CHS-2008-Annual-Report
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Contents Through the generations . 2 State Board of Directors . 3 Message from the President . 4 Message from the Chair . 4 Management team . 5 New beginnings … Happy endings Christine and Camdyn . 6 Daralyn’s family . 6 Laura and Kaitlyn . 7 Cynthia’s family. 7 Divisions of CHS. 8 Executive Directors . 9 Measures of our success . 10 2007-2008 Financial year in review . 12 2007-2008 Supporters . 14 1 Through the generations... Most were broken and bruised, dirty and that if they did their work well, the people Baby boomers disheveled. Some wandered the streets, of Florida would “furnish the means and CHS continued to stand strong, expanding orphaned by the harsh realities of farm moral support necessary for saving all of the services, staff and reach even as the nation accidents or disease. Others carried with suffering children in the state” (Cora Seaton, faced spiraling inflation and political, economic them frightening memories of abuse, Superintendent, 1904-1910). and social stresses. In broadening programs desperately hoping for security. All needed to serve youth with emotional, developmental love. Guidance. Stability. The silent generation and mental challenges, we furthered our The people of Florida did not disappoint. pursuit of family stability and permanency for The early years Without any government funding, CHS relied all children. Moreover, our growing concern Witnessing the growing population of home- solely on the generosity of donors to help for child abuse and neglect steered our focus less and abandoned children, compassionate protect and nurture children. During decades to include a significant preventive approach, citizens in Jacksonville joined together on dominated by the Great Depression and one we continue to maintain and enhance. behalf of these unfortunate orphans. Led by World War II, our doors remained open Rev. D.W. Comstock, community members to the increasing number of children coming Millennials formed Children's Home Society of Florida into care.While some families could no longer Now with nearly 2,000 employees in 14 (CHS) just after the turn of the century…just afford to provide for their children, others divisions blanketing Florida, we’ve strengthened after fires destroyed the city, virtually eliminating were desperate to find homes for fatherless our commitment to family preservation and philanthropic dollars. But establishing CHS in “war babies.” Before the era ended, our daily child abuse prevention. In doing so, our the midst of economic turmoil didn’t deter family grew to 800 abandoned children. intensified focus on early education and care, our leaders from caring for young ones, independent and transitional living for teens, securing loving families to nurture even the Thanks to faithful supporters, CHS was and preserving and empowering families frailest of children.With a $414.50 balance one of few child-serving organizations in supports our dream of breaking the tragic in our 1904 treasury, our small yet dedicated the country to remain financially sound generational cycle of abuse and neglect for team found parents for 26 children. throughout these years, regarded by children’s increasing numbers of children. And just as agencies across the nation as one of the we have for more than a century, we continue Though funding remained the great hindrance 10 largest and most carefully conducted in fulfilling our mission of Embracing Children. for progress, even our earliest leaders knew the country. Inspiring Lives. 2 State Board of Directors William D. Preston Robert Moser Richard B.“Dick” Adams, Jr. Samuel P.Bell, III Sara Roen Brady Chair Vice Chair Clarice Brantley, Ph.D. Samia Ferraro Michele Greene Kent Guinn Frank Gulisano Dan Lautenbach Richard “Dick” Lewis Farooq Mitha Sherry Plymale Cindy Pullen Marty Rubin Miguel Viyella Victoria Weber John F.“Jay” Windham 3 Message from the President Message from the Chair Our work isn’t easy. Our responsibilities to protect children and For some of us, the tough economy means cutting back on a few strengthen families often come with long days and emotional extras…dinners out, vacations, perhaps cancelling our digital cable. journeys, but the transformations we witness overshadow any We may have to adjust our retirement plan or learn to live with challenges encountered along the way. less financial cushion. But for many families served by CHS, the tough economy means cutting back Perhaps no challenge is currently more on necessities…food, electricity, pressing than the state of the economy, transportation. both regionally and nationally.While many of us revisit our own family As you can probably imagine, the budgets, we must also remember our increased burdens challenging Florida’s responsibility to care for the vulnerable families can put children’s safety at