Item O1
JUST 4 KIDS
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................un.....
P.O. 80\ 228
Ke~ West. Florida 33041
(30:,,923-8993
( 30:') 296--+ 796
ItsJ ust...J.K idsi7 aol.colll
May 5, 2003
County Administrator's Office
1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205
Key West, Fl. 33040
Dear Monroe County Commissioners,
In response to a letter from the Honorable Dixie Spehar, dated April 28, 2003, I am providing the enclosed
package detailing pertinent information regarding JUST" KIDS and the valuable services it makes
available to Monroe County children of hardship situations.
JUST" KIDS has survived for over a decade as a volunteer program, increasing in size and in need each
year as community outreach program that assists the daily lives of ALL Monroe County children in
hardship situations. It is based on situation and circumstance and works year round to improve the daily
lives of ALL children experiencing hardships due to illness, homelessness, loss of a parent and poor
financial situations. Peer pressures and growth are encompassing enough under "normal" circumstances,
but to children from poor living conditions, they can be overwhelming and inhibiting. Surviving with old
clothing, poor hygiene and used school supplies can be unbearable and .JUST .. KIDS is our attempt to
lessen this hardship. Working VERY closely with the school teachers of Monroe County and many child
oriented non-profit agencies, we provides basic human needs through the donation or purchase of new
clothing, new school supplies, new hygiene items and whatever else is deemed necessary for each
individual situation. We feel that this is a direct link to the .JUST .. KIDS mission statement: To provide
services and programs to ALL children who endure hardship situations helping them to attain personal
growth, security, self esteem and selfworth. The growth of the program is constant and rapid. JUST ..
KIDS has served over 1000 children this past school year.
There are several programs that JUST" KIDS is in the process of implementing. Included in these is
"Clothes Closet Plus", a program that supplies basic human needs such as clothing, school supplies and
hygiene items to JUST" KI DS clients. Another project is the "Community Recreational Center of the
Arts". As art can be considered a visual perspective of feelings, it is our hope to provide a safe haven in
which they can express themselves creatively while exploring their feelings and emotions through color
and technique.
To provide the Monroe County Commissioners and the public the opportunity to learn more about the
JUST" KIDS program, we are requesting placement on the upcoming agenda for the County
Commissioners Meeting. We appreciate your interest in JUST" KIDS and look forward to hearing
from you shortly.
Sincerely,
?av~ {!;cw'~
Paula Ciavolino
Executive Director
0/
JUST if KIDS
Mission
./rST.. KIDS is a community outreach program based on situation and circumstance. It works year-round to improve
the daily lives of all children experiencing hardships such as illness, homelessness, loss of a parent and poor financial
situations. Working very closely with Monroe County teachers and many child-oriented, non-profit agencies, ./l'ST ..
KIDS provides basic human needs to these children through the donation of new clothing, accessories, school
supplies, hygiene items, meals, and other services. The provision of these items has a direct link to the ./ t' ST .. I, I OS
mission statement:
"To provide services and programs to all children who endure hardship situations helping them to attain
personal growth, security, self-esteem and self-worth."
The Problem and Indication of Need
,llST" KIDS has identified specific indicators of the existing problems and need for help including:
* Peer pressures and growth are encompassing enough under "normal" circumstances, but to children from poor
living conditions, the same pressures can be overwhelming and inhibiting. In old worn-out clothing and hand-me-
downs, with no (or used) school supplies, and with unacceptable hygiene, the situation becomes unbearable.
* Under the extreme pressures they experience, bright students become drop-outs and suffer throughout their lives
due to circumstances beyond their control.
* Parents who are doing the best they can for their children are afraid of accessing any institutional services that are
available for fear of anyone learning their plight and causing the family to be separated "for the good of the
children". Realizing the fear, ./I'ST -4 KIDS has served unmet needs without fear of separation and by protecting the
privacy of the family. For the estimated 600 families accessing the unduplicated services o[,IlST -4 "dDS, the
organization has become their life-line to the outside world.
Organization History and Structure
.J( Sf.. KIDS began quietly approximately 12 years ago as one woman's effort to get involved wherever she was
needed in the Key West community. As Paula Ciavolino, the program founder and director, learned of the urgent
need for someone to help Key West children and families in hardship situations, she began filling requests for school
supplies, new clothing and hygiene items using her own funds. Paula's goal was to alleviate some of the stresses felt
by the children, and to help them achieve self-esteem, acceptance, peer interaction and self- worth. She did this by
providing them with items that would help them have a positive outlook on both their life-situations and themselves.
By targeting the children of all hardship situations that otherwise were not receiving aid, she found that the teachers,
who see the children on a daily basis had a personal knowledge of a child's family situation and a more intimate feel
for their needs. Paula reached out to the teachers and other child related non profit agencies. Who knew which
items were not being covered. By becoming a unified partner with these other two entities, the needs of ALL
children of hardship situations were being met without duplication. To meet the increasing amount of referrals being
received, Paula sought community support. She was met with strong support and donations of in-kind services and
cash.
.JlST ~ KIDS incorporated in October 2002, formed a Board of Directors and filed for its 501 (C) (3) designation
from the Internal Revenue Service. Realizing that receiving IRS approval could be a lengthy process, the Board of
Directors voted on, and agreed to exist temporarily under the umbrella of The National Heritage Foundation. This
would allow ,RST ~ KIDS to operate as an "official" non-profit agency and also be eligible to apply for foundation
and other funding. Such funding will allow .IlST.. "ms to finally attain a balance between the demand and the costs
involved.
