My passion for empowering kids and families is fueled by the opportunities CHS brings through impactful change and progress. I believe that every parent deserves the opportunity to develop their own sustainability – whether it’s related to finances, education or health.

I believe that every child and every family has the potential to be successful.

Through initiatives like Broward’s Family Preservation Program, CHS is working with families to stop children from entering the foster care system and delivering the solutions to end foster care as we know it. Florida’s uniqueTitle IV-E Waiver has been a critical puzzle piece in reducing the number of children in foster care by providing the flexibility to meet more families’ needs before children are removed from their parent’s care. But the waiver will soon expire and these vital prevention programs are at-risk.

After nearly four years of service, I remain committed to CHS. I am inspired by watching the people around me Do Good and I’m excited to be a part of reshaping the future for children. During this legislative session, I hope to encourage others to grow and get involved in advocacy. I welcome the opportunity to push myself, my fellow Do Gooders, and the families who partner with us to learn something new so we can all reach our full potential.

We are all advocates.

Our local and state representatives, will face a decision about the Title IV-E waiver this session. I have a strong desire to share the opportunity to educate individuals regarding the impact these decisions have on the children in our communities. I am personally interested in making sure that all of the Representatives and Senators I meet are aware and prepared for the devastating loss of the waiver and the potential influx of children entering foster care.

Each CHS area has an Advocacy leader who has been briefed and trained on the issues facing Florida’s children and families. To start making an impact locally and statewide, talk to the individuals who have completed the advocacy trainings in your local office. We can direct you to policy makers who can influence legislation.

In addition, by talking about CHS throughout the community, an awareness of CHS will grow and our impact will be greater. By doing this, we will develop relationships without people in our communities who can speak for us and advocate with us.

You don’t have to go to Tallahassee to make an impact … sharing our work with the community will also generate a desire among our peers to see a change!