalized youth, families, adults and seniors. Located in the heart of Wilton Manors, the second-highest per capita LGBTQ population in the United States, SunServe was created by a team of dedicated community volunteers who wanted to provide vital quality care to high-risk and vulnerablemembersofthe LGBTQcommunity.

SunServe advocates for strong inclusive families and healthy relationships in all their diverse forms within and across the generations as well as professional volunteer agents for development and change. We are committed to provide quality affordable counseling, psychotherapy, education, and outreach to all regardless of their ability to pay.

ALBERT AND BEATRIZ MINIACI TIL SYSTEM OF CARE LIFETIME HEROES AWARD

Christina Spudeas has dedicated most of her personal and professional life to public service, culminating in her work at Florida’s Children First where she focused on helping and advocating for children, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected. During more than 13-years as Executive Director of Florida’s Children First (FCF), she had guided the organization to new heights, dramatically expanding FCF’s impact and national prominence. She spearheaded some of the most significant legislative reforms in child welfare reform history – many of which have been emulated by other states or adopted nationally as the standard of care around the country.

She has led the organization in the development of a network of strategic alliances across the state and nation to fulfill FCF’s mission, forming collaborations with others working towards the same goals. This has played a key role in her success. She traveled the state extensively to advocate for children, spending approx. 70% of her time traveling as well as living at the state Capitol during every legislative session and becoming a prime resource to the legislature in child welfare reform. Her work impacted not only children who are in child-caring systems today but has a ripple effect to help thousands of children in the future.

Through her leadership, FCF developed publications for child welfare professionals and children, trained thousands of professionals, reviewed and challenged DCF Rules, filed Amicus Briefs in state and national cases, and had an important role in the creation of many new laws impacting children. But she is most proud of her work with Florida Youth SHINE (FYS). This is a youth advocate organization across Florida, and is comprised of children and youth, ages 13-24, who currently or previously experienced the child welfare system. When she began at FCF, Florida Youth SHINE had 3 Chapters and under 20 youth members. She worked with consultants and obtained funding to build FYS into 14 Chapters with over 350 members. She ensured they were provided a platform to have their voices amplified, sharing their lived experience with the legislators at the Florida and national Capitols, in TV and radio interviews, in printed news stories and with youth presenting training across the state. Today, FYS is a nationally recognized powerhouse that’s the go-to group for youth with lived experience, expertise, professionalism, and commitment to helping their peers.

ALBERT AND BEATRIZ MINIACI TIL SYSTEM OF CARE LIFETIME HEROES AWARD

Darian & Sandra Jackson have resided in the city of Fort Lauderdale for over 25 years originally from the Caribbean. Originally from the Caribbean, Sandra was born in Jamaica and Darian in St Croix Virgin Islands.

In 2006, The Jackson’s started their home purchase & sales business venture and over the next 10 years successfully grew the business. However, they always felt like there was something missing. As fate would have it, in 2016 they connected with a friend who told them about FLITE Center and the impactful work being done with youth aging out of foster care, particularly in guiding youth for successful transition to independent living and connecting them to safe and reliable housing. Wanting to give back to the community, after learning about the unique collective impact model and services at FLITE Center, they quickly realized there was no better way to make an impact than to partner with FLITE Center, investing in youth by offering housing options and helping with the vision that no youth travel the road to adulthood alone.

For the past six and a half years, the Jacksons have been collaborating with the FLITE Center TIL System of Care with this vision in mind. The Jacksons have constantly conveyed the pleasure they get in seeing the kids grow and develop into young adults and through the program, guided by FLITE Center to make better decisions about their future. They look forward to continuing to serve the community through FLITE Center with the understanding that the future of the world is in the hands of our youth and through a helping hand, they can do their part to make a difference in their lives when they need it most.

