Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), Intercoastal Division offers a variety of volunteer opportunities including: auxiliary membership, career day, after-school tutoring, and/or food, toiletry or gift drives for the children and families we serve. The most popular and all-inclusive volunteer opportunity is with our East Broward Auxiliary.

Foster Care Homes: Open your heart and your home to a child in need. CHS is seeking loving homes for teenagers and sibling groups. One or two parent households, single or married individuals, people in any income bracket, with sufficient income to provide for a family are eligible to foster a child. CHS a has an entire unit of workers dedicated to meeting the needs of the foster parents and act as a liaison with Child Advocates. Support is available 24 hours 7 days a week.

Auxiliary Membership: CHS is promoted and supported by the East Broward Auxiliary (EBA). Established in 1989, the EBA supports CHS by countless volunteer efforts. They raise much-needed funds through their Annual Black Tie Ball, and provide support through organizing an Annual Easter Egg Hunt and “Kid’s Day Outs.” The volunteers also provide hands-on support to the children in the I. Lorraine Thomas Children’s Emergency Home. The EBA holds monthly evening meetings in Broward County.

After-School Homework Tutors: Tutors are needed to help children with their homework in the Emergency Home. Requirements include: extensive law enforcement background check, fingerprinting, references, and a 6-month volunteer commitment. Space is limited for these volunteer positions.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact LaWanda Gibson, Development Specialist at (954) 453-6433. A volunteer orientation takes place every quarter at the 4th Street location. You will learn all there is about becoming a CHS volunteer, the required background checks and most of all the joy that it will bring to your lives! Make a difference in your community and volunteer…

Focuses on behavioral health and skill-building to maximize client/family potential. Services address needs, strengths and abilities of the client/families in addition to developing effective negotiation skills. Individual and Family Counseling is available to children ages 6 through 17 (or 21 if enrolled in an accredited educational program leading to a high school diploma or its equivalency) who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, are demonstrating a variety of behavior problems, that DO NOT qualify for Medicaid and/or are not involved within the dependency system.

Designed to assist parents under pressure related to unemployment, illness, relationship and financial troubles. The program consists of three components: Nurturing Parent, Crisis Intervention and System Facilitation. Nurturing Parent teaches nurturing parenting skills and shows families how to relieve stress, resolve conflicts and have positive interactions. Crisis Intervention uses a solution-focused model to stabilize families in crisis and teaches conflict resolution and communication, skills enhancements, stress management, budgeting and supportive counseling. System Facilitation focuses on systemic issues identified as barriers to child safety. Services include linkage to community resources, advocacy, conflict resolution and communication through system facilitation meetings, and community resources. Referrals are accepted from BSO, ChildNet, parents, schools and other local agencies and community organizations. Families appropriate for referrals are experiencing difficulties parenting children with behavior problems, recently reunified, and/or have children at risk for abuse or neglect.

Provides a temporary safe haven for children age’s birth to 14. The Emergency Home has a 20-bed capacity and is run and operated by trained staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The goal of the Emergency Home is to provide supportive services and crisis stabilization to children who are removed from their homes by the Broward County Sheriff (BSO) or ChildNet, as the direct result of abuse, neglect, exploitation and/or abandonment. Devoted staff promotes trust through a safe, nurturing, and child-centered environment, as well as teaches coping and socialization skills to the children. The home is named for I. Lorraine Thomas, generous benefactor and wife of the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's International Inc.

Offers temporary Foster Care services to abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Prospective CHS foster parents are thoroughly screened and their homes are licensed on a yearly basis; with the license specifying how many foster children may be placed in each home. The program offers a 10-week training session for those interested in becoming a foster parent.

Children’s Home Society of Florida is best known for its adoptive services. Although the Intercoastal Division no longer conducts private or state adoptions, the division provides private home studies, and post-placement services for international and domestic adoptions.

Designed to give supportive therapeutic services to children/adolescents who are at pre-adoptive status, families who have recently adopted or families at risk of adoption disruption. Post placement visits take place with the adoptive family from the time the child is placed in their home, until the adoption is finalized. Clinical services are provided by Master Level Therapists to reduce family stressors, stabilize the adoptive situation, and/or prepare the child for the adoption. Email contact: Ilene.Cohen@chsfl.org

Provides mental health and substance abuse services designed for adolescents who have been identified at risk through their excessive and/or inappropriate use of mood altering chemicals including alcohol, or having been in families where this behavior may have affected their functioning. Our goal is to promote and improve the behavioral health of Broward County’s children and adolescents by making mental health, substance abuse and support services available.

Designed to meet the individual needs of parents/caregivers who have recently had their child(ren) removed from home and have become involved with the Child Welfare System. Services provided; System Facilitation Individual/Family Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Domestic Violence Intervention, Substance Abuse Intervention, Parenting, and Case Management.

A program designed to provide FREE services to children under 18 years of age, that DO NOT qualify for Medicaid and/or are not involved within the dependency system. The program serves children residing in Broward County that are experiencing severe emotional/behavioral problems at home and/or school. In-home family counseling sessions focus on behavioral modification, play therapy and behavioral management. Referrals to community resources are also provided to the family.

An intensive behavioral therapeutic program designed to provide services to children that are experiencing severe emotional/behavioral problems at home and/or school and is at risk for a higher level of care. This program serves children residing in Broward County that qualify for Medicaid and/or are involved within the dependency system. Clinical services utilize solution focused and play therapy to reduce mental health symptomology, and to increase coping skills and level of functioning. E-mail Contact: Yasmin.Mendoza@chsfl.org

Intensive individual and group therapy provided to children residing in the I. Lorraine Thomas Children's Emergency Home. Each child entering the Emergency Home will be provided a psychosocial assessment and an individualized treatment plan will be developed. The BHOS therapist educates the child on the services provided and the foster care system, assist with adjustment and provides support to child and child advocate.

Children's Home Society of Florida (CHS) was founded in Jacksonville in November 1902, amidst a nationwide effort to find safe and loving families for children orphaned by industrial and farm accidents, epidemics such as tuberculosis, or from complications during childbirth. At the time, no public welfare or social service agencies existed to provide financial support or housing for orphaned youngsters.

In 1920, CHS began expanding to meet the needs of Florida’s growing population, opening its next office in Pensacola. The remaining divisions were established over the next 80 years, including the Intercoastal Division in South Florida, which was created in 1967 to serve children and families in the Broward County area.

Initially providing adoption and foster care services to homeless children, CHS successfully built upon its strong reputation to become a multi-service organization aiding Florida’s children and families. Programs expanded to provide educational and support services to teens and first-time mothers, single and struggling parents, intergenerational and extended families, runaway and throwaway teens, at-risk children and youth, and developmentally, emotionally and medically challenged children.

Over the years, CHS played a key role in Florida’s legislative arena, supporting compulsory education, industrial schools, a juvenile court system, the Child Labor Law, laws protecting children from abuse and, eventually, the Florida Department of Welfare, which later became the Department of Children and Families. Most recently, CHS assumed a lead role, financially and philosophically, supporting the launch of Community Based Care as Florida underwent a dramatic shift with the privatization of child welfare.

On the national level, CHS was a founding member of the Child Welfare League of America, still the country’s premier advocacy organization for children’s issues. CHS’ commitment to excellence has earned it continuous accreditation by the Council on Accreditation since 1982. Currently, CHS is the second-largest nongovernmental not-for-profit organization among 1,800 entities in the United States and Canada accredited by the Council on Accreditation. In 2009, CHS was named a Congressional Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., with more than 100 offices and more than 1,500 employees statewide, CHS provided services to more than 97,000 children and families last year throughout Florida – but has pledged to make an even bigger difference. Still fully focused on delivering current programs and services, CHS also has embarked on a new path, concentrating on confirming – and eliminating – the roots of child abuse and neglect. Through strategic innovations, research-based best practices and key partnerships, CHS is working to determine which factors combine to cause the generational cycle of child abuse – and, more importantly, what stops it.

