Third Quarter, 2009 Newsletter

Key West center offers a safe haven for runaway, homeless kids
(Miami Herald; April 9. 2009)

By Cammy Clark

Andrea Grace Quigley was a ''lost'' 20-year-old when she hitchhiked from New Jersey to the end of the road -- Key West -- partly to escape a sad home life with a dying mom and a cancer-stricken dad, and partly to try to find herself.

With her last few dollars, she bought a movie ticket, sat in the darkened Tropic Cinema and fell asleep. When she woke, the movie was over. Tears began to flow.

''I didn't want to walk back out onto the street,'' Quigley said. ``I had no money. I couldn't call my parents, they were so desperately ill. I wanted somewhere to go, but I didn't know anyone.''

That low moment became a turning point. As she walked out of the theater, a stranger asked about the saxophone she was carrying with her backpack. The stranger was Tim Curtis, director of Project Lighthouse, a federally funded street outreach program for runaways, homeless and at-risk street youth under 21.

Project Lighthouse provided Quigley with basic necessities, equipment to record a demo CD and, most important, a safe place to figure out her next move. That was 2005. Today, Quigley is a young woman who owns a car, sells jewelry and clothing she designs and volunteers at the drop-in center that gave her a new start.

''Most everyone who comes in here is at a point in their life when they are teetering tottering on the ledge, and can go either way,'' Quigley said. ``You can go to this negative life, or go in the other direction.''

Project Lighthouse is not a shelter nor a traditional outreach program where a heavy emphasis on rules can send some youths running. It's a daytime-only, 900-square-foot oasis from the streets that functions as art studio, jam space, information center and survival goods supplier.

HAS SERVED HUNDREDS

It opened in October 2004 and has served about 870 runaway and homeless youth from around the country, according to program director Jai Somers. Hundreds more local at-risk kids also have been helped.

There's a big need in the Southernmost City. The tropical weather and laid back reputation attracts hundreds of runaways and the homeless, especially in winter.

Project Lighthouse is modeled after a successful outreach program by the same name in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

''It was very edgy, very artistic, where kids are talked about in a dignified, respectful way,'' said Kathy Tuell, president and CEO of Florida Keys Children's Shelter, the non-profit that operates Project Lighthouse. ``It was a program that would fit in with the quirkiness of the community of Key West.''

Project Lighthouse's lure: free art supplies, musical instruments, showers, laundry facilities, toiletries, Internet access, resource information and staffers and volunteers to listen.

There are a few simple ground rules: No drugs or alcohol. No sleeping. No fighting. Be kid-friendly (no swearing or R-rated material.) And, be productive.

Somers, an artist/counselor who took over as program director a year ago, said the key with the youth they serve -- they call them ''travelers'' -- is to build trust. Often, they are suspicious. Most have had tough, troubled childhoods with limited family support.

''Today they come in and use the bathroom,'' Somers said. ``Tomorrow, they come in and do a little laundry. The next day they want to use the computer. They know they can turn to us.''

REDUCES RISKS

The outreach program does not remove the teens and young adults from the streets. But it does provide services that reduce the risk and hardships of having no home, including medical help, with a volunteer doctor on call and condoms available for safe sex.

'The most successful influences out there are negative -- `come here and sell crack to a tourist, or be a prostitute,' '' Quigley said. 'You don't see many aggressive positive influences like Project Lighthouse -- `come in here and be creative, paint a picture, take a shower and go find a job.' ''

Tuell said she realizes some people in Key West see this nontraditional outreach program as an enabler for the youth to continue to live in the community, panhandle in front of local businesses and sleep on the beaches and in the mangroves.

''I've had a runaway child,'' Tuell said. ``I have been the mom who cruised the street looking for that young person, terrified and panic stricken. I want to know that there are responsible folks who are at least aware and supportive and ready to help a runaway child.''

(Direct link to Miami Herald article)

Running for the Florida Keys Children's Shelter

It may sound like an April Fool's joke, to think of someone running 128 miles, but it really did happen. Jay Rourke and Frank Crowely did just that. These men ran to help raise money and awareness for the Florida Keys Children's Shelter.

All of us with the FKCS are amazed and grateful to these interjected supporters. Many people do many things to help the children and families that need our services, but this was the most labor-intensive effort ever attempted and completed on our behalf. We thank and congratulate Jay, Frank, Perry, Kathy and the rest of their team that made this run happen. These men did more than “walked the walk” -- they ran! Additionally, thanks to all those who made a donation to Jay and Frank's run. Your gift will go directly to our programs throughout the Keys. We sincerely appreciate your investment.

