"When I first began working with delinquent youth, I was intrigued by how a child gets himself to the point in his life that he requires society to lock him away. I have experienced cycles in my own understanding of which went from believing that they were all just 'bad' kids to the more rational belief that they are kids making bad choices usually due to lack of appropriate familial support and modeling. When you can see remorse form in their eyes and a desire to live a different life, I believe they should no longer be judged by their past, but instead be supported as they make a new future. They are holding out their hands and we can't ignore it any longer. It is our responsibility - they belong to us all."
--Erica Allen, President
The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc.
"After working with at-risk youth and their families for more than 13 years, I continue to be saddened and frustrated by the limited community services and support for this special population. The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. is an innovation organization specifically designed to foster and nurture the emotional well-being of post-committed youth and their families, which will improve their opportunities for a positive and successful life. Everyone deserves HOPE."
--Connie Zink, Vice President
The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc.
"Growing up in a good home, with parents who have been married almost 35 years, my mother asked me one day why I am so passionate about working with the often forgotten youth I see everyday. I have witnessed many broken young people who desperately seek a way out of the immensely difficult situations they live in with no one to help them. I desire to be part of creating an environment that will help these young men reach the goals and desires they once thought were not possible. Every young person who desires it, deserves the opportunity to live in an environment that will support positive outcomes in their lives. At the Phoenix HOPE House, we will provide that opportunity."
Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15
--Eric Holm, Missionary
Youth for Christ
Director of the Board
The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc.
"While working as a case manager at the Polk County Juvenile Boot Camp, the lack of options for the youth who did not have a home to go to or who wanted another alternative to the dysfunctional home or neighborhood they came from was frustrating and often heartbreaking. In the two and a half years as a case manager, I can think of at least five youth on my case load that desperately needed the help of The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. Additionally, the need for ongoing therapeutic support is immense, yet there are so few appropriate options. So for those who needed help, but had none, I am honored to part of this foundation and to be able to help those that do and will need these services in the future."
--Abby Candlish, Quality Assurance Analyst
Polk County Sheriff's S.T.A.R. Program
"My experience with troubled youth and families in our communities has shown that there is a definite need for providing services that are currently non-existent for youth and families. I applaud The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. in its efforts to partnership with community leaders, community businesses and politicians to work together in assisting troubled youth in our communities. I have devoted the past eleven years to helping children and families find healthy ways to move forward in their lives and making sure that good information is accessible to them - challenging children and families to use difficult situations or life circumstances as an opportunity for positive change. Youth are our most precious and valuable resource and as community leaders, we need to protect and encourage them to prosper and grow into young and successful adults."
-- Administrator Teressa Sample
Polk County Sheriff's S.T.A.R. Program
Conditional Release Unit
The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc.
Advisory Council Chairperson
"I believe in the mission of the Polk County Sheriff's S.T.A.R. Program and truly believe they do a tremendous service to the youth placed in their care and in the Polk County community. It saddens my heart to know and witness the hurt that these youth experience, and I believe we can help them improve their lives through The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. I am excited to be a part of The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. and believe it is a worthwhile investment for all members of our community to be involved in. We can change our world, one child at a time."
--Alyce Badcock, Treasurer
The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc.
"Having dedicated my life to serving my community through law enforcement, I know first-hand the importance of keeping our youth positively focused, deterred from delinquency, and averted from a potential life of crime. The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. is a project with remarkable goalsÉand I laud their efforts. I wholeheartedly support the concept of The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. and know miracles will be worked as a result of their work."
--Grady Judd, Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff's Office
"The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. is meeting a great need within the Polk County area specifically with the youth who have completed Polk County Sheriff's S.T.A.R. Program and their affected family members. The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. mission is in line with the outcomes we work for everyday in this program and will no doubt make an incredible impact on the youth and families in our communities. I strongly support and eagerly endorse The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. and its mission to this community."
--Captain Kurt Lockwood, Commander
Polk County Sheriff's S.T.A.R. Program
"I believe it is important for us to take advantage of this window of opportunity to guide these young people and let them know they have positive choices available to them. The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. is that safety net that can make an enormous difference in the lives of our stateÕs younger generationÉ.This support is essential in giving at-risk young people the best chance possible to have a substantive quality of life allowing them to succeed and therein give back to their communities."
--Dennis A. Ross
Florida House of Representatives
District 63
?The founders of The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. are outstanding individuals with a deep desire to improve the lives of committed and post-committed juveniles. Their past success with at-risk youth and juvenile offenders gives me full confidence that The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. programs will provide a stable, positive environment where youth are rehabilitated and prepared to lead a productive life in their communities."
--Paula Dockery
The Florida Senate
District 15
"As a public servant, I am always excited to see community members not only identify a need, but also seek to fill the need. The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. has done just that. Their mission to provideÉcounseling and resources for these youth and affected family members is much needed. I encourage and endorse the efforts and mission of The Phoenix HOPE Foundation, Inc. and believe they will have a direct positive impact on long term substance abuse recovery, recidivism, and breaking the cycles of family dysfunction."
--Joe Negron
Florida House of Representatives
District 82