TIL YOUTH HERO AWARDS

Uniyah has been a client of the FLITE Center since she aged out of care almost 4 years ago. After finding herself homeless and unemployed, she reached out for assistance as she had no idea where to turn to for help. At 22 years old, Uniyah was at the end of extended TIL services, but we always look for inventive ways to help serve our youth. We were able to connect Uniyah to the College Boost program to obtain her GED. Our housing team was also able to place her in one of our emergency landing spaces and began assisting her with completing an application for long-term housing. Our emergency needs assistance program also assisted her in getting food, interview clothing and personal hygiene products. Uniyah received her forklift license with the guidance of the employment team, which afforded her the opportunity to get employed on her way back to independence and selfsufficiency.

We have had the opportunity to see how Uniyah has blossomed into this amazing young adult. She has been self-sufficient for over 2 years and we’re so

Anthony has been part of the FLITE family since the age of 20 when he moved into a TIL housing after experiencing homelessness. Shortly thereafter, Anthony decided to further his education by enrolling into Florida Career College with a major in Computer Network and Technology.

Anthony states that though he has had many battles and have lost many loved ones, he is most proud about being a great father and to have a solid support system who has helped aided him throughout his transition into adulthood. Two of Anthony’s ultimate goals are to invest in real estate and to become a business owner to encourage positive change in underprivileged youth in his community. Having succeeded against many odds, Anthony is best known for being a dedicated father and self-less person with a great heart. "Here'stothepersonthatgetsbackupmoretimesthantheyareknocked down,whogivemorethanheeverexpectstoreceive,whostillshowsloveto others,whosmilesthroughthesadtimes,wholightsthewayforothers."This describesAnthonyperfectly.Nomatterwhathegoesthrough,hewillalways haveasmileonhisface.Anthonydoesmoreforothersthanhimself.Weare proudofyouAnthony,usethisasmotivationtocontinuedoinggreatwork!

-AshleyArceus,M.Ed,MemorialHealthcareSystem

TIL SYSTEM OF CARE IMPACT AWARD

Dr. Schaeffer is a nationally recognized expert in Human Trafficking awareness and intervention and has been instrumental in developing and helping to pass Human Trafficking legislation at local, state, and federal levels. She has conducted panels and lectured at numerous hospitals, as well as at many Universities, including Florida Atlantic, Nova Southeastern, Florida International, and the Human Trafficking Academy at the St. Thomas School of Law. She was invited to present as an HT expert before US House of Representative members in DC in 2020 and her work has been featured in multiple media broadcasts and print publications.

She graduated valedictorian of her college, earning dual majors of Biology and Psychology. She earned her MD from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1998. As a medical student, she was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, and was elected “Ethics Representative” for her class. Her Internal Medicine internship was completed at Jackson Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Schaeffer has been a licensed Florida physician since 2000 and has helped patients in private and public health care settings. For almost a decade, Dr. Schaeffer has committed her efforts to increasing awareness of Human Trafficking among fellow clinicians. She has educated Emergency Department staff and thousands of students and faculty throughout South Florida.

She was awarded the State of Florida’s “Human Trafficking Advocate of the Year Award” at the 2017 Human Trafficking Summit nominated by the then president of the American Medical Women’s Association. Recently at the annual Women of Distinction event, she was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by Soroptimist International.

Dr. Schaeffer closely collaborates with several Human Trafficking Task Forces and has served on the executive boards of many coalitions, including as President of the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches. She is an Advisory Board member at Place of Hope and the District 1 Director-Emeritus of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ Southern Region.

For many years, Dr. Schaeffer also has been an active voice of the American Medical Women’s Association and its “Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans Committee” and is an Advisory Board member of NSU CREATE and NSU’s College of Healthcare Sciences. She is also on faculty at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies and a Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at the FAU College of Medicine.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL TIL COLLABORATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Inc. (BBHC) is Broward’s local Managing Entity, which is responsible for the contracting, monitoring, clinical quality oversight and performance improvement of the DCF/State funded behavioral health services. BBHC provides a comprehensive system of care for substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders for individuals in Broward County. BBHC also manages local and national grants to develop evidence-based practices and practice improvement for providers and persons served.

