Issuu

CONTENTS

Table of

CEO MESSAGE

INEZ MARTIN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

HEALTHY FAMILIES

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

FOSTER PARENTING

MIAMI-DADE EXPANSION

ADOPTIONS

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS PROGRAM

FULL CASE MANAGEMENT

WESLEY HOUSE TIMELINE & FISCAL YEAR STATS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DEVELOPMENT

FINANCE REPORT

ROOTED IN PURPOSE

KEY WEST

MIAMI

KEY LARGO

ISLAMORADA

MARATHON KEY WEST

LOWER KEYS

Mission Statement

To promote and enhance the safety, well-being, and development of children by educating, supporting, and meeting the needs of families.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

The strength of our

roots Our legacy provides the foundation for meaningful growth, compassionate service, and a future filled with opportunity for the families we serve.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

aking pride in our roots is a noble rebellion against the tyranny of time. We anchor our personal and group identities in legacy, honoring memory itself, for our debt to the past is a sign of faith in our future. Wesley House Family Services has a rich legacy and deep roots in the communities we serve. These roots have guided us in the betterment of our programs and the expansion of our commitment to the children and families of Monroe and southern Miami-Dade counties. Unlike plants, our roots are visible in the things we do and the passions that drive us. Like plants, our roots nurture and support us, and they strengthen our bonds to those who share our values and legacies as well as to those who honor other venerable values and legacies. The past teaches us to respect others so that we may truly respect ourselves. This fiscal year, our greatest accomplishment has undeniably been the successful expansion of our Full Case Management Program into Miami-Dade County where our mission continues to deepen and excel. Our beloved Inez Martin Child Development Center saw substantial capital improvements that would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. Our child abuse prevention programs, Healthy Families Monroe, and Strengthening Families program continue to strengthen our families and keep households free of abuse. Our fundraising events, all rooted in purpose, continue to support and enhance all Wesley House Family Services programs. Our donors’ generosity and commitment to our mission make our special events notable, authentic, and a BLAST! We are fortunate to have the strong support of Darla Snyder and Stephen K. Brenner, Linda Turek, Pier B, and many others whose generosity helps us further our mission. Our professionalism and transparency as an organization are marked by our Platinum Participant standing on Guidestar.org, the highest level of recognition a non-profit organization can obtain, along with an Encompass Rating of 100 from Charity Navigator. Additionally, all the programs and departments at Wesley House are accredited by their recognized accreditation bodies and undergo extensive internal and external quality reviews throughout the year. As we prepare to celebrate our Centennial year in 2027, it behooves us to acknowledge the commitment of our Board Chair, Julio Torrado, along with devoted Board members and resolute staff, volunteers, caregivers, donors, and the support of our community. These individuals have helped deepen the roots of this organization and allowed us to strengthen our resolve to continue serving our communities with the deepest determination, expertise, and compassion. We serve and protect children and families, but we also teach. In doing so, we turn legacy and rootedness into the fulfillment of our duties today and our faith in the future. Many are the rewards when we work rightly and from the heart.

Aleida I. Jacobo CEO

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E "What truly sets this place apart is that it's not just a school, it's a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive."

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arly childhood experiences fundamentally shape the trajectory of a person’s life by influencing cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, social skills, and overall well-being. During the first few years, a child’s brain undergoes rapid growth, forming millions of neural connections per second, a pace that is never repeated in life. These connections are the roots that establish cognitive, emotional, and social development. At the Wesley House Inez Martin Child Development Center, our teachers work with children in laying the foundation to create a significant impact on their future learning and overall well-being. Critical and sensitive periods exist for skills such as language, vision, and emotional regulation, which means early exposure directly influences which neural circuits are either retained or pruned by non-use. Inez Martin Child Development Center, a recognized Gold Seal program by the Florida Department of Children and Families, provides caring and supportive early childhood service to families in our community. Our program, which last year served 79 children daily from 2-5 years of age, encourages each child’s individual developmental needs. While focusing on age-appropriate skills such as fine and gross motor, emotional well-being, and overall cognitive development, the primary goal is that each child who enters school is ready to learn and succeed. Each year the Division of Early Learning awards a readiness score to those programs offering Florida’s Voluntary Pre-K program

