| North Florida Executive Director Q3 Letter | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/North-Florida-Executive-Director-Q3-Letter.aspx | North Florida Executive Director Q3 Letter | <p><br></p><p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Marcus-Lampkin-Photo.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><span style="background-color:transparent;">D</span><span style="background-color:transparent;">ear Boys Town Family,</span></p><p>This year we celebrate 40 years of bringing hope and healing to thousands of children and families in our community. This is a major milestone and we celebrate in it! </p><p>In 1983, Boys Town looked across the country to see how and where we might expand Father Flanagan's mission. Boys Town's assessment was not only informed by feasibility, but also by need. At the time, Florida was ranked at the bottom of the child welfare system and was in crisis. Boys Town and the Tallahassee community rose to the challenge to address this need and Boys Town North Florida was born. </p><p>Since that time, with your support, we have been able to do great things. We have not only been responsive to the unique needs of our youth and families but have grown in the number, type and quality of services to meet the needs of this community. We are, indeed, thankful for the innovation, creativity and support that provided opportunities and new ways to do our work. However, we are most grateful for the faith and grace bestowed upon us; sustaining and enabling us to continue to carry out our mission of saving children and healing families. </p><p>So, as we take time to reflect upon and celebrate 40 years and this major milestone, we send a heartfelt thanks and express much gratitude to our donors, partners and the organizations that have invested in our mission and supported our most vulnerable children and families for four decades. We are also grateful for Boys Town's foresight and strategic guidance in implementing national initiatives, as well as support for innovation and initiatives tailored to meet the needs of our local community. </p><p>Our faith in and commitment to each other and those we serve has truly been rewarded. We have had many successes over the decades, and will continue to adapt and redefine who we are to best fits the needs of the children and families we serve. </p><p>Gratefully,</p><p> <img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Marcus-Lampkin-Signature.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p>Marcus Lampkin</p><p>Executive Director Boys Town North Florida<br></p> | 2023-09-27T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| A Summer of Inspiration: Boys Town's Unforgettable Partnership with FSU Athletics | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/A-Summer-of-Inspiration.aspx | A Summer of Inspiration: Boys Town's Unforgettable Partnership with FSU Athletics | <p>This summer, Boys Town North Florida had a truly remarkable opportunity to partner with the distinguished athletes of Florida State University (FSU). This partnership forged an inspiring connection between our resilient youth and the spirited FSU Seminole champions.<br></p><p>Our youth were privileged to spend time with several of the Seminole's teams including both the men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the football team. The kids were first introduced to the teams at a summer recreation kick-off party, where they had an opportunity of a lifetime, when they were given the chance to play basketball with the skilled athletes of the FSU Men's Basketball Team. Beyond just the game, our kids and the players chatted about going to college, figuring out life paths, and the importance of staying focused. These athletes became mentors, sparking hope and inspiration in the hearts of the youth they connected with at the event.</p><p>Shortly after the visit with the men's basketball team, it was the women's basketball team's turn to make a memorable visit to our campus. They spent time with the youth, engaging in their favorite games and emphasizing the team's commitment to community service. During their interactions, the kids discovered shared birthplaces with some of the team members and connected over common interests such as art, music, games and sports.</p><p>As the summer progressed, the youth at Boys Town were thrilled to hear the players on the FSU Seminole's Football Team also wanted to spend time with them. Over the course of a few weeks, each player on the team came out to engage with the youth in various activities and conversations. From designing Nike shoes to sharing lunch and participating in art sessions at ART Town, the football players connected with the kids on a personal level. Conversations delved into topics including resilience, kindness and the pursuit of excellence. The mutual understanding and shared interests created a unique bond that resonated throughout the summer.</p><p>As summer's end approached, the team wanted to think of a unique way to send the youth back to school. The coaches and players invited Boys Town to watch a practice as one of their final joint activities. Everyone was thrilled to be able to go to FSU and watch the players, in their own environment, engage in pre-season practice to prepare for an awesome college football season. The kids and staff were so excited to have a chance to go inside of the Seminole's Indoor Practice Facility and watch the team practice and run drills with Coach Mike Norvell.