Get on the bus for a good read! The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County will launch the Summer Book Bus tomorrow with over 80 stops!
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Month: June 2025
Juvenile Welfare Board Book Bus is Giving Free Books to Kids
The JWB Book Bus is delivering books in under-resourced neighborhoods across Pinellas County. It is scheduled to make more than 80 stops from Tarpon Springs to South St. Petersburg in July, giving away more than 10,000 brand-new books to 5,000 children. According to a press release from the Juvenile Welfare Board, “the bus stops include public libraries, community recreation centers, neighborhood family centers, childcare centers, and more. “
In addition to the bus there is also Meal Mobile, which is pop-up food pantry events at 36 book bus sites. “In 2023, nearly 6 million free meals were provided to kids to fill the gaps. This summer, we’re bringing the Meal Mobile to Book Bus stops to reach even more children and make sure Pinellas kids have access to the nutrition they need to thrive.”
The stops will start in July; here are the kick off sites:
Tuesday, July 1st
10:00 AM – James B. Sanderlin NFC, 2335 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
*This is also a Meal Mobile site.
Wednesday, July 2nd
9:00 AM – Boys and Girls Club of Pinellas Park, 7790 61st N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
10:30 AM – Barbara S. Ponce Public Library, 7770 52nd Street N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
*These are also Meal Mobile sites.
Thursday, July 3
9:00 AM – High Point NFC,5812 150th Ave N. Clearwater, FL 33760
10:00 AM – Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, 1450 16th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
*These are also Meal Mobile sites.
For the book bus schedule: https://www.jwbpinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Book-Bus-Schedule-2025.pdf
Read the article as originally published at https://www.wmnf.org/juvenile-welfare-board-book-bus-is-giving-free-books-to-kids/
Tampa Bay Newspapers | Vet, Tutor Wins KidsFirst Award
Paul Kleeman, a veteran and tutor with the city, has received the KidsFirst Award from the Juvenile Welfare Board.
After his service with the U.S. Air Force, Kleeman “wanted to give back to his community and was drawn to the opportunity to work with students in Clearwater’s Parks & Recreation out-of-school-time programs,” officials said.
What began as a short-term volunteer opportunity became his personal mission and passion project. Kleeman has worked professionally tutoring nearly 400 Clearwater students since 2019.
For more than 25 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has used the annual KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Awards to recognize outstanding social services professionals “who provide direct services and work tirelessly to put children first.”
See the article as originally published at https://www.tbnweekly.com/clearwater_beacon/article_d93817a8-4229-4a42-8df8-bb36f0b04733.html
U.S. Veteran and Tutor with City of Clearwater Named JWB 2025 KidsFirst Award Winner
Paul Kleeman is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he wanted to give back to his community and was drawn to the opportunity to work with students in the City of Clearwater’s Parks & Recreation out-of-school-time programs. What began as a short-term volunteer opportunity became his personal mission and passion project.
For more than 25 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has used the annual KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Awards to recognize outstanding social services professionals who provide direct services and work tirelessly to put children first.
And Paul Kleeman is certainly worthy of the KidsFirst award!
Since 2019, Paul has worked professionally tutoring nearly 400 Clearwater students. Time with a tutor isn’t often on a child’s list of favorite things to do after school. But when Paul walks into the room, the kids excitedly call out, “Mr. Paul, Mr. Paul! Work with me!” When asked, they describe him as “my mentor, friend, and ‘School Dad!’”
Paul once worked with a struggling 3rd grader who was set to be retained. Paul helped him academically and worked tirelessly to rebuild his confidence. That student went from struggling to making the honor roll—and now, as a 7th grader, he still seeks out Paul for guidance.
To combat summer learning loss, Paul took the initiative to develop a 10-week summer academic program, providing targeted math and reading lessons to students at risk of falling behind. Thanks to his efforts, many students returned to school not only prepared for success but also ahead of their peers.
When invited to the April JWB Board Meeting for recognition of his efforts and life-changing impact, Paul excused himself early, saying “Thank you so much, but I have to get back to my kids! I know they’ll be waiting on me.”
Spectrum Bay News 9 | Hurricane Community Expo in Clearwater Saturday
TAMPA, Fla. — A Hurricane Community Expo is being held in Clearwater Saturday to help residents prepare for storm season.
Juvenile Welfare Board is partnering with about twenty other community organizations, including the St. Pete Free Clinic, the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center, and the Hispanic Outreach Center, to provide much-needed resources to residents and a approach to disaster readiness efforts compared to last year, especially in specific populations.
“We all were impacted by the hurricanes and the different storms but we know we have some vulnerable communities like the Latino community and grand families,” said Yaridis Garcia, community engagement manager for the Juvenile Welfare Board.
