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Plant City Center Manager Joai Joai is a dynamic community leader, ordained pastor, certified Christian Mental Health Coach, and author with a passion for helping others heal, grow, and thrive. Originally from New Jersey, Joai now lives in Plant City, Florida, where she actively serves through outreach initiatives, empowerment events, and faith-based programming. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration management and brings a strong professional background to her current role. Prior to joining the Children’s Board Family Resource Center, Joai served as the president of a software company and worked in a major banking institution for over 15 years. Her combined experience in corporate leadership and ministry has equipped her with a unique blend of strategic insight and spiritual care. Joai is a wife, mother, and proud new Gigi. She enjoys serving her community, spending time with her family, and relaxing with her favorite creative pastime—coloring. Support Specialist Maria Hi, my name is Maria Macedonio , I am the oldest out of my 3 siblings. I love to shop and go to theme parks in my free time , I also love to cook , I am currently going to HCC in Plant City for Nursing, which I hope to become one day . I am bilingual and enjoy what I do, which is helping people. I’ve lived in Plant City my whole life and enjoy the strawberry festival which is what Plant City is known for . Intake and Referral Specialist Carolina . Family Specialist Darrie Darrie was born on the Bay Island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras Central America. She moved with her family to the main land of Honduras at the age of 14, where she studied Short hand typing secretary and Bachelor's degree in science and literature. Darrie has been working in the past as a customer service representative for over 16 years. She enjoys helping people and making them feel at home with her warm welcoming smile. She moved to Florida in 2021, and joined the CBFRC team where she is continuing to develop her passion of helping the community. She is fluent in English and Spanish Family Specialist - Part Time Coming Soon.. .

North Tampa Center Manager Aysun Aysun was born in Gaziantep, Turkiye—a beautiful city where her passion for helping others began at a young age. She earned an Associate Degree in Business Management and gained seven years of professional experience as a Marketing and Purchasing Manager at Tasmetsan Co. in Turkiye. In 2011, Aysun moved to Tampa, Florida, where she built a new life and is now the proud mother of three wonderful children. She later pursued her academic and spiritual growth by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Minnesota. Aysun’s goal is to empower others to achieve their dreams by helping them access the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed—rooted in sincere faith, compassion and community values. Her mission is simple yet powerful: “Alone work is so little, Together work is so much.” "Ben Türkçe konuşuyorum" Support Specialist Yesenia Yesenia Chestaro was born in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where she began her studies at the Autonomous University of Santiago in a tourism business administration career. She has always liked working directly with people, helping and providing services. Yesenia worked for 5 years in the BAHIA PRINCIPE hotel chain, she got married and moved to the United States in 2017. She has always been fascinated by the idea of studying, working and helping people in the healthcare area. She considers herself a self-capable person with a great desire to grow both professionally and personally. She is a faithful believer that with effort and dedication, you can achieve any goals in life. ¡Yo hablo español! Intake and Referral Specialist Ana Ana Maria Vera Davidson is originally from Peru and attended University in Peru, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She started her career as a science teacher and worked in that field for over 10 years. Ana moved to Tampa in 2015 and decided to further her education and now attends Hillsborough Community College. Ana started as an intern for the Family Resource Center, she fell and love and soon after became an employee. When asked about working at the Resource Centers Ana said, "I love working at the CBFRC because I believe that one person can make a huge difference in someone's life. When we treat people with love and patience, nothing is impossible". Ana's hobbies include walking and reading. She loves animals and has two small dogs Misty and Mickey. ¡Yo hablo español! Family Specialist Mario Mario was born and raised in Tampa, he's a recent graduate from Hillsborough high school and now he's taking up sports medicine at HCC. Mario is determined to help families in need of resources. And now as a full-time Mario believes it's an Honorable pleasure to be apart of this team and help make difference in people's lives. Family Specialist - Part Time Ibsen Born in Quito, Ecuador, Ibsen moved to the United States in 2006 and has called the Tampa Bay Area his home ever since. Graduated from Brooks DeBartolo Colligate High school; he is currently studying Information Security at USF. But what he loves most of all is music, writing, history, and spending time with family. In his free time, you can find him playing the piano, jogging, talking to the wall, or enjoying a cozy video game with a nice cup of tea. He’s overjoyed to be a part of such an amazing team and is set on building a safer future for the children and families in our Hillsborough community ¡Yo hablo español!