(VPK). Inez Martin was one of eight programs in Monroe County this year receiving a score of “excellent” in preparing students for kindergarten. Our 20 graduating VPK students exhibited kindergarten readiness in the 90 percentiles with their peers across the State of Florida. These VPK graduates will be tracked through web-based computer programs of Language and Mathematics from kindergarten up to and including third grade. Our Inez Martin students participated again this year in the Waterford “Smart Start” Learning program. In addition to Waterford, our partnership with the Florida Learning Corps provides additional support in the VPK classroom for those students who are second language learners and/or those with developmental delays. This year our VPK tutor worked daily with students on oral language skills, phonemic awareness, and number identification as well as letter recognition, encouraging those neural circuits to continue developing. We invited Niebes Mendes, a parent at Inez Martin, to share her thoughts about our program. She said, “Inez Martin has been an absolute blessing for our family. From the moment my daughter started attending, we knew we had found a special place. The teachers are incredibly kind, loving, and genuinely invested in every child's growth and well-being. They pay attention to the smallest details and go above and beyond to make each child feel safe, valued, and supported. What

INEZ MARTIN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

truly sets this place apart is that it's not just a school, it's a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive. The way the staff takes on the responsibility of caring for and educating children is beyond what words can describe. Their dedication, patience, and passion shine through in everything they do. The teaching methods are amazing, and the progress we've seen in our daughter has been incredible. Every day, we have peace of mind knowing she is in the best hands possible. If you're looking for a place where your child will be loved, cared for, and given every opportunity to succeed, this is without a doubt the best place you could choose.” Inez Martin continues its commitment to working with our families and community partners in deeply rooted relationships. Over the years, our main goal continues to be helping families understand that their preferences and concerns about the learning and development of their children are as important to us as they are to them. Prioritizing nurturing, stimulating, and safe environments during these formative years is essential for lifelong success. Inez Martin remains rooted in connections with several agencies. Our collaboration with the Star of the Sea Mission (SOS) ensures that children receive hot lunches daily. The Larry Dion Foundation along with the Ron Jon Foundation and our private donors have allowed for continuation of our Backpack for Kids program now finishing its 14th year! We continue our relationship with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe for school readiness and Florida Voluntary Pre-K services. Other important relationships include the Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation, Fred M. Klaus and Harold L. Murphy Foundation, United Women in Faith, Key West United Methodist Church and the Sanger Family Foundation. Thank you to all our donors for their continued support of our programs here at Inez Martin!

Top photo, back row: Carmen Bernal, Mindy Conn, Maria Pierce, Christine Patterson, Volunteer and Inez Martin Champion Marge Sanger, Yvette Talbott, Aleida Jacobo, Madeline Baum, Julio Torrado, Pamela Lindner, David Smith, Sean Brandenburg, Yovanna Ramos, Victoria Lugo-Ramos at the VPK graduation ceremony. Center photo: Students participate daily in fine gross motor actvities that are fun and engaging. Inez Martin staff works hands-on with students to ensure they are developing and progressing. Bottom photo: Students presented Marge Sanger with a special song and gift to show their appreciation for her volunteering.

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HEALTHY FAMILIES MONROE

Putting down roots as a W

hen Rahima moved to Key West from South Africa, she hoped to build a brighter future for herself and her boyfriend. Feeling that the Florida Keys were the closest place to home, she soon welcomed her son, Amile, and enrolled in Wesley House's Healthy Families Monroe program. With the support of her Healthy Families Family Support Engagement Specialist, Rahima began putting down roots. She secured employment, earned a promotion in management, built a strong support network, and created lasting memories with Amile. Together, she and her boyfriend achieved milestones they once only imagined — they moved into a home of their own, purchased a vehicle, and enrolled Amile in school. Today, Rahima continues to thrive, balancing work and family while providing the stable, nurturing home every child deserves. Her experience is a testament of the passionate work behind the Healthy Families Monroe program and she shared: "I am incredibly grateful to have been part of the Healthy Families program. The support, guidance, and compassion I received from my support worker made such a meaningful difference in my life and in my son's life. Raising a child hasn't always been easy, but my support worker was always there with encouragement, resources, and reassurance. Because of that support, I've been able to build a better future for my son. Their impact has changed our lives in ways that words can hardly express.” 6

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STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

As a mother-daughter bonding experience, Wesley House provided an unforgettable dolphin experience at SeaWorld.

Roots

Strengthening the of the family

esley House Family Services has many branches that serve the community. One of the most vital is our Strengthening Families Prevention Program. When a family is identified by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as at-risk, they are referred to this program. Our dedicated staff works closely with the family to address the issues that brought about DCF attention. We provide education, support, and connections to our community partners to allow families to remain intact and gain their autonomy. When Adriana began in our Prevention Program, she was determined to create a brighter future for herself and her young daughter, Natalee. With weekly home visits, Nurturing Parenting education, and ongoing encouragement from her Family Specialist, she embraced every opportunity to strengthen her parenting skills and build a more secure foundation for her family. Week by week, Adriana's confidence grew. She eagerly welcomed each visit, practiced new parenting techniques, and developed greater patience as she cared for her energetic daughter. As she gained new skills, the stress and uncertainty she once carried began to give way to confidence, stability, and joy. Today, the bond between Adriana and Natalee is stronger than ever. Their story is a reminder that when parents are equipped with knowledge, encouragement, and compassionate support, families can thrive. By investing in prevention, Wesley House helps parents build the strong roots children need to grow into healthy, resilient adults.

