Month: June 2026

Following Recent Teen Violence, Community Leaders Host Mental Health and Gun Violence Prevention Event

Posted on by jwb admin
Keshawn's Korner Block Party flyer

As Tampa Bay communities continue to face recent cases of teen violence and the growing youth mental health crisis, Keshawn’s Korner and the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) are bringing families together for a day focused on prevention, healing, and hope.

The free, family-friendly 3rd Annual Six Thirteen Community Block Party on Saturday will provide mental health and suicide prevention resources, wellness activities, community support services, and a special panel discussion on teen gun violence prevention.

The event’s name and date honor the memory of 19-year-old Keshawn Fuller, who died by suicide on June 13, 2023. Following his death, his family founded Keshawn’s Korner to connect families with mental health resources and support.

The community conversation comes at a critical time following several recent incidents of teen gun violence across the Tampa Bay area, including the shooting death of a 14-year-old St. Petersburg teen. The need for this event is clear: nearly one in four teens have seriously considered suicide or reported making a suicide plan.

WHAT: 3rd Annual Six Thirteen Community Block Party focused on mental wellness, suicide prevention, reducing stigma, and connecting families with local resources

WHEN: Saturday, June 13 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Gun Violence Prevention Panel Discussion: 1 p.m. 

WHERE: Lake Vista Recreation Center, 1401 62nd Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

WHO:

  • Event Organizers:
    • Ricquesha Fuller, Founder of Keshawn’s Korner and Keshawn’s mother
    • Marlaina Satcher, JWB Children’s Mental Health Initiative
    • Jerome Kynard, JWB Fatherhood Initiative

  • Panelists and Moderator:
    • Maress Scott – Gun violence prevention advocate who turned personal tragedy into purpose after losing his son to gun violence in 2019.
    • B.J. Daniels – Former NFL player, Super Bowl champion, and mental health advocate focused on resilience and overcoming adversity.
    • Brian Lamar Stokes – Therapist and social worker dedicated to strengthening the mental wellness of men, families, and communities.
    • Antonio Brown – Community leader and founder of The Competitive Readers Coalition, empowering youth through literacy, mentorship, and education.

For more information, view the flyer or visit KeshawnsKorner.org.

JWB Announces First 2025-2026 KidsFirst Award Winner

Posted on by jwb admin

JWB’s mission of strengthening Pinellas County children and families simply could not be accomplished without those who work directly with families, so, for more than 30 years, JWB has recognized outstanding “boots on the ground” professionals each year with the KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Awards.

At a surprise presentation during National Home Visiting Week, JWB COO Karen Boggess presented the first KidsFirst Award of 2026 to Gena Calisch, a Family Support Specialist with Healthy Families Pinellas.

Gena identifies ways to pour into families—mentoring, coaching, and cheering them on. She gives them tools and support to break negative intergenerational cycles—so children grow up with stronger attachments, safer homes, and brighter futures.

But Gena doesn’t just serve families; she also strengthens her team. She launched a regular “lunch bunch”—a safe space for staff to reflect on the work and the big feelings it can bring—helping create psychological safety and supporting retention.

When we asked Gena’s nominator, Program Manager Christy Robinson, to describe Gena, she called her, “a hope broker, a relentless chain-breaker, and a dedicated life changer! Gena equips families with tools to change their lives; she builds real rapport and helps them build confidence and resilience.”

We also learned that in 2023, Gena was named the Best Home Visitor across all Healthy Families programs in America—a prestigious national service award from Prevent Child Abuse America and Healthy Families America—a fact our entire Governing Board celebrated with her during her visit to our May Board meeting.  

JWB’s Board, leadership, and staff are proud to recognize Gena for the way she shows up, the way she leads, and the way she never gives up on families.

She has dedicated 12 years to this mission—and your impact shows in families across Pinellas County. Your work helps parents dream again. It helps children feel safe. And it helps our whole community get healthier—one family at a time.

Enjoy this video highlighting her important work: