Okaloosa County BOCC — November 3, 2015 — Alan's letter about importance of non-profits

Circuit Directors and GAL supporters: 23 June 2014 Although the state provides funding for the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program, the allocated funding historically has not been enough to fully cover all of the Program¹s needs and has not included at all children’s normalcy projects and initiatives. Therefore, while we are extremely grateful for increased legislative support, it is important to realize that the non-profits throughout the state that are the fundraising arms for their local Guardian ad Litem Programs need to continue to raise money to assure each circuit’s Guardian ad Litem Program is able to serve all children in the care of the state and improve the quality of representation. The non-profits that support the GAL Program are critical to meeting the needs of children who have been abused, neglected and abandoned and to improving their outcomes. The state’s budget does not provide the full funding needed to pay for programs such as outreach to the community to recruit more volunteers, programs to retain our current volunteer base, or emergency needs of the children assigned to the program; moreover, the legislative allocation does not include funding for goods, services and programs purchased for the children to help bring normalcy to their lives. The role of the nonprofits is vital to assuring that all children in the dependency system have the assistance of the Guardian ad Litem Program. The dollars the non-profits raise will enhance their local program so the quality can be improved through training, enhanced support for the volunteers, and meeting children needs. As Judge Lederman said recently when recognized at the National CASA Conference this year, “[f]or 20 years now I have watched Guardians save the lives of children. I have watched them teach children about dignity and humanity and the power of social responsibility.” Thank you for your continued support because it directly impacts children’s lives. Respectfully, Alan Abramowitz Executive Director Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program 600 S. Calhoun Street The Holland Building, Suite 274 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Cell: 850.241.3232