Selfless Love Foundation 2025 Annual Report

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

OUR IMPACT ADOPTIONS INDEPENDENT LIVING ADVOCACY

TABLE OF CONTENTS Founder’s Letter History, Mission & Vision Cumulative Impact Adoptions

2 3 4 5-7

– Initiatives & Impact – Family Spotlight

Independent Living

8-11

– Initiatives & Impact – Dale Carnegie Leadership Training – Brown’s Harbor Youth Spotlight

Advocacy

12-15

– Initiatives & Impact – Photo Listing Law

Events

16-21

– The Gala – Dream Tank – George H.W. Bush Award – Foster Youth Voice Month – National Adoption Month – Adoption Connection Events – The Art of Adoption

Financial Report Our Board 2024 Gala Sponsors Our Team 2024 Highlights Our Values

22-23 24 25 26-27 28 29

LETTER FROM OUR Founder People always advise young parents not to blink because children grow up quickly. Selfless Love Foundation feels that way for Ed and me. We are astonished by what this organization has accomplished in less than 10 years. Fueled by your support and generosity, Selfless Love Foundation is rising.

While SLF has always prioritized youths’ experiences and valued their input, 2024 truly showed the power of their voices. At the request of youth across Florida, our Advocacy Team initiated legislation to protect the privacy of children in foster care who are available for adoption. In July, Florida passed a law to remove public access to photos of children in foster care.

Listening to youth and advocating for their rights has led to the strongest step to safeguarding children in the country!

Our now, not-so-new Executive Director Ted Keyser, is leading our national expansion. His vast experience in child welfare has been vital to assessing the needs of youth in Texas and determining our next steps in providing them with services and supportive housing.

Selfless Love Families is currently supporting nearly 200 families on their adoption journey. Our Adoption Connection events around the state allow waiting children to meet prospective parents in fun, low-stress environments, resulting in more children finding forever families.

Our vision to transform child welfare is unfolding, and Selfless Love is securing itself as a national thought leader in child welfare. Our accomplishments are a direct result of your ongoing support. On behalf of the thousands of families and youth whose lives have been changed, thank you.

With gratitude,

Ashley Brown, Founder & CEO

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OUR HISTORY Selfless Love Foundation (SLF) was created in 2015 by Ashley and Ed Brown to make the world a better place for children impacted by foster care. Adopted as an infant, Ashley experienced a second chance at life through the gift of family.

OUR MISSION Selfless Love Foundation leverages resources, expertise, and proven solutions to improve the child welfare system, creating opportunities for more foster youth to find their forever families and thrive in adulthood.

OUR VISION Child welfare transformed. A world where every child’s dreams can come true.

Fostering dreams for foster children.

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CUMULATIVE IMPACT In 2015, Selfless Love Foundation set out to positively impact the lives of children in foster care, aged-out youth, and adoptive families. Through collaborative relationships with youth, agencies, and child welfare experts on the state and national levels, we are not only transforming the lives of the people we serve but the entire child welfare system.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our efforts today will resonate across generations.

845

636

2,100

FAMILIES SERVED

AGED-OUT YOUTH HOUSED

YOUTH ENGAGED

507

13,474

115

FINALIZED ADOPTIONS

LEADERSHIP & LIFE SKILLS TRAINING HOURS

PARTNER AGENCIES

4 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

ADOPTIONS Selfless Love Foundation believes that every child deserves a family. We are committed to supporting families along their adoption journey, creating opportunities for children in foster care to find their forever families, partnering with agencies to reduce barriers to adoption, and raising awareness regarding the need for adoptive parents.

2024 IMPACT

231

100

FAMILIES SERVED

FINALIZED ADOPTIONS

98

16

APPROVED HOME STUDIES

PARTNER AGENCIES

102 CHILDREN CONNECTED OR PLACED WITH A FAMILY

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 5

Family

SPOTLIGHT GILLILAND FAMILY Chelsea Sullivan and Nick Gilliland enrolled in Selfless Love Families in 2023. Thanks to a grant from Selfless Love, Chelsea and Nick’s home study was approved, opening doors to adoption opportunities.

