We Make A Difference

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Imagine being 16 years old and discovering that you are pregnant. Then, imagine not having family support. What would you do? Where could you go? We are so fortunate to have with us this week, Ms. Hope Kramer, the CEO of the Beta Center here in Orlando, Florida. This is a place very dear to my heart because I volunteer regularly at the Beta Center. Each time I go teach my girls about women’s health or their pregnancies, I always leave there feeling such pride for these young women. Despite all odds, they are at the Beta Center every day completing their education, but most importantly learning how to be loving parents.

Hope shares with us that the Beta Center is over 32 years old and serves three counties: Orange, Seminole, and Oseceola counties here in Florida. They teach teenagers how to communicate better with their children. The Beta Center is the only place in Central Florida where they have minors who have minors staying at their residence. She furthers explains that there is a school ( 6th grade to 12th grade), a childcare center, counseling, and residences for the girls to stay.

The staff at Beta- teachers, counselors, nurses, volunteers all support the girls and the overall Beta Center mission. Girls arrive lost and desperate. After Beta, the girls leave confident, self-sufficient, and loving mothers of our community. They know that they can count on the continued support of the Beta Center.

As a community, Hope tells us that we can all help the Beta Center by volunteering, donating to the emergency pantry (clothing, diapers, formula, gift cards to Target or grocery stores), and of course, through financial donations. (I donate my children’s clothing and gently used baby items there all the time. )The Beta Center is a community based funded program. They have two big events each year, Diamonds and Denim Gala & the Hearts and Dreams Breakfast. I’ve attended both for a couple of years and they are both phenomenal and heartwarming.

This is the first of a two part show for the Beta Center. I wanted you all to hear about the Beta Center from their wonderful CEO, Hope Kramer. I really love the Beta Center and support everything that they do for these wonderful girls of our community. I encourage you to come visit the Beta Center and take a tour. I guarantee you that when you leave, you’re going to have to find your heart somewhere in those rooms with the girls. Your heart is going to lead you right back… to volunteer at the Beta Center!

Next week, listen to hear from a Beta Center volunteer. I will also share with you my experience at the Hearts and Dreams Breakfast 2008. Thanks so much!

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