risk, children in our communities…those causing the critical services offered by who have been victimized by abuse, CHS to be even more in demand. neglect or abandonment.Those who rely on us for protection, for Not only do we continue to protect, shelter and nurture children, shelter, for guidance and love. but we’re also guiding more teens as they venture into a less welcoming adult world than ever before. Further, we’re helping During this time of economic healing, it’s important that we join parents learn to manage rising pressures while raising their young together for the benefit of the children entrusted to the care of ones in stable, loving homes. CHS.With our solid history and long-standing strength, we know we’ll survive this time of uncertainty. But for thousands of young With more children and families relying on CHS, I thank you for ones in our care, their hope for survival hinges on the kindness supporting this great organization. As you read further in the report, of others. you’ll see how your generosity allows compassionate staff to help young mothers like Christine break the cycle of abuse to give her When financial hardships threaten family stability, CHS is called upon son the life she never had. It helps CHS find loving families for to fortify overburdened families, to guide and educate frustrated children like Alisha and Alia, who desperately needed a safe, stable parents, and to protect, shelter and nurture our local children. home. And it allows us to join together in providing hope, nurturing, Now is the time to take a stand and invest not just in the future guidance and opportunities to more than 86,000 children and of our children, but also in the future of our community…in the adults throughout Florida. future of our state…in the future of our country. On behalf of the devoted volunteers we have at CHS, I sincerely Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, and the thank you for your support and encourage you to invite your unwavering devotion of our volunteers and staff, Florida’s children friends, family and colleagues to experience the difference we can still have so much hope for brighter futures. I extend my deepest make for Florida’s children. It’s through the kindness and selflessness appreciation for your support and ask that you continue your of our caring contributors, dedicated staff and faithful friends that commitment to improve the lives of Florida’s children and families, we’re able to continue bringing hope and happiness to children especially as they need your help now more than ever. and families across the state. David A. Bundy William D. Preston President/CEO Chair of the Board 4 Management team David A. Bundy James E. Patrick Robert J.Wydra President/Chief Chief Operating Chief Financial Executive Officer Officer Officer Shelley Katz Andry Sweet Frank Gonzalez Vice President Vice President General Counsel of Operations of Operations Liz Bruner Joan Hughes Summer Pfeiffer Vice President of Vice President of Corporate Director Development and Administration of Governmental Communication Relations 5 New beginnings ... Happy endings Christineand Camdyn Christine grew up watching her mom get time she ever had any – she high. She witnessed brutal beatings from followed them, determined to boyfriends. And she watched as, time and make something of herself. “I time again, her mother returned to abusive didn’t want him to grow up the relationships and a drug-addicted lifestyle. way I did,” Christine says of her son, Camdyn.“As long as I’m It didn’t take long to begin following in her his mom, nothing bad is ever mother’s footsteps. Christine dropped out going to happen to him.” of school in seventh grade and, shortly after, turned to drugs. During her time with CHS, Christine earned her GED, secured a job, At 19, she became pregnant by her drug- began college, received her driver’s license, addicted boyfriend. bought a car and completed the necessary Christine credits CHS for teaching her how Though six months clean by then, Christine steps to move into her own apartment with to be the mom her son deserves – from had serious doubts about the life her baby Camdyn. “I’ve accomplished more here in handling finances and understanding her legal would have. She soon realized she was on two years than I have in my entire life,” she rights to burping her baby and knowing her own; her entire household was high, and says. She’s scared to even think of where what to do when he cries. she needed help. she and Camdyn would be without CHS. Aspiring to build a better life for her family, She found it at CHS’ Transitions Home, a While her days are far from easy, Christine Christine hopes to earn a master’s degree in residential program serving teen mothers dreams of one day traveling the world social work and possibly become a therapist. and their babies. For the first time in her life, with her son.