A Mother's Gratitude

"I am incredibly grateful to Wesley House for the kindness, compassion, and support they have shown my daughter and me during a difficult chapter in our lives. From the very beginning, they reminded me that I wasn't facing everything alone. The support we received meant more than I can express. The Publix gift cards eased financial stress when we needed it most, and the opportunity to take my daughter to SeaWorld for a dolphin encounter gave us memories we will cherish forever. Seeing the joy on her face was priceless. What stands out most is that Wesley House didn't just provide resources — they gave us hope, encouragement, and genuine care. Their support gave me the confidence to keep moving forward and build the best future possible for my daughter. Thank you to everyone at Wesley House for believing in families and making such a positive impact in our community. My daughter and I will always be grateful." — Adriana

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FOSTER PARENTING

Childhood Level 1 and Relative Foster Care roots family finding activities create child connections.

hen children are removed from their home by either the police or the Florida Department of Children and Families, Wesley House is called upon to find immediate placement for the children. It is always preferable to place children with relatives or non-relatives who have an established kinship relationship with the children. This type of placement is called Level 1 / Relative Foster Care and requires a Level 1 license. This type of licensure enables caregivers to provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment for children who cannot remain in their parents' home. It plays an important role in ensuring that children receive the care, security, and continuity of relationships they need during challenging times. Placing children in Relative Foster Care allows them to retain their family roots. Take for example, the story of three brothers. Two young brothers came into care due to physical abuse from their older brother. The siblings were placed in several foster homes until a maternal aunt came forward to provide placement for all three children. Unfortunately, she was not able to offer long-term placement due to the severity of their behaviors, including frequent physical and verbal altercations with one another. Consequently, she requested their removal from her home. The two younger boys were placed together with a foster family in Miami while the older boy was placed in a separate foster home. While in foster care, the two young brothers continued to struggle significantly with their behaviors. Their foster parent often had to separate them because of the constant fighting and aggression toward one another. Routine family activities, such as eating dinner together, became difficult as the boys would throw food and engage in disruptive behaviors. Academically, both children were performing poorly in school and required intensive educational support. As the case progressed and efforts to achieve permanency for the younger boys failed, the assigned full case manager 8

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conducted family finders’ efforts which located an aunt residing in Anchorage, Alaska who expressed interest in providing permanency for them. This aunt demonstrated consistent commitment by traveling from Anchorage to Miami to visit the boys and maintained weekly virtual communication to establish and strengthen their relationship. She participated in court hearings and Permanency Roundtables to stay abreast of all the changes in the case and the needs of the children. A positive Out-of-State home-study was eventually completed for the paternal aunt and uncle in Alaska which allowed the boys to relocate there at the end of the 2025 school year. The relatives declined Level 1 foster care services where they would have received financial assistance. Instead, they chose to move forward with the adoption process to avoid any additional delay with achieving permanency for the two young boys. Once placed in their paternal aunt and uncle's home, the boys began receiving the structure and supportive services necessary to address their emotional and behavioral needs. Their aunt enrolled them in school and actively advocated to ensure that all appropriate educational and behavioral services were in place. The whole family engaged in family therapy, which contributed to noticeable improvements in the boys’ relationship with one another. Over time, their behavior improved as did their schoolwork. Their adoption was finalized in January 2026. Meanwhile, the eldest sibling established a bond with his foster parent and wished to age out of foster care and enter extended foster care while remaining in the current foster parent’s home. He is on track to age out of the dependency system in January 2027. The boys’ journey shows the importance and success that family finders’ efforts can make with maintaining family connections in the dependency system. The siblings maintain their bond through weekly virtual contacts, keeping their familial roots intact.

s t o o R r u O ! g n i d n a p x are E

A few of our Miami-Dade staff with CEO Aleida Jacobo at the Three Kings Day event at The Healing Sanctuary.

now serving south miami-Dade county

n July 1, 2025, Wesley House began providing Full Case Management (FCM) services to an additional 160 children in Miami-Dade County. What began in 2023 as a modest presence in Homestead to assist struggling sister agencies in the region, matured into a formal contract with Citrus Family Care Network, the Lead Child Welfare Agency in the Southern Region, to provide FCM services to families in both Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties. Wesley House hired 18 additional full-time employees and leased space in MiamiDade County to accommodate the expansion. Almost a year later, our Miami operation is flourishing! With accolades from the Lead Child Welfare Agency, the courts, caregivers, and the Miami community at large, our Miami operation has taken root. Additionally, we have strong and committed staff members who are a vital asset to the FCM team. Our FCM Program continues to be recognized as a strong performer in safety and child well-being across the Southern Region. www.WesleyHouse.org

h t g n e r t The S s t o o R d e r a h of S Scan to view the heartwarming video!