Operating under the National Heritage Foundation meant that the .JlIST 4 KIDS Board would have to temporarily
step-aside. Instead, the Board of Directors opted to continue their support of the program during the interim and
formed a Board of Regents. Members of the Board of Regents are: Fran Tingley, Elmira Leto, Robin Lynne, Jeanna
Bryan, Francis "Monday" England, Daisy Nasiero, Leigh Carman and the newest member, Cady Holtkamp. In
addition, many friends of Jl:ST .. KIDS who are also highly-respected members of the community have made
themselves available for program advisement. They include Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekly, Elaine London,
Sabrina Rivas, Ron Heron and Dr. Smith of the Monroe County School System.
,HST" KIDS was first housed under the umbrella of Wesley House Family Services. Later, as the program
expanded, it moved to the Boys and Girls Club of the Florida Keys. . Because the program has achieved many of its
goals and has grown beyond forecasted expectations, the need for a more permanent organizational structure,
funding and expansion has become a necessity. .H'ST" KIDS is currently searching for a permanent home where the
day-to-day operations can take place and families-in-need can have their privacy protected while being served.
JUST If KIDS has no paid staff and all donations directly benefit the clients for which they are intended. Operating
solely through the generosity and support of the Keys communities, .lUST 4 KIDS served over 700 Monroe County
children and their families this past year. An unexpected, but much requested and greatly needed, expansion into the
middle- and upper-Keys, has caused an explosion of referrals. Growth has been both rapid and constant as ./l'ST ..
KIDS has evolved into a unified effort between Paula, the school system, the business community and individual
community members.
Target Population and Program Partners: The intent of./llST" KIDS has always been to make services available
to all children of hardship situations. In addition to the child-related non-profit agencies that .JlIST .. KIDS serves, the
organization work closely with most public schools, as well as private preschools, and charter schools. No one in
need is turned away.
Along the way, Jl'ST .. KIDS has become well-recognized.in the community as an organization that is open to
partnership and collaboration. ,)l'ST .. KIDS receives referrals and requests from a multitude of non-profit agencies
including: Guardian Ad Litem, Samuel's House, Wesley House, The Girl Scouts, The Red Cross, The Florida Keys
Children's Shelter, The Domestic Abuse Shelter, The Salvation Army in Marathon, The Boys and Girls Club, the
CHIPS program, The Homeless Coalition and several other groups. Due to rampant budget cuts among the other
non-profit agencies, more are looking to ,JliST .. KIDS to provide the items needed for their clients. Through this
"partnership" with ,nrST .. KIDS, the funding that is available to the non-profits can be applied directly to their other
program costs, while their juvenile clients are still adequately served. In addition, by working closely with the
teachers and other non-profit agencies, there is little or no duplication of service, just a unified effort amongst us
with them to better serve the children ofthe Keys community in its entirety.
Projects of .JlIST ~ KIDS
Currently. Just" Kids has two major programs, for which support is being requested:
Clothes-Closet Plus - The Clothes-Closet Plus component of.nrST" KIDS accesses, stores and provides basic
human needs such as clothing, school supplies and hygiene items on a referral basis to its clients. ALL ITEMS ARE
NEW and NO REFERRALS ARE REFUSED. JFK strives to provide all items necessary for children to "fit-in"
with their peers at functions such as proms and other end-of-year activities. Having items equivalent to those of their
peers gives them the ability to interact with their peers, confident of acceptability and acceptance.
As the ,Jl'ST" KIDS program has grown, it has become impossible for Paula to store the many donated items in her
home. Several organizations and businesses throughout the area have made closets or small spaces in comers of their
facilities available to Paula for storage. This arrangement, while generous, is neither efficient nor secure. Upon
receipt ofa referral, JCST" KIDS would be able to fill the request immediately and better handle the substantial
number of referrals we receive each week. Because JFK works closely with the guidance counselors and schools,
keys-wide, it is allowed access to their "pony" system to deliver the items directly to the children, via the referring
guidance counselor. Referrals from the various non-profit, child-related agencies are delivered directly to the agency
or through the schools. A storage space, large enough to securely house all the necessary supplies together, will
provide better service to the client-base.
Another operational expense for Clothes-Closet Plus is the constant need to replenish supplies. Many times, an
emergency referral is made for items that .lIST.. KIDS does not have on-hand. In addition, opportunities frequently
arise to purchase "standard" items in bulk at huge discounts. Having funds available to buy emergency items and to
take advantage of savings opportunities would allow .ILST.. KIDS to fill special requests and to serve more children.
The Bahama ViIlal!e Art Proiect
A new facet of,H'ST" KIDS, opening this summer, is centered around art and security. A program has been planned
to develop a community center located in the Bahama Village area of Key West dedicated to children's art. The
center will be staffed and open on a daily basis, providing a safe atmosphere for children to express themselves in
many mediums without fear of ridicule. The project will serve the many disadvantaged children in thellST .. "IDS
program by giving them an atmosphere in which they can safely explore their feelings and creativity. The hours of
operation of the center will be scheduled to provide students and opportunity to come at any time, sign-in, and with
the direction of a staff employee, choose their own project and work independently instead of being required to work
in a structured group. Art projects will be offered that promote self-esteem and self-expression through both creative
and emotional expression in a variety of art forms will be available. As the program progresses, art fairs and sales are
planned to display the art work and allow the participants ~o sell their "creations" if they wish to do so.
The facility to operate the Bahama Village Art Project is being donated by the City of Key West. However, money is
needed for staffing, visiting artist fees, art supplies and equipment, special events, and refreshments.
,II 'ST .. KIDS has great plans for the future and will work in the upcoming year to secure long-term funding for
existing and planned projects.
