Florida’s Children First (FCF) will host its 21st annual Broward County Advocates for Children Awards at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on March 7. The event will recognize the child advocates and former foster youth at FCF for supporting the nonprofit’s mission of making positive changes in the lives of children. Joe Johnson, NPR and Beatles Brunch radio host, will return as the event’s emcee with an expected attendance of 300 supporters, including community leaders, former honorees and individuals committed to helping Florida’s children.
“We are very excited to be recognizing three amazing champions for children this year,” Geori Berman Seldine says, FCF Executive Director. “This year’s honorees are not just dedicated advocates for children, they are each passionate, visionary leaders committed to improving the child welfare system in their own, unique way. We are thrilled to recognize them for their many achievements and for their everyday acts of extraordinary compassion, commitment, and advocacy.”
FCF will also present the 2023 Outstanding Nonprofit Champion for Children Award to H.O.M.E.S Inc. The organization has provided quality community and economic development for at-risk/low-income Broward County residents since 1999. Under the direction of child advocate Linda Taylor, H.O.M.E.S Inc. has launched several programs to support youth in need, including offering affordable housing options for youth transitioning out of foster care to independent living.
FCF plans to honor Robert Lamarche as the 2023 Outstanding Foster & Adoptive Parent during the event. A licensed clinical social worker and adoption attorney, Lamarche has been in the social work and adoption field since 1996. He is currently the Executive Director/Attorney for ACF Adoptions, a private nonprofit adoption agency that facilitates adoptions for children with many medically complex conditions or special needs youth.
FCF will also celebrate Joshua Mincey with the 2023 Outstanding Youth Advocate Award. Mincey, who spent time in the foster care system, is working toward his Master’s Degree at the University of South Florida. He is a rising young leader and active advocate in Florida Youth SHINE.
“Each of these honorees has truly made an impact on our community and on the lives of our state’s youth,” Howard Talenfeld says, FCF president and Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg. “I hope you will join us in celebrating their accomplishments and learn more about our mission to help at-risk youth in Florida.”
For more information about FCF or to register for the Broward County Advocates for Children Awards, visit www.floridaschildrenfirst.org.