Health Foundation of South Florida is one of the largest philanthropic organizations dedicated to health in South Florida. The foundation’s mission is to invest in and be a catalyst for collaborations, policy, and systems change that improve the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low and moderate-income populations.

To achieve this, the foundation has three main areas of focus and grantmaking goals: to improve health care access, availability, and utilization among the uninsured and underserved; to advance a system of health that integrates social needs and clinical care; and to foster a thriving community by improving the social and economic conditions that promote good health. It accomplishes these goals by leveraging financial resources; deploying social and human capital; using strategic communication efforts; and engaging in policy advocacy.

UNSUNG HEROES HONOREES

MaLeah began her journey in the Child-Welfare system almost immediately upon moving to Florida from Louisiana. She began with ChildNet in 2017 as a dedicated Child Advocate Case Manager. The decision to bring her onboard as an Independent Aftercare Specialist was an easy one, and she has now been a part of the department for four years. MaLeah has been very consistent in her advocacy for her clients, even during times when she knew the client was not holding up their end of what is required for assistance.

As she would say, “I know, but as their worker, I’m just asking”.I have seen her many times still supporting them in the face of adversity.

“

Iknowshehasajobtodoandshe’ sbythebook, butshealwaysseemstofindawaytohelpme withmysituation.”-TILYouth - TIL youth

www.childnet.us

Tricia Case has had a great impact on the T.I.L Systems of Care in Broward County. Tricia became a part of the HYT team at Harmony Development Center in September 2020. In the past two years, she has provided a vast number of services to our youth, including but not limited to: obtaining housing, obtaining a driver's license, opening a bank account, gaining employment, and obtaining a GED. Of equal importance, Tricia has taught our youth how to use their voice and communicate more effectively.

Tricia is very adaptable, never hesitates to volunteer and will work overtime just to provide excellent service. She takes on sensitive cases and treats the youth as if they were her own, going above and beyond to help the families; this shows Tricia’s true character, and she is a major asset to our company.

www.harmonydc1.org

“Ms.Triciahashelpedmetobecomeabetterpersonbydemonstratingcare andunderstandingofmypastandhasgivenmehopeformyfuture”. -TIL Youth

LATISHA WALKER CHILDREN’S HARBOR

As Program Supervisor, Latisha is responsible for the oversight of the Academic and Life Skills program at Children's Harbor. Latisha has earned the respect and confidence of the leadership team as a fair and objective leader who prioritizes integrity and manages without bias. She places integrity, ethics, and trust above all else. She leads by example, follows the truth and advocates for our kids with compassion, tenacity, and devotion. A natural team builder, Latisha begins each day with an intentional focus to create an environment in which her team can glean the motivation that they need to love our kids with the excellence that they deserve.

“Ms.Latishahasinspiredmetowantto dobetterandbebetter.I’ mextremely grateful to have her in my life.” -TIL Youth

www.childrensharbor.org

Yariana came to 4KIDS to serve in the role of residential advisor. Yariana's desire is to help vulnerable young women and provide a safe place for young women to fail, grow, learn, and thrive. With wisdom and acceptance, she connects and serves hurting young women. Because of this, Yariana has brought stability and genuine care to the TIL system of care.

Yariana is wise and empathetic. She understands the mission and is not deterred. Her service to our young adults is motivated and supported by the belief that she is serving the Lord. This provides the foundation of a culture which is loving, accepting, gracious, growth oriented, and relationally connected.

"IfeellikeIcouldtalktoYariaboutanything withoutbeingjudged.Forthefirst4monthsor soofbeingatthehouse,Ihadthat, ‘ Don'ttalkto meattitude.’YariconsistentlyhelpedmeduringthisuntilIwascomfortable withher.”–TILYouth

www.FliteCenter.org

Mr. McKine has done an outstanding job during his 3-year tenure at FLITE Center. He consistently goes above and beyond for our youth. Ezekiel has been a pioneer in establishing the Human Trafficking Division of FLITE Center Orlando Region by meeting with agencies, schools, and more to offer our services and to continue to grow FLITE Center and guide our young people to success. Our clients know they can trust Ezekiel and feel confident that he will always look out for their wellbeing. He is a genuinely good human being and conveys a level of respect that all people deserve. He’s incredibly conscientious of others, anticipates needs, and carries himself professionally. Our youth are so grateful to have a role model like him.

