NASW Florida

We are saddened to share the passing of Valerie Baker Harper, LCSW, a dedicated social worker and longtime member of NASW-FL.

Valerie served as the Broward Unit Chair from 2004 to 2006. During her tenure, she encouraged the Unit to become involved in international social work through The Guatemala Project, which provided meals for students. She also forged partnerships with local organizations to host meetings and workshops and served as the Chair of the 2006 Annual Conference.

A passionate advocate for social work, Valerie lobbied for increased wages, title protection, and respect for our profession. Even though her passing is a profound loss for the social work community, we feel honored that Valarie spent her time helping bring positive attention to the social work profession and all the issues she championed.

Please view her obituary for information on how to leave a personal message to her family and to send flowers - https://bit.ly/4fkOZUg

Voting is Social Work! Voting is our opportunity to stand up for the issues that matter to us and our communities. With just a few days until Election Day, it's our chance to contribute to our future and make sure our voices are heard. Every vote matters, and together we can drive change.🗳

Gen Z & Millennials, Your Vote Matters! 🗳🗳
Every vote counts - Make sure yours does!
Get out and vote this election to help shape the future you want to see!

Remember to stay informed on important election information and dates in your local county by visiting the Florida Division of Elections and your Supervisor of Elections website.

November 22, NASW-FL Sarasota/Manatee Unit presents "Intro to Women's Mental Health" facilitated by Sabreen H. Yousef, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET)

This workshop has been approved for and offers 2 contact hours. BAP-321, Exp. 03/25.
Registration: Members- $20, Non-Members- $40, Students- Free

Please register at: https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

Already have your mail-in ballot📪? Make Your Vote Count! Mail it in or deliver it in person today.

Reminder: Turn in your completed ballots by October 30th, at least one week before it’s due on Nov. 5, election day.

October 28, Tampa Bay Unit presents "Virtual Support Hour" facilitated by Hirely Martinez, LCSW, Tampa Bay Unit Chair, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ET).

Join us for a supportive and uplifting space to reflect, share, and connect with others after the recent hurricanes.

Please register at: https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

November 7, NASW-FL presents "HIV / AIDS" presented by Philip Toal, EdD, LMHC, CET, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET)

This workshop meets initial licensure requirements and has been approved for and offers 3 contact hours. BAP-321, Exp.03/25.

Registration:
Members - $45
Future Members - $75

Please register at: https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

REMINDER - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, has opened Operation Blue Roof through Tuesday, November 5. This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.

Residents impacted can sign up for this no-cost service by visiting www.blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection center throughout the affected areas. ROE collection center locations are listed on www.blueroof.gov, where residents can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using an ROE form, which gathers information about the residence.

When recovering from a disaster like and , food is more than nourishment, it's also comfort. That’s why we’re working with dozens of partners to serve hearty meals in counties across Central Florida.

People need support now, and the Red Cross can’t do this alone. Please help by making a financial donation or signing up to become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SATURDAY: Help the community recover and make a difference in the lives of families impacted by Hurricane Milton.

📆 October 26 8am-12pm
📍 Adams Middle School
💻 Register at tampa.gov/HelpTampa

hfloridadisaster.org

Join us tomorrow, October 23, for NASW-FL "Voter Series" from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ET). Part 3 of 3 Topic: "Are You Voter Ready?".

This engaging workshop covers essential topics such as gathering signatures, early voting, ballot measures, and the NASW-FL PACE’s endorsements for 2024.

Registration is Free - https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

We are excited to introduce our new Executive Director, Christina Cazanave-McCarthy, MSW!

Christina is a seasoned social work educator and advocate with over 15 years of experience. A proud graduate of the University of Central Florida, her work centers on civic engagement, advocacy, and policy—particularly in voter rights and social justice. Christina has held numerous leadership roles, including chairing the NASW-FL Legislative Committee and working with the Civic Education and Engagement Sub-Committee. Her dedication to empowering communities through voter engagement and social work education is inspiring.

Please join us in welcoming Christina to NASW-FL/VI!

October 23, the Miami-Dade Unit presents "Monthly Unit Steering Committee Meeting" with Williesha Livingston, DSW, LCSW, Unit Chair, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET)

Join us to discuss and plan upcoming unit events.