In 1967, the Intercoastal Division was established as the eleventh division of Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS). Initially providing services to children and families in Broward, Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties, with an office located in Fort Myers; six caseworkers and a small administrative staff managed the three programs for which the division was responsible. Arthur B. Parkurst, President of the first Board of Directors, and his seven-member board oversaw a budget of $95,422. In 1968 the 3rd Street Building in Fort Lauderdale was purchased and renovated; the division’s headquarters remained at 3rd Street until 1994. With a staff of approximately 20 trained professionals, the Intercoastal Division’s services expanded, offering eight programs designed specifically for the children and families of Broward County.

Realizing the need for community awareness and participation, the Division’s first two auxiliaries were founded in North and South Broward County by president Ruth Baker. In 1982, Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s International and member of CHS State Board of Directors, presented the first “Child Advocate of the Year” award to active CHS Auxiliary members, Wini and Joseph Amaturo for their dedication to helping Florida’s less fortunate children. The support of the community was growing quickly and volunteers created a real presence through the county recruiting more volunteers and raising needed dollars through community awareness and commitment.

The East Broward Auxiliary was founded in 1989, setting a goal to raise money needed to build an emergency home for the abused and neglected children in our community. The capital campaign, launched by Dave and Lorraine Thomas as chairs, raised $2.4 million and the I. Lorraine Thomas Children’s Emergency Home and Family Support Center opened its doors debt free in 1994; with an additional $800,000 for the first year of operation. The 15,000 square foot building located on NE 4th Street has a residential emergency home for 20 children, a community conference room and administrative offices. Mrs. Thomas, for whom the building is named, remains active on the board of directors and on the auxiliary as an advocate for children.

Currently, 100 employees of the Intercoastal Division operate from the 4th Street Building and an office located on Commercial Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Presently, the Intercoastal Division operates 10 programs that offer a unique continuum of care to the children and families in our Broward County community. With an ever expanding client base, a 21-member board of directors, active auxiliary, the Division now operates a $6.1 million budget.

The Intercoastal Division is devoted to serving the Broward County community and to keeping with our mission “Embracing Children. Inspiring Lives.” CHS practices the highest standards of quality in our programs and operations and has maintained full accreditation by the Council on Accreditation since 1982.

CHS Auxiliary Hosts
Annual Black Tie Ball Honoring
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Men, trade in your tuxedo for a mobster suit, and gals, glam it up in your flappers for the 2008 Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), Intercoastal Division “Mobsters & Molls” Black Tie Ball hosted by the East Broward Auxiliary. With roaring fun music, 1920’s décor, and casino-style games, everyone is sure to have a fabulous time. This “swanky” event will take place at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, October 25, 2008

The ball’s program will include a sumptuous dinner, dancing, a casino, a silent auction and a live auction. The highlight of the night will be an opportunity to choose the lucky box of dozens of Tiffany’s crystal boxes that will fill a black classic 1920’s car. Whoever chooses this box will find a treasure from the highly sought after Tiffany’s jewelry line. “Whether it’s jewelry, a wine basket or a vacation trip from our live auction, everyone just loves getting a great deal. And, they appreciate knowing that their money is going to be put toward a great cause -- helping children in need.” says Alfredo Aguirre, Chair for the Mobsters & Molls Ball.

At this year’s ball, the Children’s Home Society of Florida will honor I Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC with the prestigious R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award. This is the highest honor CHS bestows to individuals and groups who have made a significant impact toward improving the lives of homeless, neglected and abused children throughout Florida. They have not only given their time, talent and financial resources; they have set a standard of excellence toward ensuring a better world for future generations. It was Mr. Thomas’ hope that the award will serve as a catalyst to inspire others to improve opportunities for Florida’s children. “Given the financial challenges facing the state of Florida, we need the community’s support more than ever. That’s why we would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors and donors of the ball who help us meet the needs of our children at the I. Lorraine Thomas Children’s Emergency Home and Family Support Center.” says Rebecca McGuire, Executive Director for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Intercoastal Division.

