LWRWC Adopts the Children’s Guardian Fund
Tresa Zumsteg, Children’s Guardian Fund Board President, and Jeremy Carter, Board Vice President, spoke at the LWRWC’s November general meeting on Thursday, November 7. They told the members about the organization the LWR Women’s Club has recently adopted as its fourth charity and how it helps meet the needs of so many children in foster and state care in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties.
The Children’s Guardian Fund partners with the Guardian ad Litem program to give these kids a much needed voice and an opportunity to change their lives with the assistance of volunteer advocates (guardian ad litems) who help them thrive and develop a sense of self-worth.
These volunteers meet with the children at least once a month to make sure they are going to school and getting proper medical care, and they provide things those who are living in a traditional, stable family environment receive routinely such as after school programs, new clothes, tutoring, etc.
The guardians will appear before a judge in family court and advocate for what they feel is best for the children, the ultimate goal of which is to be reunited with the family. Members were shocked to learn there are over 1,500 children in these three counties alone, and the sad fact is there are only 582 guardian ad litems serving this very large number.
Tresa and Jeremy’s presentation highlighted the crucial need for more of these advocates. A two day training program is available for this extremely important and rewarding volunteer commitment.
LWRWC Visits Sarasota Ski-A-Rees
The LWRWC was treated to a spectacular show of extraordinary waterskiing talent on Sunday, October 20th, by the award-winning Sarasota Ski-A-Rees.
Ski-A-Rees is located next to Mote Marine Aquarium where they perform for free on several Sundays throughout the year. They are a not-for-profit group, which spans several generations including an adorable six year old.