Conclusion
Homelessness, illness and financial family burdens are, unfortunately, increasing throughout Monroe County. The
recognition and support of the County Commissioners will help to allow .JlIST .. KWS to sufficiently provide a
unified, keys wide community-supported service to all children of hardship situations. To efficiently and effectively
serve these children, .lUST.. KIDS, is in need of a permanent office for accessibility and operations, funding to
properly implement its programs and attain the strength it needs. With your support, we can proudly state that we are
endorsed by your honorable Commission in a unified effort with us to properly serve ALL children in need in
Monroe County. These children will be fully provided with a chance to achieve self-esteem, personal growth,
security and self-worth.
Thank you for considering this worthwhile endeavor. By investing in ,lIST" KIDS, you WILL be making a
difference in the future of Monroe County.
\..... l'ubll.
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Members of the Board
District # I
EILEEN QUINN
Vice Chair
KexsSchools.com
Your Education Connection
District #2
ANDY GRIFFITHS
District #3
PATRICK G. LABRADA
Chair
MICHAEL J. LANNON
SUPElIDITENDENT
District #4
ANNE KELLY COHAN
District #5
DEBRA WALKER
March 25, 2003
To Whom It May Concern,
On behalf of the Monroe County School District's homeless student project, this
letter is to commend the "It's Just 4 Kids" program for their support within our schools to
assist students who are in need.
The homeless student project is intended to assist a narrow population with school
related assistance. This has left a greater population of students who are in poverty
situations that remain in need of school as well as daily necessity items.
The "It's Just 4 Kids" program has been working directly with teachers, school
office staff, Principals and guidance counselors to provide items of necessity to
impoverished students for the past few years.
"It's Just 4 Kids" has provided clothing, hygiene items, Christmas assistance &
Homecoming assistance to students in hardship situations. Parents have written thank
you letters to the C.H.I.P.S. project with thanks & praise for the cooperative efforts
between the "It's Just 4 Kids" program and the Children's Homeless Intervention Project
for Students (C.H.I.P.S.).
I recommend the "It's Just 4 Kids" for any support available to further their
ability to serve our Monroe County children in hardship situations.
Together we can accomplish anything!
~.s~
Frances "Monday" England
C.H.I.P.S. Liaison
Monroe County School District
305-293-1400 ext 370
241 Trumbo Road - P.O.Box 1788 - Key West, FL 33041-1788
305/293-1400 - SunComm 464-1400 - Fax 305/293-1408
www,monroe.kI2.fl.us or www,keysschools.com
Gerald Adame Elementary School
5855 College Road AJ Key WefJt, Florida 33040
Telephone 305-293-1609
Fax Machine 305-293-1608
Anne F. Tingley
Principal
Grace Willis
Assistant Principal
Jennifer Barnhart
Guidance Counselor, Gerald Adams Elementary School
5855 College Road
Key West, Florida 33040
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with pleasure that I write this letter to let you know what a great help Just 4 Kids has
been to the children and families of our school. Just 4 Kids provided three families and
fIfteen children with a full Christmas this year at our school alone. The endeavor was an
amazing one and the children received wonderful gifts. I was able to see the task at hand
for myself and was amazed at how many children in our county were served on that
particular holiday.
Our children have received year round as well. I have called to get assistance in clothing
and school supplies for several other children throughout the year and not only did I
receive wardrobes for them, but received them' within days! I work in a school servicing a
population of underprivileged children and Just 4 Kids has been an immense help to
them. It is wonderful to see how new clothes and proper school items change the attitude
in a child. Giving of such items not only fulfills the basic needs of a child but some self
worth needs as well.
Just 4 Kids is an important organization not only in our school, but in our community. It
has been a pleasure working with Paula, the director, and easy to do so. We will continue
to utilize this resource. It is valued and valuable for our children.
) LMHL
ifer Barnhart
Guidance, Gerald Adams Elementary
March 25, 2003
F~n€~~ .
e~!IItJt( Pl't~./
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To whom it may concern:
We support the Just 4 Kids children's art program proposed by Paula Ciavolino.
Paula has a great track record helping kids and families in distress combined with
energy, enthusiasm and ability. Just 4 Kids has strong community support.
We've helped Paula clarify goals and timelines, create a budget, identify revenue
sources and develop an initial structure for the much-needed art program: 10 weeks,
10 hours a week, in the old Garage on Fort Street adjacent to the Frederick Douglas
Community Center in Bahama Village. The Board of the Florida Keys Council of the
Arts formally approved, at its March 20 meeting, a partnership with Just 4 Kids to
provide technical assistance on an ongoil'!g basis.
We'll assist in artist/teacher hiring and training. We have a roster of qualified
professional artists who've worked successfully in our initiatives like ArtReach,
ArtWorks and Artists in Schools in schools, libraries, and after-school and drug court
programs. They combine excellent teaching/mentoring skills with fine artistic ability.
Additionally, we will publish "Calls to Artists" at www.kevsarts.com and in the Key
West Citizen to recruit and hire potential new artist/teachers.