Eight siblings. One forever home.

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eeping families together is one of the main goals of Wesley House Family Services. We do this by keeping sibling groups together and placing children with family members whenever possible. In 2023 a special sibling group of seven children came into care. Their aunt, Ayana Andrews, only 28 years old at the time, and her son quickly stepped in to care for the seven siblings. A year later sibling number eight was born, and she welcomed that child into her home as well. Now, three years later, this story culminates with the happiest of endings. Ayana, now 31, has adopted her eight nieces and nephews who affectionately call her “Auntie”. The children range in age from two to twelve. “I’m excited. It’s been a long time coming. This case has been open for three years, and we’ve been fighting and fighting. I just want the kids to stay in a safe place, be loved, and continue to grow and thrive together. That’s always been the goal,” said Ayana.

When asked why she was adopting eight children, she replied “Because I love them. They went through a tragedy, and my brother asked me if I could take them in. I was scared and nervous at first because there were so many kids. But keeping them together is the most important thing. I've been in a situation where I was separated from my sisters growing up, so it means everything to me that they stay together and grow up together.” Prior to the adoption ceremony, Wesley House assisted with ensuring the family had everything they needed including a larger home. We were able to move them from a one-bedroom apartment to a spacious threebedroom apartment. What was most needed, however, was a larger vehicle that would accommodate the entire family plus their grandma. Ayana only had a small car which made transporting the entire clan difficult and had to be done in two trips; grandma stayed with half the kids while she transported the other half.

ADOPTIONS Last November, at the Wesley House Donor Appreciation Party, we mentioned this special family and their need for a large passenger van. Elizabeth and Bill Entenmann heard this call and immediately offered a generous donation to purchase a van. Through their generosity along with other substantial donations received at our Black-Tie Benefit, we were able to purchase a 15-passenger Ford 350 van! In child welfare, some days are especially hard, and others are extremely rewarding. Delivery day for the van was one of the most special days by far, where all staff in attendance experienced the significance of our work. The surprise on Ayana’s and the children’s faces, the squeals of delight when they realized there was enough room to include a few friends in the van, was priceless! Through the generosity of caring individuals, we have helped a family succeed far beyond our imaginations and have helped them establish their own set of roots. “Wesley House has been a big help. They helped me with everything the kids needed and everything we wanted. I’m so grateful to everyone at Wesley House. They’ve always been supportive of me and the kids. And thank you to the generous donors for providing our family with stable transportation!”, added Ayana.

Left page: The Doucette-Andrews family pose outside their new van on van delivery day!

33 Adoptions! The Wesley House Adoptions Team had a spectacular year, finalizing adoptions for a record 33 children in 2025 – 2026! Among them were two infants, three teenagers and nine sibling groups. In our ongoing efforts to keep families together, 23 children were adopted by their relatives or close friends of their family.

Top photo: Wesley House staff poses with the Doucette-Andrews family after the adoption ceremony. Bottom photo: Judge Bonnie Helms with the Doucette-Andrews family forever starts today!

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INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS

Root

Makeover

Building Confidence for the Next Chapter

Above: The before image prior to Ashley's makeover. Top Right: After the transformation!

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s youth in our Independent Living Program prepare for adulthood, gaining confidence is just as important as learning practical life skills. Ashley Betancourt is taking exciting steps toward independence as she prepares to transition into Extended Foster Care and enter the workforce. Through the program, Ashley has been applying for summer jobs and developing professional skills that will help her succeed. One opportunity included learning about personal presentation and workplace readiness. With the generous support of Gwen Boggess of Mermaid’s Mane in Tavernier, Ashley received a professional haircut, color, and style at no cost. The experience gave Ashley more than a

new look — it helped her feel prepared for the future. According to Ashley, "It was exciting to get a full hairstyle makeover to prepare me for job interviews. The cut, color, and style I received from Mermaid's Mane Beauty Salon made me look not just presentable but more mature, despite having several inches of hair cut off and switching to my natural color, which I hadn't seen since I was 12 years old. It made me feel good about myself, and I received so many positive comments from people I know. This was an experience I will never forget." Thanks to community partners like Gwen, youth like Ashley are building the confidence, skills, and self-assurance they need to thrive as they begin their next chapter.

"This was an experience I will never forget."