</p><p>At the conclusion of the practice, each player greeted the youth to thank them for coming and offered words of encouragement and well-wishes for a good school year. After the players had the chance to speak with the youth, Coach Norvell shared his appreciation for the team and Boys Town's partnership and stressed the power of positivity to the Boys Town youth, reinforcing the importance of showing up, being kind, and striving to be the best version of yourself every day. His resonating words reminded the youth that their aspirations are within reach. All they need to do is try.</p><p>Our youth and staff that had the opportunity to work with the FSU Athletic teams were impressed by their positivity and were grateful for the time they were able to spend together. Many youths made statements surrounding these encounters, expressing how much of a lasting impact these athletes had on them and how inspired they felt to attend college and pursue college athletics in the future. </p><p>Through sports, conversations and moments of inspiration, the youth were shown a path forward and reminded that with dedication and effort, they can achieve and succeed.<br></p><p>
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| Boys Town North Florida Hosts Fifth Annual Back to School Supply Drive | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/Boys-Town-North-Florida-Hosts-Fifth-Annual-Back-to-School-Supply-Drive.aspx | Boys Town North Florida Hosts Fifth Annual Back to School Supply Drive | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Boys Town North Florida recently partnered with the Florida Bar Administrative Law Section and Pennington Law Firm to host the highly anticipated Fifth Annual Back to School Supply Drive.</span></p><p>Each year since the beginning of the event, school supply donations and the number of participants has grown to promote the academic success of our Boys Town program youth.</p><p>In the lead-up to the event, supporters rallied to secure essential school supplies. Many individuals donated directly or utilized the school registry on Amazon, ensuring much-needed items would find their way into the hands of the children and families Boys Town serves. </p><p>Boys Town North Florida remarkably received over 100 backpacks and an abundance of school supplies from kind-hearted donors who recognize the importance of empowering students for academic success.</p><p>This year's event took place at Miller's Ale House. The Florida Bar Administrative Law Section and Pennington Law Firm, along with the generosity of attendees, ensured the provision of Back-to-School essentials not only for all 30 of the Family Home Youth, but extended to impact almost every youth across each of Boys Town North Florida's five programs.</p><p>Boys Town North Florida extends heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, supporters and attendees for their dedication to shaping a brighter future for our youth. With each backpack and every pencil, the organization takes confident steps toward ensuring students embark on their educational journeys equipped with the tools they need to thrive.</p><p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Fifth-Annual-Back-to-School-Supply-Drive.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></p> | 2023-08-18T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| A Time for Sharing the Gifts of Reading and Gratitude Boys Town North Florida’s Annual Book Fair and Book-Nic | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/A-Time-for-Sharing-the-Gifts-of-Reading-and-Gratitude-Boys-Town-North-Florida.aspx | A Time for Sharing the Gifts of Reading and Gratitude Boys Town North Florida’s Annual Book Fair and Book-Nic | <p></p><p>“To a great mind, nothing is too small." Sherlock Holmes </p><p>On June 17th, Boys Town North Florida (BTNF) held its <em>Annual Book Fair and Book-Nic</em>. The annual themed event held at BTNF's ART Town facility is a fun-filled affair that promotes and supports summer reading. With magnifying glasses in hand, youth browsed a wide selection of diverse books from a range of genres. While it was difficult to narrow down the choices for most, each youth “identified" at least two to three books to take home and read during the summer months. Youth also were “gifted" a book series and other goodies before enjoying a <em>Book-Nic-</em> lunch for the day. Special time was allotted for youth and families in each of BTNF's programs, including foster care, in-home family services, care coordination services and home campus, to attend the event. </p><p>BTNF's <em>Book Fair and Book Nic Friends</em> expressed their gratitude to be able to share the gift of reading with BTNF's youth and families. Color in STEM, Eduprehd Research & Development Partners, FCRR, Maya's Book Nook, Florida Education Association, PS Solutions and individual BTNF Book Nic friends donated more than 600 books, collectively, for the event. </p><p>BTNF offered special thanks to TACCOE-National Achievers, co-event coordinators and volunteers for the event since 2019. These students, along with other volunteers from local schools including Lincoln High School and Florida A & M University Development and Research School, were engaged in every aspect of the event. Samul King, student co-chair, noted, “I've been a volunteer since the first book fair and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something that can make a difference in my peers' academic success." </p><p>BTNF youth also expressed their thanks for the books and appreciation for the volunteers who took the time to host the book fair for them. <em>Book Fair and Book-Nic Friends</em> regard their personal handwritten notes of gratitude as “treasures." </p><p>Executive Director Marcus Lampkin, noted “While this event is one of many literacy and summer activities that we provide to enhance the academic success of our youth, the <em>Book Fair and Book-Nic</em> is one the most anticipated events for our youth. Each year it gets bigger in terms of donations and support. Thanks to the number of books donated this year, we will now be able to provide book-bundles to enhance and create home libraries for the youth and families in our foster care and community programs." <br></p><p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/GiftsofReadingNOFLA.