Fourth annual Faith-Based Symposium challenges everyone to be the change
Adopting a theme of For Maximum Impact, Be the Change, the symposium was designed to inspire and connect places of faith with community partners committed to strengthening Pinellas County children and families.
On February 16th, nearly 250 people gathered at BridgePoint Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, for the Fourth Annual Faith-Based Symposium sponsored by FOCUS (Family Oriented Concept Unified to Serve) in partnership with the Juvenile Welfare Board, Florida Dream Center, and Eckerd Community Alternatives. Adopting a theme of For Maximum Impact, Be the Change, the symposium was designed to inspire and connect places of faith with community agencies, groups, and individuals committed to strengthening Pinellas County children and families.
Serving as host venue for the event, Senior Pastor Tim Whipple of BridgePoint Church welcomed participants and shared his church’s vision. Trenia Cox, JWB Special Projects Coordinator, and Zachary Gibson, Chief Child Advocate and Director of the Office of Adoption and Child Protection for the Executive Office of the Governor, delivered inspiring opening remarks, followed by a prayer from Pastor Harold Paxton of Advent Christian Church and a solo by Phoebe Quarterman. Next, a powerful challenge to Be the Change was issued by Pastor Bill Losasso, FOCUS Chair and Florida Dream Center Director.
The morning session wrapped up with a panel discussion from various community leaders who shared their insights related to transforming individuals for the greatest good and the greatest number. Ms. Cox moderated a panel that included Sheriff Bob Gualtieri of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office; Judith Warren, Chief Operating Officer of the Juvenile Welfare Board; Brian Bostick, Executive Director of Eckerd Community Alternatives; Steven Cleveland, Director of the Florida Dream Center’s Adopt-A-Block Program; and Alfred Lomas, an international speaker, gang abatement consultant, and founder of Inner-CityVisions and LA Gang Tours.
In the afternoon, two general workshops offered attendees the opportunity to increase their knowledge, build capacity, and learn strategies for working with vulnerable populations. The first, titled Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Promises highlighted the stressors and issues that undermine the positive growth and future success of individuals and families in today’s society. The second, titled Tomorrow’s Promises = Change highlighted a variety of innovative programming, social action ministries, and system changes that have contributed to the success of individuals and the health of the communities for positive change.