FULL CASE MANAGEMENT

esley House Family Services often comes across challenging cases, but our primary goal is always family reunification – to have children return to their roots. For this to occur, it takes a great deal of concerted effort – the case workers, foster parent(s), children, and biological parent(s) must all work diligently towards this goal. Recently, we had a reunification case that came to us due to concerns related to the mother’s untreated mental health, which created a high risk of harm for her two minor children. As a result, the children were removed from the mother’s care and placed with their maternal grandmother. Throughout the early stages of the case, the mother demonstrated significant difficulty regulating her emotions and frequently engaged in verbal altercations with the case manager and members of her support team. These interactions often involved yelling and the use of profanity. There were also multiple incidents involving law enforcement, including arrests and Baker Acts, related to the mother’s untreated mental health concerns. During discussions regarding treatment,

Returning to Your

roots

the mother minimized the severity of her mental health needs, experiencing ongoing instability and periods of homelessness during the case. Despite these hardships, Wesley House staff continued to support her by providing housing resources, community referrals, and assistance with accessing necessary services. Through ongoing support and intervention, the mother gradually developed insight into how her untreated mental health negatively impacted the safety and well-being of her children. As a result, she began consistently engaging in her case plan tasks and services. The mother successfully participated in individual therapy, medication management, and parenting services. As her involvement in treatment increased, significant progress was made in her emotional stability, communication, and overall functioning. Over time, she demonstrated improved coping skills, healthier interactions with professionals, and an increased ability to meet the needs of her children safely and appropriately. The mother’s progress continued steadily, and in December 2025, she was reunified with her daughters. Since

reunification, she has remained actively engaged in individual therapy and has complied with ongoing medication management services to support her mental health. Additionally, the mother was able to secure stable employment and appropriate housing for herself and the children, providing a safe and nurturing environment for them. Although the mother’s journey began with significant challenges and instability, she remained resilient and overcame numerous obstacles throughout the life of the case. There were times when she felt discouraged and considered giving up; however, she persevered and remained committed to reunification with her children. She has made substantial behavioral and emotional changes and continues to do an excellent job caring for her daughters. Due to the mother’s sustained progress, demonstrated protective capacities, and continued stability following reunification, supervision ended on June 2, 2026. We at Wesley House are elated with the outcome of this family reunification, and hope to have many more success stories where children can return to their roots – their families. www.WesleyHouse.org

JULY

AUGUST

1st Full Case Management expands into South Miami-Dade County

5th National Night Out Events in Key West and Key Largo

1st Foster Parent Recruitment campaign kicks off 25th Monroe County Health Department Back to School Outreach Event

25th Completed annual Maintenance of Accreditation for Council on Accreditation (COA)

SEPTEMBER 6th The Big Splash! Key Largo Office

OCTOBER 25th Key West Botanical Garden Screamin' Green Halloween Outreach Event 26th Children's Day Healthy Families Outreach 29th St. Justin's Catholic Church Trunk or Treat Healthy Families & WHFS Outreach

NOVEMBER 10th Annual Meeting held at Key West United Methodist Church 15th WHFS National Adoption Day event at Aquarium Encounters 20th WHFS Donor Appreciation Cocktail Party at The Gardens Hotel 21st Citrus Family Care Network National Adoption Day Event

DECEMBER 5th 5th Holiday Village & BeLighted Bike Ride 12th Adopt-a-Family gifts delivered to 198 families 12th Annual Staff Holiday Luncheon in Key Largo 18th WHFS awarded the Key Largo Chamber Chairman's Award for Non-profit of the Year

22nd Light Up Key Largo Outreach Event

59,700

Meals served at Inez Martin (breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack)

VPK graduates at Inez Martin

Bed Capacity of Level One Licensed Homes

2 Training Cycles Foster Parent

Average daily number of students in attendance at Inez Martin

Rounds of completed Pre-Service Training

136,899

Total mileage for all Family Support transports

Bed Capacity of Level Two Licensed Homes

1,349

The number of client transports for Monroe and Miami-Dade

333

Total children served in Full Case Management

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

APRIL

5th Commencement of reaccreditation cycle with COA

6th CFFK Unsung Heroes Luncheon Pamela & George Lindner recognized

Child Abuse Prevention Month and Home Visitors Appreciation Month

6th WHFS participates in the Three Kings Community Event at The Healing Sanctuary in Homestead

4th - 14th Share the Love Keys-wide Online Auction

20th Child Placing License Renewed 25th Mote Ocean Fest Outreach Event

9th 2nd Galentine's Luncheon at The Key West Yacht Club

MAY

JUNE

Foster Parent Appreciation Month

National Reunification Month

13th Child Welfare Workers Appreciation Breakfast

5th Citrus Family Care Network & WHFS graduation ceremony for teens

14th Lower Keys Foster Parent Celebration at Waterfront Brewery 15th Upper Keys Foster Parent Celebration at Pin Fish Bowling

