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Wesley House 2024-25 Annual Report

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OUR MISSION BLOOMS

Our hearts and minds know Spring is here because the work we continue to do is blossoming. It is our native season, the one we nurture and labor in every day. Our Spring abounds in many ways; its blooms are at hand.

November 14, 2024 witnessed the completion of our new Key Largo offices with a grand opening event that placed us on the Upper Keys map! Although Wesley House has had a presence in the Upper Keys since 2005, our new location provides us with increased visibility and the ability to better serve not only the Upper Keys, but the entirety of Monroe County.

After years of dedicated labor, our Full Case Management (FCM) Program will begin to harvest the fruits of its expansion into southern Miami-Dade County. What began as a modest presence in Homestead in 2023, to assist our struggling sister agencies, has matured into a notable mission in Florida’s most populous county. Wesley House has taken on 18 additional full-time employees to attend to our new clients: approximately 160 children and their families who were transferred to our agency on July 1, 2025. Our FCM Program continues to be recognized as a strong performer in safety, permanency, and child wellbeing across our state. We look forward to the satisfactions and challenges of this expansion of the range of our mission. More to follow in our 2025-2026 Annual Report.

Children at our Inez Martin Child Development Center are growing and developing both physically and mentally and making us so proud! Our children achieved a score of "Excellent" on the 2023 – 24 VPK

Performance Metrics from the Florida Department of Education / Division of Early Learning. Our school was one of only eight programs in the entire county to achieve the school readiness score of "Excellent" and the only program to achieve that score in the Lower Keys. Additionally, the VPK class for 2024 – 25 scored in the 90th percentile with their peers across Florida in kindergarten readiness. Our children bloom.

Our Healthy Families Monroe and Strengthening Families abuse prevention programs continue to make our families knowledgeable on child development and help keep households free of abuse through parent education, coaching and mentoring.

Wesley House events continue to flourish while providing needed financial support to all our programs and the facilities that house them. Fields of love sprouted throughout the Keys with our signature Valentine’s Day festivities: the first Galentine’s Luncheon at the Key West Yacht Club, the Keys-wide Auction, and the Key Largo Black Tie event at Playa Largo. All were well received and resulted in a bounty of blessings.

Our Holiday Village and BeLighted Bike Ride are much anticipated by both locals and tourists. With loads of holiday-themed attractions, community non-profit booths, family-friendly activities, and a bicycle parade down Duval Street, you can’t help but get into the holiday spirit and bring the joy of the season to the children and families of our community.

Our Key West Black Tie Benefit blossoms every spring, bringing us an exuberant celebration where we can spotlight our successes and programmed development needs. Darla Snyder and Stephen K. Brenner continue to lead the charge of generosity with Linda Turek and Pier B joining that charge. What a fabulous group of supporters whose love for our mission is an inspiration to all!

In an era where non-profits incorporate without any type of financial or programmatic oversight, Wesley House continues to enjoy Platinum Participant standing on Guidestar.org, the highest level of recognition a non-profit organization can obtain. We also appreciate our Encompass Rating of 100 from Charity Navigator. All Wesley House programs and departments are accredited by their recognized accreditation bodies and undergo extensive internal and external quality assurance reviews throughout the year.

Our Spring would not be complete without the steady and caring hand of our Board Chair, Julio Torrado, and our dedicated Board members, staff, volunteers, caregivers, donors, and the community at large who help move our worthy mission forward and with the greatest of successes.

We know our Spring is here to stay.

Many are the rewards when we work rightly and from the heart.

BLOSSOMING MINDS, BRIGHT FUTURES

Have you ever heard the expression, “this child has really blossomed this year”? Just as a flower knows when the time is right to bloom, children work in a similar way.

Children grow through brain development. Ninety percent of a child’s brain is developed by the time he or she is five years old. At Inez Martin, our teaching staff work with children in laying the foundation for development through cognitive, emotional, and social skills that significantly impact their future learning and overall well-being. Loving and consistent caregiving allows the brain to learn, solve problems, and develop empathy.

