On Wednesday, March 26, 2014, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program issued a press release announcing having reached a milestone of 9,000 volunteer guardians ad litem in the program.
An important step toward the goal of one-hundred percent representation, this milestone of 9,000 volunteers is being represented by seven individuals who together characterize the exceptional quality of Florida's guardians ad litem.
The Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program is proud to have one of our own volunteers, Kambria Emanuel Anderson, as part of this special group.
In celebration of the milestone, Circuit Director Deborah Moore spoke with Anderson and what it means for her to volunteer with our program.
Local Volunteer One of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program
Milestone 9,000th Volunteers
by Deborah Moore
Friday, March 28, 2014
Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida — Alan Abramowitz, Executive Director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program, announced today that the Program has reached a milestone of 9,000 GAL volunteers providing a voice in court for Florida's abused, abandoned or neglected children.
The GAL Program's 9,000th volunteer is actually a group of seven individuals who characterize the exceptional quality of GAL volunteers in the GAL Program. Kambria Emanuel Anderson, a Tallahassee resident, is one of the Guardian ad Litem's 9000th members. She is very pleased to be able to contribute to the GAL Program in her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida. As a state of Florida employee, Anderson is able to use administrative leave to work with worthy programs such as the GAL. As an Assistant General Counsel with the Florida Department of Corrections, protecting the safety of Florida's families is a primary mission for her.
"Throughout my life I have had the support of my family, mentors and teachers to help me reach my educational and professional goals. I want to make sure the children in my community are safe and secure and feel confident in knowing that they truly can be and do anything they put their minds to," said Anderson. "I know that the Guardian ad Litem Program has a similar interest in this goal and that's why I chose to give my time to their efforts."
Guardian ad Litem volunteers advocate in court for the best interests of Florida's children who are abused, abandoned or neglected. GAL volunteers ensure that during what is certainly the most difficult time in a child's life, the child has a consistent advocate who listens to them, makes sure the court hears their voice and advocates for their needs.
In making the announcement Abramowitz stated, "Our 9,000th volunteer represents great progress in obtaining our goal of 100 percent representation for all of Florida's dependent children. However, we know the only number that really matters is ONE. One voice, for one child, who needs one permanent, safe, and stable home. We hope many more potential GAL volunteers will make that one important decision to provide their time and passion for children and help us reach our goal of 100 percent representation."
To learn more about volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem visit www.gal2.org or call (850) 606-1213.
