TAMPA – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently honored its Tampa-area volunteers, supporters and community partners who have made a significant impact on the organization and its mission.
The privately funded nonprofit relies on the support of donors, community partners and volunteers to provide its services to families across the state.
Each year, Better Together hosts a series of Doing Good Together receptions in all six of its regions to honor and showcase the efforts of these individuals and organizations.
Each honoree receives a specialized award, in the style of a prized baseball card, recognizing the recipient’s impact with Better Together.
Better Together recognized several honorees during the reception held Sept. 16 at the Tampa Bay Yacht & Country Club.
Honorees include:
- Host Family of the Year was presented to Kelly Taylor and her family. She and her daughters welcomed children into their home to care for them while the children’s parents worked to get back on their feet.
- Community Partner of the Year was presented to the City of Tampa. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team helps individuals and families find housing, and their partnership has helped families build a stable foundation.
- Church Partner of the Year was presented to Northwest Church of Christ. Pastor Joel Harper empowers the congregation to serve the community with energy. The church is all in, from hosting job fairs and prayer night to last-minute team meetings.
- Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year was presented to Devonique Freeman. She creates a supportive and uplifting environment, even in the midst of challenging work. She is professional, knowledgeable and always quick to offer help.
- Mentor of the Year was presented to Shelevia Dawson. She lives with open hands and an open heart, always ready to help those in need.
- Super Volunteer of the Year was presented to Kerri Sheeran. She has mentored three moms and gone above and beyond for each of them.
- The Staff Appreciation Award was presented to Madison Williams, Nancy Suriel, Viviane Kunak, Sophia Safford and Candice Chukes. The entire Tampa team went above and beyond this year, serving double the number of children over this time last year: 1,341 children.
“Our Better Together team is so grateful for the donors, volunteers, partners and advocates who stand in the gap and support us in fulfilling our mission,” CEO Megan Rose said. “These groups and individuals are the reason we are able to transform lives and help our community flourish. It was an honor to recognize them for their generosity and unwavering support this year.”
This year’s Tampa Doing Good Together reception was sponsored by GTE Financial.