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p></p> | 2023-08-15T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Celebrating Homegrown Leaders: The Inspiring Journey of Boys Town's Family Home Summer Recreation Specialists | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/celebrating-homegrown-leaders.aspx | Celebrating Homegrown Leaders: The Inspiring Journey of Boys Town's Family Home Summer Recreation Specialists | <p></p><p>In the heart of Boys Town North Florida, two remarkable individuals, Cece and Daria, are shaping the summer experiences of the young residents with a touch of nostalgia. As Family Home Summer Recreation Specialists, they bring an extra layer of significance to their roles – both grew up at Boys Town as the biological children of Family-Teachers who dedicated themselves to shaping young lives.<br></p><p>For Cece, Boys Town has been an integral part of her life since the age of five when her parents joined as Family-Teachers. After graduating from Godby High School in 2022, she moved out of Tallahassee for the first time to attend college. However, her love for Boys Town drew her back, and she found herself working as a Summer Recreation Specialist, now for the second year in a row, crafting memorable activities and outings for the kids.<br></p><p>Daria's story is equally woven into the fabric of Boys Town's history. Born while her parents were Family-Teachers at the Central Florida campus, she spent her formative years in the nurturing embrace of Boys Town until her family moved to Tallahassee when she was around nine. After completing high school with honors, Daria's passion for Boys Town brought her back to work as a Summer Recreation Specialist before she embarks on her college journey, committed to giving back to the place that molded her.<br></p><p>Their favorite memories are filled with joyous moments shared with the kids on campus. Together, they shared a cherished memory of a playful hide-and-seek escapade where both Cece and Daria hid on campus without telling anyone, only to be found by the boys during dinner, with their beloved family dog, Julie, joining in on the fun by licking all the dinner plates clean. <br></p><p>Growing up at Boys Town has taught both Cece and Daria invaluable life lessons. For Daria, it instilled a sense of resilience and assertiveness, determined to be a leader who positively influences others. Meanwhile, Cece learned the power of empathy, becoming a warm and caring individual through her experiences with the children on campus.<br></p><p>Their shared love for Boys Town and knowledge of what makes the kids tick drove them to apply for the Summer Recreation Specialist positions. Working closely with their parents and families, they are passionate about planning engaging activities that resonate with the kids' interests and bring smiles to their faces.<br></p><p>Cece finds joy in witnessing the genuine enthusiasm of the kids during the activities, while Daria treasures the opportunity to connect with the kids on a deeper level, enjoying dinner at their homes and discussing day-to-day matters.<br></p><p>Both Cece and Daria share a common sentiment about Boys Town – it is a special place with transformative power, yet they wish more people knew about the incredible work being done here. They take every opportunity to educate others about Boys Town's mission and the impact it has on young lives.<br></p><p>As they prepare for the holidays, they reminisce about the cherished traditions they shared with the kids on campus, making holidays feel like home for everyone. From the excitement of opening presents in age order to watching the annual Turkey Bowl, their memories are a testament to the strong sense of family that defines Boys Town.<br></p><p>Cece and Daria's inspiring journeys showcase the enduring legacy of Boys Town and the potential for every child to become a leader and make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Their passion, dedication and love for Boys Town continue to shape a brighter future for the young residents, nurturing the very essence of family and resilience that Boys Town stands for.</p><p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/youngKids.jpg" alt="Young Cece and Daria" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:271px;" /><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/daria-and-cece.jpg" alt="Daria and Cece" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" /><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/cece.jpg" alt="Cece" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" /><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/Cece-and-daria.jpg" alt="Cece and Daria" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" /><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/two.jpg" alt="Cece and Daria" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:267px;" /><br></p> | 2023-08-15T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Home Grown Leaders posing for picture" src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/GroupPic.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| Boys Town North Florida’s Inaugural Chopped Competition | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/north-florida-inaugural-chopped-competition.aspx | Boys Town North Florida’s Inaugural Chopped Competition | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Boys Town North Florida was thrilled to host a special Chopped Competition this summer, where our Family Home youth showcased their culinary talents in a fun-filled, high-energy event! </span><span style="background-color:transparent;">Each house on our campus went head-to-head, putting their culinary skills to the test as they prepared appetizers, main entrees and desserts.