Inez Martin, a recognized Gold Seal program by the Florida Department of Children and Families, provides caring and supportive early childhood service to families in our community. Our program, which

last year served on average 77 children daily from 2-5 years of age, encourages each child’s individual developmental needs. While focusing on ageappropriate skills such as fine and gross motor, emotional well-being, positive social interactions, language and reading, and overall cognitive development, the primary goal is that each child who enters school is ready to learn and succeed.

Each year the Florida Department of Education Division of Early Learning awards a readiness score to programs offering Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK). Inez Martin was one of eight programs in Monroe County receiving a score of “excellent”. Our VPK graduates will be tracked through web-based computer programs in Language and Mathematics from kindergarten through third grade.

In fiscal year 2024 - 25, 20 children successfully completed the 540 hours of VPK. These graduates will enter kindergarten in August 2025 with skills

they have acquired for success in their upcoming school years.

Our Inez Martin students continue using the Waterford “Smart Start” Learning program. In addition to Waterford, our partnership with Florida

Learning Corps provides additional support in the VPK classroom for those students who are second language learners and/or those with developmental delays. This year we had two tutors who worked daily with students on oral language skills, phonemic awareness, number identification, and letter recognition. Students in our Preschool room as well as the VPK class had an opportunity to “blossom” in this program.

Hela Emanuel-Sidman, a parent from Inez Martin, shared: “I’ve been with Inez Martin for five years. I’ve had three of my children attend there so far. I’ve noticed extreme growth from all of my children. From learning how to socialize, to their education and life skills, Inez Martin exceeds our expectations for a child development center. They’re not only a child development center, but a reliable place where we can trust them with our children to grow, learn, and have fun.”

The Wesley House Inez Martin Child Development Center is committed to working with our families and community partners to strengthen our relationships. Our goal is to help family members understand that their preferences and concerns about their child’s learning and development are just as important to us as they are to them.

Inez Martin is grateful for our partnerships with several agencies. The Star of the Sea Mission provides our children with a hot lunch daily. The Larry Dion Foundation and private donors have allowed the continuation of our Backpack for Kids program now finishing its 13th year! Our ongoing relationship with the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe provides us with school readiness and VPK services. Other essential relationships include the Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation, The Klaus Murphy Foundation, United Women in Faith, and Key West United Methodist Church.

Thank you to all our donors for their continued support of our programs here at Inez Martin!

Left image: Students from Inez Martin Preschool participated in Children's Week Florida, where children from across the state created handprints that filled the FL State Capitol Rotunda with color, creativity, and hope.

A FAMILY IN FULL BLOOm

Eimear's journey through the Healthy Families program has been a beautiful process of blossoming and blooming. She graduated from the five-year program in mid-2025. While enrolled in the program, she showed remarkable growth and resilience. Initially, Eimear faced the challenge of finding herself after having two children less than a year apart. Living in a tiny apartment with her husband as the sole provider, she was determined to progress and put her best foot forward every day. Her unwavering commitment to her family's future was the seed that began to sprout.

As time passed, Eimear's dedication bore fruit. She and her family moved into a larger home, and Eimear was able to return to her passion for music. She found a way to balance her career and family life, enrolling her boys in daycare and creating a structured schedule for her music career. Her weekends are filled with family activities, and her boys often join her at busy venues around town, sometimes even singing alongside her. This

"Her story is a beautiful reminder that with determination and support, we can all flourish where we are planted.

period of her life was thriving, with Eimear flourishing in both her personal and professional roles.

Eimear's positive outlook and continuous efforts to improve her family's life have been truly inspiring. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and love. Her story is a beautiful reminder that with determination and support, we can all flourish where we are planted.

Eimear added "Healthy Families and my Family Support Specialist, Dominique, have been so helpful. My family has been very blessed to a part of such a great program. I am thankful for all you have done to help me grow."

