For years, the Clearwater Neighborhood Family Center has been more than just an after-school program for families in the city’s North Greenwood neighborhood. It’s been a second home.

“When you become a parent, everybody tells you that it takes a village,” said parent Amber Nunez.

Clearwater Neighborhood Family Center is part of that village.

Her three children have grown up in the program, and they’ve been surrounded by staff who’ve become like family.

But now, that “village” is facing major change.

Last week, the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB), a countywide special taxing district that strengthens the lives of Pinellas County children, voted to terminate the center’s contract by the end of the year.

The welfare board, which provides more than $800,000 in taxpayer dollars each year to the Clearwater Neighborhood Family Center, cited serious concerns about the organization’s management and finances.

In a report to its board, the JWB said nearly 60% of documents provided during a recent audit were “insufficient or incomplete.” The agency also cited ongoing leadership instability, including board resignations and missing meeting records, as reasons for ending its funding agreement.

Despite that decision, the JWB says the after-school and family programs will continue. The agency plans to transfer operations to the City of Clearwater and Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center, which already manages similar programs at the same recreation complex.

Still, that news is unsettling for families like Nunez’s and for longtime employees who worry about what the transition will mean.

“It feels like we’re getting punished for something we had nothing to do with,” said staff member Morgan Morris. “We are the heart of this community. We don’t want to go anywhere.”

Another staffer, R’neeshia Brown, said the job is about more than a paycheck.

“It’s just the relationship and the family connection I’ve built with this organization,” she said.

Parents say those relationships are what make the center special.

“When he’s here, he’s just more like, ‘Okay, I can be myself,’” said Gerald Thomas, whose 2nd-grade son is in the program. “These ladies are like family.”

JWB says current employees will have a chance to apply for positions with the city once the transition takes effect.

Former executive director Terry Jones, who was terminated by the nonprofit’s board in August, maintains that he was wrongfully let go and denies any misuse of funds. The current board president, Lisa Harris, says she supports JWB’s decision and hopes the transition will stabilize services for families.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit’s internal leadership remains in dispute. Current staff, including Morris, say they’ve turned a new leaf and removed the former leadership, including longtime board president Lisa Harris, whose name was recently taken off the center’s website.

“Everybody that had something to do with what was happening beforehand, they are no longer attached to this organization,” Morris said.

However, Harris insists she’s still the rightful board president and says she’s sent a letter firing the new director who tried to remove her. It’s a sign of the ongoing instability surrounding the nonprofit’s leadership.

Through it all, parents like Nunez are left waiting and hoping that whoever runs the program next will keep the caring staff who’ve become part of their children’s lives.

“This is the only place my daughter has known,” Nunez said. “She really loves the ladies here.”

View the segment and read the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-pinellas/parents-worry-beloved-clearwater-after-school-program-could-lose-its-heart

This week is the first of three opportunities for Pinellas County families to get free groceries at drive-through mobile pantries.

The program, part of a partnership with the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic (SPFC), is designed to address food insecurity and mitigate the financial strain on residents facing high costs of living.

Each household receives approximately 50 pounds of food, including fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and shelf-stable essentials, according to SPFC and Feeding Tampa Bay.

All Pinellas County residents who demonstrate need qualify. While specific requirements may vary based on whether USDA-TEFAP food is distributed, residents are generally advised to bring photo identification and proof of residency (e.g., a utility bill with a current address).

The Family Center on Deafness (5175 45th St. N, St. Petersburg) hosts the first drive-through on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Distribution events are also set for Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.

Outside of scheduled mobile distribution events, Pinellas County residents can access food resources at St. Pete Free Clinic and Feeding Pinellas Empowerment Center.

For updates on mobile food drop-offs and a directory of local food pantries, visit feedingtampabay.org.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.cltampa.com/news/pinellas-residents-can-get-50-pounds-of-free-fresh-groceries-this-thursday/

Michael Mikurak has been the interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County since June. With over 30 years of experience in business, he has focused on creating future-thinking strategies for the organization. 

JWB, which was established by a special act of the Florida legislature in 1945, develops and invests in programs and initiatives that support local children. 

Mikurak was first appointed to JWB’s board in 2013. He held several positions including Board Chair, Vice Chair and Finance Committee Chair before his term expired in April. 

“Coming into the role with the background and knowledge I had from a board member’s perspective, I was able to take that and really begin to move forward quickly in identifying areas of change and where we can enhance the value and benefit.” 

For Mikurak, the job is a passion project. 

