32 min
Ep. 23 - Palm Beach County Residents See A Need And Meet It Palm Beach County Perspective
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- Government
Episode 23 offers a look at three "home grown" non-profits. Each was the result of residents seeing a need and taking the initiative to address it, head-on. Donna Biase and her friend (and co-founder) Debbie Ellman were two PTA presidents who embarked on a middle school community service project. After meeting several adolescents from a shelter who had aged out of foster care, they realized there was a critical need for mentoring and support and so was born Best Foot Forward. Connie Siskowski had a similar epiphany as she realized thousands of children in Plam Beach County become the caregivers for an adult in their family. Those responsibilities would be difficult enough for adults but for children trying to do their school work, the burden can be overwhelming. Dr Siskowski founded American Association of Caregiving Youth to create a support network for these families. Finally, the idea that many children in our community do not have a safe, clean, and appropriate place to rest their heads at night was eye-opening for Suzy Broad. She recognized the need for kids to have adequate rest to start the day refreshed and ready for school. She founded Sweet Dream Makers. In five short years, she has helped over 4600 families, distributing almost 10,000 beds! These three women, and their legion of volunteers and supporters, are making a difference in South Palm Beach County.
Episode 23 offers a look at three "home grown" non-profits. Each was the result of residents seeing a need and taking the initiative to address it, head-on. Donna Biase and her friend (and co-founder) Debbie Ellman were two PTA presidents who embarked on a middle school community service project. After meeting several adolescents from a shelter who had aged out of foster care, they realized there was a critical need for mentoring and support and so was born Best Foot Forward. Connie Siskowski had a similar epiphany as she realized thousands of children in Plam Beach County become the caregivers for an adult in their family. Those responsibilities would be difficult enough for adults but for children trying to do their school work, the burden can be overwhelming. Dr Siskowski founded American Association of Caregiving Youth to create a support network for these families. Finally, the idea that many children in our community do not have a safe, clean, and appropriate place to rest their heads at night was eye-opening for Suzy Broad. She recognized the need for kids to have adequate rest to start the day refreshed and ready for school. She founded Sweet Dream Makers. In five short years, she has helped over 4600 families, distributing almost 10,000 beds! These three women, and their legion of volunteers and supporters, are making a difference in South Palm Beach County.
32 min