OF SERVICE

Over the past two years, Wesley House Family Services (WHFS) has progressively deepened its involvement in Miami-Dade County, originally stepping in to support struggling case management agencies in the southernmost zip codes, 33034 and 33035. What began as a small initiative to stabilize services in a targeted area has since blossomed into a full-scale operation, fueled by community need and our commitment to excellence in child welfare.

In October 2023, WHFS expanded its role in Miami-Dade County by taking on additional FCM responsibilities to assist one of our sister agencies in crisis.

This expansion aligns directly with our agency’s mission: Promoting and enhancing the safety, well-being, and development of children by educating, supporting, and meeting the needs of families. Our mission complements that of the Citrus Family Care Network (CFCN) and supports their goal of identifying a provider agency through the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) process that is deeply rooted in child welfare, permanency, and family well-being.

As one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in the Florida Keys, Wesley House accepted the challenge of expanding our

services with the same values and quality that define our work throughout Monroe County. We continue to offer highquality, evidence-based case management services and have built a program that Miami-Dade families can depend on.

In 2024 – 25, Wesley House formally entered the ITN process to become the designated FCM provider for a larger footprint in Miami-Dade County. Six agencies submitted proposals in response to the ITN. We successfully completed the ITN response, showcasing our experience, performance history, and strong alignment with the needs of the Miami-Dade community. Based on evaluation scores, Wesley House was ranked number one, and we proceeded into formal negotiations.

With the effective contract date of July 1, 2025, Wesley House Family Services officially began operating as a Full Case Management Agency in Miami-Dade County. This marks a new chapter of impact, innovation, and service for families in the region. We are proud to bring our longstanding values and proven service model to an expanded community, ensuring children and families receive the consistent, compassionate care they deserve.

The new Miami-Dade staff brings years of experience in Child Welfare.

FROM BUD TO BOLD: TORI'S STORY

Yolanda (Yolie) Nogueras is the former Director of Preventions for Wesley House where she worked from 2016 – 22. She and her husband adopted three children from the agency. Their journey as adoptive parents began when Yolie mentored a teenager from Wesley House who was struggling with the concept of adoption. Eventually, she became their daughter.

Later, Yolie and her husband were approached to foster two sisters who were available for adoption. Without hesitation, they welcomed them into their home. According to Yolie, both girls have been an incredible blessing.

Yolie shares the journey of her daughter Tori, “because at this moment, she has made me especially proud to be her parent.

She is now 17 years old and came to us when she was ten. Of all my children, she was the one who most challenged me; strongwilled, outspoken, constantly testing boundaries. There were days when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing. She brought me to tears more than once, but she also made me grow as a parent in ways I never expected.

That same fiery, determined spirit is now taking her into the next chapter of her life: she’s graduating high school a year early and heading into the Marines to serve her country. She’s following in the footsteps of the man she proudly calls ‘Padre’.

Watching her transform from a little girl full of rage and confusion in the foster care system to a focused, courageous young woman has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Yolanda recalls one conversation with her. “She said, ‘I feel like I’ve gotten so much better with my behavior.’ I asked, ‘Why do you say that?’ She replied, ‘Because I used to fear for my life every day, but now I barely think about it.’ I looked at her, a bit puzzled, and she continued, ‘I know I was a handful and got in trouble a lot. I used to wonder when you were going to kill me.’ We both laughed, but what she didn’t know was that while she thought I might give up on her, I was just loving her harder. I truly believe she was brought to us

for a reason. My husband and I were called to be her parents, and we took that calling seriously.”

Although Yolie and her husband never had the chance to meet Tori’s biological parents, they carry immense gratitude for them. As Yolie has told all four of their adopted children, their birth parents will always have a place in her heart because without them, she wouldn’t have her miracle babies.

Yolanda says, “I know this work can feel endless and exhausting, but every person who walks through those doors each day is showing up with dedication and heart making miracles like this possible.”

