CHILD WELFARE
TRANSFORMED Impact that lasts for generations to come
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from our Founder & CEO
Page 3
Our Mission & Vision Our Why Our How
Page 4
A Force of Good, Forever Policy Change Technology Partnerships Youth Voice Adoptions Initiatives & Impact
Page 5
Independent Living Initiatives & Impact Advocacy Initiatives & Impact
Page 7
Success Stories
Page 9 - 10
Special Events Dream Tank Selfless Love Foundation Gala National Adoption Month Foster Youth Voice Month
Page 11
Our Team is Growing Awards Letter from our Co-Founder & Board Chair Financials Partners & Sponsors Letter from our Executive Director
Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17
Page 6
Page 8
MESSAGE from OUR FOUNDER & CEO
“One moment can change a day, ONE day can change a life, and ONE life can change the world.” For me, that one day was my adoption day. It was a day that changed my life forever. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world to have been adopted and always said,"One day, I am going to pay back this incredible blessing." My one day started in 2015 when my husband and I established Selfless Love Foundation as a vehicle to help children in foster care. We choose to help the most vulnerable — the hardest-to-place children waiting to be adopted and the youth aging out of care without the support of a family. We wanted to give them the greatest gift of all — FAMILY. Thanks to the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family, the hard work of our Selfless Love team, and our incredible child welfare partners, we have impacted thousands of lives. And it all began on that one day when I was blessed with a family. Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for your support of our mission. TOGETHER, we can create a world where every child's dreams for a family can come true. We can change lives today and for generations to come. With endless gratitude, Ashley FOUNDER & CEO
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OUR MISSION SELFLESS LOVE FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION THAT LEVERAGES RESOURCES, EXPERTISE, AND PROVEN SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE FOSTER YOUTH TO FIND THEIR FOREVER FAMILIES AND THRIVE IN ADULTHOOD. OUR VISION
Fostering dreams for foster children A world where every child's dreams can come true. For many children in foster care, the idea of having a forever family is just a dream. At Selfless Love Foundation, we work to make this dream come true for children waiting to be adopted and youth needing support to transition into adulthood.
OUR WHY
We believe all children deserve a family, whether by being adopted or by being there as an extension of family for youth that age out – we believe family is everything. We believe in collective impact to achieve social change. We can solve complex problems in the child welfare system by working collaboratively with our child welfare partners and leaders across the state. We believe in giving foster youth a voice in decisions that impact their lives and advocating for systemic change. Youths’ lived experience has uniquely equipped them to find new paths to transform the foster care system from the inside out. OUR HOW
Selfless Love Foundation leads statewide research-based initiatives designed to transform the adoptions process and elevate independent living services. We focus on advocating for policy change, equipping agencies with innovative technology solutions, building collaborative, strategic partnerships, and raising youth voices. By working at the systems level, we can help agencies find forever families for hard-to-place children and better prepare youth aging out of the system for self-sufficiency.
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A FORCE of GOOD, FOREVER Selfless Love Foundation is deeply involved in the foster care system within Florida. Through our strategic investments in Adoptions and Independent Living, and by working at the systems level, we can change outcomes for children in foster care. We advance our mission through policy change, technology, partnerships, and youth voice.
Policy Change Foster youth have a seat at the table so that legislators can advance policies that support youth, families, and child welfare professionals.
Technology Agencies are equipped with technology solutions that make it easier for families and children to find one another. Partnerships Partners provide on-the-ground feedback and data, contributing to the refinement of programs and initiatives. Youth Voice Partners collaborate to create replicable programs and initiatives that are data-driven and informed by youth.
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INITIATIVES & IMPACT
ADOPTIONS OUTCOMES:
More children move quickly from foster care to their forever families.
Thanks to Selfless Love Foundation's generous supporters, Adoption-Share's Family-Match Program has been launched in Florida at no cost to families or child welfare agencies and has made a significant impact on the lives of current foster youth. Adoption-Share’s Family-Match Program leverages an adoption matching technology to match foster children with their forever families. The program uses a compatibility assessment developed in part by former lead researchers of eHarmony. Selfless Love Foundation focuses on improving foster care adoptions in 3 key areas; family support, adoption advocacy, and caseworker efficiency.
Match
+
+
690 MATCHES
ADOPTIONS
Placement
2,000
FAMILIES REGISTERED
63
+ CHILDREN IN MATCH POOL
%
SIBLING GROUPS
4
months
MEDIAN TIME TO MATCH
years old
Adoption OF CHILDREN OVER 13 YEARS OLD
AVERAGE AGE AT ADOPTION
HAD A SIGNIFICANT MEDICAL/PHYSICAL, MENTAL HEALTH/BEHAVIORAL, AND/OR C O G N I T I V E / D E V E L O P M E N T A L N E E D.
