Families First of Palm Beach County recently held its seventh annual Children’s Day Luncheon at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.
The annual luncheon showcased the agency’s work over the previous year and honored those who advocate for children. “We are overwhelmed by the support this year,” said Julie Swindler, CEO of Families First of Palm Beach County. “With this help of the community, we are able to continue serving those who need us within Palm Beach County.”
TV news anchor Suzanne Boyd served as master of ceremonies, while the keynote speaker was Gregg Tyler Milligan, internationally known author of the bestselling book God Must Be Sleeping. A child abuse prevention advocate, Milligan spoke about his battle for survival against a depraved alcoholic mother, beatings, molestations and forced prostitution, to a desperate escape that saved him and his siblings.
In addition, the Harriet Goldstein Award was presented to Dena Sisk Foman for making a difference in the lives of many local families. The Betty Bell Scholarship was awarded to Sharon Shear, who is pursuing her master’s degree in social work at Florida Atlantic University.
Luncheon sponsors included: BMO Private Bank, Florida Power & Light Company, Iberia Bank, Hermé de Wyman Miro, International Society of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Community Bank, Publix Super Markets Charities, Jo Ann and Edward Sears and Toshiba Solutions.
Families First is helping families learn how to become productive and successful members of their community. It has a 23-year history of ensuring families develop resiliency to crisis situations, learning how to increase and maintain social connections, and enhance the knowledge and implementation of parenting and child development skills.
Families First staff works with each of its 1,000 families in Palm Beach County, teaching them how to create a safe, secure and nurturing environment for their children. Families who seek to build a better quality of life for their children benefit from the agency’s five diverse programs that provide a way to reduce barriers impacting family stability. For more information, visit www.familiesfirstpbc.org.
