Better Together celebrates 10th anniversary
Better Together – a nonprofit based in Southwest Florida that unites churches, employers, and neighbors to build a volunteer-powered safety net to support Florida families in need – on Sunday, Dec. 7 celebrated its 10-year anniversary at a luncheon at Summit Church, University Campus, in Fort Myers.
Community partners, churches, volunteers, donors and those positively impacted by the mission of Better Together joined the organization as it reflected on 10 years of changing lives and looked ahead at another decade of action. The luncheon also featured Tim Tebow, former professional athlete and chairman of the Tim Tebow Foundation, as the keynote speaker.
“We’re so thankful for everyone who has showed up and played a part in Better Together’s mission over the past 10 years,” said Better Together CEO Megan Rose. “We had a momentous first decade of impact all of which was made possible because churches, volunteers, donors, and employers all believed in Better Together’s vision. I am excited to see what the next decade holds, as we work together to make the next 10 years even more impactful than the first 10.”
“We want to make a difference in our communities, in our state, in our country and around the world,” said Tebow, during his remarks at the celebration. “We should actually believe in the principle that we really are Better Together, that there is power when we actually come together, that actually, as the body of Christ, we all have different roles, and we are called to live out those roles and not compare our roles.”
“As an organization, we have been able to help nearly 100,000 people over the past decade, including being able to prevent 12,000 children from entering the foster care system,” said Better Together COO Kayla Palacios. “These numbers speak volumes about what we have been able to accomplish with the thousands of volunteers, churches, community partners, employers, and donors that have come together to support Better Together’s work across Florida. These positive outcomes, that we’re (celebrating) today, is the result of this coordinated community action.”
“It’s clear that Better Together is different,” said Founder and President of the Board of Directors for Better Together Tarren Bragdon. “Most systems wait until a child is hurt before intervening, but Better Together shows up early to provide support for the whole family to help them in their time of need. This difference has made for a truly impactful 10 years, and I know that Better Together’s reach will only grow in the next decade, helping more families and changing more lives.”
Better Together marked their anniversary milestone by reflecting on 10 years of impact and the positive outcomes created for families across Florida. Nearly 100,000 individuals have been strengthened through their programs, and more than 12,000 children have been prevented from entering the foster care system.
Better Together, a nonprofit based in Southwest Florida with regional locations throughout the state, is dedicated to keeping families together and children out of foster care. When parents face homelessness, job loss, medical emergencies, or other crises, Better Together casts its volunteer-powered safety net to prevent trauma and the need for foster care. Its volunteer host families provide short-term care for children, job fairs offer meaningful work opportunities, and mentors guide and encourage, allowing Florida families to gain needed support, become economically self-sufficient, and remain united. To learn more about Better Together, visit BetterTogetherUS.org and follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.