Florida's Children First Receives $25,000 Donation from the Laszlo Fischer Foundation

Gift will significantly advance the organization's support and advocacy efforts on behalf of youth who are abused, disadvantaged, disabled, in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness.

BOCA RATON, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 7, 2023 / Florida's Children First (FCF), an award-winning non-profit organization that has been the voice of at-risk children and youth in Florida, is pleased to announce the Laszlo Fischer Foundation has extended its financial commitment to FCF with an additional $25,000 donation.

Palm Beach County businessman and Board Chairman of the Laszlo Fischer Foundation Michael Fischer chose to announce the donation at FCF's annual Palm Beach "Advocates for Children Awards" on October 25^th. Fischer, who also served on the event's host committee, shared that he was moved by the passion of the FCF team to support the community's most vulnerable children, and the progress they have had in addressing the major systemic issues that these young people face by elevating the voices of the youth through Florida Youth SHINE, FCF's youth advocacy and empowerment group.

"We are so appreciative of the Laszlo Fischer Foundation's gift to Florida's Children First. It will help accelerate our ongoing efforts to build and expand the Palm Beach Florida Youth SHINE chapter, and to continue to be a catalyst for positive change in the system for all Florida's children. With these funds we will be better able to provide our young people with the support, mentorship, and guidance they need to be strong advocates for themselves and for their peers in care," said Geori Seldine, Executive Director of Florida's Children First.

"This extraordinary gift sponsorship of our Palm Beach Chapter of Florida Youth SHINE by Mr. Fischer will enable us to reach more youth and will be critical in continuing our work creating systemic transformation, and substantive improvement in the system of care, and in the lives and outcomes of our youth," adds Howard Talenfeld, founder and Board Chair of FCF. "We accept no government funding, which makes individual donations like this even more impactful. We're excited to prove that the Laszlo Fischer Foundation's investment in children will make a difference - because when one child succeeds, we all succeed."

Donation Impact

Inspired by the example and memory of his late father, Laszlo Fischer, who was a child survivor of the Holocaust and knew firsthand the feeling of abuse, hunger, homelessness, and abandonment as a child, Mr. Fischer actively seeks to support and work with organizations like FCF that address these issues in innovative ways.

"Joining the host committee this year, I learned a lot about the unique space Florida's Children First has in the child welfare system. I learned more about Florida Youth SHINE and the powerful way they use their voices and personal experiences to speak out as well as critical issues that must be changed. And when you hear their stories, you realize that they have gone through things NO CHILD should experience. That enrages me. That pushes me to action," Mr. Fischer noted.

"When these kids are heard and when they have supportive organizations that help nurture and empower them, they can be a major force for good. And when Florida's Children First has the resources THEY need to tackle even the most difficult, challenging issues - they achieve things that affect thousands of kids this year, next year, and for years to come.

"That's why I increased my commitment, and I challenge others to follow my lead. I want to help Florida Youth SHINE grow so the organization can help even more kids in need, and to help the Florida's Children First team keep their focus on the big, game-changing issues that will achieve significant, exciting changes that get us closer to ensuring that NO child in our community goes Un-Housed, un-Fed, un-Educated, or un-Loved."

About Florida's Children First:

Florida's Children First is an award-winning non-profit organization that advocates to make positive systemic changes to improve children's lives. Its primary focus is on impacting the lives of children in foster care. Its work also impacts children with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness or who have juvenile justice exposure. Uniquely positioned as Florida's premiere independent youth advocacy organization, The Florida Youth SHINE program was developed to educate, empower, and support youth from care to become passionate advocates who amplify their voice for systemic changes. www.floridaschildrenfirst.org

Contact:

Jaye Abbate
Florida's Children First
FCF@FloridasChildrenFirst.org
954-796-0860

SOURCE: Florida's Children First