“I’ mthankfulforhavingmetMr.Zeke.Histrulyoneof the first positive male role models I’ ve had in my life.Henotonlytaughtmehowtofindajobbuthow

Antonette has boldly impacted the TIL system of care by simply shining her light. Antonette “SHOWS UP”. Despite only having been with Camelot Community Care for less than a year, her commitment to serving is deeply rooted within her upbringing and overall genuine passion. She is full of life, adventurous yet responsible, and teaches us all to find ways to live, and not just exist. Antonette is committed to giving more than she takes and focuses on the big picture as she sacrifices her time and effort for the good of others. Antonette is dedicated to a cause, not applause. She refuses to give up on our youth regardless of the level of resistance or strain and encompasses the bravery to do the right thing. Antonette walks in her purpose.

“ThankyousomuchforremindingmethatIam worthit.Yourabilitytolisten,showupandnot giveuponmehasallowedmetofind waystobelieveinmetoo.”-TILYouth

www.camelotcommunitycare.org

Ms. Yolanda goes above and beyond for our youth. Her passion and knowledge of the post-secondary system drives most of her interactions, and she has made it her mission to encourage every youth to self- advocate and pursue their passions. Ms. Yolanda comes alive when she is in the kitchen, teaching youth how to make a potato salad or an apple pie. She approaches every youth with love and acceptance and is always eager to help the youth achieve their potential by providing them with alternative resources or using her personal funds to encourage their progress. Ms. Yolanda goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that even in their hardest hour youth who are experiencing loss are met with warmth and embrace.

“I love Ms. Yolanda! She cares about me, what I think,whatIlove,andshealwayshassomething nicetosay.”–TILYouth

www.handyinc.org www.childnet.us

Tempest has been in the system of care for nearly a decade. She started as a Life Coach and then transitioned to the dependency system serving children and families. She has shown great compassion in the work that she does.

Tempest has been given some challenging youth during her time as an IL/EFC specialist and has cared for them no different than her own biological children. She has sought out housing on her own for our youth that suffer from mental health and developmental issues when there were no available options. She ensures that our youth are cared for until proper living arrangements are provided.

“TempestMinceyismyherobecauseadvocateson mybehalfandshegenuinelycaresforme.Tempest workshardtomakesureIamfeelingsecureand happy.Ifeeltrulyblessedtohaveher.”-TILYouth

“

www.mhs.net

TIANA HARRIS MEMORIAL HEALTH

Ms. Harris always goes above and beyond when servicing her youth. She is the first person they call in the morning, and often the last person they speak to at night. She helps the youth with their daily basic needs, goes shopping with them and makes sure they accomplish their goals. Ms. Harris takes her time to get to know each of her youth individually. She finds out what they like and builds on the youth’s interests and makes sure she connects youth with the appropriate TIL agencies in Broward County.

She is always available to help the youth meet their goals and makes sure they are on track. During her time with Memorial, she has assisted with her youth enrolling in school or obtaining employment. She is often the lead life coach that takes the initiative on group activities.

IlovehavingMs.Tianaasmylifecoach.”-TILYouth

Jameson is passionate about helping and works diligently to build rapport, establishing stability and using unique engagement techniques with young people. He is always willing to help our youth, ensuring their voices are heard and their thoughts are taken into consideration.

Jameson is the epitome of a good team player. He has assisted in numerous challenging crisis situations and has remained professional while making sure the needs of our youth are being met. He is passionate about understanding our youth who are transitioning to independence to figure out ways to assist them effectively.