*Cumulative matching and adoptions numbers from July, 2018 through December 2021.
My husband and I always wanted to adopt. When I was 14, I watched a documentary on troubles that children face on getting adopted and I just knew that if I was ever able to adopt, I wanted to do that. My husband just retired from the military so it was a good time to adopt, and we knew Miles was ours when we saw him." – The Nedd Family THIS FAMILY WAS BROUGHT TOGETHER THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ADOPTION-SHARE’S FAMILY-MATCH PROGRAM.
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INITIATIVES & IMPACT
INDEPENDENT LIVING OUTCOMES:
More youth “aging out” of foster care are prepared for self-sufficiency.
Thanks to the Selfless Love Foundation's generous supporters, we have helped bridge the gap from dependence to independence by providing tools and resources for youth to become successful adults in the community. Without family to support them, youth who have experienced foster care often face a steeper climb on their journey to adulthood. Selfless Love focuses on improving youth’s transition to adulthood. Through our partnership with Children’s Harbor, we provide youth with a supportive housing program called Brown’s Harbor. And through collaboration with child welfare agencies across the state, we led a youth voice movement entitled One Voice IMPAACT (OVI) that provides youth with life, leadership, advocacy skills, and a network of youth councils.
147
One Voice IMPAACT 2021 Outcomes
YOUTH
received
4,700 ONLINE LIFE SKILLS TRAINING HOURS
96 %
91 %
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
STRATEGIC SHARING
Former Foster Youth Programs Include: BROWN’S HARBOR ONE VOICE IMPAACT LIFE SKILLS REIMAGINED DALE CARNEGIE LEADERSHIP TRAINING
87 %
SENSE OF BELONGING
87 %
COMMUNICATION
DREAM TANK COMPETITION ADVOCACY TRAINING
Brown’s Harbor Through a partnership with Children’s Harbor, Selfless Love Foundation also formed Brown’s Harbor, a supportive housing community. Brown’s Harbor offers on-site staff, training, and support services for former foster youth ages 18-23, helping to bridge the gap from dependence to independence. Brown’s Boutique Located in Brown’s Harbor is Brown’s Boutique, a place where our residents can have confidence “shopping” for everyday and business attire. Selfless Love Foundation provides professional headshots for youth at Brown’s Harbor.
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INITIATIVES & IMPACT
ADVOCACY OUTCOMES:
Youth have a voice in decisions that impact their lives and in transforming the child welfare system.
Thanks to Selfless Love Foundation's generous supporters, we are deeply involved in advocating for statewide policy and practice change for adoptions and independent living. Our youth voice initiative, One Voice IMPAACT (OVI), provides current and former foster youth opportunities to: DEVELOP skills for leadership and life. ADVOCATE for themselves and changes to policy. JOIN a network of youth leaders who are making a difference in child welfare today and for generations to come. Over the past year, OVI reached almost 500 youth and young adults with lived experience in Florida’s foster care system and another 75 child welfare system professionals that seek to improve youth engagement, utilizing our tools and resources. Our network of young people and child welfare system professionals has generated a Youth Voice Movement, giving youth voice center stage to raise awareness about the value of youth participation in decisions that impact their future. Our joint advocacy efforts impact over 7,000 transition-age foster youth in Florida, ages 13-22.
2021 Advocacy Wins
Launched 1st Foster Youth Voice Month Statewide Awareness Campaign
Led Youth Engagement Strategic Visioning Session at Florida Coalition for Children’s Leadership Summit
Led Transitioning Youth Symposium for FSU’s Florida Institute of Child Welfare
Supported development of 15 local youth councils
I am so thankful to be part of One Voice IMPAACT. I cannot stress that enough. Almost brought to tears right now by just how awesome and wonderful it is to get the opportunity to advocate to improve the foster care system. I got sad when I was finishing my Bachelor's because I was leaving the Student Government Association. I thought my time advocating and being involved in activism was done. So thankful for you all.” – Hunter Lyons, 23 OVI Advocacy (A) Team & Former Foster Youth
Powered by Selfless Love Foundation
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ADVOCACY
“I am a part of the One Voice IMPAACT statewide network of youth councils supported by Selfless Love Foundation. Learning valuable advocacy skills takes time and continuous effort, but knowing the potential impact on other youth is my driving force. When I was in foster care, I felt powerless to the decisions that were impacting me daily, and frequently moved for unfair reasons, losing close friends and connections to people that mattered. My advocacy experiences have helped me learn tremendous leadership skills, grow confidence in my public speaking, build a network with community and state leaders, and participate in statewide youth leadership activities. These are the opportunities I hope all former foster youth may experience! Helping youth develop their voice is critical for inspiring generations of leaders with the capacity for empathy and courage to help change the lives of other youth still in care.”
