CLEARWATER, FL – Each year in Florida, thousands of parents complete the tasks necessary to make their homes safe in order to be reunified with their children who have been placed in the foster care system. Eckerd Connects, the lead agency for community-based child welfare in the Tampa Bay area, is hosting celebrations to honor local families being reunited.
For the tenth year, Eckerd Connects will partner with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Lutheran Services of Florida, Directions for Living, Youth and Family Alternatives, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Guardian Ad Litem Program and others to host the events.
“We’re proud to host our tenth annual Reunited: A Celebration of Families event, praising parents who have expressed love and commitment to their children by putting in the hard work and making major life changes necessary in order to bring their families back together,” says Brian Bostick, Executive Director of Eckerd Connects Community Alternatives Pasco and Pinellas.
On any given day, Eckerd Connects is responsible for the safety, well-being, and permanency of over 5,000 abused, neglected and vulnerable children in Tampa Bay.
“Our goal is to strengthen families and communities and stop the cycle of abuse and neglect,” says Bostick.
The parents being celebrated are supported in their communities by family court judges, case workers, service providers, guardian ad litems, foster families and relatives – just to name a few.
Schedule for Reunited: A Celebration of Families
PINELLAS – Friday, May 31, 2019, 12:00PM-1:00PM: Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center, 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater in the First Floor Conference Room.
PASCO – Friday, June 7, 2019, 12:00PM-1:00PM: West Pasco Judicial Center 7530 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34654
These celebrations are open to the public and the media and will include special guest speakers, refreshments, children’s activities, and family awards.
ABOUT ECKERD CONNECTS:
Eckerd Connects was founded in 1968 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd with the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. The national nonprofit organization has connected more than 250,000 children, young adults and families to the help they need through programs in family and child services, workforce development, and juvenile justice services. To learn more please visit www.eckerd.org.