JWB KidsFirst Award Winner Interviewed on Great Day Live

For nearly 80 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) has been investing in children’s futures to strengthen our community. These investments ensure children are ready to learn, thrive, and succeed in homes, schools, and neighborhoods that are healthy and safe. Last year, JWB invested in 98 quality programs with local nonprofit agencies serving more than 77,000 children and families!  

Each year JWB recognizes individuals who work in these programs with the KidsFirst Award: “boots on the ground” professionals, like Paul Kleeman, who consistently go above and beyond to always put children first!

Paul is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he wanted to give back and was drawn to working with students in the City of Clearwater’s out-of-school-time programs. What began as a short-term volunteer opportunity became his personal mission and passion project!

Since 2019, Paul has worked professionally tutoring hundreds of Clearwater students. Time with a tutor isn’t often on a child’s list of favorite things to do after school. But when Paul walks in, the kids excitedly call out, “Mr. Paul, Mr. Paul! Work with me!” They describe him as “my mentor, friend, and ‘School Dad!’”

Great Day Live invited Paul to be part of their special broadcast dedicated to veterans and to honor him as the first of JWB’s 2025 KidsFirst Award recipients!

View the segment as originally published at https://www.wtsp.com/video/features/great-day-live/us-veteran-helping-our-kids/67-5426e0f6-ec7b-46b8-af01-98dfae9cfd31