The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, has received a $9,500 grant from Naples Woman’s Club to support the foundation’s Children’s Needs Program in Collier County.
The Children’s Needs Program provides funding for normalcy items and experiences for children and teens, including birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets, beds and registration fees for clubs and sports. Guardian ad Litem’s court-certified volunteer child advocates represent youth who have been abused, neglected or abandoned as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare systems. Advocates make unbiased recommendations based on what’s best for children who are living in foster homes or temporary shelters.
“When children are removed from the home, their future becomes uncertain and stability is a constant challenge, and this takes a tremendous toll on the child’s emotional and social development,” said Jessica Stanfield, the foundation’s executive director. “The Children’s Needs Program helps provide a sense of normalcy in their lives – celebrating a birthday, going to a summer camp or playing in sports.”
The foundation estimates that the Naples Woman’s Center grant will support about 30 to 35 youth in Collier County.
Naples Woman’s Club is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the Naples area through philanthropic activities and volunteer service.
“Our philanthropic grants program supports local nonprofits and charitable organizations that address issues facing the community and its residents in need with priority given to children’s needs, hunger, homelessness and women’s needs,” said Valerie White, president of the Naples Woman’s Club. “Since its founding in 1932, the Naples Woman’s Club has generously donated to causes that have enhanced our community. In the past five years, we donated nearly $450,000 to meet community needs.”
For more information about the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, please visit VoicesForKids.org.
About Guardian ad Litem Foundation
Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, was established in 1984 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports Guardian ad Litem programs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Foundation, a United Way Partner Agency, has a mission of ensuring that every child in the dependency court system is represented by a Guardian ad Litem volunteer. The Foundation raises funds that help meet a child’s health, educational and social needs, as well as provides support for highly trained, court-certified volunteer child advocates who represent the best interests of a child until a safe, permanent placement is established. For additional information, visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.