– Rayla James, 21 2021 Dream Tank Finalist, OVI Advocacy (A) Team & Network of Youth Councils Leader
13-year-old Willie's life was forever transformed when he was adopted by the Thompson Family. Realizing how life-changing his adoption was, Willie advocated for his parents also to adopt Alex, his best friend who was still in foster care. From best friends to brothers, Alex is now a part of the Thompson Family, too! "It’s so important for others to realize that family love isn’t always biological, and it includes things that may sometimes be missing like support, empowerment, and limitless encouragement.”
– The Thompson Family THIS FAMILY WAS BROUGHT TOGETHER THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ADOPTION-SHARE’S FAMILY-MATCH PROGRAM.
SELFLESS LOVE FOUNDATION
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ADOPTION
TRANSFORMING
THE LIVES OF FOSTER YOUTH
SUCCESS
SELFLESS LOVE FOUNDATION
Watching them learn and grow into their own unique people, has brought us more joy than we could have ever imagined. We are so thankful to have our children in our lives and for the gift of adoption and the chance to be a forever family.”
– The Bowman Family THIS FAMILY WAS BROUGHT TOGETHER THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ADOPTION-SHARE’S FAMILY-MATCH PROGRAM.
– Esperanza Harb, 23 2021 Dream Tank Finalist & OVI Network Member
STORIES
THE LIVES OF FOSTER YOUTH
In 2022, I’m preparing to take that next step and attend the police academy. To keep me inspired, I often rehearse my favorite scripture. Romans 8:28 says, “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
INDEPENDENCE
“I entered the foster care system at age 14. Now, I am 23, living in Orlando, Florida. In 2021 I announced my dream to be a detective because I have a passion for helping and bringing people to a place of closure.
TRANSFORMING
ADOPTION
“Even though we didn’t meet until they were older, it feels like the four of us have always been together.
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SELFLESS LOVE FOUNDATION
2021 SIGNATURE EVENTS Dream Tank
Pitbull on stage with 2021 Dream Tank Finalist
The Dream Tank was created to provide aged-out foster youth across Florida the opportunity to present their dreams and aspirations in front of an audience and panel of judges, followed by a Q&A session. The five Dream Tank finalists were paired with a professional in their respective field to prepare a speech, better equip them to pursue their dreams, and attain their overall goals for their future. Check out this video
Selfless Love Foundation’s Fourth Annual Gala The intimate evening of just 200 guests gathered local and out-of-town philanthropic business leaders for a special night of fostering dreams for foster children, raising more than $3 million in 2021. In 2020, Selfless Love was one of the first non-profits in the nation to host their annual gala online due to COVID-19, becoming among the first to raise over $1.2 million. Preview our upcoming Gala
National Adoption Month Selfless Love Foundation spearheaded the statewide campaign alongside child welfare agencies to spread awareness on adoption, sharing a webpage, resources, and a video on how One Heart, One Home, Can Change a Life Forever. Check out the campaign video
Foster Youth Voice Month Selfless Love Foundation launched the first Foster Youth Voice Month statewide awareness campaign to shift the perception of youth and young adults involved in the foster care system. The highlights of this campaign included 30 blogs in 30 days written by youth and state and national leaders, a proclamation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis declaring November 4 as Foster Youth Voice Day, and more than 9,000 visits to our new campaign webpage, www.YouthVoiceNation.org. Check out the campaign video
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*Scan the QR code with your camera app and tap the notification to open the link associated with the event!
OUR TEAM IS GROWING
AND SO IS OUR IMPACT
MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS Lee Applbaum Board Member Lee comes to Selfless Love Foundation with over 25 years of experience building iconic brands and leading global marketing teams across a wide range of consumer goods and services. Lee currently serves as CMO at Wheels Up, one of the world’s largest private aviation companies. Lee has been recognized as a brand builder, innovative marketer, and was honored with the prestigious Adweek Brand Genius award for groundbreaking digital and social media as CMO of Patrón Spirits in 2015 and named Business Insider’s “Most Innovative CMO” in 2017. Lee has an incredible background, and we are more than excited to have him on board, and see how he can help us reach new heights as a foundation!
