More than a thousand children in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties have been removed from their homes due to allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The Children’s Guardian Fund (CGF) and the Guardian ad Litem Program (GALP) work together to ensure that young people who do not have the support of their parents at least have the support of their community. Our gifts to them—from gift cards for their birthdays, to camp scholarships, to academic awards recognizing their achievements—help them develop a sense of normalcy and self-worth.
To meet the ever-growing health, educational and social needs of children in state care, CGF is working to increase both fundraising and the number of volunteer GAL child advocates so that all children are given a voice and an opportunity to change their lives. We are also exploring ways to partner with other organizations serving the needs of underprivileged and at-risk children to leverage our impact.