Your editorial this week about the additional funding reductions for the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program ("A cruel cut to volunteerism," Feb. 10) struck a sour chord with me.
I served as a guardian in Hillsborough County for over 30 months from 2006 to 2008 and know firsthand how important funding is to this program. Your editorial was not only well written but directly on target.
Prior to volunteering for this program, I provided cash and non-cash donations to charities, including group foster homes like Joshua House. But in 2006, I was self-employed and wanted to give more than money. So I took the training and accepted the responsibility for a five-sibling family.
While I cannot share the details of the case, I did meet with "my kids" at least once a month, many times more than that.
I met with their teachers and school counselors. I attended staff meetings with Hillsborough Kids, Inc. to review the status of my case, and I made at least 20 court appearances to represent the best interests of the children.
I needed the assistance of my paid supervisor who, while shepherding me and several other volunteers, had a heavy case load of his own. I needed the assistance and support of my Guardian ad Litem attorneys for legal guidance. I have never felt I did anything as important than the time I gave to this program and to the children I was representing.
To cut funds to this program is a travesty and an example of misplaced priorities. I appeal to anyone who has any influence with the appropriate lawmakers to not only stop the cuts but help find more money for one of the most important programs we have to help abused, abandoned and neglected children.
JERRY R. ROSEN
Lutz
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