Resolution 24-127 Hero to a Child anniversary

54:35So now we're ready for our RS4.

54:39Okay. RS4, is anyone here from Guardian Ad Lightum or representing Guardian Ad Lightum? If so, please come to the podium.

54:55The morning.

54:58Okay. This is resolution number 24-127, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, recognizing the thirty-fifth anniversary of Hero to a Child. Whereas Hero to a Child, Inc., doing business as Guardian Adlitum Foundation of Tampa Bay, was founded on May nineteenth, nineteen eighty nine and is celebrating their thirty-fifth anniversary. And whereas Hero to a Child was founded in 1989 as the nonprofit

55:28partner to the Guardian Ad Lightum office of the Sixth Judicial Circuit serving Pasco and Pinellas Counties. For more than three decades, Hero to a Child has supported tens of thousands of children in a myriad of ways through their partnership with Yeah. and whereas to day the mission of Hero of a Child Uh is to empower, uplift, and support children and young adults impacted by the abuse and neglect to realize a brighter future. And whereas,

55:59through their experienced team, diverse resources, and strong sense of community, Heroed to a Child aims to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and ready to conquer whatever challenges come their way. And whereas Hero to a Child believes that every child in foster care deserves to have a service leader dedicated to their well-being, and through strong relationships and collaboration, Hero to a Child makes sure that every young person receives

56:29the individualized attention and support they deserve. And whereas in 2023, Hero to a Child funded emergency needs, enrichment activities, birthday and holiday gift celebrations, and educational support for two thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven children trained one hundred and thirty-four GAL volunteers, caregivers, and service providers on trauma-informed care. educated 67 teens

57:00and gals about services available for aging out use. created opportunities for thirty children to reunite with separated siblings. and organized GAO volunteer and staff appreciation events. All made possible through partnerships with local service organizations and businesses. And whereas Hero to a Child has an unwavering commitment to the children of Pasco and Penillas Counties, helping every young person in the child welfare system thrive,

57:30s experience stability, enjoy their childhood, and be prepared for success in life. Now therefore be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said Board hereby recognizes the thirty fifth anniversary of Hero to a Child and commends them for all that they do to help the children of Pasco County. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present in voting this twenty-first day of May 2024.

57:57Move to approve. Second. Got a motion and second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Motion passed five zero. Our spokesperson?

58:06Mm-hmm. Hi everyone. Um, I'm Erin Authier, Executive Director of Hero to a Child, and I wanted to thank you all so much for allowing us to be here today and recognizing the anniversary of this incredible organization. We were founded 35 years ago by a group of volunteers who saw a need within our child welfare system and wanted to step in and help to fill the gap of um items, experiences, and um Mm. Just love and support that was not being met by the state for the children

58:36in our child welfare system. We still have thousands of children in the system today, and that need still exists. Thankfully, our organization has grown significantly over the years, and we have a large board and a small but mighty staff supporting the work that we do. Over the last 35 years, we've invested millions of people. Of dollars right here into circuit six in order to stabilize and provide for the basic needs and also the special experiences for children. And we

59:06could not have done that without the support of the community, without the support of the commission. And we are so grateful and honored to be able to be here with you today. So thank you for this opportunity and for acknowledging and recognizing. our thirty fifth anniversary.

59:22Thank you. Thank you for all all that you do in in the county with the kids and all and this District six, so It's a lot of kids, a lot of a lot of good things that you do for them because they they're out there sometimes and no one to s have support and your support for them's very important. So Mr. Arkey.

59:43Yes, uh good morning and thank you so much for being here. And I I learned about this through uh a meeting I had with Mr. Fiorentino and I had not heard of this organization. I'm very familiar with Guardian Nad Lightham, um, but uh I just was um so impressed with what this organization does. So I'm glad that you're here today and um we're getting some more word out. about what you do and if people wanted to contribute, how is there a place online or how how do you fundraise?

1:00:11Yeah, our organization is um hero to a child dot org. That's our website. Um we actually have an event coming up in Pasco. It's a uh breakfast event on September twenty seventh twenty seventh. Um so there's lots happening uh coming up here in our immediate community but hero to a child dot org or just I always take checks or cash or change whatever it is we won't deny anybody.

1:00:38Make sure that we all get a an invite to that and if you have a a PDF I can put that in my newsletter.

1:00:44Yeah

1:00:44absolutely be happy to support you and the good work that you do.

1:00:47Thank you so much.

1:00:48Mr White Thank you Chair Hero toachild.org. Unfortunately, you're needed. You're needed. So thank you for stepping in. Filling a gap. in trying to advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves, you know, really are are most vulnerable. And uh so thank you for being here today. Keep hanging tough. And we'll do what we can to help.

1:01:14Okay. Ms. Jagger?

1:01:16I just want to say um I worked with at risk youth for ten years, so I I know what you guys do and you're in the trenches and um just thank you for being a voice to those children that don't have a voice. So you are so needed and so valued and thank you.

1:01:37Mr. Bringer, I think. Thank you. And thank you so much for your service. Thirty-five years, what an amazing accomplishment. And as Buddha said, the work you do is greatly appreciated, uh much needed, and uh I put on my calendar September twenty seventh.

1:01:50Yeah. I did too. Okay, I think we can all come down for this one.

1:01:53Yeah we probably can. Yep.

1:02:06Sweet. There you go.

1:02:08Thank you all so much.

1:02:15Where's your event gonna be?

1:02:17Uh where's the event? There you go.

1:02:20Everybody right here should be fine. Okay, thank you.

1:02:28Looks good. Thank you all.