How has 4Kids of South Florida grown since beginning 15 years ago?
4KIDS of South Florida is celebrating its 15-year anniversary of caring for over 17,000 abused and neglected children and youth. In a relative short period of time, 4KIDS has grown to be one of the largest foster care agencies in Broward County and continues to grow in Palm Beach County.
BFF began as an agency serving 17.5 year olds and providing educational support as they prepared to age-out of the foster care system. In the past few years we have adjusted our program to include students as young as 8th graders, for two main purposes: to have the time necessary to build a relationship that will remain strong through the aging-out process and to avoid commonly seen problems typically encountered by high school students in foster care such as low GPAs and the need for credit recovery.
At a tour of SafePlace 4KIDS recently, representatives from the three nonprofits celebrated the synergy of their connection which will better serve children entering and those already navigating the government foster care system in South Florida.
What have been some of the most impactful services you offer to the disabled community?
Some of the most impactful services we offer have to be our vocational training program and the life skills lessons that are taught in the day program.
Show Your Spirit campaign
To become a sponsor for the Show Your Spirit Campaign, 
While residents and leaders in Palm Beach County may be aware of the terms civic health or engagement, many do not understand its growing importance as a measure of a community's quality of life. They often don't realize HOW their efforts - big or small -- can make a positive impact on our community. The new Show Your Spirit campaign vows to change that.
The Spirit of Giving Network has launchedShow Your Spirit, a new countywide campaign to inspire of the citizens of Palm Beach to get involved, make a difference and create a culture of engagement. The ongoing campaign is designed to build awareness of the importance of engaging our citizens, describe the value of investing in our communities and also provide opportunities for citizens to donate their time, talent and treasure.
Spirit of Giving Network is relying on the actions of Palm Beach County's elected officials, educators, and community leaders to endorse the initiative and present it to their students, employees and constituents. The campaign will be launched using a multi-channel strategy that includes the web, social media, print, television and radio.
Who should get involved? Everyone...that means YOU! Individuals, students, elected officials, community leaders, educators, media and businesses How do you get involved?
- Social Media outreach - TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
- Volunteer - we have more than 60 nonprofits looking for help from YOU!
- Sponsor the Show Your Spirit campaign
- Make your own Show Your Spirit sub-campaign
- Get your employees involved
- Public Service Announcements
- Endorse the campaign - GET INVOLVED!
We have the vision to see what's possible, the courage to push for change, the know-how to get it done and the tenacity that gets results. Join us in making a difference in someone's life TODAY.
Contact Karen Krumholtz today to learn more:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
To become a sponsor for the Show Your Spirit Campaign, click here.
Palm Beach County Community Calendar
Announcing the Launch of the Palm Beach County Nonprofit Community Calendar
Sponsored by PNC Bank
Our partnership
The Spirit of Giving Network, Blacktie-South Florida, The Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civic Engagement and PNC Bank have joined forces to help South Florida nonprofit organizations build strong, united communities -- and they’re accomplishing that by sharing information through the Nonprofit Community Calendar. By coming together to share information, we all benefit – nonprofit organizations, volunteers, donors, businesses and most of all the people served in our community. Together, we are strengthening our community.
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
How have you seen the need for LC change in the 20+ years since it was founded?
In a recent interview with the Literary Coalition of Palm Beach County, here is what Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Heavilin had to say about the past, present and future of the organization.
The primary focus of the Literacy Coalition in 1989, when it was founded, was on adult literacy. That is always our base as we know the best way to educate children is to ensure that their parents are fluent readers. However, to meet our goal that all adults and children in Palm Beach County read well, we have realized that many diverse programs are needed to reach everyone. Also, in the past twenty years, the need to teach English literacy, in addition to basic reading skills, has increased significantly.
Community Volunteer Training, Screening & Placement Program
Keeping Our Communities Strong
Volunteerism is the most effective way an individual can strengthen their community. Every nonprofit organization relies on volunteers. And, volunteers seek the right opportunity to use their skills, enhance their lives and support their community. The Spirit of Giving Network’s Community Volunteer Training, Screening & Placement Program brought together nonprofit organizations and potential volunteers to simplify the process--so the focus stays on strengthening the community.
Helping Nonprofit Organizations
The Spirit of Giving Network recognized that all nonprofit organizations go through the same process to assess, train, educate, screen and match volunteers to the right opportunity. The Community Volunteer program takes care of all those steps for the nonprofits. From the application process, FDLE background checks, LiveScan fingerprint processing technology, screening individuals for volunteer suitability, the Community Volunteer program offers a fast, cost-efficient option to recruit, train and screen volunteers while providing nonprofits with a pool of people suited to their needs and ready to offer their time and talent.
Finding the Right Opportunity for You
The Community Volunteer program offers a unique way to get involved, use your experience and learn new skills. The Program presents a variety of opportunities from nonprofit organizations that are appealing and rewarding. Open to the community, it is a great way to decide on your own volunteer schedule and preferred service. You'll meet new friends, boost career options, and develop professional contacts while learning more about the local nonprofits that help your community. A meaningful volunteer experience opens your world to greater possibilities and lets you participate in making a difference.
The Community Volunteer Training, Screening & Placement Program is open to the public and welcomes high school and college students, adults, corporate employees or those looking for an encore career - in fact, anyone looking for a short or long-term volunteer project. The Community Volunteer Program is held every Wednesday 5pm-6pm or 11am- 12pm at the Junior League of Boca Raton Vesgo Community Resource Center.
For more information, please contact Karen Krumholtz at (561) 299-1205 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