There is immense need for arts programming in this neighborhood. Many children
experience one or more of these factors on a daily basis:
· Lack of parental presence
. Homelessness
. easy accessibility to illegal drugs
· prevalent poly-substance drug use
· the highest rate of HIV infection in Florida
Research demonstrates the value of the arts to empower troubled youth to change
behaviors and increase learning. Youth involved in arts programs demonstrate:
· increased ability to communicate effectively with adults and peers
· increased ability to cooperate with others
· decreased frequency of delinquency
· higher SAT scores in both verbal and math
Thank you for helping Just 4 Kids to encourage our young people to make good
choices and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Sincerely,
)~/~~ /L-e ~
Monica Haskell
President & CEO
1100 Simonton Street. Key West. FL 33040
305.295-4369/ Fax: 305-295-4372
email: info@keysarts,com / www.keysarts.com
Upper Keys: 305-852-1469 ext.4369
Marathon: 305-743-0079 ext.4369
1
~ HORACE O'BRYANT MIDDLE SCHOOL ~
11 05 Leon Street
Key West, F/.orida 33040
PholU!: 305-29~5628 / Fax: 305-293-1644
Principal
Frank P. Spoto, Jr.
Assistant Principals
Marian Smith
Denise Santiago
March 26, 2003
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with pleasure that I recommend funding for the Just 4 Kids program. This
program has been a huge asset to our school. During the holidays Paula Ciavolino and
the Just 4 Kids program provided many of our students and their siblings with Christmas
gifts. She even offered to do the delivering although she was extremely ill at the time.
When the whether suddenly turned very cold, Paula arrived at the school with warm
clothing for our students without even being asked. On another occasion, one of our
students' clothing was stolen from a laundromat, Paula came through with clothing in no
time even though it was a very difficult size to find. Throughout the year, Paula helps
provide school supplies, art supplies, and classroom project supplies to those students
who couldn't possibly afford them, but whose grades are reliant on those items. The
students' faces light up when they see that someone really cares about them and their
grades.
Paula is a pleasure to work with, and her program is extremely beneficial to the
students of Horace O'Bryant Middle School. Whereas some groups lend their support
only during the holidays, Paula is there for our students all throughout the year. She is
never too busy to help those who are in need, and we are extremely lucky to have her in
our community.
Sincerely,
~~
Denise Santiago
Assistant Principal
FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN'S SHELTER
JELSEMA CENTER
73 HIgh PoInt Road
Ta\!emIer, Florida 33070-2005
(305) 852-4246
1-800-329-4246
FAX: (305) 852-6902
,
KEY WEST CENTER
2221 Patterson Avenue
Key West. f-lorlda 33040
(305) 294-4202
FAX: (305) 294-4202
~
..
~~I
June 28, 1994
To Whom It May Concern:
Paula Ciavolino has been my primary support for fund raising
efforts in the City of Key West. As Director of Development
for the Florida Keys Children's Shelter, I have had the
pleasure of working with Paula for more than a year. She
has been an essential part of the development of our new Key
West Center for Runaway and Homeless Youth.
If you have the opportunity to hire Paula, you would be well
advised to do so. She is a reliable, hard working, honest,
enthusiastic worker. Her initiative and perseverance will
assure her success at whatever tasks she undertakes.
Paula's love for children and family are evident; She is
self-motivated and creative; and her knowledge of the Key
West area and it's people are remarkable.
Please, if I can answer any questions, do not hesitate to
call. My number is 305/852-9259.
Very sincerely yours,
~a:ldt ~~'-~~i:v,
Edith Zewadski-Bricker
Director of Development
~\
AIDS HELP~
"-!$
May 29, 1996
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This is a letter of introduction and recommendation for Ms. Paula
Ciavolino. I have known Ms. Ciavolino for the last four years in
a professional capacity through my past position as Assistant
City Manager of the City of Key West and as Vice President of the
Board of Direc~ors of the Florida Keys Childrens Shelter.
Ms. Ciavolino is one ot the most-talented and successful non-
profit volunteers I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
Over the time I have known her, she has put her strong public
relations and organizational skills to work for the Florida Keys
Childrens Shelter with remarkable success. She has almost
singlehandedly been responsible for the wide community support
that has developed around the Childrens Shelter. She is very
dedicated and hardworking in her endeavors, and brings a personal
style that is extremely well received by the community.
Ms. Ciavolino's efforts for the children of our community earned
her the distinction of Volunteer of the Year Award recently, a
recognition she richly deserved.
I would highly recommend Paula to you in any position that
involves public relations or marketing, but I am quite confident
that she would do well in any endeavor she chose to undertake.
Please feel fr~e to call me if you require further information,
as I have no reservations in recommending her to you.
Kind regards,
~~-
-
Ron Herron
Executive Director
P.O.Box 4374. Key West. FL 33041-4374
(305) 296-6196 · FAX: (305) 296-6337
Prinferl on Recycled Paper
series to De nela at me IIUlSVllal
on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.
$50 per hour. 295-4369 for
more info.
From time to time Rorida Keys
,Council of the Arts seeks artists
(literary, performing, visual) and
arts professionals to serve-on
panels, work as resident artists,
work with at-risk youth, give pre-
sentations, speak to visiting
journalists, or create commis-
sioned work. Send proposal,
SASE to 1100 Simonton St.,
2988.
Artwork sought in all media for
revolving exhibitions at the fol-
lowing pUblic Monroe County
locations:
Marathon Government Center,
contac,t Mayra Tezanos, 305-
289-2524,
mayra@mail.state.f1.us;
Environmental Health
Department, Marathon, contact
Sherri Johnson, 289-2721,
sherry!.Joh nson@doh.state.f1.us;
Gato Building, county and state
HWY., MaRlUIUII. ,....,-vouo.
Boys & Girls Club invites volun-
teer artists in all media to teach
children. Dan Dombroski, 296-
2258.
Art Boutique seeks fun, colorful,
different work in all media. 314
Petronia St., Key West. 296-
0661; e-mail pies.prices.info
to artzillastudio@bellsouth.net.
