Summer Reading gets a Jump-Start from the Book Bus

For the eighth year in a row, The Juvenile Welfare Board partnered with Pinellas County Schools to prevent summer learning loss by giving out free books to children through its Summer Book Bus.

The first out of 81 stops was Sanderlin Center in St. Petersburg on Tuesday morning. Elementary school kids boarded the bus in groups of five and chose two books to take home for free.

What we know: The Juvenile Welfare Board strives to help kids succeed in school, even when they’re out of class for the summer. “We want to reach as many kids in Pinellas County as we can. It’s such a rewarding experience and as we know, there’s such a need in the community. Being able to give books out to kids to hopefully instill a love for learning and combat summer learning loss that takes place when kids are out of school is huge. We’re so happy that we’re able to do that,” JWB Community Collaborations Coordinator, Brianna Ray said.

The organization will be giving out over 10,000 books to more than 5,000 children throughout its stops this summer.

At 37 of this summer’s bus stops a new mobile food pantry will be on site providing non-perishable items and produce. It will help to feed over 2,500 children and families in need.

What’s next: The kickoff events continue through Thursday. The book bus will be stopping at public libraries, community recreation centers, neighborhood family centers and childcare centers in Pinellas County until July 17th. For a list of upcoming stops click this link

Watch the segment and read the article as originally published at https://www.fox13news.com/news/summer-reading-gets-jump-start-from-book-bus

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

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

Mike 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/

Beth Houghton Profile

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