</span></p><p>But here's the exciting twist – our young chefs had to incorporate surprise ingredients into their dishes, including olives, cream cheese, Ritz crackers and the mystery ingredient revealed that very morning: pineapple!</p><img src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/chopped-2.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:325px;height:698px;" /><p>Our esteemed panel of judges, consisting of professional chef Leon Brunson, restaurateur Eric Pounders and two incredible non-profit leaders, Monique and Larry, added to the excitement and taste-tested each dish with meticulous consideration. They scored based on presentation, taste and creativity, making the competition even more challenging and rewarding!<br></p><p>Throughout the event, the atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie, as our youth showcased their culinary prowess and passion for cooking. It was truly heartwarming to witness their creativity and dedication in the kitchen.<br></p><p>After much deliberation, we are proud to congratulate the Hudson-Black Home for their outstanding and unique dishes, earning them the well-deserved title of CHOPPED champions!<br></p><p>We are immensely grateful to our Boys Town North Florida Family Home kids for their participation and enthusiasm, as well as to our esteemed judges who lent their expertise to support our mission.<br></p><p>Together, we're making a difference and inspiring our young chefs to embrace creativity while making unforgettable memories in the kitchen!<span style="background-color:transparent;"> </span></p><h3>Special Thank You's:<br><br></h3><p>Leon Brunson - Owner of Leon's at Lake Ella</p><p>Eric Pounders - Marketing and Training Director of For the Table Hospitality</p><p>Monique Ellsworth - CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend</p><p>Larry Stevens - Assistant Warehouse Manager of Second Harvest of the Big Bend</p><p>Sevin Wilson - Representative of Millcreek Financial Consultants<br></p> | 2023-08-09T05:00:00Z | News | <img alt="Chopped" src="/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/PublishingImages/chopped.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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| A Night of Celebration: Boys Town North Florida's 2023 Youth Awards Banquet | https://www.boystown.org/locations/north-florida/news-and-events/Pages/A-Night-of-Celebration-Boys-Town-North-Floridas-2023-Youth-Awards-Banquet.aspx | A Night of Celebration: Boys Town North Florida's 2023 Youth Awards Banquet | <p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Once again, the eagerly awaited annual Youth Awards Banquet arrived, bringing an evening filled with joy and recognition for the incredible accomplishments of Boys Town North Florida's youth. The event, themed “A Night Under the Stars," took place at the prestigious Florida State University Alumni Center, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the occasion.</span></p><p>The young attendees, dressed to the nines in elegant tuxedos and dazzling dresses, arrived at the banquet in style, chauffeured by Mike's Limousines. As they walked down the red carpet, the spotlight was all on them, and each youth received a personal introduction, making them feel like true stars of the night.</p><p>This year's banquet was made truly special thanks to the keynote speaker, Tryton, a remarkable youth alumnus who spent several years living on the Boys Town campus. He had a deep connection to Boys Town and his Family-Teachers, Aiysha and Wayne Longley, who continue their compassionate work on the campus – and Tryton's words resonated deeply with all in attendance. His speech was nothing short of powerful and inspirational, sharing a resilient message that touched the hearts of everyone present. His personal journey, rising from challenges to triumphs, left a lasting impact on the youth and had them feeling inspired to overcome any obstacles in their own lives.</p><p>Throughout the evening, the air was filled with celebration and laughter as the awards ceremony unfolded. The youth were recognized for their individuality and unique abilities, with accolades like "Youth Ambassador of the Year," "Most Imaginative," and "Most Resilient," shining a light on their exceptional talents and achievements.</p><p>As the night continued, the dance floor came alive with energy, and the youth danced the night away, celebrating their accomplishments with newfound friends and cherished memories. It was a true testament to the nurturing environment that Boys Town North Florida fosters, where every youth is celebrated and given the opportunity to shine.</p><p>As Boys Town North Florida extends heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this year's Youth Awards Banquet, we also renew our commitment to empowering and supporting these remarkable youth on their journeys of growth and success. The banquet serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that love, care and unwavering dedication can have on the lives of these young individuals. </p><p>The event's success would not have been possible without the generous support of dedicated vendors. The Florida State University Alumni Center, Formals by Vince, Coca-Cola, Aveda Institute, Abernathy Entertainment and Mike's Limousine all played a significant role in making the evening unforgettable.<br></p> | 2023-08-04T05:00:00Z | News | | | text/html; charset=utf-8
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