Chicken Store seeks chicken-
Guidance Clinic of Mi
Day Treatment Progra'
artists to educate clie
unteer basis. Clients '
receptive to arts & cr
Jacka, 289-6150 ext
Monroe Co. Nutrition
needs volunteer ente
artists to visit senior,
Key West, Big Pine, M
Plantation Key. 11:3C
p.m. Mon.-Fri. 292-4
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Just 4 Kids
,flc;, r- Just 4 Kids is a community
VJ~ outreach program based on sit-
t ~ uation and circumstance which
'./. '- t\ 1J..- f\. works year round to assist the
L\ :?J daily lives of all children in hard-'
dOO ship situations which includes
'" ^ cX\ I illness, homelessness, loss of a
fJ \ parent and poor financial family
situations.
The program provide services
and programs to all children
who endure hardship situations
helping them to attain personal
growth, security, self esteem and
self worth. It is a Keyswide, year
'round effort.
For over a decade, Just 4 Kids
have worked very closely with
both the teachers of Monroe
County and the other child ori-
ented non profit agenCies, striv-
ing to provide aid to these chil-
dren through the donation of
new clothing, accessories,
school supplies, hygiene items,
meals, etc. _ ' ,
Currently, the organization is
also planning to begin the Just 4
Kids Art Program, which will be
opening in Bahama Village,
adjacent to the Bahama Village
Music Program school. A May
, opening is planned, with several
. scheduled art classes, at no cost
to all children. -
, The overall vision, with the
help of community support, is
to develop a community 'center
for art which will be staffed and
open on a daily basis, providing
several art projects in many
mediUIIis at all ,times, accessible
to all, ,in an open classroom
style. This will provide the
opportunity for all students to
come at any time, sign in and
"
._RELIGION
St.Francis in the Keys
ThisWednesdayat St Francis-
in-the-Keys Episcopal Church,
the congregation will celebrate
Tenebrae. On MaundyThursday,
they will hold a foot-washing
ceremony, celebrate the
Eucharist, and strip the altar and
sanctuary. On Good Friday, the
worship service will include the
Stations of the Cross,. at 6:30
p.m.
Father Chris Todd will be one
of the seven local clergy to
preach on the seven words of
Jesus from the cross at Big Pine
United Methodist Church from
noon-3 p.m. on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday. St. Francis
will join Lord of the Seas
Lutheran Church for their tradi-
tion joint sunrise service at 6:30
am.
The service will be held at the
end of Bogie Road, and will be
followed by breakfast at the
Lower Keys Property Owners
Association buildiOg.
8t Francis will also celebrate
Easter in its sanctuary' at 9:30
am. St. Francis-in-th~-Keys is
located at 1600 Key Deer Blvd.,
just south ofWatson.
For information, call 872-
2547.
.!9 REGIONAL ITALIAN CUISINE ~.
J~i4~
Celebratiilg National Jazz Month featuring The Blnniitgham
blues pianist Johnnie O'Neal and the melodic ~gs of Kenny ~"
, ,Cleek loca1llstings for dates an4 times. .., ' ,
Upstairs at- Antonia's. ;, I
OPEN 7 DAYS .' 6:30-11PM · PARKING :t
.~ 615 DUVAL · RESERVATIONS 294-6565 ~
with the direction
employee, choose
project and work ind
inStead of in a schec
setting.
Just 4 Kids can
donations. All gift
deductible, and can
"Just 4 Kids, P.O. Be
West, Fl. 33041."
For more informa
ItsJust4Kids@aolcol!
Car
Net
'. .
nrns
You will receive
Cartoon Network
T-shirt, backpack. c,
bottle, Scooby-Doc
head trophy and 5
lessons for only!
5-6 yr. olds, Weds. 3:
6-7 yr. olds. Tues. 4:~
or Thurs. 5:30-6:-
Cub starts Apri
Call 1800 Atlanti
at 292-1215 to !'
Prove
'In The Citizen
Fishing Report
Call 292.7777'X223;
f- 294-<J768;
or.email -
fisbingryport@1ceysnnvs
,- n ~
giVing DaC~L.
Just + Kids
~--
.
Glynn R.
Archer
Elementary
School
Just 4 Kids is a unified, volunteer effort of the Monroe
County community, but many people in Key West are not
sure exactly what the program encompasses. Is it about
one volunteer with a mission? Is about kids in need? Is it year
round? Is it a unified effort among resources of the community
to help the children in need? Exactly what is Just 4 Kids?
Just 4 Kids began as a grass roots volunteer effort by Paula
Ciavolino who wanted to ease some of the hardships that so
many children endure in their daily lives due to financial family
burden, illness, loss of a parent, homelessness and many other
situations. Once, the victim of a tragic hit and run accident,
Ciavolino, a pedestrian, was left comatose and with multiple
fractures to begin a long and ongoing recovery. The journey led
her, her husband Richie, percussionist and timbale player for
Caribe, and their son, to Key West with the desire to once again
become involved in something meaningful, if not physically
then mentally,
34. . .
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- Horace
O'Bryant
Middle
School
. Gerald
Adams
Elementary
School
Starting as a holiday program serving a handful of children,
over the past decade, Just 4 Kids has reached some of its fore-
casted expectations in that it has become a vehicle for many
non-profit agencies whose clients are children, the community
and the school system of Monroe County. It is a unified volun-
teer effort to serve children in hardship situations and ease their
day-to-day living conditions.