27th Reunification Celebration at Parrot Jungle in Miami

15th Foster Care Awareness in Miami at the Atrium of Government Center

14th Valentine's Gala Key Largo Office

MARCH 28th 4th Key West Black Tie Benefit at Beachside Resort & Residences

15th Inez Martin VPK Graduation Ceremony 19th Key Largo Healthy Families Baby Shower 21st Key West Healthy Families Baby Shower

1,196 33

Adoptions finalized

The total number of supervised visits for Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties

Number of children served by Preventions

128

Number of children served by Healthy Families

Family reunifications

Number of families served by Healthy Families

Number of families served by Preventions

Number of families who graduated Healthy Families

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Julio Torrado VICE CHAIR Susan Sikich TREASURER Pamela Lindner SECRETARY David Smith CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Aleida I. Jacobo, Esq. GOVERNING BOARD Jessica Batty Madeline Baum Sean Brandenburg Lorie Leal Joy McPeters Kristine Pabian Maria Pierce* *Designee for H. Leigh Toney Lissette Quintero Jennifer Miller-Roth Yvette Talbott H. Leigh Toney

Purpose

Rooted in

ASSOCIATE BOARD Mindy Conn Kristen Livengood Eunice Melnick Anthony Scalera Joy Webb-Smith FRIENDS OF WESLEY HOUSE Alice Calleja Bryan Green Stephanie Monsalvatge

In Memoriam

Wesley House was deeply saddened by the passing of our long-time Board member and Friend of Wesley House, Sharon Toppino. One of our most active Board members, Sharon co-chaired the annual Valentine's Gala with the late Cheryl Cates for many years. The event thrived under their leadership. She was beloved by everyone, and we will remember her fondly, especially her wonderful sense of humor and dedication to the children and families of Monroe County.

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r u o g n i w o h S n o i t a i c e r p p A I

2 1. Jennifer and Mike Flammia with Wally and Betina Justice. 2. Cecile Amos and Lower Keys Medical Center CEO, Drew Bigby. 3. Kelly Ryan and Kris Pabian. 4. MCSO Sheriff Rick Ramsey and MCSO Capt. David Smith with KWPD Chief Sean Brandenburg, Derek Epperly, and Bob Pabian. 5. WHFS Director of Development, Grace Epperly and Elizabeth Entenmann. 6. Niles and Nancy Noblitt. 7. Karyn and David Brickner with Nancy and Phil Amsterdam.

n November 2025, we welcomed our supporters to our first Donor Appreciation Cocktail Party at the beautiful Gardens Hotel in Key West. Guests enjoyed a charming evening featuring delicious cuisine from Cater Away Key West and Cupcake Sushi. More than a celebration, the event was an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of our donors, whose support makes our mission possible. It also allowed us to connect personally, share stories of impact, and celebrate the partnerships that help Wesley House Family Services continue changing lives throughout our community.

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DEVELOPMENT

he 5th Annual Holiday Village and BeLighted Bike Ride has officially grown exponentially! On Friday, December 5th, 2025, approximately 2000 attendees entered the Holiday Village and enjoyed performances from the Bahama Village Music Program and Coffee Mill Dance Studio, amusement-style rides and bounce houses, delicious food, incredible decorations, festive music, interactive activities from 20 community partner booths, photos with Santa and non-stop snow! The Key West Police estimate 3500 bike riders in the BeLighted Bike Ride! This event is not possible without the hardwork of the 100 volunteers including groups from the US Coast Guard, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Keys Energy, Key West Sunrise Rotary. and Key West High School. We are also especially thankful to all the sponsors. Their support not only helps us produce the event but allows free entry to struggling families.

Photo by Larry Blackburn Enhanced with AI

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Photo by Larry Blackburn

Top Photo: WHFS Board Member, Tony Scalera with his wife Lori with volunteers from The Southernmost Castaways. Bottom Left: Mrs. Claus' Kitchen was a big hit! Bottom Right: Coffee Mill Dance Studio entertains the packed crowd.

Holiday Village

DEVELOPMENT

Volunteers from the Key West Sunrise Rotary assist with breaking down the Holiday Village in record time! Below, members of the US Coast Guard help to load the decorations onto two UHaul trucks. We can't thank our volunteers enough for their help!

Photo by Larry Blackburn

Oscar LLorente drives the parade golf cart for Shining Star Sponsor, Mount Sinai Medical Center.

WHFS Board Chair Julio Torrado, Director of Development Grace Epperly, Mayor Danise Henriquez, and Board Members Kris Pabian and Joy McPeters.

