Rain Forecast Changes Venue For Seelman Caring Event
By Keith Malone // May 18, 2012
FUND RAISING & PHILANTHROPY
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – A high risk of rain has forced the organisers of Saturday evening’s exclusive Fifth Annual Portraits of Possibilities fund-raising event to switch the 6 p.m., May 19 venue to the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, very close to Melbourne International Airport.
Fund-raising Success
Over the past four years, Portraits of Possibilities has raised more than $340,000 for child abuse prevention and intervention programs for children and families in Brevard County.
“Dr. Robert and Maria Seelman have opened their hearts and their home for the past five years. Their involvement has helped to widen our circle of supporters in the community,” says CHS Director of Development Leslie Bardo.
“Maria personally spends hundreds of hours each year reaching out to her friends and contacts for sponsorships, auction items and other means of support for the event – and ultimately, the children and families we serve. We really cannot thank them enough for their generosity.”
Society’s History
CHS works with more than 800 children and families on the Space Coast every day. Created in 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest state-wide private not-for-profit provider of services to children and families in Florida.
The Brevard Division of CHS was established in 1991 in response to the needs of local children and families and now offers a range of services, including a safe shelter for teen girls, support and guidance for new mothers and children, protective supervision, mental and behavioral health services for children and a transitional living home to provide young women who have recently aged out of the foster care system or who are homeless.
Services for Children and Families
Pregnant women may receive voluntary in-home services to prepare for the birth of their baby and to learn how to provide a safe, loving home. Many women in the program who suffered abuse or neglect as children, have a limited support system, and/or are low-income.
Children and families suffering from depression, anxiety, family transition, grief and loss, anger management, abuse, infant mental health and other issues find hope through personalized in-home counseling.
Behavioral and Mental Healthcare
Staff help children struggling with diagnosed mental health challenges receive help, hope and guidance. CHS works closely with families to connect them with the right community resources and counseling to help children thrive in their own homes. They also help children in residential treatment facilities by advocating for their unique needs.
Residential Care
The Hacienda Girls Ranch is a residential group care home and emergency shelter for teenage girls ages 12 to 17. The girls receive educational support, mental health counseling, guidance and direction on how to live independently, and recreational opportunities.
There’s apartment-style living for young ladies ages 18 to 23, who are in need of support as they transition to independence from foster care or homelessness.
Dependency Case Management
When children have suffered abuse or neglect, they receive care, guidance and hope as they begin the healing process. Focusing on the safety and well-being of children, CHS works with local agencies and the court system to determine the best path for each child.
Sponsorship Opportunities
For those wanting to attend the fund-raising event in Indialantic, individual tickets to the event are $150. Sponsorships begin at $500.
For more information, contact Leslie Bardo at 321-752-3170 ext 235
or Christa Waddy at 321-298-0377
or visit www.chsportraitsofpossibilities.com
