DESANTIS SIGNS BILL TO BOLSTER FOSTER CARE

Last week, Governor DeSantis signed a bill to help bolster those in foster care. Watch this WPTV News Channel 5 coverage explaining more about the bill and how it will impact the Florida foster care system. This bill comes as we roll into the month of May, National Foster Care Awareness Month. April was Child Abuse Prevention Month. For Place of Hope, this bill is deeply personal. "Most of the kids we have experienced in 20 years who are in foster care, are essentially fatherless in the sense that their fathers are not engaged; they are either not around or choosing to not be engaged," states Charles Bender, Founding CEO and Board Member of the non profit, Place of Hope. In part, the law will increase monthly payments from the state to relatives and nonrelatives who serve as caregivers to foster children, making their payment rates on par with licensed foster parents. DeSantis touted nearly $25 million of the money that is designed to provide $200 monthly subsidies to help cover costs of child care and early learning programs. The law also will bolster tuition and fee-waiver programs to help foster children attend state colleges, universities and workforce-education programs.

HOPE Collection Gives 100% back to Place of Hope!

Alyssa Berardo created Bubs & Sass five years ago when she wanted was a simple “J” initial pendant to represent her newborn son, Jonathan. After scouring jewelry lines and seeing the prices for the simple piece, she decided to create it herself. Taking all of her savings, she bought the materials she needed and opened an Etsy shop. When her creations sold out, Bubs & Sass was born. Growing her business over the years has inspired her to partner with Place of Hope to pass along her creative drive and give the tools and building blocks these young women need for a brighter future. “I knew I wanted to share my story and expertise with a group of teenage girls,” said Berardo. “When I was introduced to the Place of Hope, it was a no brainer. I found my girls. They were amazing! There was so much talent and enthusiasm in the room that day. I can’t wait to do it again!” “We are inspired by people like Alyssa,” said Jamie Bond, director of advancement at Place of Hope. “She has a story to tell that connects her with our youth in a way nobody else can. Along with her story and compassion, she offers these youth skills that can be used to build their confidence and use in the marketplace. It also encourages them to think like entrepreneurs. The time she is spending with them is an investment in their future. It demonstrates to them they have worth, they are seen and loved, and someone cares enough to invest in them.” The pieces will retail from $22-$50 and include necklaces, anklets, earrings, and bracelets. Shoppers can purchase online beginning May 1 with 100% of the proceeds going back to Place of Hope!

SHOP THE HOPE COLLECTION MAY

BUILDING HOPE VISION BREAKFAST STUART CAMPUS EXPANSION

What an inspiring morning! Last week we hosted the first of several "Vision" gatherings to share the incredible and exciting news of our newly acquired 11-acre campus in Stuart off Cove Rd. Place of Hope's new Stuart Campus will serve 5,000 - 10,000 each year through our Shade Tree Outreach Program, child abuse prevention and family intervention efforts, family style neighborhood foster care (cottages) and our "Mommy & Me" program caring for single moms with children. The gathering served as a spring board for the launch of Place of Hope's Building Hope Treasure Coast Founders Circle. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Tom and Kathleen Lane, The Berlin Family Foundation and an Anonymous Foundation, Place of Hope unveiled a $1.5 million Matching Challenge to boost the first $3 million of a $5 million budget for the launch phase of the campus. Attendees heard from several key leaders including Board Chair, Mickey Nocera; Board Member and Vision Breakfast Underwriting Sponsor, Tom Lane; Vision Breakfast Host, Katharine Moss; Board Member, Dr. Leighan Rinker; Board Member and Angel Mom, Jeannine Morris; Angel Mom and fierce advocate, Kelly Fleming; Martin County Commissioner, Harold Jenkins and very special guest and Place of Hope Alumn, Will Clervil Tiano. A very special Thank You to Katharine Moss for her visionary leadership and generosity hosting this inspiring breakfast. Learn more about the campus or our next vision gathering by emailing JamieB@placeofhope.com today!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR BUILDING HOPE TREASURE COAST CAMPAIGN BROCHURE

UPCOMING EVENTS!

PRE-SALE RAFFLE TICKETS! Raffle tickets for our 6th Annual "Fish for Hope" KDW Tournament May 14 are on sale now! Head over to the website to see all our great raffle items! fishforhope.givesmart.com

SIP & SHOP AND SUPPORT Join us May 7 at JMcLaughlin in Hobe Sound for a wonderful afternoon celebrating Moms and raising funds for Place of Hope and the single moms with children we care for each day. Shop the spring collection with 15% of your purchase going back to Place of Hope!

CAREERS

DONATE

E.N.G.A.G.E.

. View as Webpage

Shop through Amazon Smile and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchases to Place of Hope! Support the children and youth in our care by selecting us as your charity of choice!