Registration is free - https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

November 6th, NASW-FL SW Unit presents "Southwest Unit Bookclub" facilitated by Michele Munzner, DSW, ACM-SW, LSW, Southwest Unit Chair, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET)

Please join us for this bi-monthly book club. You do not need to be a member of the Southwest Unit to join the discussion!

This month's book selection is It Ends With Us by Author Colleen Hoover.
Please read the book prior to the event.

Registration is Free - https://www.naswfl.org/events.html
A Zoom link with be provided prior to the event.

Flagler & Palm Beach counties are now eligible to apply for the Blue Roof Program!

This program provides free temporary tarping while you work to permanently repair your roof.

Apply at http://BlueRoof.gov or call 888-766-3258! This program closes on Nov. 5.

October 25, the Central Unit is holding a "Central Unit Meet and Mingle," hosted by Amy Moncion, Unit Chair, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET).

Join us for a chance to connect with fellow social workers in a relaxed atmosphere. Engage in conversations, share insights, and build valuable networks while celebrating our shared commitment to social work.

Whether you're seasoned or new to the field, this event is perfect for expanding your connections in our community!

Location:
The Aurora at The Celeste
4105 N Alafaya Trail
Orlando, Florida 32826

Registration:
Member: $15
Future Member: $20

Each registered individual will receive an appetizer and non-alcoholic beverage from the Happy Hour Menu.

Register at: https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

World Central Kitchen will be serving free lunch at 1:30pm at TWO locations today:
📍 Cuscaden Park Parking Lot
📍 DeSoto Park Parking Lot

Reminder: Our two Point of Distribution sites are open from 7am-7pm daily until further notice. Providing Tampa residents with water, ice, meals & supplies.
📍 Gandy Boat Ramp (5108 W Gandy Blvd)
📍 Al Lopez Park (4810 N Himes Ave)

There are Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) open in areas impacted by recent hurricanes.

📍 You can find a live map of locations & operating times here: http://arcg.is/9Dy4m.

DRCs provide 1-on-1 assistance & resources to help you navigate your recovery & application process.

Fuel Distribution Sites
FDEM is opening public fuel depot locations to support residents in Milton impacted counties. Fuel is ONLY for cars & only 10 gallons per car.

Sites will remain open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day:

• Limit of 10 gallons per car:

o Tropicana Rail Yard
1706 9th St E
Bradenton, FL 34208

o Plant City Stadium
1810 S Park Rd.
Plant City, FL 33563

o Central Lot – Parking Lot
800 1st Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

•
o Charlotte Sports Park - Open 7 am - 7 pm
2300 El Jobean
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

•
o St. Pete College Tarpon Springs
600 E Klosterman Rd
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

o East Bay Raceway
6311 Burts Rd
Tampa, FL 33619

o Bradenton Motorsports Park. 10 am - 7 pm
21000 E. State Road 64
Bradenton Fl, 34212

o Gulf View Mall 10 am - 7 pm
9409 US-19
Port Richey, FL 34668

o Wiregrass Mall 10 am - 7 pm
28211 Paseo Drive
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

o Largo Mary Grizzle State Office 10 am - 7 pm
11351 Ulmerton Rd
Largo, FL 33778

October 19, the Miami-Dade Unit presents "Social Workers & Mental Health Professionals Peer Support Group" facilitated by Edith Caballero, LCSW, and Myriam Ayala, LCSW from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (ET).

Special Presentation by Francesca Contreras, LCSW: "The 2024 Election Year: Navigating Political Advocacy & Mental Well-being as Social Workers"

Registration is free - https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

October 23, Join us for Part 3 of our "Voter Series" workshop, from 4:30-5:30 PM (ET)! Topic: "Are You Voter Ready?"

Whether you're a first-time voter or looking to stay informed this election season, this workshop is for you!

Registration is free: https://www.naswfl.org/events.html

Supply Points of Distribution are set up at four locations to provide water, food and tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton. The sites will open at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.

Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota

Important Update for HART Customers

Website Down: Our website is currently down. For the latest updates, please call Customer Service at 813-254- 4278.

Emergency Service: We are currently operating Emergency Service. (schedule attached - shows June 1 as start of Hurricane Season) Please check for specific route information.

Bus Stop Access: If a street is closed or not passable, buses will be unable to access those stops. Please call Customer Service at 813-254- 4278 for alternative nearby stops.

Stay Informed: We are working hard to restore services and keep you safe. Thank you for your patience during this time!