Their run began on April 1, 2009 at the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West at 6:30 a.m. The pair then took to the road along with their support team, Perry McNary and Kathy Rourke. Perry provided aid when needed as Jay and Frank spent four days on the run, and Kathy alerted the press.

Each day, the men would run 32 to 33 miles. On day three, they were cheered and inspired by the kids and staff of the Florida Keys Children's Shelter. They completed the run Saturday, April 4 at Ocean Reef. As they entered the gates at Ocean Reef, they were encouraged by children and families alike. These well wishers fell in line and completed the run with Jay and Frank.

The 24th Annual Black & White Ball

All who attended had a great time at the 24th annual Black & White Ball celebrating the 20th anniversary of the FKCS. The event was held at La Siesta, in Islamorada, out on the beach on March 28 The evening was filled with fabulous "Tahitian Dreams" that celebrated those who have helped to "Create the Dream," "Secure the Dream" and are now "Advancing the Dream."

FKCS wants to thank all of the 2009 Black & White Ball committee members: Holly Stewart (Chair), Lori Bailey, David deHaas, Stacie Krupa, Nicole Lindholm, Lyndsey McGlasson, Meeja Ritchie, Audra Santoro, Renee Sebestian, and a special thank you to Claudia Stober.

The evening was just fantastic!

Click for larger view

Many more photos will soon be available on our site.

The Florida Keys Children's Shelter celebrated 20 years of service during the Black and White Ball, held on March 28, 2009. The evening was filled with excitement as more than 150 guests joined in celebration. During the night of dinner and dancing there was time set aside for Kathy Tuell, president and CEO of FKCS, to honor and thank several very special friends and partners of the Shelter. Dream Keeper Awards were presented to these important partners. The awards included the Creating the Dream award honoring the Ocean Reef community. Representatives from both the Keys Children's Foundation and the Ocean Reef Foundation accepted the award. Tuell stated, "It was their dream of protecting and serving children that made the Florida Keys Children's Shelter a reality, and since their hard work began the shelter has been able to protect and care for more than 21,000 children and families."

Tuell, along with those attending the Ball, were very pleasantly surprised when the Ocean Reef guests presented her with two very large checks to support special projects at the shelter. Cyndee Swenson, president of the Keys Children's Foundation, made the presentation of the $52,000 check, and Joanne Wills, a trustee of FKCS, represented the Ocean Reef Foundation by giving Tuell an additional check for $20,000. Tuell, very gratefully accepted the checks and stressed how truly needed they are during this year of severe budget cuts at the local, state and federal level.

Tuell also recognized other special partners by presenting Ed (TIB Bank) and Bonnie Lett with the Securing the Dream award, and David and Connie Helwig with the Advancing the Dream award. The evening was a wonderful success allowing the Florida Keys Children's Shelter to express their tremendous gratitude to all their many supporters and to secure much-needed funds to continue serving Monroe County's most vulnerable citizens by offering shelter and services leading to help and hope.

For more information on becoming involved with the Florida Keys Children's Shelter, you may contact Chief Development Officer Janey Miller at 305-852-4246, ext. 222, or by email at janeymiller@fkcs.org.

Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Game

Thanks to the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Upper Keys Reporter, Monroe County Sheriff's Office and H&R Block, the youth at the Jelsema Shelter were able to attend the Harlem Ambassador's basketball game against a team of locals at Coral Shores High School. The kids were given the game ball that was signed by all of the Harlem Ambassadors, thanks to Lori Bailey of First State Bank. Everyone had a great time!

The FKCS Wish List

Below are items that some of our programs are in need of. If you would like to donate any of these items you may contact Kelli Brower at 305.731.3943 or fkcsdream@yahoo.com. These items have been requested specifically by the Program Coordinators and are needed to perform basic, everyday function for their programs. Thank you!

Project Lighthouse
Key West Street Outreach program serving the Homeless and Runaway Youth

• Apartment sized Refrigerator and Freezer
• Clay kiln
• Sewing machine

Group Home, Key West
Serving youth 11 through 17 years of age

• Total gym (or some type of universal weight machine)
• New sectional couch
• Large area rug for living room
• Kayaks/paddles/life jackets
• Outdoor basketball hoop
• Large flat-screen TV
• Bicycles (for teenagers)
• Stainless steel cookware (pots and pans)

The Florida Keys Children's Shelter, inc. is a 501(c)3 tax- exempt organization.  An audited financial statement, Continuous Quality Improvement data and Risk Management information are available upon request.