They have embraced all our resources, including one-onone guidance from an adoption connector, our support groups, the Youth Spotlight program, and our secure adoption portal, which has kept them informed and engaged throughout their journey.

In February 2024, Chelsea and Nick were connected with Hezekiah. On October 31, they officially became a family.

6 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

“ Without the support we received from Selfless Love Foundation, finding our son wouldn't have been possible.

From the initial start of the process, they gave us tools, knowledge, and a voice. Our adoption connector held our hand through every disappointment and celebrated every success. The support groups gave us a sense of community and allowed us to share, grow, and learn with other families in the same situation as us. Without Selfless Love, we may have given up on the most rewarding journey we've ever taken.”

– Chelsea Sullivan and Nick Gilliland Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 7

INDEPENDENT LIVING Selfless Love Foundation supports transitional housing at Brown’s Harbor, provides leadership and life skills training, and opportunities for youth to build connections as they transition from foster care to adulthood.

We facilitate virtual and in-person training for youth across Florida and Texas. The nationally recognized curriculum, created by Foster Club, helps youth develop leadership and life skills.

Each year, SLF also provides opportunities for youth to participate in Dale Carnegie’s renowned Foundation for Success. Young adults who complete Dale Carnegie are eligible to apply for the Dream Tank.

2024 IMPACT

34

AGED-OUT YOUTH HOUSED

8 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

427

YOUTH ENGAGED

1,930

LEADERSHIP & LIFE SKILLS TRAINING HOURS

DALE CARNEGIE LEADERSHIP TRAINING In 2024, we offered Dale Carnegie Foundation for Success leadership course in person. Youth from across Florida joined our team in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, for personal and professional training, focusing on communication, leadership, and interpersonal effectiveness.

The 21 graduates were recognized during a luncheon at the Florida Coalition for Children’s conference.

Selfless Love Foundation also offered Dale Carnegie leadership training to youth in Texas and celebrated our first graduating class.

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 9

BROWN’S

Harbor

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT Selfless Love Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Harbor, created Brown’s Harbor to provide supportive housing for young adults who have aged out of foster care.

The campus in Pembroke Pines, Florida, provides on-site guidance for youth.

Jazzy says Brown’s Harbor gave her the freedom to live on her own as an adult, surrounded by a close-knit community that feels like a chosen family.

Jazzy worked with the success coach to take control of her finances.

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“My success coach helped me to create a budget, save consistently, and build my credit from nothing. My finance plan allowed me to save and purchase a car in six months.”

– Jazzy A.

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ADVOCACY Selfless Love Foundation advocates for policy changes on the local, state, and national levels.

Youth impacted by foster care are at the heart of our work. Our advocacy team partners with youth, child welfare agencies, and legislators to drive meaningful change for children in care today and for future generations.

2024 IMPACT

40

STATES REPRESENTED IN NATIONAL NETWORK

36

STATES ENGAGED FOSTER YOUTH VOICE MONTH

24

12 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

YOUTH COUNCILS (FLORIDA & TEXAS)

ONE VOICE IMPACT Selfless Love Foundation’s youth initiative, One Voice Impact (OVI), empowers young adults to leverage their experiences in foster care to drive change. OVI members are part of a statewide network of youth councils. The network meets annually to set policy priorities, ensuring that the voices of those impacted by foster care help to shape the future of foster care.

FOSTER YOUTH VOICE MONTH Selfless Love Foundation initiated a youth voice movement to elevate the voices of youth impacted by foster care. Each October, we spearhead the national Foster Youth Voice Month campaign, empowering youth to share their stories, ideas, and celebrate policy improvements.

NATIONAL NETWORK The National Network is a coalition of youth with lived experience and child welfare professionals. The network leverages its collective voice to drive policy changes and transform the child welfare system.

