Tampa, FL – Hope. Better mental and physical health. Better future for a child. All of this is possible through volunteering to help a foster child.Guardian ad Litem volunteers help ensure these children know someone is in their corner. Their world was turbulent enough prior to COVID changes. A little hope and encouragement now is even more important, and can offer have dual benefits.
If you can be a consistent adult in a child’s life, listen to them, advocate for their best interests and be their voice in court, the Guardian ad Litem program needs you. Research shows helping others also helps us, especially in challenging times such as 2020. “It’s a way of reframing your existence,” says bioethicist Stephen Post, “getting out from the negative vortex and feeling free to do something that is meaningful.”
“A Guardian ad Litem volunteer makes a difference in a child’s life with just a few hours a month,” says Tabitha Lambert, Guardian ad Litem 13th Circuit Director. “You research needs and options, communicate with other parties in the dependency system, and establish a relationship with the child that can have a lifelong effect.” The Tampa Bay area has more children in the foster system than any other part of Florida, and more volunteers are needed.
The Guardian ad Litem Program offers a group conference call Information Session every Thursday at noon, for the community to learn more about this volunteer opportunity. Dial in information is available on our website or on our Facebook page. A one on one information session can be arranged for anyone whose schedule will not allow them to join the conference call.
If you resolved to volunteer more and would like to find out how you can make a difference for a child, contact 813-272-5110, or go to www.galtampa.org.
# # #