Chad Poppell Board Member Chad is the Managing Director of Health and Government Solutions at KPMG US and the Former Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Chad brings expertise in policy development and advocacy with a passion for giving a voice to children in the system. We could not be more excited about having him on board and for the value and expertise he will provide in helping us transform more lives of foster youth!
MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Jenna Leon Community Relations Director
Yvonne Garcia-Swain Development Coordinator
Kendra Hilton One Voice IMPAACT Network Director
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LETTER from OUR CO-FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR
Nearly seven years ago, Ashley and I founded this organization with a simple but meaningful vision — to help children in foster care. Little did I know how transformative that mission indeed was. With your support, Selfless Love Foundation has grown each year as a non-profit of distinction, continually impacting the child welfare system it serves and positively transforming the lives of so many affected by the foster care system. I am proud to work alongside you to continue to grow Selfless Love's success. With over 600 foster children already matched with forever families and over 1,000 aged-out foster youth being supported on their journey to adulthood, I know this is just the beginning. On behalf of our dedicated and talented Board and team, thank you to all of our supporters, partners, volunteers, and others who have supported and inspired us along this journey. Together, we will continue to transform more lives than ever before. Ed Brown CO-FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR
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FINANCIALS
Selfless Love Foundation's Expenses, January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
PROGRAM EXPENSES
GENERAL EXPENSES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION CURRENT ASSETS
Cash Contributions Receivable Pledges Receivable Investments Prepaid Expenses Total Assets
1,451,800 42,955 34,018 319,314 136,724 $ 1,984,811
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable Acrrued Expenses 14,507 Unconditional Promise to Give, Current Portion 46,515 Deferred Revenue 140,000 Total Current Liabilities $ 201,022 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Unconditional Promise to Give, Non Current Portion Total Long-Term Liabilities $
291,589 291,589
COMMITTEMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES NET ASSETS
Without Donor Restriction Total Net Assets
1,492,200 $ 1,492,200
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$ 1,984,811
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352, or visiting www.Floridaconsumerhelp.com.
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FUNDRAISING EXPENSES
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS REVENUES
$
479,776 221,502 1,313,277 17,398 15,750 10,828 2,058,531
$
980,065 219,165 228,818 1,428,048
Change in Net Assets Net Assets, Beginning of Year Net Assets, End of Year $
630,483 861,717 1,492,200
Contributions Grant Revenue Special Events Net Investment Return In-Kind Contributions Other Total Revenues EXPENSES
Program Management & General Fundraising Total Expenses
In 2020, more than half of staff salaries have been graciously donated by Selfless Love Foundation Founders, Ed and Ashley Brown, to ensure every dollar raised goes directly to improving the lives of foster children. Audited financials are reported a year behind. 2021 Audited financials will be available on our website in Summer 2022. The complete 2020 Financial Report can be found at www.SelfessLoveFoundation.org.
“As someone who was once in foster care and homeless, I know first-hand every child needs a family. Eloise and I are so proud to support the work of Selfless Love Foundation.” – John Paul DeJoria FOUNDER OF JOHN PAUL MITCHELL SYSTEMS & TEQUILA PATRÓN
PARTNERS
SPONSORS
FOUNDATIONS
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MESSAGE from OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WHAT’S AHEAD? Imagine the emptiness of growing up without a stable home or family. Not having someone to hold you when you are scared or cheer you on from the sidelines. This is the life of a child in foster care. This is the WHY behind our work. Selfless Love Foundation is working to create opportunities for more foster youth to find their forever families and thrive in adulthood. Our unique approach of leveraging resources, expertise, and proven solutions is used to transform the child welfare system for current and future generations of children in care. Over the past year, we have celebrated over 100 adoptions of hard-to-place children, provided life, leadership, and advocacy training to more than 200 foster youth, and made youth voice a centerpiece of conversation amongst child welfare leaders and legislators. Selfless Love Foundation’s ability to do this great work lies in the hands of our supporters. Your generosity allows us to not only provide services to children waiting to be adopted and youth transitioning to independence, but also allows us to advocate for improved policies and practices. It allows us to be thought leaders in the field, bringing the best minds, innovative technology, and proven solutions to fill gaps and solve long-standing problems. It takes a village to raise a child but to change the world for children in foster care, it takes each and every one of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being there for the kids and for Selfless Love Foundation. Dr. Elizabeth Wynter EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Selfless Love Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that leverages resources, expertise, and proven solutions to improve the child welfare system, creating opportunities for more foster youth to find their forever families and thrive in adulthood.
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