I stay active in my community by rolling up my sleeves and getting involved with organizations that support causes for which I feel strongly or for which I feel that I can make a difference. I am involved with and/or support several Chambers, a local Hospital Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, the MDA, Breast Cancer Awareness, and a local Library Foundation.
I recently read an article that touched my heart in a way that no other organization or cause has done. The article addressed the challenges that many young members of the Armed Forces face in managing personal finances. To assist Servicemembers in developing personal financial skills, the Department of Defense (DoD) has initiated an education and awareness program called the Financial Readiness Campaign to help military personnel effectively deal with financial issues related to pre deployment, deployment, and post deployment. All military service men and women, active duty, reserve, family members and parents are eligible to receive complimentary education and counseling services paid for by the DoD.
After reading this article, I became involved in the campaign as an on-demand Personal Financial Counselor (PFC). My role as an on-demand PFC is to provide support when needed to Servicemembers in developing personal financial skills such as creating budget plans, debt reduction plans, and saving for future emergencies and retirement. It’s truly an extraordinary program that I’m excited to be a part of.
The local organizations that I am currently most involved with are the Bluffs Business Association, Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas, Inc., and the InterCultural Advocacy Institute.
The Bluffs Business Association, (BBA) is an organization that had been dormant for many years. I revived it after opening my Raymond James Financial Services branch in Belleair Bluffs in 2003. The goal of BBA is to create awareness within the community of the diversity of businesses within the small communities of Belleair and Belleair Bluffs and to reach out to the local residents and our business neighbors through community events. I served as President of the Bluffs Business Association from 2003, through August 2007. I'm currently serving as President for 2010/2011. The Association’s key fundraiser is an annual BBQ and family fun day that generally raises about $1,600 for local charities.
Healthy Start is an amazing organization. It is a community based, non-profit organization focused on improving the health and well being of pregnant women, their children and families. The Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas is one of the thirty-one coalitions throughout Florida established in 1992 to implement the provisions of Florida's Healthy Start legislation. Healthy Start's membership consists of community based organizations & individuals interested in improving maternal and child health outcomes. I'm honored to serve on the finance committee.
The InterCultural Advocacy Institute provides direct services and community leadership to address the challenges faced as a result of the growing Spanish-speaking community in Pinellas County. The primary programs are the Hispanic Outreach Center and the Hispanic Leadership Council.
The Hispanic Outreach Center is a multi-service center providing services to support Hispanic/Latino individuals and families in Northern Pinellas County. The goal is to overcome language and cultural barriers, and access needed services. More than 12,000 persons have been served since 2001. Priorities for services include victims of crime, at-risk youth, and families.
The Hispanic Leadership Council is a community partnership responding to the needs of a changing Hispanic/Latino population through public education, advocacy, enhanced services, and elimination of barriers, for the betterment of the entire community. The Council consists of 30 member organizations, including local government, education institutions, the business community, and non-profit organizations.
I have been involved with the organization intermittently over the years. I was recently asked to rejoin the Board. The timing is perfect because we have many worthwhile community events and projects scheduled.