When Ciavolino's husband broke his arm and the family
had no income for several months, she reached out to the serv-
ice agencies for aid. Because the Ciavolinos had equity at the
time, she was turned away, not meeting the criteria. It was at this
time that she met so many other families that were in hardship
situations that were not necessarily short term. After much
thought and observation, Ciavolino realized that to better target
the children in need that were not already receiving assistance,
she would need to work closely with the schools. She felt that it
was the teachers, of both public and private schools, that see the
Horace 0' Bryant Middle School
Sugarloaf School
children on a daily basis, have a personal knowledge of their
students' needs and a more intimate knowledge of the family
situations. Teachers became a main source of referrals year
round for Just 4 Kids to provide new clothing, hygiene items
and school supplies on a year round, as needed basis.
There is no charge for this service and all people involved
with Just 4 Kids are volunteers dedicated to providing aid to
the children in need. The program has survived on generous
donations from the community and a lot of dedication. The
generosity of this community has been overwhelmingly posi-
tive,
The deep commitment of Just 4 Kids is evident in its hav-
ing served 162 children, Key West to Key Largo, in the 2001-
2002 holiday season and over 600 children throughout the
school year. This past holiday season, approximately 250 chil-
dren were served by Just 4 kids.
Just 4 Kids served under Wesley House, the Boys and Girls
Club and the National Heritage Foundation. It was through the
latter that Just 4 Kids was finally able to reach its fullest poten-
tial.
Despite the odds, Ciavolino was blessed with three beau-
tiful children who are her inspiration to continue this mission.
To help she enlisted what she calls a "dream team" for any child
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These murals were created by the school children of Monroe County in
support of Just 4 Kids through a cooperative effort between The
Radissan, Key West, the Monroe County School System, its principals,
teachers and students, Ed Swift, Denny's, the Splash Pool Bar and
sewral community businesses. They were on display at The Radisson
and aucnoned at a gala cocktail party, AU proceeds went to new
clothing, hygiene products and school supplies for children,
in need. They are people that have dedicated a significant part
of their lives to giving aid to children. Just 4 Kids new Board of
Regents consists of Fran Tingley, Elmira Leto, Flo Chabin,
Daisy Nasiero, Leigh Carman, Jeanna Bryan, Francis
"Monday" England and Robin Lynne. Its mission statement is
"to provide services and programs to all children who endure
hardship situations helping them to attain personal growth,
security, self esteem and self worth."
The Just 4 Kids wish list includes
new office space and more volun-
teers. If you would like to volunteer
or donate, please call 305-923-8993
or em ail ItsTust4Kids@aol.com.
Please send all tax deductible mone-
tary donations to Just 4 Kids, P.O.
Box 228, Key West, Florida, 33041.
Any help or donations, no matter
how large or small, will be greatly
appreciated by the children for
whom it is intended.
Paula Ciavolino, the founder of
Just 4 Kids.
_ SOCIETY NEWS
_ FORUM PAGE
_ OPINION PAGE
I_ ENTERTAINMENT PAGE
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Sunday
January 23, 2000
AOB O"NEALfThe Citizen
SPOTLIGHTING KIDS: Paula Ciavolino shoots footage of children enjoying the new Wesley House playground, She helped
coordinate playground-building efforts by gelling local indIViduals and organizations to donate tools,
By FRANK RABEY
Cltrzen Features Ed:tc:
Y OUI.::lIl, h.lli.l.....l"l.frflllllbIUCksawu.J,',
PauLi (01;1\"011110:' Iddl'~t son.
:\Ialtlww. ". ;... nfh'll lll'~idt' her.
-m\' rll!IH lLII\(1."" .~IH' e:dl... him. ~:\h
bt'st frll'nd.~ .\ud llllL...t II!' till' tinH-. her
\'uun~('!-Ot. (;ianni. a jolly toddler with big',
:.tlmund cyt.:..;. is cmdh.d ;n one film. perched on
'I nip
)"I1U ;:irt: Ci;"'\"ullflU. ,J i, ..lB o\"er tt;\. 01, ta!Jung
to peoph~ - in the strt."Ct. in ...tCln.~S. in rcstau~
mnts. It's alw3\'s the same: She's smiling, bri\'o
in~ her :ludic'nee her undivided attentioll.
looking thnt pI'rson ,-;tr:\lL:ht In the eye. And
;lskjn~ fiJf help with whatC\'ef projl'ct ~h(":,
wllrkInJ,! on
\\l11'n :-,lw lir..;t l11l"l.t~ ';011. If sill' I~n't hold-
In!! Gianni, {'::I\o!iIlll WIll Llkl.' ....our h:md II:
hoth of her:,. bu:dinl: it fpr :1 Jew ~I~onds. 'Dw
casual w3rmth ol the gcstun:. and of her per.
;;onalitv. can 1)1' dl..;{'1lnccn.in~ ;It tin-to until
,,-Illl rc~~lizl': Thi.... ,- I.:r-nuin(': it"i' no act.
, YOll com(' aw;1\' from ;1 com:ersatillfl with
Cia\'olintJ rccllne th"t she reallv wanted to
t.'llk wlth you. . that ...:h{' wasn't just !-.'l>ing
thmul!h the motIOn.";. And maybe that's why
...;hl"'-; ~o efll"l"tivL' :It wh;\t ~IH' dOt:;;
Ciavolino i.s a ....llluntL.cr.