Leadership Tyheshia - Director Prior to joining Lutheran Services as the Director of the Children’s Board Family Resource Center, Tyheshia worked as an Executive Director for a small non-profit in Denton, TX. Their mission was to provide families with housing services, financial support, and case management they need to break the chains of generational poverty on their road to self-sufficiency. During her entire 20-year human services career she has focused on providing services that impart individuals with the tools they need to be successful and self-sufficient. Her commitment to helping others is illustrated by her work history. Tyheshia is an 8-year Veteran of the United States Navy. She served as an Operations Specialist responsible for gathering, processing, and disseminating information in the Combat information Center. Later she worked to assist fellow Veterans transition to civilian life. Tyheshia is a firm believer in collaboration and believes that no one organization or individual can end anything anywhere; success can only be achieved when you come together as a community and work cooperatively towards the common goal. Tyheshia’s a Georgia Peach that’s married to someone from the Frozen Tundra (Wisconsin). They have 3 children and a cat all born in different states: Washington State, Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas (Oreo the Cat). Although Tyheshia is not from Tampa, her Tampa Bay roots run deep. Tyheshia’s family is from a small community started by migrant workers and sharecroppers at the very tip of Manatee County on called Rubonia. The descendants of those individuals still live there to this day. If you ever you find yourself at the South County Center ask me about: JAPAN! Parisa - Operations Manager Parisa is Iranian and speaks Farsi, Spanish and English. She has worked in multiple countries with many cultures and societies. Parisa's experience includes: Fifteen years as a teacher, ten years translating, and seven years at Family Resource Organization in Venezuela. ¡Yo hablo español! من فارسی صحبت میکنم! Solymar - Programming Manager Solymar is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is a dedicate theater educator with 15 years of experience inspiring students through the transformative power of the performing arts. She is also a Trainer of the Standard of Quality of the National Family Support Network. Prior to join our team she worked with our funder, the Children's Board as a Public Relations Outreach. Her goal for our centers it's to create quality programs to support the success of all children and families in Hillsborough County. ¡Yo hablo español! Lynique - Early Childhood Service Coordinator Supervisor Lynique relocated from Maryland to Florida to join the CBFRC Team. Lynique possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services, with a concentration in Child and Family studies and a Master of Science degree in Executive Leadership & Change with a concentration in leadership within nonprofit organizations. She describes herself to be a highly motivated, compassionate individual with over 20 years' experience working with children and families and 15 years of supervision.

Center-Driven Programming The CBFRC staff develop, plan and facilitate an array of fun, engaging and educational programs for children and families. Programs range from Sighting Sight Words, to Sensory Play, to STEM, to cultural celebrations for the whole family. Please check the calendars of each location to confirm class schedules, suggested age groups and activity details. Provider Programming Community partners and CBHC providers deliver high-quality programs and services at all CBFRC locations. Providers include: BayCare KIDS, ReDefiners World Languages, Preserve Vision Florida, Family Healthcare Foundation, Glazer Children's Museum, Junior League of Tampa, Tampa Family Health Mobile Dental Clinics, Suncoast Community Health Mobile Dental Clinics, A!SLS Success Through Learning and Support. Early Childhood Service Coordination Early Childhood Service Coordinators at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers work with families to provide support in ways that build the family’s capacity to better meet their goals. Early Childhood Service Coordinators will: (1) Develop and complete a family support plan with goals (2) Refer family for services, supports and programs (3) Partner with families to build strong parent-child relationships and strengthen support networks. If you are interested in enrolling in this program, please call your local Center. Intake and Referral Services The CBFRCs promote an array of parent networking opportunities. Through activities, classes, support groups and special events, parents and caregivers are encouraged to network and meet others in their local community. No parent should have to raise a child alone, and building social connections and supports with other parents is healthy and celebrated in the CBFRCs. Computer Lab Each CBFRC is equipped with a Computer Lab that has printing, scanning and faxing. Our staff are prepared to assist with online job applications, ACCESS, financial aid programs, email set up Head Start program applications and more. Free Public Notary If you are in need of a Public Notary, please call your preferred CBFRC to verify that one of our on-staff Notaries is available. There is no cost to this service. Volunteer Work (18 years+) We love our volunteers! Adults 18 years and older are encouraged to bring their compassion, special talents, unique interests and valuable time to the CBFRCs. All volunteers must pass a background screening and participate in a virtual training. To apply, please send a email to matthew.proeschel@lsfnet.org Family Community Advisory Council Each FCAC is made up of community leaders or parents/caregivers that live in Hillsborough County . The FCACs hold monthly meetings to review and provide input on how the Centers can optimize their value to the community. These discussions provide CBFRC Staff with fresh perspectives on programmatic issues and community needs. FCAC members are effectively voices for the community and have a budget to use toward programming. If you are interested in committing to being a FCAC member, please email parisa.khodadadi@lsfnet.org for an application. Free Play Each CBFRC has a fun-filled Free Play space where kids can be kids, and parents and caregivers can enjoy a little free time with their children. From books, to puzzles, to trucks, to animal figurines, to blocks - everyone is sure to find something they like. The spaces are open during operating hours, with the exception of 30 minutes before closing (for cleaning purposes) and during Mobile Medical Clinics (held once per month at each CBFRC). MOSI in Motion The MOSI in Motion Exhibit is exclusive to the Plant City CBFRC, and features a rotating theme throughout the year. The exhibition provide Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) learning opportunities and family engagement to children four to 11 years old and their families. The exhibit is open to all Hillsborough County families at no cost and includes bilingual interactive play and learning elements. Use of Facility Community organizations and groups are encouraged to utilize the spaces available in the CBFRCs for meetings, events, client sessions, etc. If you are interested in using a room in one of the CBFRCs, please email solymar.medinacruz@lsfnet.org for the form. Parent Networking Opportunities The CBFRCs promote an array of parent networking opportunities. Through activities, classes, support groups and special events, parents and caregivers are encouraged to network and meet others in their local community. No parent should have to raise a child alone, and building social connections and supports with other parents is healthy and celebrated in the CBFRCs.