Happy endings in foster care aren’t shared nearly enough. Caseworkers move on from file to file. Some children stay etched in their hearts, but rarely do they get to hear how their stories unfold years later — stories like Tori’s.

To those considering fostering or adoption, stories like these are vital. They’re not always easy, but they are real, and they are worth it.

SEEDS OF HOPE

For more than 25 years, Kim Carrier has been planting seeds of hope in the lives of children who needed it most.

A devoted foster parent, Kim has helped more than 250 children bloom offering love, stability, and the nurturing environment they need to grow.

Her journey began as a teenage dream. “Even in my teen years, I always wanted to foster,” Kim recalls. Years later, after raising three biological sons and adopting two children, she opened her home and heart to children in foster care.

“I never thought 25 years later I’d still be doing it,” she says. But for Kim, caring for children isn’t just something she does — it’s who she is. She spent 17 years as a preschool director at St. Justin in Key Largo, where her love for young children flourished. “Kids are my thing,” she says simply.

Kim’s home has been a safe haven for children in every stage of life from short-term stays to long-term placements. While each child comes with unique challenges, Kim sees every one of them as a flower waiting to bloom. “Some children come in very broken,” she says. “But they just want to be loved. With a little consistency, structure, and care, they begin to thrive.”

Her years of fostering have brought both joy and hardship. There have been goodbyes filled with tears and reunifications that bring hope. “Yes, you get attached. And that’s the point. These kids need someone to get attached to them. They deserve to be loved like your own.”

Kim has also witnessed incredible success stories both in the lives of children and their families. One mother, once struggling with addiction, is now reunited with her children and calls Kim weekly. “Some of the greatest outcomes come when you build a bridge with the biological parents,” Kim says. “When we all work together, the child is the one who truly wins.”

“Some children come in very broken. But they just want to be loved. With a little consistency, structure, and care, they begin to thrive.”

And thrive they do. Many leave her home as entirely different children — more confident, secure, and hopeful. “That’s the most rewarding part,” Kim reflects. “Watching them blossom.”

Even after decades of service, Kim isn’t slowing down. Her impact continues to grow like the children who keep coming back to visit, long after they’ve left her home. “One young man I cared for at 19 months old is now 24 and working for my son,” she says with a proud smile. “It’s those moments that remind you why you do this.”

Her message to anyone considering fostering? “Do it. These kids need a place to go. You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be present.”

Kim Carrier has spent a lifetime cultivating love, resilience, and growth in the children who’ve come through her doors. And thanks to her unwavering care, so many of them have had the chance to truly bloom.

CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION

At Wesley House Family Services, preparing youth for life beyond foster care is more than a goal — it’s a mission. Craig Nordskog, our Independent Living Skills Specialist and Education Coordinator, is at the forefront of that mission.

With a unique background as a retired military trainer and former high school teacher, Craig brings a wealth of structure, empathy, and real world experience to the teens he serves. He primarily works with youth ages 13 to 18, helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive independently.

“The program starts at age 13 with a life skills assessment,” Craig explains. “We look at everything from self-care and daily responsibilities to education and career planning. Based on the results, we tailor a plan to meet each youth where they are.”

For younger teens, this might mean learning to do laundry, cook simple meals, or manage personal hygiene. As they grow older, the focus shifts toward practical goals like earning a driver’s license, opening a bank account, writing a resume, or applying for jobs. Craig even provides mock interviews and guidance on what to wear and say in real job interviews.

“Our work is highly individualized,” Craig says. “Some youth want to handle things on their own, and I just provide oversight and support. Others need more hands-on help whether it’s scheduling DMV appointments, accompanying them to the bank, or coordinating with caregivers.”

Collaboration is key. Craig works closely with case managers, foster parents, and relatives to ensure a team approach. Each month, he outlines the skill he’ll be focusing on with a youth, shares that plan with the team, and adjusts based on the teen’s progress and preferences. "I always try to give them ownership of their schedule and decisions. My role is to

CULTIVATING GENERATION

guide and support, not dictate."

