National Faith Symposium 2012

Over 400 people from around the state of Florida were called together in Orlando on October 24-26, 2012 by DCF Secretary David Wilkins and DJJ Secretary Wansley Walters. The gathering was a mixture of state workers, including Attorney General Jennifer Carrol and faith-based representatives from the panhandle to Miami. Governor Scott, who was scheduled to be there until his mother was hospitalized, defined this symposium in a letter:

The “Our Children, Our Future: Restoring Hope” National Faith Symposium is an initiative of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s Faith Community Network and Volunteer Chaplaincy Services Program and the Florida Department of Children and Families designed to involve faith communities in providing voluntary programs and services to troubled youth and their families.”

In addition to the wonderful keynote speakers, which included Tony Dungy and Papa Joe Bradford, a full array of breakout sessions were provided to educate participants on the needs within our state and the faith-based programs designed to meet those needs. I learned about a program for families whose fathers are incarcerated. I heard about web-based programs to help connect needs with volunteers. I learned about the Partners in Promise program directed by DCF that connects community partners in each region of Florida. Foster and Adoption recruitment was highlighted by Tanya Wilkins, wife of Secretary Wilkins.

There was plenty of time to network and talk with our state leaders. The atmosphere was spiritual in nature and very encouraging as groups came together around a common goal: to make life better for our at-risk youth. There is a move throughout state government to shift resources to prevention. Each of us recognized that we cannot continue to deal with the consequences of bad parenting, bad decision making, and bad policies that simply remove kids and lock up offenders alone. Our state leaders are not just inviting the faith community to help them, but urging us to take the lead in addressing the needs of our state. We must seize the opportunity to get involved and make a difference.

That’s why BAANK exists. Call us and see how you can partner with us and others around the state of Florida. Why not make plans to attend next year’s symposium?

-Rod

FFAPA Mini-Conference: Kids Having Fun!

On Saturday October 20th, the Florida Foster/Adoptive Parent Association hosted its annual mini-conference in Sarasota. BAANK took care of childcare at Sarasota Christian Church while their parents were at the conference, and boy did we have fun!

Operation Relaxation coordinator Judy Betts (right) with some volunteers

The kids loved the fire truck that came. A special thanks to the firemen who came and explained what all the instruments on the fire truck did and let each kid "drive" the truck!

The fireman explaining the fire truck to the kids

Wendy from Central Church of Christ came equipped with her Bricks4Kidz program, wherein kids do organized Lego activities. For the younger kids, she taped a paper plate on top of a motorized spinning Lego helicopter and let them create spin art!

Preschooler spin art created with a Lego helicopter

And the older kids got to build cool stuff.

Lego station for the older kids

Thank you, Wendy!

Randy from Dogs of Courage came and gave the kids a presentation with his dog, Top. He demonstrated for the kids that Top can resist temptation and obey his master, and the master can bring out his full potential and make him a champion dog. It's the same between us and God: God can train us to resist temptation and obey him, and he can make us into all we were meant to be! He also talked about how important it is to listen to our parents when they are trying to teach us right from wrong.

Dog trainer Randy with his dogs

The kids had a great time with us, and we with them. Thanks to Judy who organized it, and to all the volunteers who came out. See you next time!

Faith-Based and Community Symposium Coming Up!

On October 24-26 the Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice will host the 2012 Faith Symposium at the Florida Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Speakers will include renowned speaker Papa Joe Bradford of Elijah Heart Ministry and New York bestseller/legendary coach Tony Dungy.

Dungy speaks to many Christian groups about family-related issues

The conference, "Our Children, Our Future: Restoring Hope," will center around equipping and empowering families to be successful.

"Our Children, Our Future: Restoring Hope," brings together leaders of faith, child welfare, juvenile justice, and others to talk about how we work together to empower Florida's children and families and set them on a path to success.

As a Tampanian, I'm excited that the former Bucs coach is engaged in family issues in our state. Join us in praying that the conference will be useful to those who attend and will allow people to collaborate toward a common goal. When we follow God, our families become stronger and so do our communities of faith.

Follow live tweets of the event with the hashtag #FLFaith2012.