Children’s Home Society East Broward Auxiliary
Ball Committee Members:
(L to R): Denise McFall, Rose LaFemina, Mary Scott Canada,
Teri Lurie, Alfredo Aguirre, Vilma Breidbord,
Mercedes Pinera, Loy and Sherry Manley.

Rose LaFemina, ball member and shareholder at Buchanan
Ingersoll and Rooney
(The recipient of CHS’s “Child Advocate of the Year” award);
Sherry Manley, Auxiliary 1st VP; Teri Lurie,
Pres.; Alfredo Aguirre, Ball Chair.

Alfredo Aguirre, Black Tie Ball Chair.

Mercedes Pinera Loy, Teri Lurie and Rose LaFemina.

Children's Home Society of Florida (CHS) recently marked 105 years of nurturing children and strengthening families, and we realize that the children we serve today are not unlike those we served when we opened our doors in 1902. Many share the hurt and disappointment of a shattered family and broken promises. All long to feel love, acceptance and stability.

For these children and so many more, we offer hope and guidance…we provide families with opportunities for success and happiness.

While continuing our deep commitment to protect and guide young ones, we have a responsibility to do even more – to break the tragic cycle of child abuse and neglect for increasing numbers of children.

With your help, this dream can come true. Together, we can end the recurring nightmares too many children have suffered. Together, we can ensure every child is safe, healthy and prepared for life.

PRESS RELEASE

Children’s Home Society of Florida
West Broward Auxiliary - Art 4 Charity

Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 2, 2007) Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), West Broward Auxiliary, held its Inaugural “Art 4 Charity” fine art event and auction. This Latin American infused event raised in excess of $54,000 on Friday, February 8th at the Josephine S. Leiser Opera Center. A surplus of 100 guests attended the affair, which raised recognition and the much-needed funds to assist the I. Lorraine Thomas Children’s Emergency Home and Family Support Center. Partnering with Majestic International Investments Corp. and well-known J. Sugarman Auctions Corp. the evening was one to remember! Bonnie Levengood, Director of Marketing 1-800-PetMeds, Trish Norman-Figueiredo of EngCo Inc., and Lucielle DeAngelo of Creative Printing Solutions co-chaired this philanthropic affair.

The “Art 4 Charity” fine art event and auction was sponsored by The DeAngelo Family, The Figueiredo Family, The Drayton Family, Millennium Laser Eye Center – Dr. Cory & Maria Lessner, EngCo, Inc. – Designing Engineers, Michelle Greene and Comcast Cable. The evening gave guests an opportunity to learn more about the mission and services of CHS. Kenneth Figueiredo, Rafaela Figueiredo, Ann Gremillion, Jerry Licari, Mercedes Pinera Loy, Anthony Tortoriello, United Refrigeration and Unique Impressions also underwrote components of the event.

Founded in Jacksonville in November 1902, CHS is Florida's oldest nonprofit agency providing human services and remains the largest organization accredited by Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA). Last year alone, CHS changed the lives of more than 90,000 children and families. For forty one years, the Intercoastal Division, a United Way member agency, has served Broward County and currently offers a unique spectrum of social services such as adoption assistance, foster care, family preservation, crisis intervention, systems facilitation, an emergency home, parent support, individual & family mental health therapy, legal advocacy for children with special needs, and child abuse prevention programs.

For more information about Children’s Home Society, please call 954-453-6400 or visit CHSFL.org

Alfredo Aguirre, Trish Norman-Figueiredo, Chip Rowand, Bonnie Levengood

Teri Kemmerer Sallwasser Rosemarie Stiegele Lucille DeAngelo Anthony Tortoriello

contact: Rosemarie Stiegele - Director of Development
address: 401 NE 4th Street
address:
city: Fort Lauderdale state: FL zip: 33301
phone: (954) 453-6461 fax: (954) 764-6458
email: Rosemarie.Stiegele@chsfl.org
url: CHSFL.org

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