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ENSURING

Children’s SAFETY

PHOTO LISTING LAW Selfless Love Foundation’s advocacy work has led to the first law to safeguard the photos of children in foster care who are available for adoption. Our work began in 2022 after youth, previously in foster care, shared their concerns about the public having access to their private information.

The Permanency for Children law took effect in Florida on July 1, 2024, removing photos of adoptable children from public websites. Now, security credentials are required to access the statewide adoption portal. It is the strongest step to safeguarding children in foster care in the country.

14 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

The legislation also requires that youth age 12 and older be consulted on the descriptions and photos of them that are posted on adoption sites. This major advocacy win showcases Selfless Love Foundation’s priority to include youth in every aspect of child welfare, ensuring policies and procedures honor their needs.

The Advocacy Team is now working with agencies within our National Network and congressional leaders to create similar legislation in other states and at the federal level.

Youth previously in foster care said they felt like animals on display and asked SLF to help them “close the pet shop.”

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EVENTS THE GALA Our annual Gala was a triumph of the lives that have been changed. The signature event showcased families created through adoption and youth who aged out of foster care, bringing Selfless Love’s mission to life.

Emmanuela Darius received a standing ovation for her original poem about finding her voice. Guests wept tears of joy as the Hearst family sang “A Million Dreams.” The heartfelt evening wrapped up with a high-energy dance party.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and sponsors, the Gala provides the necessary funding for Selfless Love Foundation to continue its work in adoptions, independent living, and advocacy.

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DREAM TANK Selfless Love Foundation’s Dream Tank helps youth impacted by foster care to develop leadership skills and self-confidence, while providing professional guidance. Youth complete the program equipped with the skills and the belief that they can achieve their goals.

During the nine-month program, finalists participate in 150 training hours on speech writing and presentation, professional etiquette, and investment basics, along with business tips from top leaders. The program culminates with a speech competition.

Christella Jean-Pierre took home the grand prize of $5,000 with her speech about implementing uniform resources to promote resilience in the lives of the most vulnerable youth. All the finalists received $1,000. Special thanks to our judges, John Paul DeJoria, Amy Bassett, and Ed Brown, for their time and expertise.

We are exceptionally grateful to Tony Robbins for gifting his Business Mastery Conference to some of our Dream Tank finalists and alums who attended in New York and Palm Beach.

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NATIONAL

Recognition GEORGE H.W. BUSH POINTS OF LIGHT AWARD The George H.W. Bush Points of Light honored our Founder & CEO Ashley Brown for her leadership and vision.

The prestigious award celebrates individuals who exemplify the remarkable qualities of the 41st U.S. President, including integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, and a steadfast belief in the power of the human spirit.

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Points of Light also recognized actor and philanthropist, Patrick Dempsey, owner and chairman of Blank Family Businesses, Arthur Blank, and the founder of the Rise N Shine Foundation, Shrusti Amula.

The 2024 Awards Celebration was held in Washington, D.C., at the Capital Hilton on Wednesday, October 23.

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FOSTER YOUTH VOICE MONTH The United States Congress is set to discuss a resolution in 2025 to officially designate October as Foster Youth Voice Month.

Selfless Love Foundation initiated, and also spearheads Foster Youth Voice Month each October to elevate the voices of youth impacted by foster care. This year, more than 30 states participated as we celebrated new laws and policies initiated by youth. From Florida’s new law to create secure adoption photo listings, to Kansas adding a new permanency option for youth aging out of foster care, and Colorado’s bill of rights for children and youth in foster care, youth voices are transforming the child welfare system!

Special thanks to our partner, Jockey Being Family, for printing and shipping the youth-designed T-shirts across the country.

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH Selfless Love Foundation leads National Adoption Month in Florida, partnering with agencies to celebrate families and raise public awareness about the need for adoptive families, especially for sibling groups and teenagers. Our Selfless Love Families team attended National Adoption Month celebrations in eight regions across the state.