Town n Country Center Manager Elizabeth Originally from Quito, Ecuador, Elizabeth has lived in the U.S. since 2005 and in the Tampa Bay area since 2009. Prior to joining LSF (Children's Board FRC), she worked for a nonprofit Organization in Tampa, serving youth and children in a Temporary Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program, as Office Manager in Temporary Foster Care and as Youth Care Worker in Shelter. Elizabeth has an MBA in Human Resources and her passion is serving the community. She believes that families can thrive when given the right resources and support to improve children's social, emotional, and cognitive skills and build their confidence. As a member of the LSF team, Elizabeth feels blessed. Yo hablo Español! Support Specialist Norka Norka was born in Venezuela and is a mother of three and a grandmother of two. She is a professional Engineer, and teacher that enjoys teaching math. Becoming an immigrant has allowed her to find a new reason for life; support other immigrant families offering them the necessary tools to obtain stability and achieve progress wherever they are. Norka share her time in two organizations, Hispanic Services Council, providing support in the Active Parents Newtork program and in the Family Resource Center, as support for the different programs and activities for parents and children that our center offers. Intake and Referral Specialist Karem Karem, born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, studied Business Administration at the Autonomous University of Colombia. My experience in this country has been focused on working with children of school age helping them, caring for them and teaching them about their basic needs or requirements, always being a support for them, I can say that it makes me happy to see them smile!! ¡Yo hablo español! Family Specialist Mariam Family Specialist - Part Time Ana

Programming and Quality Assurance Programming Specialist Megan A native of Tampa, Megan attended the University of Florida, where she received bachelor's degrees in International Studies and Hispanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. Megan describes herself as a detail-oriented and creative individual, who is motivated by a desire to learn. She loves being able to work in the city that shaped her childhood and many happy memories. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and playing the piano. ¡Yo hablo español! 我會說中文! Quality Assurance Specialist Charity Charity, having grown up in Lake County, Florida, developed a strong commitment to community service early in life. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and a Master's Degree in Public administration at the University of South Florida. Her career aspirations center around making a meaningful impact, and Charity is eager to channel her passion and expertise into serving the Hillsborough County communities. With a strong desire to showcase her skills, she is dedicated to helping others and contributing positively to the lives of those around her. Programming Specialist Amanda Originally from the Pacific Northwest and raised in Virginia, Amanda moved to Tampa two years ago with her husband. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Chowan University and is currently pursuing her nursing degree. Amanda has a passion for learning and is studying both Spanish and Arabic, reflecting her love of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Friendly and patient, she aims to make every interaction supportive and meaningful.

BayCare Kids and St. Joseph's Children's Wellness and Safety Center Programs and Services LOS PROGRAMAS Y SERVICIOS REQUIEREN REGISTRO, POR FAVOR LLAME AL CENTRO AL QUE LE GUSTARÍA ASISTIR PARA REGISTRARSE. SALUD Proporcionado por profesionales capacitados de St. Joseph's Children's Wellness y centro de seguridad Cuidado de niño sano: Los niños que no tienen seguro y que tienen Medicaid reciben vacunas y exámenes físicos de niño sano gratis con cita con la Clínica Médica Móvil. Clases de nutrición: Clases divertidas que incluyen actividades que enseñan al niño sobre alimentos saludables, nutrición y hábitos alimenticios. Examen de audición (desde el nacimiento hasta los 18 años) Examen de la vista (de 6 meses a 18 años) Proporcionado por Preserve Vision Florida Servicios dentales preventivos (de 6 meses a 18 años) Proporcionado por Suncoast Community Health Centers y Tampa Family Health Centers