Photo by Larry Blackburn

A blizzard in Key West! Thank you to the Key West High School volunteers for keeping the snow flurries going all night long!

& BeLighted Bike Ride www.WesleyHouse.org

DEVELOPMENT

Galentine's Luncheon

adies who lunch! Our 2nd Galentine's Luncheon was held on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Key West Yacht Club. 100 ladies dressed in every shade of pink came together for an afternoon of friendship, fellowship, and philanthropy. As guests arrived they assembled welcome bags for our Healthy Families clients.

2026

The afternoon was a wonderful reminder that giving back can be both meaningful and fun. We are especially grateful to Mount Sinai Medical Center for sponsoring the luncheon. From the pink attire to the generous hearts in the room, our Galentine’s Luncheon was a beautiful celebration of women supporting women — and families.

5 1. Members of the Key West Woman's Club. 2. Kelly Richardson and friends. 3. First State Bank showing their support. 4. Taylor and Tammy Berard with Debbie Castillo. 5. Avery Jenkins, Michele White, Libby Jenkins, Jacqueline Luhta, County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Sue Burke, Mallory Pinto and Kacey Hunt. 6. KW Mayor Danise Henriquez, Ashley McMahan, Dominique Fletchall, Aleida Jacobo, Chomi Oropeza, Pamela Lindner, Betty Darst, and Alice Calleja. 7. Hannah Edwards and Elizabeth Brown.

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Valentine's gala 2026

L 5 1. Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club. 2. WHFS Staff: Margarita DeBenito, Erin Roll, Khalilah Dawes, Aleida Jacobo, Jennifer Zemmel, Kirrin Peart, and Steven Cosme. 3. Seated: Mal Johnson, Dr. Kimberly McGrath, Maria Alonso, Mario Jardon, and Loammi Caballero. Standing: Mike Jacobo, Ricardo Pau-Llosa, Aleida Jacobo, Julio Torrado, and Henry Caballero. 4. First State Bank attendees, Wendy Mayorga, Joy Wilson, Karinna Placencia, and Lori Bailey. 5. Ralph Sam, Annie Homer, Harley and BJ Born.

ove was in the air at our 2026 Valentine’s Gala held on February 14, 2026 at our Key Largo Office Event Grounds. Guests stepped into a romantic garden-inspired setting filled with cascading wisteria, lush shades of red, pink, and purple, and hearts around every corner. The enchanting décor created a warm and whimsical atmosphere as friends and supporters gathered for an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing, cocktails, and celebration. Curated items from the Keys-wide Online Auction were on display in the conference room for guests to bid on throughout the night. Adding a bit of whimsy to the evening was a fun newlywed-inspired couples game and a "mystery chocolate box" where the lucky winner won a two-night stay in Key West. More than just a beautiful night out, the Gala brought our community together in the spirit of love and generosity, raising vital funds to support the children and families served by Wesley House Family Services. www.WesleyHouse.org

DEVELOPMENT

The Black Tie O

ur March 28, 2026 Black Tie Benefit was themed "Cabaret Soiree" with a dinner-and-a-show experience for our guests. The evening kicked off with live cabaret dancers on the terrace, a sizzling performance by Mr. Christopher Peterson and the Aquanettes, a Nina Simone melody sung by Floyd "Pepa" Jenkins, and a captivating live operatic aria by Trey Forsyth. Beachside Resort & Residences was decked out in floor-to-ceiling red including the foyer stairwell leading to the ballroom! The stunning floral arrangements were created by the talented Theresa Kalvaitis. Steve Brenner and Darla Snyder led the philanthropic charge as Visionary Presenting Sponsors which, encouraged further giving from Linda Turek, the Walsh Family and Pier B as our Presenting Sponsors. Their inspiration sparked an undeniable spirit of generosity throughout the evening. After dinner, guests were moved by the Mission Moment, an inspiring story of love and hope presented by former Wesley House employee Yolanda Nogueras about her journey to adopt three foster children. Auctioneer Chris Marchand kept everyone entertained, and primed the 290 attendees to immediately crowd the dance floor to the energetic sounds of the eight-piece La Nota Band. Our hearts are full from the love, support, and encouragment we received that night. We are deeply thankful to all the sponsors and guests who made the night a resounding success!