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ADOPTION CONNECTION EVENTS Selfless Love Foundation hosted two Adoption Connection Events in 2024. The informal gatherings are planned around fun activities to allow children in foster care to connect with prospective adoptive parents in a low-stress environment. We partnered with Family Support Service of North Florida and Children’s Home Society in Palm Beach County for the events, which resulted in six children being connected with families.

THE ART OF ADOPTION Selfless Love Foundation partnered with Family Support Services for a creative approach to promoting adoptions from foster care. We hosted The Art of Adoption in November as a combined celebration of National Adoption Month and Foster Youth Voice Month.

The art exhibit at Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, Florida welcomed the public to view art created by youth in foster care who are available for adoption.

As guests browsed the pieces, they were invited to listen to prerecorded audio messages from the young artists. Each youth shared their artistic inspiration, their interests, and their hopes for a family.

The event, which raised awareness about adoption and the value of youth voices, aligned with SLF’s advocacy work to protect the images and information of adoptable children and our commitment to elevating youth voices.

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 21

FINANCIAL REPORT Accountability Selfless Love Foundation takes pride in adhering to best practices for non-profits. Our general and fundraising expenses are below the recommended best practice of 35%, and program expenses equal 70%.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION December 31, 2023 Current Assets Cash

$ 1,895,603

Pledges Receivable

$

Investment, Securities

$ 1,550,076

Prepaid Expenses

$

Total Current Assets

$ 4,038,932

Total Noncurrent Assets

$ 2,046,294 Total Assets

39,130 554,123

Program Expenses

$ 6,085,226

Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities

$

66,198

Accounts Payable

$

50,000

Other Current Liabilities

$

119,000

Total Current Liabilities

$

235,198

Long-Term Liabilities

$

151,625

Total Liabilities

$

386,823

Net Assets

$

5,698,403

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

Fundraising Expenses

$ 6,085,226

Selfless Love Foundation’s fiscal year coincides with the calendar year.

The latest audited financial report is from fiscal year 2023. The 2024 report will be available on our website in the summer of 2025.

General Expenses 22 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES &

Selfless Love Foundation has proven transparency

CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

and program success,

December 31, 2023

continuously receiving top ratings from Candid,

Revenue Event Revenue

$ 3,031,104

Contributions and Merchandise Sales (net)

$

889,588

In-Kind Contributions

$

516,973

Program Service Revenue

$

265,712

Interest Income

$

52,937

Net Investment Loss

$

-

Total Revenue

GreatNonprofits, and Charity Navigator.

$ 4,756,314

Expenses Program

$ 2,761,894

General

$

310,705

Fundraising

$

863,058

Total Expenses

$ 3,935,657

Change in Net Assets

$

Net Assets (beginning of year)

$ 4,877,746

Net Assets (end of year)

$ 5,698,403

820,657

Selfless Love’s Founders, Ashley and Ed Brown, hold voluntary roles as CEO and Board Chair, respectively. Each year since our inception, they have generously donated a portion of staff salaries.

Please use the QR code to view our complete audited financial report for 2023 and our 990 Public Disclosure.

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 23

OUR BOARD Special thanks to our Board of Directors for their time, expertise, and leadership.

ED BROWN Selfless Love Foundation Co-founder and Board Chair Chairman and CEO at Round 2 Spirits

LEE APPLBAUM President and COO at Round 2 Spirits

HATEM DHIAB Investment Advisor Principal at Gerber Kawasaki, Wealth & Investment Management

SHANNON McCOY Yacht Sales and Charter Broker at Worth Avenue Yachts

CHAD POPPELL Managing Director of Health and Government Solutions at KPMG US

GARRY SINGER New York attorney, specializing in litigation and criminal law

STEVENS SAINTE-ROSE Chief People Officer at Fanatics Collectibles

MARK TREMBLAY President of Marc-Michaels Interior Design 24 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

Thank You

2024 GALA SPONSORS TITLE

PRESENTING

DREAM TANK

SILVER

SAPPHIRE

BRONZE

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA

SUPPORTING

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 25

OUR TEAM Selfless Love Foundation believes personal experiences within the child welfare system can provide valuable insight into improving policies and programs. Along with professional expertise and passion for our work, many of our team members have personal connections to our mission – as foster parents, adoptive parents, adoptees, or having been in foster care.