“Jamesonhashelpedmealottothepointitmademe more motivated to do better for myself. He is an awesomelifecoach.”–TILYouth

www.hendersonbh.org

www.gulfcoastjewishfamily andcommunityservices.org

Erika effectively strives to ensure that all youth served on her caseload are working diligently towards their independent living goals. By providing trauma-informed care, Erika creates a safe place to welcome, encourage, empower, and motivate youth to make a successful transition into young adulthood. She has proven that by providing youth and young adults with invaluable and positive support, adds to the stability and success of the youth served. Erika is a valuable team player and has the second longest tenure on the HYT Team, never hesitating to lend a helping hand to cover caseloads during staff transition to ensure continuity of care.

“

Erikahelpedmealot.She’ shelpedmetocompletehighschool,applyforajob,andenrollin college.She’ salsohelpedmewitharrangingappointmentsforPIRC.Iwouldtellpeoplethatshe isoneofthebest,mostdedicatedworkersthat youcouldevermeet.Oh,shealsohelpedme getalibrarycard!"–TILYouth

Ms. Cristal has been an essential part to the HYT team at Pace Center for Girls. In her short time with us, she has built strong relationships with the TIL youth in our program and has provided supportive services through gender-responsive and strength-based care.

Ms. Cristal seeks to learn new ways to best serve our girls while building relationships in the community. She enjoys collaborating with FLITE Center events and programming - her favorite being the recent Halloween event that she brought her girls to! She may be “new” to her role and the program, but she has hit the ground running and really embraced her own growth and change while helping our girls to focus on their strengths.

“Ms.CristalisalwaysthereformewhenIneedhelpor justsomeonetotalkto.Shewillalwaysmaketimefor meandmakesmefeelspecial.Shehelpsmewith myemotionsandteachesmetobeabetterfriend.”

–TILYouth

www.pacecenter.org

Brittany never fails to go above and beyond to help our TIL system of care youth and is a is a tireless advocate for the clients we serve.

Over the course of the last nine months, she has demonstrated her passion to educate, lead and provide for the youth we serve.

“Mrs. Brittany isthe best lifecoach I have everhad.Shemotivatesmeandneverfailsto support me. I’ mgratefultohave someone likeherinmylife.”-TILYouth

Eric is lead therapist here at SunServe and has always been a strong advocate for the needs of his clients and over the last two years has become a leader within the organization. Eric works with the clients where they are and helps them reach their therapeutic goals. Eric has helped countless youth further explore their gender identity, sexuality, and the intersectionality of their identities over the last two years

“Six years ago my child would sit at birthday partiesinacornerwithherkneesdrawntoher chest.Shewassadallthetimeandcompletely withdrawn.Wesoughttherapy,counseling,and medicaladvice.Inthebeginningofourjourney,we foundSunServetohelpwithhertransgenderdiagnosis.Sincethen,shehashadconstanttherapeuticand medicalsupport.Sheisnowathriving15-year-oldgirl withmanyfriends,astraight ‘A’ student at an elite Florida high school, and active and successful in extracurricular activities. She’ s thought of as bright lightbyallthatknowher.” - Parentofatransgender youth

www.covenanthousefl.org

Manny has had a tremendous impact on the lives of young people served at Covenant House Florida. Manny began his service at Covenant House 5 years ago as a case manager and during that time his dedication to serving is unmatched. He is a tireless advocate and takes an active role in the success of all the youth he works with. He collaborates with local agencies and providers to find the best outcome for youth. He is involved and exemplifies the core values of Covenant House.

Manny takes the time to listen and makes sure clients are included in solutions. When it is time to take the initiative, he does this with enthusiasm and determination. Clients feel involved and self-assured of their success. He does not shy away the tough challenges. His dedication is considered by colleagues to be an excellent role model.

“IappreciateMr.Mannybecausehealwayschecksinwithme.Heguidesme andgivesmegoodadvice.Sometimesitcanseemthathe'sbeinghardonme, butIknowthatIwouldn'tbewhereIamtodaywithouthishelp."–TILYouth