by Monica Dao

“A young boy living in a group home had been in foster care for years. He never asked for much, but when he shyly mentioned wanting a toy kitchen, it was clear it meant something deeper—a sense of belonging, creativity, and normal childhood experiences. When he received it, his smile said it all. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a small piece of joy in a life filled with uncertainty.”

Speak Up for Kids is an organization dedicated to championing the best interests of children and advocating for their needs within the dependency system. By providing effective advocacy, they aim to break the cycles of abuse, violence, and crime, ultimately transforming the futures of the children they serve.

Looking to the future, Ashley shares, “Selfless Love Foundation aims to transform child welfare.” Dedicated to impact, One of their major achievements was the passage of Florida’s first law to protect the photos of children in foster care who are available for adoption. This victory sparked a national vision, with SLF planning a federal law to extend similar protections across the U.S. Each year, SLF hosts a National Think Tank, gathering child welfare experts from over 40 states to discuss policy improvements. The foundation believes in collective impact—coming together to drive positive social change in foster care systems, including adoption, youth support, and policy reform.

In Palm Beach County, Speak Up for Kids creates meaningful ways to engage the community in positive youth development. Through different programs and donations, students, caregivers, ambassadors, social workers, and volunteer advocates can empower children and ignite transformative change. Their approach focuses on how giving back builds unique talents and leadership skills, creating a compassionate and supportive community for all children.

While the work is often challenging and sometimes even heart-breaking, the reward is worthwhile. The impact of their child advocacy is tangible and far-reaching across Palm Beach County. In 2023, they served 1,992 children, helped 833 children find safe, permanent homes, attended 1,241 court hearings, involved 506 volunteer advocates, and supported 11 different programs.

Reese W., a student volunteer said, “Donating items with sentimental value, like your past favorite books, helps you realize how lucky you are to have experienced all the joys of this world. This realization is a great motivator to share those joys with others.”

On April 26th, Speak Up for Kids will host a “Denim & Diamonds” gala, an unforgettable evening honoring County Commissioner and Speak Up for Kids founder, Greg Weiss, with the Lifetime of Legacy Award for his lifelong dedication to the children of Palm Beach County. 100% of event ticket sales will go directly to support Speak Up for Kids’ programs.

Additionally, there are several ways to donate to Speak Up for Kids. Donations can be made directly online at www.speakupforkidspbc.org, or you can contribute technology, support jury duty efforts, fulfill their wish list, and more.

Join Speak up for Kids in their mission to create a lasting impact for the children of Palm Beach County. Your involvement and support help change lives for the better.