DEVELOPMENT

Benefit 4

1. Erica and David Smith. 2. Pamela and George Lindner. 3. Tammy Fox, Kade Mortenson, Linda Walker, Cheryl Meister, Denise Watanabe, Darla Snyder, Michelle Finger, Rosemarie Donzanti, Kiera Lally, and Mucki Evelyn Judge. 4. Mr. Christopher Peterson. 5. Julio Torrado, WHFS CEO Aleida Jacobo, Kris Pabian, and Visionary Presenting Sponsor Darla Snyder. 6. La Nota Band. 7. Yvette and Kevin Talbott. 8. Karyn and David Brickner 9. WHFS Director of Development Grace Epperly and Mac McCarthy. 10. George Fernandez and Scott Saunders. 11. Elizabeth and Bill Entenmann. 12. Joseph Siemens and Melinda Hudson. 13. Shirley Carey, Craig Cates, John and Melissa Picco. Photos by Nick Doll and Natalie Danko. 13

www.WesleyHouse.org

2025 - 2026

NNUAL FINANCE REPORT A Because of your donations our roots run deeper. The percentage of your donations spent on the children in care.

EXPENSES BY PROGRAM 2025 - 2026

22%

Full Case Management 74% Family Services 6% Healthy Families 6% Inez Martin 14%

Martin Food & 13% Inez Backpack Program

Inez Martin Children’s Programs

Inez Martin Scholarships

16% Healthy Families 3% Holiday Helpers 16% 30% Building Fund 24

www.WesleyHouse.org

Support Services Including but not limited to: • Summer Camps • Catastrophe Relief • Children’s Funds • Dental Care

Major Donors & PARTNERS

Private Donors

Scott B. Barry & Jodi Weinhofer Rebecca & Thomas Bray Stephen K. Brenner & Darla Snyder Karyn & David Brickner Alice & John Calleja Mario Cervantes Elizabeth & William J. Entenmann Lisa Ferringo Jeannie & Trevor Gray Alicia & Derek Heyn Melinda Hudson & Joseph Siemens Nancy & Robert W. Manly Victoria & William Marraccini Mac McCarthy Eunice Melnick John Misiewicz Kristine & Robert Pabian Melissa & John Picco Kelly & Andy Richardson Marjorie & James Sanger Tammy & Scott Saunders Lori & Anthony Scalera Jeannine & Douglas Schrock Sue & Earl Seboda Maria & Robert Sharpe Kenneth R. Silverman & Catharine Regan Tammy & Jeffry Smith Yvette & Kevin Talbott Rhonda & Richard Taylor Jan Toncar

Partners

Citrus Family Care Network Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe Florida Department of Children and Families General Board of Global Ministries Keys Energy Services Key West Police Department Key West Sunrise Rotary Club Key West United Methodist Church Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board Monroe County School Board Monroe County Sheriff's Office Ounce of Prevention Healthy Families Florida SOS Foundation United Women in Faith

Foundations

Bolick Family Charitable Fund Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation Community Foundation of the Florida Keys First Horizon Foundation John & Nellie Bastien Memorial Foundation Larry Dion Foundation Michelle's Foundation Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset Foundation, Inc. The Batchelor Foundation The Lookout Foundation, Inc. The Sexton Family Foundation Theodore W. & Betty J. Eckels Foundation

Legacy Gifts

Kemp Charitable Trust

Businesses

Conch Republic Cuties In Action Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum First State Bank of The Florida Keys Gulf Atlantic Bank Historic Tours of America HydroThunder Key Largo Lions Club Key West Military Affairs Committee, Inc. Key West Woman's Club, Inc. LKT Services & Companies LLC Lower Keys Medical Center Meisel Holdings Mel Fisher Days, Inc. Mount Sinai Medical Center Pier B Development Ron Jon Surf Shop

Thank you to our additional volunteers and donors who provide funding for our programs and events.

KEY WEST OFFICE 1304 Truman Avenue • Key West, FL 33040 KEY LARGO OFFICE 5 Homestead Avenue • Key Largo, FL 33037 MIAMI OFFICE 13595 SW 134th Avenue • Suite 207 • Miami, FL 33186 INEZ MARTIN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 1100 Varela Street • Key West, FL 33040 305.809.5000 | www.WesleyHouse.org

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY Wesley House has a commitment to quality and adheres to the best practice concept of developing and implementing the most efficient and effective way of delivering services to the public "The Wesley House Way". Wesley House is an accredited organization by the Council on Accreditation (COA). COA has long recognized that strong governance and management increase an organization's capacity to deliver services more effectively and thus achieve improved client outcomes. Wesley House has long subscribed to the model of non-profit transparency and posts its financial information on Guidestar.org where it is a Platinum Participant. We also hold an Encompass Rating of 100 on Charity Navigator. IRS EIN 59-0624461 Wesley House Family Services is a not-for-profit agency designated 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Code. We are supported by state and local funders, as well as private support through generous donations from the community. Wesley House Family Services complies with state and federal non-discrimination laws and policies that prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. It is unlawful to retaliate against individuals or groups on the basis of their participation in a complaint of discrimination or on the basis of their opposition to discriminatory practices.