Injurit~~ from ;Ir: aCCident .....t.an; back left the
Brooklvn, :-:.Y. natl\"P unahlt' to work. So now
...;he du~:\tt's ht'r tlllll' to others - thou~h not In
the huur.hl'n..hllur-tlwrl' :-'l'n~l:'. Cia\'olino
throw...; ht'r.-e1f into volunteering- Jikf' she usoo
~o throw hl'rsl'it intu Ill'f Job. when sht, was
.lhl\.' tu wflrk. ,!llCllikt. .;Ill' throw.. ben:ldfinto
,1 con\'cr~allon
-~\:- \'oluntt't.'r.-; L:lJ, _"':,lId Hon Ii.'rron. who's
h.nliwn L'ia\'olillll tor mll"l (It ttll' ....1 vI'n I.'!.'ars
...tw..... t)l'('n lr: "t'\' \\"t...;l. "-111"'" 1ft tilt' lllp 10
pt'ITl'nt In thl' <'I\UIltr, .
('i;L\'('llniJ~ I, i,n .1: dr':l ;11 I:""" .""hl'
l"'l'll ' 'I I~, '11) 1 t ;: [,' :-111:: ;\:L'.\'~
;,ddn.:... ,..;);, :1, . :';'.l::ci,
n 1.,. C. lP 1 ~ 1;
[aUld laVOllTIO S ii1re!ess
I > 'I
vo untcer..sni.tollciles
count~ess young lives
on P3tterson Avenue. Herron, now n candi.
date for state scn3te. was then on the !helter's
board of directors,
When the .helter first opened in Key We.L
CiavoHno was there "every single day," Herron
said,
"Most people probably thou!:ht .he was paid
~tnff. she was then' so much. doing ~ much
volunteer work. There's very fl!w people that
have thut kind nf dl.--diCD.tlon W a cause. She
takes on tho...;l' ta,..;k." that no one ell<<' really
likc~ or \\'nnb t,) do
Ci;\...olinfl "r}<'r:d~ llllll'll "fhi.'r tlme -,"olil..-ltinl.{
donatiofL... and funding for underprivile~t>d
kids and families. Many local busincs.~ owners
know her b:-o' name. And they're happy to set:'
her stop by, Herron said, They're happy w
help her,
"I'm jU:H kind of me," she said. "I'm just like
thcm.~
"'fwf' h."ld 50 more people like her in town."
Herron said, "I don't think there would be any
.ocial ills left in the county."
, LUE CHANGES
Alife can chanllO entirely in an instanL
Cia\'olino .has found that out - twice.
In 1986. while working out of her Empire
Slate Building office as a buyer for a national
chai~ of stores, she took. n tumble on a trip to
upstate Xt'w York.
Ciavolino wa.'i In and out of the hospital for
the next year, unde~oing regular physical
ther:J.Py. "It set me back.M she said.
No longer able to handle the phYSical
demands of constant traveling, she gave up
the job, deciding to !:O back in", teachillj(. her
delll"" field in college, II was about that time
in 1988 that she got into a cab, and her life
instantly changed again,
The cabbie. who didn't speak English, was
driving very errntically, she said. He kept
yellin!: and pounding on the dashboard, The
police even pulled him o....er and gave him ;J,
warning, And after that. Ciavolino i.sn't sure
what happened,
She remembers onlv th.at the driver was
growing more and m'orc a~-ritntcd. MHc was
nuts." she said. And that she triL'<l to ",-rive him
some mom'y, asking him to pull O....f.r and Jet
her out.
Next thinl.{ she Knt.w. ~he was In a Cunc....
Island hospital bf..'d. In tr.H:tlOfl. Shl' had lx,,<-'n
run o\'er by another c:~r, Hl'r hIps and pel\"i~
w<'re broken. TIll' pollel' told her !"ne wa."'i ;-:tlil
holdine J. $20 Lill when till'\' lound her
The' l':1b dn\'t'f \\;1_... tracked down Ht'ln...l...;t,
See Volunteer, oaae Be
8C1rhe 'Key West Citizen
KEYsllFE
Sunday, January 23, 2000
Voiunteer,
from page 1 C
the back of her van. her own
children in tow,
She plans to soon become her
own nonprofit organization. to
be called Just for Kids. "m like
to be. nonprofit for nonprofits:
she said. ". central point they
can call when they need some-
thing:
If . nonprofit wants to get
involved in some local fair. for
instance. and needs help get-
ting equipment or people to run
. booth. the organization could
call Ci.volino. and she would do
all the legwork.
"That's kind of what I do
best,. she said.
But her biggest project now is
to make her new hometown
more aware or its own children.
There's nothing here for them
to do, she said, There's really
nowhere they can go and just be
kids.
"If a bunch of strangers can
come together to build a play-
ground for the Wesley House,
why can't this town. with all its
generosity, donate a little bit:-
money or time or whatever '_
and build an indoor facility fur
fitsl kids?"
WORKING
THROUGH IT
She doesn't remember a time
when she was without pain.
"It hurts a1wsys; she said. "But
rm stubborn. I refuse to just lay
in bed and moan and groan..
When Herron was director of
AIDS Help, he had hoped to add
Ciavolino to the staJ[ 'That's the
first time he became aware of
her injuries.
"Sbe's not the type to com-
plain personally sbout her own
problems. and ( know that she
lives in pain," he said.
Full.time work is still more
than Ciavolino can commit to.
she explained. She can't depend
011 her health. A sudden weath.
er c!uulge can throw her com-
pletelyout of whack.
'"There's days I can't get up;
she said. '"There's days I can't
stand for more than a balfhour.
There's days I can't Bit more
than a baICbour..
She prays over her situatioll
oltell. .rm close with the
churd2; she said. Ciavo!il1o is
&dive at St. Mary Star of the
Sea.
She was told after the second
accident that she wouldn't be
able to have any more kids.
