Outreach Co-chairs: Kris Higgerson and Anne Nellis

Upcoming Events

(Details to Follow)

October 22nd,  11:30 am–1 pm.  Group outing to support Manatee Food Bank "Empty Bowls"  fundraiser.  Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. 

Baby Food/Diaper Drive culminating at our December 8th  Holiday Luncheon at The Concession.

January 12, 2011 - 1 pm.  Group outing to Manatee Food Bank to sort food. 

Major food drive for Manatee Food Bank culminating at April 13th luncheon.

Mother's Day card drive for Manatee Food Bank culminating at April luncheon.

School Supply Drive for Children's Guardian Fund
 

Thousands of school supplies have been collected by the University Park Women's Club and thanks to your generosity, the basic tools for learning that we take for granted-- pencils, notebooks, rulers, calculators, pens and folders, will be in the right children's hands when the school bell rings this month.

The following is a recap of what was collected.

THE FOOD BANK OF MANATEE

(OPERATED BY MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS)

811 23RD AVENUE EAST

BRADENTON, FL   34208

KRISTEN THEISEN

 941-749-0100

  http://foodbankofmanatee.org

MISSION STATEMENT:  “Working to ensure that no child, family or senior in need is going hungry.”

The Food Bank is operated by Meals on Wheels Plus.  Last year they distributed 3 million pounds of food (double the previous year).  In 2008, the Food Bank provided over 1.5 million meals with assistance, in most cases,  the same day a call was received.

Some of the activities of Meals on Wheels Plus are:

• distribute 300-400 meals a day which is truly the only contact many of those elderly have with the outside world
• provide food to organizations throughout the County (such as Boys and Girls Club, food pantries, schools)
• provide 75-100 emergency food baskets each week for babies and families
• at certain times of the year, provide shoe boxes for seniors containing toiletries, etc.
• organize Empty Bowls with local potters and local businesses.  This annual fundraiser (at Renaissance on 9th on October 21st, and on Main Street, Lakewood Ranch on October 22nd, 2010),  is a soup tasting to benefit the food bank.  See their website for more information:  http://foodbankofmanatee.org/sponsorship.php

For volunteer opportunities that may be ongoing or arise from time to time with The Food Bank of Manatee, please contact Kristen Theisen at 941-749-0100 and say you are a member of the UPWC.

CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN FUND

SARASOTA COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER

2071 RINGLING BLVD., SUITE 628

SARASOTA, FL   34237

JUDITH WATSON, DIRECTOR

941-861-4841 OR 941-441-5069

The fund was founded in 1995 to provide financial support for the Guardian-ad-Litem program where the Court appoints guardians for foster care children.  To be a GAL requires 30 hours of training.  We have several UPWC members who are involved in this program.  The three programs are:

1.    Guardian-ad-Litem

        The mission of the Guardian-ad-Litem program is to advocate for the best interests of all children who are allegedly abused, neglected or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings.

 2.   Normalcy and Enrichment

        The CGF provides for the unmet and special needs of abused and neglected children who become dependents of the State.  Many of them have never had their own birthday cake, book or stuffed animal.  Upon request from the volunteer GAL’s who work with these children, CGF provides funding for specific items or experiences like summer camp or music/art/sports lessons.  The need may be seemingly small and simple, like a prom dress or soccer cleats, or as significant as required materials for vocational school.  Each request the CGF fulfills is in response to a particular child’s physical and emotional well being. 

3.    Bridge to the Future/Next Step

       The newest programs of the CGF advocate for youths in need of extra support as they find themselves aging out of care and transitioning to self-sufficient adults.  Children “graduating” from foster homes have a far higher rate of homelessness, incarceration and unemployment than the population as a whole.  Funds raised for this at-risk group might go toward housing and utility deposits, bus passes, gas cards or bikes, and clothing specific to a first job:  uniforms, dress clothes, etc.  They need mentors in a team of 3 adults and the program requires 4 hours of training.    In addition, Next Step now also developed a peer tutoring program.

CGF Volunteer Opportunity:  Clothes Closet

A clothes closet has been established for teenage foster care youth which receives donations of new clothes from local vendors.  This "closet," where youth can pick out their own clothes, is down the hall from the Court in the Judicial Building in downtown Bradenton.  They need volunteers each Tuesday afternoon from 2:30–5 pm.

To volunteer for the Clothes Closet or any other volunteer opportunities that may arise from time to time with CGF, please contact Judith S. Watson, Director at 941-441-5069 and say you are a member of the UPWC.  Please be aware that some levels of participation may require a background check and being listed in public records.

FOOD PANTRY - SUSAN MORIN

Susan is a mentor at Booker Middle School.  This is a local start-up, individual effort by Susan Morin whose goal is to make good nutrition available to kids who may not have access to three regular meals, and particularly access to healthy foods.

The pantry is always in need of specific healthy food items, many of which are perishable and need to be fresh.  If you wish to participate or make a donation, please contact Susan directly at 350-4356, 952-0893 or 350-0080. Please be aware that some levels of participation may require a background check, fingerprinting and being listed in public records.

PACE CENTER WISH LIST AND VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES

There continue to be opportunities available for volunteering at Pace Center for Girls.  Anyone interested can call Sandy Groseclose at Pace Center (941-751-4566) for information.  Pace Center is located at 3508 26th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Lyn Conway continues to provide a cake on the first Wednesday of each month to celebrate the girls' birthdays for that month.  She donates the largest sheet cake from BJ's which costs about $30.  The opportunity is there if anyone would like to donate the cake for a month or make a donation towards a party.  Pace provides plates, etc.  If Lyn cannot stay, she just drops it off which is easy and very much appreciated.  If anyone is interested in assisting with the monthly cake, please contact Lyn Conway.

The Corner Cottage at Pace is stocked with items that the girls need in their daily lives as well as things that can be used to reward positive behaviors and good choices. If you would like to assist, please provide new or "like new" items only and deliver them to Lyn Conway or to Pace directly. Items needed include: pajamas or night shirts, socks, diaries, picture frames, stuffed animals, toys and games, makeup, nail polish, purses and bags, $5 gift cards for fast food, Wal-Mart, Target or movies.

Ongoing Outreach Activities:

Service and Vendors List is a compilation of vendors in our area whom UPWC members have used and are willing to recommend.

Children's Exchange is a list of babysitters and children's items that some members have available to lend.

Medical Necessities is a list of equipment members are willing to share for temporary needs following surgery or illiness.

These lists are updated annually and included in the annual UPWC Membership Directory.