April Putzulu Recognized by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women for Her “Spirit of Community”

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (the Commission) has honored JWB Director of Communications April Putzulu with its Spirit of Community Award.

Eleven women across the state of Florida were recognized, but April is the only Tampa Bay honoree. She was celebrated for 36 years of service to Florida’s children and families and her passion for developing creative prevention programs and campaigns—many of which remain in existence today.

April’s career has centered on children and youth; first as a probation officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and later with Operation PAR leading substance prevention programs, which resulted in two National Safe & Drug Free Schools designations. Next, motivated by her belief that all children should have opportunities, April oversaw the strategic work of DJJ Boards and Councils that led to new Teen Court programs and the first PACE Centers for Girls in Pinellas and Pasco counties.  

Moving from delinquency to child welfare, April has also served as a connector of people and ideas. She was instrumental in forging a relationship with the Tampa Bay Rays, Rays pitcher James Shields, and his wife Ryane to form the Big Game James Club, giving hundreds of foster children the opportunity to attend major league baseball games each year. 

Passionate about finding forever homes for foster children, she led efforts to create the Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco, and partnered with the media on feature stories, including the viral piece by Tampa Bay Times’ Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lane DeGregory about 16-year-old Davion who wanted “someone, anyone” to adopt him.

Here at JWB, April continues to change the lives of children and families in Pinellas County. Over the last decade she has significantly expanded JWB’s major public education and awareness campaigns. She created the Sleep Baby Safely campaign, which has reduced the number of infant deaths in Pinellas County by half, was recently recognized as a best practice, and, as of 2023, is being replicated statewide.

April is currently leading a new birth-to-three campaign, Turbo Babies, fueled by JWB to support parents and caregivers as their child’s first and best teachers by sharing Turbo Tips and everyday activities that encourage early connections and nurture a baby’s drive to learn.

JWB CEO Beth Houghton said, “April has dedicated her life to service. While the world’s problems are indeed great, her desire to improve the lives of others is far greater. She does not see the obstacles that overwhelm most but eyes opportunities to improve the lives of others. April was once described to me by a peer as ‘someone whose heart makes it happen.’ I couldn’t agree more. We’re proud to have April at JWB—and to celebrate this great honor with her.”

View the announcement at https://fcsw.net/spirit-awards/