I am very excited and honored to be the 2022-2023 President of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Tarpon Springs. I love GFWC and the heart of the ladies that are involved that are truly trying to make a difference in their communities and in the world. These are big shoes to fill and I hope to make the most of my presidency by inspiring and encouraging ladies to know that they truly are valuable and their involvement, no matter how small it is, can help to make the world a better place. The word that I chose to represent my year is COMPASSION. I hope that we all will be more aware of others and try to put ourselves in their shoes and see through their eyes. That cashier at the grocery store that may come off a little gruff, or the server at the restaurant who was a little short (as examples) probably have something going on in their life that is causing pain and instead of responding in anger, offer a friendly smile or a word of encouragement. There are many opportunities surrounding us to offer a hug, a smile, a helping hand, a prayer or a gentle word of hope to someone around us who’s heart is breaking.
The President’s Project that I have selected is the Safety Harbor Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch. This facility offers love and a family environment to children with siblings when they are placed, by no fault of their own, into foster care. Often there are 3 to 6 children that are removed from a home that otherwise would have been separated into different foster homes. At the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, those children can stay together in one loving home. They have already suffered various traumatic circumstances and they need their brothers and sisters to be with them and not torn apart and taken to different facilities or homes. These children are as young as 3 years old. Here they are offered a boutique on site filled with new clothes, shoes, toys, backpacks, and more to select from since many times they arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back. There are group activities, therapists, camps and cottage parents that are well trained and administer love and support to the children. Volunteers can come and read stories, tutor, teach music and there are many various other opportunities. I hope to bring more awareness to this wonderful facility that is making a difference in the lives of the children that find the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch their home.
Let’s try to see the world through the eyes of love and have compassion for those that we cross paths with on a daily basis. ❤
Kim Adams