Growing up in Trenton, New Jersey in a poor but loving family, he saw firsthand the impact of community. “What was really valuable about my upbringing was the communication, collaboration and the belonging that neighbors had.” 

Support from family and friends allowed Mikurak to pursue a business career and he eventually became an international consulting partner at Accenture plc. 

“That’s what makes JWB so important. Because we have the opportunity to really help kids become who they want to be.” 

Mikurak views the organization as a “retail company” with customers. Those clients are the children as well as the providers and nonprofit agencies JWB supports. 

“In essence, we have to be flexible and understand the issues that are going on within the community, the families and the children themselves,” he explained. “We have to prepare to develop programs that are supportive to create this neighborhood thought and environment.” 

Serving children throughout their adolescence is key, Mikurak said. When organizations come together to educate the young population about career fields, this can have a lasting impact. 

For example, Mikurak argued that giving middle school students skill training in technical industries such as plumbing can ensure job security. 

This should be a team effort between for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Mikurak continued. 

“My vision is to weave them together to create an environment where we can actually work closely with everyone in the community to drive economic development and high-quality lifestyles,” he explained. “JWB can’t be the funder of everything, but we could be the integrator and thought leader.” 

Mikurak believes JWB can also be a test ground for programs. To exemplify, he spoke about the organization’s Turbo Babies initiative, which focuses on learners between the ages of zero and three. 

According to the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, 80 percent of a child’s brain is developed during their first 1,000 days. The program provides parents with tips and activities to aid in their child’s growth. 

As for Mikurak’s future at JWB, he hopes to lead the organization long-term if the board desires. 

“In my past experience in my consulting business, I didn’t just build strategies. I worked there to implement them,” Mikurak said. “So that’s what I want to do. I would be very happy if the board decided to drop the interim title.” 

Read the article as originally published at https://stpetecatalyst.com/interim-ceo-wants-juvenile-welfare-board-to-thrive/

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County recently announced a new slate of officers, with each serving two-year terms.

Division Chief James Millican now serves as the JWB Board chair. He was appointed to the JWB Board by former Florida Gov. Rick Scott in 2017.

Kristen Gnage was named board vice chair. She was appointed to the JWB Board in 2023 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Bruce Bartlett continues to serve in the role of JWB Board secretary. He served as chief assistant state attorney for 28 years until his appointment as the state attorney of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court by DeSantis in 2021.

Patrice Moore, Circuit Court judge with the Sixth Judicial Circuit, concluded her term as JWB Board chair on Sept. 20. She continues to serve as an ex-officio member of the JWB Board.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.tbnweekly.com/pinellas_county/article_d966e59f-8ed7-4765-9a75-962084e12ea9.html

Dozens of Tampa Bay business leaders recently attended a Bosses for Babies Breakfast [in Clearwater].

The event was hosted by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County and the Florida Children’s Movement.

Attendees discussed various early-learning initiatives promoted by the statewide Bosses for Babies program.

Guests included Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, St. Petersburg College President Tonjua Williams, and many other area officials.

…Bosses for Babies encourages companies to adopt family-friendly workplace practices.

PHOTO CAPTION: Tampa Bay Bosses for Babies Champions (L-R): Faith Bornoff – Pinellas County Licensing Board; Dr. Ulyee Choe – Florida Dept. of Health in Pinellas County; Mary Jo Plews – Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County; Maris Mowat – Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County; Lisa Huff – Learning Empowered; Dr. Frederick Hicks – Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County; Matt Spence – Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT); Madeleine Thakur – Children’s Movement of Florida; Dianne Jacob, PNC Bank (Retired); Michael Mikurak – Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County; Amanda Payne, Amplify Clearwater; Katie Roder-Turner – Family Healthcare Foundation; Jean Pierre – Suncoast Center; Kristen Arrojo Gnage – Florida Council Against Sexual Violence/JWB Board Vice Chair; April Lott – Directions for Living; Jake Hornstein – Our Children Have Rights; Elodie Dorso – Evara Health; and Ric Banciella – Children’s Movement of Florida/Bosses for Babies

Read the article as originally published at https://www.tbnweekly.com/clearwater_beacon/article_fb6c5ccf-8c74-4871-81db-932b25f21631.html

JWB Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak recently announced the promotion of Rebecca Gross Tieder from Director of Public Policy to the new role of Chief Public Awareness Officer (CPAO), effective Oct. 1, 2025.

In her new role, she will advocate for children and families through education, legislative action, and authentic relationship-building.