FOUNDER & CEO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VP OF FINANCE

Ashley’s parents always told her that being adopted meant she was extra special. She grew up knowing that just like her Cabbage Patch doll, she had been picked!

Ted was adopted from foster care as an infant. He says he is proof of how love, family, and stability impact your life.

As a former corporate manager and educator, Candice saw how support impacts success. She said, “I am extremely grateful to serve our team as they change the lives of families, youth, and the system as a whole.”

SR. MARKETING DIRECTOR

SR. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

SR. PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Shelli adopted her son Nicholas from foster care.

She says Selfless Love’s mission will always be close to her heart.

As a mom, former teacher, and guardian ad litem, Stephanie says Selfless Love combines her love for helping children and non-profit work.

A former policy attorney for the Florida Dept. of Children and Families, Kelly says she is honored to share her specialty in child welfare policy and family law with SLF.

26 | Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report

YOUTH PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

MARKETING MANAGER

ADOPTION CONNECTOR

After working with teens in foster care for 10 years, Kendra wanted to change the stereotypes about youth. She says allowing them to have a seat at the table educates others about who they TRULY are.

Having family members who were adopted from foster care changed Abbie’s perspective. She said,“It is truly a gift to see my loved ones grow into wonderful individuals. It inspires me in both my professional and personal life.”

Danny said, “Adoption is my passion.” His family is full of adoptees; Danny, his son Cameron, and his late wife.

This legacy has benefited each of the nearly 130 adoptions Danny has completed in his career.

PROGRAM CONTENT MANAGER Adara always wanted to use her creativity to help others.

She loves seeing how our team is improving the lives of children in foster care.

She said, “There is nothing sweeter than that!”

ADOPTION DIRECTOR

NETWORK COORDINATOR

After working on Emma believes the judicial and that every child preventive sides deserves the love, of child welfare, security, and Shatavia wanted to belonging that only work directly with young adults. a family can provide. She said, “Every time a child leaves foster She wants to make a positive impact care for a forever family, especially in their everyday lives and provide tools to help them transition with their brothers and sisters by into adulthood. their side, it reaffirms why this work is so close to my heart.”

ADOPTION CONNECTOR

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

ADOPTION CONNECTOR

Adoption is part of Melissa’s family. She says SLF allows her to guide and encourage families so they don't lose faith that there is a child out there for them.

Tiffany said, “I am beyond blessed to support the game changers on the front lines who are transforming the lives of our youth!”

Veronica loves being part of adoption finalizations, making the day special for families, and seeing the impact of SLF’s work.

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 27

MARISSA COLLECTIONS – SIP, SAVOR, STYLE DREAM TANK

THE GALA

YOUTH AT FCC CONFERENCE

2024

Highlights

POINTS OF LIGHT AWARD CEREMONY

DREAM TANK JUDGES

POINTS OF LIGHT AWARD CEREMONY

NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY - PALM BEACH

DAILY POINTS OF LIGHT AWARD

PHILANTHROPY COUNCIL

THE GALA - COCKTAIL

YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP AWARD

OUR VALUES PEOPLE We are people first, and we want everyone inside and outside our organization to feel like they are part of the Selfless Love family.

INTEGRITY We are honest, open, ethical, and fair.

People trust us to adhere to our word and be good stewards of supporter contributions; we work hard to earn and maintain that trust.

TRANSFORMATION We are continuously moving forward, innovating, and improving. We act with courage, challenge the status quo, and find new paths to transform the foster care system from the inside out.

COLLABORATION We are intentional about building partnerships with people, corporations, and agencies that share our vision. We believe that by working together toward a common goal, we can change the world for children in foster care.

Selfless Love Foundation Annual Report | 29

THANK YOU! Your support has allowed us to reach higher than we imagined.

SELFLESSLOVEFOUNDATION.ORG