LifeNet4Families and Lauren’s Kids nominated in multiple award categories.
When you read the following short highlights about our first two featured non-profit organization and leader nominees, you will gain a better understanding of why
2-1-1 Broward created the Non-Profit Academy Awards and why partners like BankAtlantic and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino immediately stepped up to the plate as the title and host sponsors. It is our goal to bring attention to the collective work of our non-profits but to also make you aware of the great work being done by some of the 97 applicants that we received nominations for this year. The work of these organizations and leaders is remarkable. Be Inspired!
LifeNet4Families
For 25 years,LifeNet4Families (previously known as Cooperative Feeding)has been providing access to healthy food choices, counseling and diverse services to help individuals and families recover from poverty, illness, or natural disasters. In their application for theBerger Singerman Outstanding Non-Profit Organization of the Yearthey pride themselves on being a “go-to” agency, serving more than 80,000 people last year. The agency is a Bruce Springsteen three time charity of choice, a Paula Deen “Helping Hungry Homes” partner, and winner of the Red Cross Partner’s Award, The Coalition to End Homelessness Presidents Award and the United Way Agency of the Year Award. For more about LifeNet4Families, visit www.lifenet4families.org.
In addition, LifeNet4Families former CEO, Marti Forman, was nominated for the first–ever AutoNation Lifetime Achievement Award. Marti spent the last 20 years as a non-profit CEO, always serving with enthusiasm and advocating for those less fortunate. Earlier in her career, Marti was a major force responsible for the changes in the Baker Acting laws in the State of Florida. She was the founder of the Peer Center, a day program for those suffering from mental illness. The application names Marti as one of the foremost experts in the world concerning hunger issues and the face of everything that the nonprofit community stands for. She has dedicated her life to easing the pain of those who suffer from being impoverished. To quote Marti, “by helping others I learned patience, acceptance, humility, compassion, humor, trust, and so much more." To read more about LifeNet4Families
Lauren’s Kids
It’s no wonder that Lauren’s Kids was not only nominated for the Wasie Foundation Non-Profit Organization of the Year in Advocacy, but also for the Calvin Giordano & Associates Non-Profit Organization of the Year-Rising Star. Just 5 short years after formation, under the leadership of Lauren Book, this organization is responsible for the advocacy efforts that led to the successful passage of the Lauren Book Protection Act. This Act makes it a felony for convicted predators, pedophiles and offenders to contact their victims or the families of victims upon conviction. In addition, Lauren’s Kids is largely credited for the passage of legislation that eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes against children under the age of 16, both civilly and criminally. In 2012, the result of advocacy efforts resulted in an appropriation from the Florida Legislature funding the Lauren’s Kids Education Curriculum called “Safer, Smarter Kids”, which will be provided toallthe Kindergarten classes in the state. There are close to 11,000 Kindergarten classes in Florida.
When asked what the organizations vision is for the next five years, “it is our intention to continue to grow and expand the organization’s impact by providing a curriculum throughout all grades in our school system,” says Lauren Book. This year, Lauren will expand her statewide “Walk In My Shoes” walk by over 500 additional miles going from last year’s 1,000 mile walk to 1,500 miles this year over 39 days. She commences that walk on January 14, 2012 in Key West, finishing on February 22 on the steps of the historic State Capital. The statewide “Walk In My Shoes” walk has had a significant impact in raising awareness. To learn more about “Walk in My Shoes” or Lauren’s Kids, visit www.laurenskids.org.