View the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay.com/sponsored/movers-shakers/2025/10/02/jwb-promotes-tieder-to-cpao/

More than $100 million is being invested in programs and initiatives to improve children’s futures, including significant investments to boost early learning and support Pinellas County families with young children in the formative years, birth to three.

Why it’s important: Babies’ brains are like supercomputers, absorbing and analyzing information from birth — and 80% of brain growth happens in the first 1,000 days of life.

• When families have support during this critical window, outcomes in a child’s education, health and economic mobility improve dramatically.

The strategy: Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) interim CEO Michael Mikurak will steer $113 million into programs that include infant and maternal health, early childhood development, quality early learning, mental wellness, infant safe sleep, parent education and more.

• These annual investments are designed to ripple across Tampa Bay, shaping stronger families, neighborhoods and communities.

The deets: Campaigns like Turbo Babies, which promotes early connections and healthy brain development through everyday activities and four easy tips, and Sleep Baby Safely, which reduced infant sleep-related suffocation deaths by 50% and expanded statewide, are proof that early investment pays off.

Programs making a difference include:

• 👶 Turbo Babies early childhood campaign supports parents as their child’s first and best teachers
• 🧠 Behavioral health services embedded in pediatric care.
• 🫂 The Pinellas Fatherhood Collaborative, supporting dads in caregiving roles.
• 🌀 Post-hurricane relief, delivering cribs, car seats, diapers, and other essentials.
• 📚 Millions invested in stabilizing the early childhood workforce.
• 👶 Sleep Baby Safely campaign educates delivering parents at birthing hospitals — plus, JWB secured safe sleep environments for 600 babies.
• 👦 250 children kept in childcare settings despite state funding cuts.

Key numbers: Last year alone, JWB invested in 98 programs across Pinellas County — reaching more than 80,000 children and families.

• About ninety cents of every dollar went directly to services for children.

The impact: These investments mean fewer preventable deaths, more babies on track developmentally, more kids ready for school and stronger families who can weather life’s challenges.

• “The earlier we invest, the greater the return for our children, their families and our society,” Mikurak said.

Worth a mention: JWB is a special taxing district, meaning a portion of Pinellas property taxes is set aside and reinvested directly into programs that support local children and families.

The takeaway: JWB is rethinking how Pinellas supports its youngest residents by building a foundation for healthier communities and a stronger future.

Next steps: On Wednesday, Oct. 1, dozens of Tampa Bay’s top CEOs, elected officials and community leaders gathered at JWB’s Clearwater campus for the Beaches to the Bay | Bosses for Babies Breakfast.

• The event, hosted with the Children’s Movement of Florida, is part of the statewide Bosses for Babies initiative mobilizing CEOs to adopt family-friendly policies and invest in early learning.
• Speakers included PNC Bank’s Dianne Jacob, Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, JWB interim CEO Michael Mikurak, Children’s Movement President/CEO Madeleine Thakur and Bosses for Babies Director Ric Banciella.

What’s in store: Leaders unveiled two major announcements during the event:

• A transformative new solution to the childcare crisis called CARENOMICS, led by JWB to engage Pinellas County businesses in being part of the solution for a vibrant workforce.
• A record-breaking 51 percent of all statewide Bosses for Babies are Tampa Bay business leaders committed to boosting their workforces and contributing to community prosperity through family-focused practices.

See the difference early investment makes.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/sponsored/early-learning-gets-a-big-lift-in-pinellas-county

JWB’s new Chief Public Awareness Officer, Rebecca Gross Tieder, was featured by the St. Pete Catalyst.

View the article as originally published at https://stpetecatalyst.com/shuffle/rebecca-gross-tieder/

JWB Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak recently announced the promotion of Rebecca Gross Tieder from Director of Public Policy to the new role of Chief Public Awareness Officer (CPAO), effective 10/1/25, where she will advocate for children and families through education, legislative action, and authentic relationship-building.

Read the original article as posted at https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/potmsearch/detail/submission/6564432/Rebecca_Gross_Tieder

City commissioners here proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month at their Sept. 16 meeting, in recognition of the traditions, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in Largo and across Tampa Bay.

Community Engagement Administrator Julianne Perez highlighted how Largo was celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month—through the Hispanic Outreach Center’s annual gala at the Central Park Performing Arts Center on Sept. 19, social media and e-newsletter stories, and by encouraging the community to explore books and resources by Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx authors at the Largo Public Library.

The Commission also honored Yaridis Garcia, community engagement manager at the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, for her contributions to Largo and elsewhere.

View the article as originally published at https://www.tbnweekly.com/largo_leader/article_fc77a272-3307-4545-98e4-a3693fdd5256.html