Connect with The Libertore Fund for Children in Central Florida and the Florida Suncoast to improve at-risk children’s quality of life with the tools they need to succeed.

If you are a partner agency and would like to share an event or contribution update, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Details: Published: 11 August 2022

Big Dreams Accomplished With Bite-sized Goals

The school year has begun and this is a perfect time to sit down with your child and plan for the year. The best way to plan is to set goals, long-term and short-term goals.

Set Goals With Your Child

Goals should be measurable. How else do you know you are there?

They should be specific. What exactly do you want to achieve?

They should be reasonable. Is your child capable of achieving this goal?
They should have personal value. Does your child really want to achieve this goal?

Set Academic Goals For School

Write down the last grades earned

Set a goal for each subject-encouraging at least minor growth in each subject

Write down the goals, if they are not written they are just a dream
Write down specific steps needed to reach each goal. These are short-term goals.

Once goals are set, a change must happen-

“Keep on doing what you have always done; you will always be where you have always been”. As a parent, your role is to support the change.

Make Study Time a Priority

Have a scheduled study time every day (the times can vary daily based on the child’s activities)

Set goals for study time

Set Long-Range Goals for studying

Do the assigned homework –do on time and turn it in on time

Prepare for class – show up with supplies, ready to learn and even preview the material

Study for tests – test preparation begins when class begins. Students prepare by doing all the work, participating, and then studying. Studying means reviewing old tests, notes, and the textbook

Take good notes – record notes given in class, rewrite notes for clarification and understanding

Study beyond homework time – preview and review

Manage Time-Time is a Limited Commodity

Time is one thing that we can manage

Encouraging time management is a great gift to give your child

Managing time is a matter of making good decisions

Playtime is important but should be a reward when work is accomplished-apply time rule is 15/5 or 30/15 (15 minutes on task, 15 off for a break)

Organization

Have a consistent place to put the backpack

Have the same or a similar place for completed homework
Touch something only once – once in your hand put it where it belongs; the permission slip is signed so it will go in the backpack or in the completed bin to be placed in the backpack before going to bed

When the long-term goals are met, your child deserves a reward that you decided on when you initially set the goals. A smaller reward along the way as your child begins meeting the short-term goals will help motivate and fill your child with a sense of accomplishment.

Learn more about The Libertore Fund for Children and our partners.

For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details: Published: 21 June 2022

With summer fast approaching, many of us can’t wait to get out on the water with our families. These trips are even more enjoyable when kids are active participants more than passengers. Here are eight age-appropriate boating techniques to teach your children, no matter how young they are.

Identifying channel markers by shapes and colors
Knot tying
Checking Fluids
Watching the weather
Checking Safety Equipment
Cleaning
Plotting courses
Boat Handling

Learn more about boating safety for your children and family, here.

Check out the proper fit and sizing when purchasing life vests, here.

The Libertore Fund for Children is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) located in Florida. Providing grants and resources for non-profit agencies that offer services for our most vulnerable children, those at risk of failure. Our team is passionate about helping children overcome obstacles that threaten their minds, bodies, and hopes. We do the research to identify top charities by assessing their effectiveness, cost-efficiency, transparency, and need for funding, in order to maximize the value of each contribution. Contact us for more information.

Details: Published: 07 April 2022

The 5th Annual SuperStar Sports Party

Join The Libertore Fund For Children in making an impact on underprivileged and at-risk kids while casually enjoying a fun-filled night of music, dancing, food & drinks. Enjoy live music from The Big Chill, an open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction. Have fun making bids on incredible sports memorabilia, game-day experiences, and locally sponsored prizes.

The SuperStar Sports Party proceeds go to the Larry Libertore Youth Sports Scholarship program to provide scholarships to underprivileged youth, ages 11-18, with the opportunity to participate in sports leagues or camps that would be otherwise unattainable.

Date: Saturday, April 30, 2022

Where: 34 Club at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2201 Lakeland Hills. Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805

Time: 7:00-10:00 P.M.

Attire: Casual...Team Colors Encouraged

Since the inception of this scholarship in 2019, with the help of our donors and sponsors, we have awarded scholarships to 41 young aspiring athletes that would not have been able to participate in sports camps and leagues due to financial restraints. Our goal for 2022 is to raise $50,000 to give 41 more student-athletes a scholarship!

This scholarship program is in honor of Larry Libertore, a Gator Great. He had the fighting spirit to thrive in a sport where he was seen as an underdog. He went on to become a star athlete for the University of Florida at only 5'8" tall and 138 pounds, holding the record for the most rushing yards until Tim Tebow broke his record. Larry believed that every child has the potential to succeed if provided the opportunity and that sports can be the conduit to successful adulthood. But, for so many children, sports are beyond their reach due to financial constraints and that is why we are asking for your support to reach this attainable goal.

Details: Published: 26 May 2022

Recognizing Mental Health & Wellness Every Month

Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the families in Uvalde, TX, who are reeling from the unthinkable loss of their children. We pray for the healing of those who were injured, as well as their family members, friends, and all the children that will live in fear and anxiety every day going forward.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month but in my opinion, we should be recognizing mental health and wellness measures every month.

An estimated 20 million of our nation's young people can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorder, yet there are not enough services, beds, or treatment centers available for children and adolescents suffering from mental illness.

The lack of services for young children, the fear of having our child diagnosed with a mental illness, or the belief that it will just go away in time stops are children from getting the help they need.

Early diagnosis and treatment can give your child the relief and freedom to be a happy, healthy child that will transition from childhood into adulthood with success.

Living with mental health issues every day is far worse than having a label. According to the Mayo Clinic, mental health disorders in children are defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills, or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school, or in other social situations.

We need to let our kids and peers know that it is okay to ask for help, to get help, and to talk about mental illness.

Learn about the warning signs and if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, reach out to your pediatrician for referrals, contact a local psychologist or try telehelp from your home at https://www.littleotterhealth.com/ or find another source.

Research what is available in your community to help youth struggling with mental illness issues and if there aren’t many resources, be a catalyst in your and fight for services for our youth that need help while they are young.

For assistance in your community, find a local NAMI organization or affiliate here.