The Tower Forum is a private, non-profit, non-partisan business organization established in 1976.  The organization consists of business executives from industries and professions in south Florida. The Tower Forum has become the “go-to” discussion venue in Broward, where these leaders identify critical issues facing our community, engage in public dialogue, and encourage positive change.

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Next breakfast discussion:
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018

(to RSVP, please scroll down to blue RSVP button)

 How we can share responsibility
for children’s welfare

Chances are that you know of, or are related to, a child who has been traumatized.

From recent headlines, reporting, and anecdotes, it appears obvious that children who yesterday underwent  cumulative exposure to  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), today may well have accelerated disease and other poor health outcomes, increased mortality, and may have even demonstrated criminal or violent behavior; their financial burden on society continues to skyrocket.

Moreover, child welfare problems are interconnected to drug abuse, domestic violence, and children shouldered with the responsibility of themselves raising children, concentrated poverty, institutional racism, and ineffective social policies.

So, how are we addressing today’s abused and neglected children? What more can we do?

We need to talk…

 

PANEL:

Larry Rein

Larry Rein is currently the CEO and President for ChildNet. Consistent with ChildNet’s guiding principle to strengthen and preserve families whenever possible, through Larry’s advocacy efforts, ChildNet forged a groundbreaking agreement with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County resulting in more than $8 million in funding for prevention and diversion services. Larry is a pioneer in Community-Based Care and his expertise and passion lies in effectively engaging and leading the right community partners in the design and execution of effective and comprehensive local service networks. 

Hon. Hope Bristol

Judge Bristol was elected to the bench in the 17^th Judicial Circuit in 2005 and was assigned to the Unified Family Division/Dependency Division.  She was the Chairperson of the Dependency Division for over 8 years.  She is currently the Administrative Judge for all of the Unified Family Court Divisions.  She created and presides over an Early Childhood Court division in her Circuit which has been very successful as well as the Dependency Drug Court division.

Dr. Mimi Graham

Since 1993, Dr. Mimi Graham has served as Director of the Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy providing leadership to promote public policy during the critical period from pregnancy to age 3 known as The First 1000 Days of Life.  She co-authored the widely-used FSU Partners for A Healthy Baby Home Visiting curricular series translating research into practical use with families and authored the book: Finding the Gold Within:  Overcoming Adversity to Create A Happy Life. She oversees a multidisciplinary team with a national reputation for excellence in child welfare, maternal health, early intervention, juvenile justice, teen mothers & early learning.

CeCe Herrero testimonial to child welfare system

“After years of abuse and neglect, I came into care at 15 years old and pregnant.  Safeplace   was my first point of contact in 4KIDS and was soon placed in His Caring Place where my journey in foster care truly began. Now at 29, I can say my life would not be the same without my 4KIDS family being there throughout the years. Through the good and the bad. I am forever grateful.”

Moderator: Cindy Arenberg Seltzer

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer is the first President/CEO of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County.  In that role, she has carefully guided the development of the organization, which was created by the voters of Broward County in September, 2000, and reauthorized by the voters in 2014.  She works hard to dramatically transform young lives through a focus on supporting proven programs delivered by more than 100 “provider” agencies that achieve measureable outcomes, while ensuring transparency and accountability for the CSC.  Her leadership and advocacy on behalf of the children of Broward County has made a real difference for all Broward residents, and especially for Broward’s children.

SPONSOR DECEMBER BREAKFAST: The Seminole Tribe of Florida

AT: Tower Club, 28th Floor, One Financial Plaza, 100 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale

WHEN: Thursday, 12/6/18; doors open at 6:45 a.m.; program begins at 7:30 a.m.; concludes around 9:15 a.m.; free parking for attendees until 10:00 a.m. COST: No cost for paid members of Tower Forum; non-members: $35 (note: no cost for working media); credit card online, or mail check, payable to Tower Forum, P.O. Box #15041, Plantation, FL 33318. Buffet breakfast included.

We encourage participants to join Tower Forum. While we invite you to attend 2 breakfasts at $35 each, you must join Tower Forum to attend thereafter. Membership is from date of joining through 9 consecutively scheduled breakfasts.

In order for us to provide sufficient breakfast and seating, RSVP’s and advance payments are required, and are non-refundable. Seating is limited.

RSVP’s received after 5 pm, Friday, Nov. 30, cannot be assured a seat.

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Super, rigorous discussion 10/4!
Hats off to Rosemary O’Hara and panel for your insights and ballot measure tally!

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Please consider joining Tower Forum,
the best venue in Broward for 9 breakfasts
of meaningful, thought-provoking discussion.

Become an active participant and network with community business leaders, professionals and public officials.  Be informed and stimulated by key players regarding hot, current topics which impact you and the community. Enjoy full buffet breakfasts in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s prestigious Tower Club. Your membership begins on payment and lasts one year from joining. Submit your information with a credit card on our convenient online Membership Application, or print out the form and postal mail it with your check.