About Voices for Children

More than 93% of the funds raised by the organization provides support of our mission statement. 

Voices For Children is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to help provide for the unmet needs of abused, neglected, abandoned, vulnerable or otherwise disadvantaged children in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. Voices for Children is comprised predominantly of volunteers. We work to secure additional grant funding and also support the recruitment, training, and retention of Guardian ad Litem volunteers.  

We receive GAL volunteer requests to provide basic things like sneakers and clothing, as well as funding for more serious specialized medical or dental treatment, psychological evaluations, and counseling for those children placed in the custody of the state of Florida and have a Guardian ad Litem appointed by the court.

Locally, there are thousands of children involved with area dependency courts. More volunteers are needed to advocate for these children and raise funds for the GAL program. To see up-to-date numbers, i.e. number of children and volunteers, please see the monthly reports on our Guardian ad Litem page. Fill out this form to become a volunteer.

Circuit 5

Citrus County
Hernando County
Lake County
Marion County
Sumter County

map of Florida with circuit 5 outlined in red
Normalcy Grants

Voices for Children received two separate grants to help these children achieve some normalcy in their life. These grants cover everyday things such as scouting, cheerleading, karate classes, prom tickets, year books, summer camp, and many more activities formerly denied to these children due to a lack of funding.

Board of Directors

Officers

President
Sue Carpenter
Vice President
Kathleen Cossey
Secretary
Dorothy Norman
Treasurer
Gae Pensabene
Officer At Large
Jill Schwartz

Members

Alan Gouge
Betty Frankfather
Cindy Koebernick
Erick Forholt
Jeff Cohen
Lori Patterson
Sonia Semans
Linda Sorgi
Liaison: Barbara Robertson
Bookkepper: Dianne Truett

Friends of Voices

Donna Alger
Eric Palhof
Joan Knight
Jane Gouge

Join Our Board of Directors

Join Voices for Children to assist neglected and abandoned children.

You have an opportunity to help Voices for Children in our support of abused and neglected children in our communities. The needs are great and we are looking for those people with the compassion and willingness to make a difference.

Voices for Children is currently taking applications for board membership. This is a volunteer position requiring attendance at board meetings approximately 10 times per year and participation in activities, events and projects. Board members are able to work from home on many projects. We do conduct and assist with fun and inspiring events and board members are expected to attend and participate at times throughout the year. For additional information contact sue@voices4childrenfl.org.

We have openings for board members from Ocala, Citrus County, and Hernando County. Please share your expertise from previous work and clubs or organizations.

Requirements:

  • Reside in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion or Sumter County.
  • Attend monthly meetings with minimal absences (Zoom attendance available on occasion)
  • Complete a brief background check
  • Participate in one committee and/or assist with events
    If interested contact sue@voices4childrenfl.org or 352.489.7112

We welcome your interest in our organization. Our children need your assistance.

Thank you for your consideration.

Board Application - Guardians ad LitemBoard Application - Non-GAL