Craig’s caseload has grown from 12 to about 20 teens in the past two years, some of whom live in different counties or even out of state due to placement with relatives. “Even if they’re not in Monroe County, they’re still our responsibility,” he emphasizes. “We stay connected through phone calls, texting, and virtual meetings, and rely on out-of-county caregivers to help us continue their progress.”

“The most rewarding part is hearing from them a year or two later getting that call or text that says, ‘I’m doing great.’ That’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”

The program doesn’t stop at 18. Many youth choose to participate in Extended Foster Care, which allows them to continue receiving support while working or going to school until age 21. Others may be adopted or transition to permanent guardianship.

Craig takes pride in the youth he’s helped launch into adulthood — those who enrolled in college, started jobs, or moved into their own apartments. “The most rewarding part is hearing from them a year or two later getting that call or text that says, ‘I’m doing great.’ That’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”

Through steady guidance and genuine care, Craig Nordskog is doing more than teaching life skills — he’s helping young people build lives of independence, resilience, and hope.

Youth in the Independent Living Program accomplish the goal of receiving their learner's driving permits. Craig Nordskog meets with the youth regularly in an environment that is comfortable for them.

LOVE CONTINUES TO BLOOM

For Iva Manoel, adopting her grandchildren, Edward and Aubriana Pierre, was never a question — it was a calling.

When the opportunity came, she opened her heart and home without hesitation, knowing that what they needed most was the unwavering stability and love of family.

“Edward and Aubriana deserved more than just a place to live,” she shares. “They deserved the comfort of knowing they would never have to wonder where home was again.”

With Edward and Aubriana, who are grandchildren numbers 39 and 40, Iva’s family continues to grow — and so does the love that fills their home. She often says her heart always has room for more love, which is evident as she nurtures the children through every stage of their journey.

Over time, Iva has watched Edward and Aubriana blossom in remarkable ways. From their first tentative smiles to the joyful milestones that mark their progress, she has seen them grow into their personalities, confidence, and sense of security.

She credits Wesley House Family Services for being an essential part of that growth. The agency’s unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement gave her the strength and tools to take the steps toward adoption. “Wesley House planted seeds of hope,” she says, “and those seeds have blossomed into the beautiful life we share today.”

Today, Iva no longer sees herself as just a grandmother — she is the children’s forever mom. Watching Edward and Aubriana grow and thrive is a gift she says she will cherish for the rest of her life.

In her home, love continues to bloom — a reminder that

2024 - 2025

Countdown to the Miami Transition

• ITN Issued: September 2024

• WHFS ITN Response Submitted: November 1, 2024

• Posting of Qualified Respondents: November 12, 2024

• Negotiation Period: January 1–31, 2025

• Posting of Intent to Award Notice: February 10, 2025

• Interview and Hiring of Staff: February – March 2025

• Transition Planning Meetings: April – June 2025

Contract Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Staff Appreciation Breakfast in May 2025 at our Key Largo office. Kris Pabian and Christopher Rounds at La Te Da's annual Christmas toy party.
Fury Water Adventures staff with 75 Thanksgiving meals for our clients!
Theresa Kalvaitis, Pamela Lindner, Chomi Oropeza, and Karen Kebschull.
Key West Police and Monroe County Sheriffs load toys from La Te Da.
WHFS Board Chair, Julio Torrado and Keys Energy volunteers.
WHFS Foster Parents, Andrea and Mark Ladnier.
Kris Pabian, Steve Brenner, Darla Snyder, and Aleida Jacobo.
US Coast Guard volunteers assist with Holiday Village preparations.

WE APPRECIATE YOU!

The work we do is never done alone — it takes a community. From our dedicated staff and Board members to our volunteers, community partners, and generous donors, every success is made possible because of you. Thank you for standing with us and supporting our mission.

Top: Morgan Smeraldi, WHFS Nurturing Parenting Facilitator.
Bottom: Clinton Curry and Grace Epperly at the WHFS Holiday Village.
Inez Martin Child Development Center Teachers
Above: Key West Woman's Club members. Right: WHFS staff, Khalilah Dawes, Christina Robinson, and Mary Falconer.

CHAIR

Julio Torrado

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Kristine Pabian

VICE CHAIR

Susan Sikich

TREASURER

Pamela Lindner

SECRETARY

David Smith

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Aleida I. Jacobo, Esq.

GOVERNING BOARD

Jessica Batty

Madeline Baum

Sean Brandenburg

Christopher Deem

Nora Hernandez Hendrix

Lorie Leal

Joy McPeters

Maria Pierce*

*Designee for Nora Hernandez Hendrix

Lissette Quintero

Jennifer Roth

Yvette Talbott

ASSOCIATE BOARD

Mindy Conn

Gina Gaft

Bryan Green

Kristen Livengood

Eunice Melnick

Anthony Scalera

Lauren Steele

FRIENDS OF WESLEY HOUSE

Alice Calleja

Stephanie Monsalvatge

Sharon Toppino

THRIVING THROUGH LEADERSHIP

In Memoriam

Wesley House lost former long-time Board Member and Friend of Wesley House, Emily “Jo” Pine, in December 2024. Ms. Pine served on the Board from 2008 until 2023 when she became an honorary Friend of Wesley House. She served as Board Secretary from 2010 – 2014, and as Treasurer from 2015 – 2018.

We also lost our beloved Board Member Terri Hill in March 2025. The former pastor of Key West United Methodist Church, Pastor Hill was appointed to the Governing Board in October 2015. She served as Board Vice-Chair from 2016 – 2017 and as Treasurer from 2018 – 2021 after Ms. Pine termed off. Their passing leaves a huge void not only for our Wesley House family, but also in the Key West community.

BUILD. BLOOM. BELONG.

On November 14, 2024, Wesley House celebrated the Grand Opening of our Key Largo office at 5 Homestead Avenue. This was a two year endeavor of extensive renovations to the former Lion's Club.

The office was thoughtfully designed with two ample spaces for family visitations, plus a large conference room to host events, and meetings for our staff and community partners.

We extend a sincere thank you to the contractors and laborers for their hard work. We especially want to thank our IT and Facilities Manager, Scott Shores, for his tenacity and dedication to ensuring this renovation was completed on time and under budget! Our staff loves the new space and we are honored to have a new forever home.

Jennifer Zemmel and Amy Nuñez Cindy Smith and Kenya Montgomery
Middle photo: Suzi Youngberg, Ginette Hughes, and Jill Kuehnert
Bottom photo: Lori and Tony Scalera

HOLIDAY VILLAGE & BELIGHTED BIKE RIDE

The Holiday Village & BeLighted Bike Ride was once again all about JOY — lighting up Key West with holiday cheer and bringing smiles to thousands of faces! On Friday, December 6, 2024, more than 2,000 attendees gathered at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater for our 4th annual celebration. The BeLighted Bike Ride featured over 2,000 bike riders who dazzled the night with sparkling lights, festive attire, and plenty of holiday spirit. Thanks to our amazing sponsors and volunteers, the Holiday Village truly sparkled with magic from 20 community booths, delicious food, pony rides, nine amusement-style rides, photos with Santa, and joyful performances by the Bahama Village Music Choir, the Key West High School Drumline, and Coffee Mill Dance Studio.

It was a night filled with laughter, music, and holiday wonder — a tradition that continues to kick off the season in unforgettable style!

GALENTINE'S LUNCHEON

On February 10, 2025, we hosted our inaugural Galentine’s Luncheon at the Key West Yacht Club. One hundred guests, dressed in festive pink, came together in a spirit of love and friendship. Upon arrival, attendees assembled bags of non-perishable food for the Inez Martin Child Development Center weekend backpack program, helping to nourish students and their siblings beyond the school week. Guests also created heartfelt Valentine’s cards for our preschool students and foster children, spreading love throughout our community. This beautiful new tradition is one we look forward to growing in the years ahead.

WHFS Board Members Yvette Talbott and Kris Pabian.
Aundrea Wagner, Joy Brenner Davis, Dee Johnson, Marilou Howell, and Sheila McFarland.
Michele White, Amber Acevedo, Theresa Axford, Nhi Oropeza, Ashley Henriquez, Mayor Danise Henriquez, Lissette Quintero, and Jacqueline Luhta.
Top photo: Key West United Methodist Church attendees. Bottom photo: Joy McPeters, Yolande Findlay, and Liz Miller. Side Photo: Rosemarie Donzanti, Cheryl Meister, Denise Wantanabe, Darla Snyder, and Kelly Ryan.
Cindy Bensen, Melissa Picco, Susie Emerick, Elizabeth Entenmann, Kelly Ryan, Marie Nelson, Kris Pabian, and Michelle Lincoln.
John and Alice Calleja, Aleida Jacobo, Eunice Melnick, Denise Stack, Cory Held, Annita Tschanz, and Connor Boyd.

PICKLEBALL

The Key Largo Community Park installed ten brand new Pickleball courts in August 2024. Well before that grand opening, Wesley House Board member, MCSO Capt. David Smith, was already working with the Monroe County Parks and Recreation department to organize the first Pickleball Tournament to benefit Wesley House.

He recruited Ocean Reef Tennis and Pickleball Pro, Justin Romero, who graciously volunteered his time to run the tournament intricacies for us. We are so grateful to Capt. Smith and Mr. Romero for all their hard work with this fundraiser.

On September 21st we welcomed 96 players who had a fun day competing, sweating, and learning about the services of Wesley House. The action was hot and the temps were even hotter, but we persevered. We celebrated winning teams in advanced, intermediate, and beginner categories. This was a great way to introduce ourselves to the community as we opened our new Key Largo office a few months later.

1. Justin Romero running the tournament. 2. First place advanced winners. 3. Lorie Leal, Aleida Jacobo, Grace Epperly, Lissette Quintero, Matthew Corey, Donny Barrios, David Fernandez, and David Smith.
4. 96 players and volunteers!
5. David Smith and Mary Beth Harris manning the Centennial Bank grill.

KEY LARGO BLACK TIE BENEFIT

On February 8, 2025, we returned to the stunning Playa Largo Resort & Spa for our second Key Largo Black Tie Benefit. Guests were treated to an elegant Valentine’s-themed evening complete with lively silent and live auctions, featuring unique treasures and experiences. A moving client success story during the Mission Moment reminded everyone of the heart behind our work, inspiring a wave of generosity. The night concluded with dining, celebration, and of course, dancing as until the very end.

Daniela Merrell, Richard Engle, and Jacqueline Luhta.
Key Largo Sunset Rotary
Tisa Del Valle and Lisa Feliciano
Top: Lauren Mayer, Kelly Matacena, and Jennifer Zemmel. Bottom: Vanessa and Gilbert Rincon.
Top: American Caribbean Real Estate. Bottom: Citrus Family Care Network.

THE KEY WEST BLACK TIE BENEFIT

1. Kris Pabian, Mayor Danise Henriquez, Yvette Talbott, Aleida Jacobo, and WHFS Board Chair, Julio Torrado. 2. Ricky Allen, Kristen Livengood, Shirley Carey, and Craig Cates.3. Joseph Siemens and Melinda Hudson, Michael Wu and Kate Ketchum, Bill and Victoria Marraccini. 4. Felix Torres, Kris Pabian, Kelly Ryan, Darla Snyder, Tangela Torres, and Bob Pabian. 5. Elizabeth and Bill Entenmann. 6. Mindy and Abe Conn. 7. Charles Caprora, Wendy Westefer, Mandy and Ed Dawicki, Rayza Zavalata, Mac MacCarthy, Linda Turek, Monika and Patricio Duarte.

