When children are removed from their homes, their worlds are turned upside down. The actions may be necessary to ensure a child’s safety, but youngsters often fear losing their belongings, the comfort of what they know, their families, and their friends. They are scared and hurting, and they may feel voiceless. Suncoast Voices for Children (SVC) steps up in dark moments to provide for the unmet needs of abused, abandoned, and neglected children.
Since 2004, the nonprofit has been speaking up for abused and neglected youths in Pinellas and Pasco counties. The unique support program works on the front end of the dependency system by strengthening families and defending the dignity of youths involved in the system already. It promotes normalcy in abnormal situations and successful outcomes for youngsters in difficult spots.
How They Help
SVC is housed on Ulmerton Road in mid-Pinellas County in space donated by the Pinellas County Sheriff ’s Office. The organization’s physical proximity to Eckerd Connects, the agency contracted for child-welfare services, allows representatives to immediately serve youths whose needs are identified by child-protective investigators, case managers, public defenders, guardians ad litem, and other community partners. Requests span from beds to extracurricular activities and everything in between. Last year, SVC served 3,000 kids in both counties.
The organization supplied 1,000 beds last year through its More Than A Bed initiative. Unsafe sleeping arrangements can be the No. 1 threat to an infant and are an immediate need in a family placement. Beyond portables, SVC provides bedding and a care package of formula, diapers, and other essentials.
Two visitation rooms, one for older youngsters and one for small children, are available in the SVC office, offering a cheerful place to meet with parents working to regain custody. There is a colorful ocean mural on the wall and toys in every corner. Through funding by American Locker, SVC soon will launch its Safe Keeping Project, offering youngsters in the system secure places to store their belongings.
Meeting Every Need
SVC is guided by a 15-member board that includes co-founder Donna Gaffney. Executive director Andrew Maurin manages operations. A staff of three process and fulfill requests. Despite the small operation, SVC has made an impressive impact, having raised $2.5 million since inception to fund its mission.
The committee reviews requests on Fridays. They have met every need presented that has aligned with their mission: car seats, high chairs, a special dietary formula that costs more than $100 per can, a toddler bed for a child placed with an aunt because of a parent’s substance abuse. A typical week can involve fulfilling between 15 and 30 requests that can cost between $5 and $10,000. Each appeal is approached with dignity, concern, and compassion.
Protecting the Innocence of Childhood
Children for whom SVC speaks have experienced struggles that no one should ever face. After I toured the offices, Executive Director Maurin handed me a drawing colored with crayons, a ballerina in a scribbled blue dress wearing a crown, a red curtain cinched to her left. The young artist was removed from her parents and placed with her grandmother, he said. The girl had always wanted to take dance lessons, and SVC obliged. I held the drawing in my hand, marveling at how simply it captured childhood in a tiny frame. SVC represents many children in various difficult situations, listening closely to their needs and speaking up boldly.
To learn more, visit www.SuncoastVoices.org.