The organization started preparing for this storm season immediately after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit last year. Committees were formed to begin proactive planning to reach specific populations at events geared toward grandparents who raise their grandchildren, and ensuring resources and information are provided in Spanish.
And to make sure supplies are readily available immediately following a disaster, JWB recently approved $200,000 for the St. Pete Free Clinic to pre-stock hurricane supplies in advance, to include things like: hygiene items, diapers and baby wipes.
This means warehouse shelves will already be stocked with items ready to distribute.
The Hurricane Community Expo will take place Saturday, June 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clearwater East Community Library, located at 2465 Drew St.
Read the article as originally published at https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/06/06/hurricane-community-expo-in-clearwater-saturday
Juvenile Welfare Board CEO to Retire
Beth A. Houghton has announced her retirement as CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County after heading the agency for six years.
Her retirement is effective July 11.
“Beth has been an extraordinary leader and champion for the children and families of Pinellas County,” said Patrice Moore, Sixth Judicial Circuit Court judge and chair of the Juvenile Welfare Board. “Under her leadership, JWB responded rapidly to meet emergent needs during a global pandemic, weathered back-to-back major hurricanes last year, successfully implemented a five-year strategic plan, and balanced accountability with new program growth, ensuring today’s funds are invested wisely to strengthen the lives of today’s children.”
Houghton was hired in 2019 after a national search. Previously, she had served as CEO of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic for eight years.
The JWB Board has named Michael Mikurak as interim CEO, effective June 9. Appointed to the JWB board in 2013, he held the positions of board chair, vice chair, and finance committee chair, and represented JWB on several child-serving boards until his term expired in April.
View the article as originally published at https://www.tbnweekly.com/pinellas_county/article_f94c5aaf-0887-4f98-ba28-5873edd16803.html.
Beth A. Houghton will Retire as CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board
After six years of service, Beth A. Houghton will retire as CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB), effective July 11.
Houghton leaves behind a legacy as an extraordinary leader and champion for children. Under her leadership, JWB successfully implemented a five-year strategic plan, met emergent needs during the global pandemic and major hurricanes, and balanced accountability with new program growth to ensure today’s funds are invested wisely to strengthen the lives of today’s children.
Learn more about JWB at www.jwbpinellas.org.
View the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay.com/sponsored/2025/06/06/beth-houghton-retires-from-jwb/.
The Juvenile Welfare Board Announces Michael Mikurak as Interim CEO
The Juvenile Welfare Board announces Michael Mikurak as Interim CEO, effective June 9, 2025.
A prior member and chair of the Board, Mikurak is a staunch advocate for Pinellas children and families and has always held JWB to the highest standards of accountability while promoting innovation, strategic thinking, and process optimization. With more than 30 years’ business strategy and supply chain management experience, Mikurak brings his rich business acumen and depth of knowledge to the role.
Learn more about JWB at www.jwbpinellas.org. Learn more about Michael Mikurak at www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mikurak-6033498.
View the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay.com/sponsored/movers-shakers/2025/06/06/mike-mikurak-interim-ceo-at-jwb/.
Florida Trend | Movers & Influencers Features Retiring CEO Beth Houghton and Interim CEO Michael Mikurak
Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Pinellas County
The Juvenile Welfare Board announces Michael Mikurak as Interim CEO, effective June 9, 2025. A prior member and Chair of the Board, Mikurak is a staunch advocate for Pinellas children and families and has always held JWB to the highest standards of accountability while promoting innovation, strategic thinking, and process optimization. With more than 30 years’ business strategy and supply chain management experience, Mikurak brings his rich business acumen and depth of knowledge to the role.
See this article as originally published at https://www.floridatrend.com/movers/2025-6/
Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Pinellas County
After six years of service, Beth A. Houghton will retire as CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB), effective July 11. Houghton leaves behind a legacy as an extraordinary leader and champion for children. Under her leadership, JWB successfully implemented a five-year strategic plan, met emergent needs during the global pandemic and major hurricanes, and balanced accountability with new program growth to ensure today’s funds are invested wisely to strengthen the lives of today’s children.
See this article as originally published at https://www.floridatrend.com/movers/2025-6/
Tampa Bay Business Journal | People on the Move: Juvenile Welfare Board CEO Beth Houghton Retires Leaving a Lasting Impact
After six years of service, Beth A. Houghton will retire as CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB), effective July 11. Houghton leaves behind a legacy as an extraordinary leader and champion for children. Under her leadership, JWB successfully implemented a five-year strategic plan, met emergent needs during the global pandemic and major hurricanes, and balanced accountability with new program growth to ensure today’s funds are invested wisely to strengthen the lives of today’s children.
See this article as originally published at https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/potmsearch/detail/submission/6560200/Beth_Houghton