Doctors relt that her pelvis
wouldn't support the weight,
not to full term,
Ciavolino baa had two chil-
dren since - "completely natu-
ral: she said. Angelica. who is
now 4, and 9-month-old Gianni,
.1 felt the beat when I was
JlI'I!llD8Dt, . she said. She doesn't
know why: maybe the extra
body weight, maybe the addi.
tional hormones.
But in spite of any bad days
now, she pllJlll ahead. fo",,'er
volunteering, always doing a lit-
tle bit more.
"I have that drive," she said,'1
have that enthusiasm..
For that reason, Bm Herron
hopes he can persuade
Ciavolino to join him 011 the
campaign trail.
"I WSllt to try and harness
that energy; he said.
frank.rabeY@lhomnaws.com
Organizations inte~tlted III
contacting Paula Ciaoolino roll
wriJe her at p.D. Box 228, KL~'
Wut,FL33041;ore-mad ""rut
IWWJt4KUJali!aol.com.
ConIributod
JOLLY LITTLE ELF: Paula Ciavolino's son, Gianni, then 8
.'nth, ule rode along on Ciavolino's trips to deliver Christmas
.s.:'r.;s ~eedy famIlies
ORNAMENTAL
DESiGN COllECTioN
,i,,, till" . Iii "ll 1ll'1"
. ~1.11 t, dd lIlt'
;md other di~ng tools. many
with a fre:-;h film of dirt still on
them.
f'ia\'olino is probably best
known amund town for her
",';ork with tIll' urganization at
r 'hri:-;tmastime. when t'lohe
! J;'conws Santa to m:lnV Jocal
kids. Working with lists ~ffam-
il.\" names supplit..~ by the
Wl'sll'Y House. she goes to busi~
Ill.s.....es and g-ets !,rift"! - new
produ<..'ts - which she wraps
ht-'rself. delivering them out of
FLOORS · KITCHENS . BATHS
We offer the widest selection of distinctive,
high quality merchandise in the Florida
Keys, with professional interior design
experience and installation services since
1962.
::,.: 'It .'.!l,ll n':\i-
, ':.L',oiinll".lld
. IJh\:"ll:d tlwr:l-
"".""11".'"'
::u.'<J:Illd. H.Khil'..1
:rllll1r;lt:r now
\'~l; ";lJ~d ( .lrlllt'.
"'I' :!I~ .Illhl' ()Cl'an
'j jIU\':1l :--:tP"'l.!II'
';; :hur :'\"\\.' Yllrk
d tl1l' !l;iJ '-"f'nt ~n
Marathon
11450 Overseas Highway
(305) 743-6336
lEE.
Key West
3224 Flagler Ave,
(305) 296-116 q
~i':\;:','d Tlw
'.1:\ I:n{
....;" Ilh
::;"\"
Prices Effecrit'e thru IVednesday, jQ1fUQry 26 , 2000.
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'I
Ciaovolino's Just 4 Kids program a hit around town
I
CITIZEN STAFF REPORTS
I
Many Key Westers know her or
see her around town with her
three children. Still others have
been helped by her big heart or
enjoyed her plaster craft classes.
Paula Ciaovolino is best
known for her abundant charity
work and devotion to the clill-
dren of Monroe County and
their families. For the past nine
years. at holidays she has put
together large boxes of gifts for
families in need directed to . her
by either teachers, Wesley House
Family Services or individuals in
the community.
At any time of the year, if there
is a child sick or a family in need,
she will answer their call with
clothing. car seats, furniture or
any other item. If a nonprofit
organization needs equipment
I)r fund raising, she can be
counted on to pitch in.
Ciaovolino unofficially called
her program "Just 4 Kids."
~ecently Wesley House family
Services has taken her under
their wing and made the pro-
gram an official volunteer out-
reach program. Now Ciaovolino
hopes that this move 'will
increase the nUmber of families
and nonprofit agencies that she
is able to help.
Currently, she is working with
PACES (the foster care program)
and the American Cancer
Society. One of her main goals is
to open a "clothes closet" thaI
will enable in-need families. Ihe
opportunity to acquire a set
number of clothes and/or furni-
ture each month at no cost. All
other families with children
would be able 10 make purchas-
es for a minimal amount.
Ciaovolino feels it's important
because many 0 f the families she
..:omes into contact with cannot
nrfcrd to shop retail or even tht:.'
l'on'jignmem or Salvation Army
-;h(l!Js. TIlere is so' much mer-
chandise that is wasted and
could be recycled to help needy
families.
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(...:.........,._1:..,._ ".".1,...",_,.... "''''lI,_nd
ROB O'NEAllTh? C:;;)
um.E CONCHS: Paula Claovollno teaching arts and crafts at tile Uttle Conch Academy in New Town,
..0 . . - ----.---
Now Qaovolino has created
"Plaster In Paradise," a creative
ceramics program for Monroe
County children, for whiclJ, she
charges $6 per child, induding
the cost of the art supplies. '
She takes the time with each
child, no matter hmv large the
group. to help with the detaij. or
decoration of their piece. Not
able to afford a shop. she in~tead
rakes the program on the road to
many schools. camps and pri-
vate organizations. She also
holds fun parties at TGI Friday.
l\nyone wishing to offer help
',\'ith the Just 4 Kids program
~hould call Paula directly at
INesley House Family Services,
292-7150 e.'Ct. 400 or e-mail her at
Itsjust-lkids@aol.com. For info
regarding Plaster In Paradise,
call 296-4796.
,.
ROB O'NEAl/Tlle Citizen
HELPING HAND: ClaovoUno loves
her work.
\{w ~l-rIZ.G:N
f /,). ':J. / (;) l