Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - July '20

Page 8, Martin Downs

in Your coMMunitY

Soroptimist International Of from The Children’s Services Council of Martin County.
Stuart Awards Change Lives David espoused the virtues of a two-parent household
and worked tirelessly to encourage fathers to be active
By Jackie Holfelder and present in all phases of their children’s lives. Too
Each year, one often, mothers raise children alone. The absence of a
of Soroptimist father usually has a negative effect on children.
I nt e r na t i on a l o f The FCRC’s mission is to educate fathers on how to
Stuart’ s most have a supportive role in their children’s lives, regardless
meaningful events of the family circumstances. In honor of David Cardno,
takes place at who passed away in October 2015, and Father’s Day, we
the nonprofit’ s have created some tips: “Five ways to be the best father
Live Your Dream you can be.”
Awards Celebration. Mackenzie Abbott, first Katelyn Herter, second Please reach out to the Father & Child Resource Center
Traditionally the place winner of the Youth place winner of the Youth if you are seeking counsel regarding your children. Learn
ceremony is part of a Service Award Service Award more at www.mchealthystart.org.
warm and welcoming 1. Taking care of yourself is the most important
dinner, but this year – thing you can do as a father. If fathers cannot take care
of course – it looked of themselves, how can they take care of their children?
very different. As fathers, we need to take care of ourselves mentally,
Winners of these emotionally, physically and spiritually. We need to eat
very welcome Hellonia Kirlew, first place winner right and exercise. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you
monetary awards were of the Women in Transition Award need it. Mental health is essential and vital to our physical
notified by phone and health. We will have better relationships with our children
received certificates and checks by mail. when we are active and healthy.
Those receiving these awards have already accomplished Create time for yourself. We don’t have to be around
a great deal and are now poised to initiate or continue life- Anissa Rich, second place Alana Tuttle, a single mom, our kids 24/7 to be good fathers. Take time to cultivate
changing career paths. winner of the Women in was the Live Your Dream your hobbies and interests. Allow time to unwind and
Alana Tuttle, a single mom, was the Live Your Dream Transition Award award recipient. recharge. This same advice applies to your partner.
award recipient. Parameters for the award specify the 2. Spend quality time with your children every day.
recipient be a primary breadwinner and overcoming Photos provided by Soroptimist International of Stuart. Arrange an activity that is fun or meaningful with your
obstacles to reach her goals. child. It can be something as simple as reading a book at
Alana got out of an abusive relationship and had Mackenzie Abbott was awarded first place for creating night with them or taking them to the park.
to overcome alcohol dependency to raise her son. She a nonprofit called Stand2Help, whose mission is to Enjoy seeing the world through their eyes. Life is busy,
is in the A.D. Program at IRSC and plans to work in provide items to those in need in Martin County. The and it seems like there are always a million things to do.
environmental science. Her award will buy a laptop to recent graduate of Clark Advanced Learning Center also Those things can wait. “Life is but a vapor.” Children grow
help with her studies and the rest of the funds will pay formed the Martin County Youth Climate Team to help up so fast, and you can’t regain missed opportunities.
for her education. make awareness for protecting our environment. She 3. Be a role model. Remember, children see so much
Hellonia Kirlew took first place in the Women in plans to attend UF in the fall. more than you realize. They are always watching and
Transition Award category. This individual must be 40 Katelyn Herter volunteered at Humane Society of absorbing everything we do. No parent is perfect, but we
or older, overcoming obstacles, to go to school to change the Treasure Coast, Hibiscus Children’s Center and the should strive to be a constructive parent in our children’s
her career path. Sailing Center of Martin County. The award will help
Says Hellonia, “I was delighted to win this award and with the tuition at College of Charleston. She is working
this money. I’m a divorced mom of two grown children, towards a Bachelor of Science in political science with
now attending IRSC and pursuing my bachelor’s in social her end goal being law school.
and human services. I would like to be a probation officer These awards are financed with proceeds from
or a social worker.” To complete her studies, Hellonia Soroptimist International of Stuart’s annual Women of
also will buy a laptop to help with her studies and use Distinction dinner.
the remainder of the funds for her education. To learn more, visit www.soroptimistofstuart.org.
The second winner of the Women in Transition Award is
Anissa Rich. Anissa dreamt of becoming a medical doctor Five Ways To Be The Best
until she got into a domestically abusive relationship and
became pregnant. After struggling financially to support Father You Can Be
her child, she had a second child in another relationship
but the father was killed by a drunk driver. Anissa never By Drew Gray, Fatherhood Educator, The David Cardno
gave up and today her children are responsible adults. Father & Child Resource Center at Martin County
She says, “Now it’s time for me to live my dream and Healthy Start Coalition
become a licensed social worker in Stuart so I can be the Although Father’s Day is celebrated officially once a
one to help women trying to succeed in life.” year, there are 365 days in the year to be a great dad. As the
There were two Youth Service awards, as well. educator of the David Cardno Father & Child Resource Center
Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, I wanted to share some Drew Gray, fatherhood educator of the David Cardno Father
insights as to every dad can be the best father possible. & Child Resource Center in Stuart, makes time to play with
David Cardno founded the Father & Child Resource his daughter Rylie at Flagler Park.
Center (FCRC) in July 2000 as a part of the Martin County
Healthy Start Coalition. The Father & Child Resource Photo by Beverly Bevis Jones
Center’s mission is to promote responsible fatherhood in the
community. We greatly appreciate the funding that we receive In Your Community on page 9

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