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Foster Child Funeral Program
Recognizing
a need in our state, the
Association
entered into an agreement with the Florida Department
of Children and Families to provide funeral arrangements
for foster children. The plight of a foster child
is tragic enough without the additional burden of
funding for a funeral of one of these children. Foster
children often have no permanent family involved and
no resources to help, especially with financial matters.
In
2000, a Senator approached the
Association
with concerns about the lack of funding for funeral
for foster children after a foster child died in his
district. Shortly thereafter, the agreement between
the
Association
and DCF was negotiated. Since the Foster Child Funeral
Program began, Association
members have provided dignified, compassionate funerals
to over 100 children.
Many
people in the community have expressed their appreciation,
including Governor Jeb Bush, who said “I would
like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt
appreciation for the services provided by the Florida
Funeral Directors Association’s Foster Child
Funeral Program. The Association
saw a need to serve the most vulnerable members in
our society and came forward to meet that need.”
Mr John McCarthy, Executive Director of Child and
Family Connections (the lead agency for community
based care in Palm Beach County) has expressed his
thanks and gratitude for this "important and
critical service which is desperately needed during
times of family tragedy that cause such an overwhelming
sense of grief and loss.”
To
participate in the
Association
Foster Child Funeral Program, the DCF District Administrator
should contact the
Association
Executive Director Leigh Ann Bradley for a Foster
Child Funeral Program Form. After completing the information
requested and returning the form the Ms. Bradley,
she will contact the
Association
District Director in the area where the death has
occurred. The District Director either handles the
funeral or calls around the district seeking assistance
from Association
members. In some cases race, religion or culture determines
who is called upon for assistance.
Mortuary
Student Scholarship
The
Association
receives multiple donations each year for scholarships.
A minimum of $3,000 will be given each year but, depending
on funding from members, there could be additional
funds to award over the $3,000. Please call the
Association
office to inquire at 800/226-3332. The deadline to
apply for the scholarships is June 15. Scholarships
will be awarded at the FFDA Annual Convention. The
following are sponsors of the FFDA scholarship funds:
·
Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI) has established
a scholarship fund in the name of Doug Stowell and
will award two scholarships per year at $500 each
(totaling $1,000).
·
Service Corporation, Inc. (SCI) has established
a scholarship fund and will award four scholarships
per year at $500 each (totaling $2,000).
 To
download the scholarship application please click
here, click
here
ICCFA
University Professional Development Scholarship
Grow
Yourself and Your Career
The
Florida Funeral Directors Association is proud to
sponsor a professional develop scholarship providing
funds for a member to attend the International Cemetery,
Cremation and Funeral Association University. The
scholarship is for individuals currently employed
full-time by a member funeral home. The ICCFA University
is a 5-day intense training course at six colleges:
·
21st Century Services
·
Administration & Management
·
Cremation Services
·
Funeral Home Management
·
Land Management & Grounds Operations
·
Sales & Marketing
Please
visit the ICCFA web site at www.ICCFA.com to learn
more about the program. The
Association
will pay all registration costs ($1,600) for one association
member to attend the ICCFAU. Employers and/or scholarship
recipients are responsible for travel and hotel accommodations.
Please fill out the attached application and return
it to the FFDA office by May 15th. If you have questions,
please call the office at 800/226-3332.
To
download the ICCFA University Professional Development
Scholarship, click
here
FCCFA
Magazine
The FCCFA Magazine is the quarterly publication
produced by the Florida Cemetery, Cremation
& Funeral Association (FCCFA). The magazine
includes the latest information on licensing,
regulatory and legislative issues, programs,
federal concerns, human resources and marketing,
and much more! A subscription to the magazine
is included with membership. If you would like
to subscribe to the magazine and are not a current
member please email Kgordon@executiveoffice.org.
Subscriptions are $30 per year.
The magazine also offers a great opportunity
for vendors to been seen by over 400 death care
professionals in Florida. For more information
on advertising in the magazine please call the
office at (800) 226-3332 or email Cara@executiveoffice.org.
You can also download a copy of the 2009-2010
Media Kit by clicking
here.
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Legislative
Lobbying at Florida’s State Capitol