South County Center Manager Jesus Jesus is from the Dominican Republic, living in Tampa since 2010, the only boy in a family of 6. He's been working in the family business since an early age. A hotelier by trade with a Bachelor Degree in Hotel Management and a Master in Tourism and Hotel Administration, with ample experience in the industry. Love to ride bikes, hiking and watch movies; with a new passion to give back to the community. Jesus is bilingual and fluent in the Spanish language Support Specialist Clara Originally from Colombia, Clara is a Social Worker with over 14 years of experience in customer service coordination and data analysis. She has worked extensively with nonprofit organizations supporting diverse communities, combining strong organizational skills with a compassionate and people-centered approach. Clara is passionate about serving families with dignity and respect, helping them feel heard, supported, and empowered. She is committed to building trust and creating positive, meaningful experiences for every individual she serves. Intake and Referral Specialist Johanna Johana, was born in Colombia, she is mother of two children and moved to this country 5 years ago. Her BA is on Administration and Human Resources. Her mission is to help Hispanic people and migrants to feel part of this society. Johana like manual arts, painting, decoration, and have always a smile and a good attitude. Family Specialist Chesenia Family Specialist - Part Time Coming Soon..

Early Childhood Service Coordination

The Children's Board Family Resource Centers function as a strong, collaborative partnership between several agencies committed to families in Hillsborough County. Brandon 517 N Parsons Ave., Brandon FL 33510 813-740-4634 central tampa 1002 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605 813-204-1741 north tampa 116 West Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33612 813-558-1877 plant city 301 North Palmer Street, Plant City, FL 33563 8 13-752-8700 south county 3030 East College Avenue, Ruskin, FL 33570 813-641-5600 temple terrace Doretha Wynn Edgecomb Children's Board Family Resource Center in 5892 East Fowler Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 813-435-3032 town 'n country 7520 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33615 813-356-1703

We Love Our Volunteers! LOS PROGRAMAS Y SERVICIOS REQUIEREN REGISTRO, POR FAVOR LLAME AL CENTRO AL QUE LE GUSTARÍA ASISTIR PARA REGISTRARSE. APPLY HERE!

SOBRE NOSOTROS FRECUENTEMENTE PREGUNTÓ PREGUNTAS ¿Proporciona cuidado de niños? Los Centros de Recursos Familiares de la Junta de Niños (CBFRC) no son instalaciones de cuidado infantil con licencia; sin embargo, la CBFRC cuidará de los niños mientras sus cuidadores asistan a ciertas clases de la CBFRC, como Seguridad de asientos para el automóvil y Reuniones de FCAC. ¿La CBFRC cobra a los participantes por los servicios? No, los servicios de CBFRC son gratuitos para el participante. ¿De dónde obtiene los fondos para apoyar los servicios del programa? La principal fuente de financiación del CBFRC es la Junta de Niños del Condado de Hillsborough. En ocasiones, los Centros pueden recibir subvenciones para brindar servicios adicionales o complementarios. ¿La CBFRC utiliza voluntarios? ¡Sí! Los voluntarios son bienvenidos. Visite el Centro en el que desea ser voluntario para recibir más información. ¿Cómo me inscribo en los servicios? Los folletos de CBFRC indican si un servicio requiere registro, solo para estar seguro, llame al Centro en el que está interesado en participar antes de asistir. ¿Proporciona la CBFRC ¿asistencia financiera? Los Centros derivarán a las familias con necesidades económicas a la agencia de servicios sociales más cercana y apropiada que mejor satisfaga sus necesidades. ¿Cuánto duran las clases de CBFRC? Cada clase es única. Algunos son de 45 minutos, una hora o por día. Algunas clases se ejecutan en una serie de cinco, mientras que otras pueden ser un evento único. Consulta los calendarios o llama al Centro antes de asistir. ¿Existen requisitos de elegibilidad antes de recibir los servicios? No existen requisitos de elegibilidad, pero es importante que hagamos un seguimiento de quién recibe los servicios. Se solicita a los participantes que se conviertan en miembros y se recopila información básica. Se emite una tarjeta de membresía para registrarse en cada visita. ¿A quién sirve la CBFRC? El CBFRC da la bienvenida a todos en el condado de Hillsborough y brinda servicios a los residentes de todo el condado con centros comunitarios, y tiene servicios móviles disponibles para áreas remotas del condado. ¿Se puede utilizar el CBFRC para reuniones comunitarias u otros grupos organizados? El espacio de cada Centro es limitado, pero está disponible para el vecindario local o la comunidad sin fines de lucro sin costo alguno. Si está interesado, comuníquese con el gerente del Centro de la ubicación deseada.