PB PERS GAL SpeakUpForKids
b"Talked with Christie Geltz, Volunteer Recruiter, Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office 15th Judcial Circuit of FL and PBC and Coleen LaCosta, Executive Director, Speak Up For Kids. The GAL program was created so that the child's interest is protected and addressed via a team of Volunteer GAL's and the legal team representing them. The Guardian Ad Litems are court appointed and visit the children on their caseload at least every 30 days and help coordinate needed supplies, programs and services for their charge. Coleen works for the charitable arm of GAL, known as Speak Up for Kids. Since GAL is funded about 80% by the State, Speak Up for Kids raises funds to cover the gap as well as providing needed services to the kids. It can vary from tickets to a broadway show at the Kravis to mental health counseling. They can both use volunteers and there is also a need for more Foster Families in PBC, listeners can go to Child Net for info on Fostering. They can go to GALPBC.org for Guardian Ad Litem or go to SpeakUpForKids.org to find out about upcoming events and how they can help."