On March 29th, we transformed the ballroom at Beachside Resort & Residences for the 2025 Key West Black Tie Benefit. This year, we proudly honored Mayor Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez for her lifetime of public service. Inspired by a bold and bright spring theme, our talented staff brought the vision to life with handcrafted oversized tulips that set the stage for true generosity to bloom.

The true stars, however, were the 260 guests who filled the room with warmth, style, and generosity. Leading the way were our presenting sponsors — Stephen Brenner and Darla Snyder, Linda Turek, and the Walsh Family with Pier B Development — whose support made philanthropy blossom throughout the entire night.

From heartfelt moments of recognition to a packed dance floor with DJ Cardi keeping the energy high, it was a night of celebration, gratitude, and community spirit. We are deeply thankful to every sponsor and attendee whose commitment to our mission made this unforgettable evening possible.

Top: Kawana Staffney-Ashe, Danise Henriquez, and Rachel Oropeza. Middle: Jessie and Peter Batty.
Nancy Amsterdam, David and Karyn Brickner.

2024 - 2025 Annual Finance

Because of YOU we Bloom!

MAJOR DONORS & PARTNERS

PRIVATE DONORS

Raymond Alvarez

Nancy & Philip Amsterdam

Janet & Charles Bengel

Laura Benson & Walt Sliva

Susi & Mark R. Beveridge

Stephen K. Brenner & Darla Snyder

Karyn & David Brickner

Annie & Shane Briening

Mindy & Abraham Conn

Elizabeth & William J. Entenmann

Janice Nicowski Friends

Jeannie & Trevor Gray

Michele & Andrew Grim

Melinda Hudson & Joseph Siemens

Betina & Walter Justice

Elise Kopczick

Lindsay & David Lazcos

Victoria & William Marraccini

Mac McCarthy

Eunice Melnick

Kristine & Robert Pabian

Melissa & John Picco

Karen & Michael Rodriguez

Tammy & Scott Saunders

Lori & Anthony Scalera

Jeannine & Douglas Schrock

Maria & Robert Sharpe

Susan & John Sikich

PRIVATE DONORS

Catharine Regan & Kenneth R. Silverman

Loren & Ted Stewart

Rhonda Taylor

Stacy Tomlinson

Tangela & Felix Torres

Annita & Timothy Tschanz

Linda Turek

Brooke Vega

Jodi Weinhofer & Scott Barry

PARTNERS

Citrus Family Care Network

Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade / Monroe

Florida Department of Children and Families

General Board of Global Ministries

Key West Police Department

Key West United Methodist Church

Key West Woman's Club

MC Human Services Advisory Board

Monroe County School Board

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Ounce of Prevention Healthy Families Florida

SOS Foundation

United Women in Faith

LEGACY GIFTS

The Estate of Mary Ann Causley

FOUNDATIONS

Bolick Family Charitable Fund

Cheryl Cates Memorial Foundation

Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

Eckels Foundation

Edward B. & Joan T. Knight Foundation

Fred M. Klaus & Harold L. Murphy Foundation

First Horizon Foundation

Larry Dion Foundation

Michelle's Foundation

Ocean Reef Community Foundation Inc.

Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset Foundation

The Batchelor Foundation

The Lookout Foundation, Inc.

The Sexton Family Foundation

BUSINESSES

CBT Construction & Development

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

First State Bank of The Florida Keys

Gulf Atlantic Bank

Historic Tours of America

HydroThunder

Key Largo Lions Club

Keys Energy Services

Lower Keys Medical Center

Meisel Holdings, LLC

Mel Fisher Days, Inc.

Pier B Development

Ron Jon Surf Shop

THANK YOU TO OUR ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS WHO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR OUR PROGRAMS AND EVENTS!

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote and enhance the safety, well-being, and development of children by educating, supporting, and meeting the needs of families.

VISION STATEMENT

To develop and encourage a more child caring community.

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