POMPANO BEACH FL (1-17-08) – What is a legacy? Is it property? A family name? An heirloom? In the case of Ms. Loretta Stitt it’s healthier, happier children that she’ll never meet.

That’s because thanks to careful planning by the deceased philanthropist, Ms. Stitt has ensured that some of the most medically fragile children in the nation continue to receive critical services every year.

The gift, administered by the Community Foundation of Broward, is distributed at the end of each year to ensure Broward Children’s Center can provide much needed therapeutic, educational, and recreational services to infants, children and young adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Broward Children’s Center is a Pompano Beach-based nonprofit that serves more than 1000 children and families with special needs each year. The Center’s services include sub-acute residential care, respite services, social services, special needs preschools, primary care and group homes for those with disabilities.

The funds which total slightly under $10,000 annually have helped the Center purchase much needed therapeutic equipment necessary for the treatment and healthy development of children with a host of physical and mental challenges. Funds have also been used to improve accessibility at a Center Group Homes serving eight adolescents with developmental and physical disabilities and to fund a support event for parents of those with special needs.

Center CEO, Marjorie Evans said these vital services could not be provided without such gifts from concerned and involved citizens.

“Everyday we see miraculous life changing events, whether it is watching a child walk or communicate their needs for the first time, or even learn to breathe on their own,” she said. “All of this could not be accomplished if not for the generosity of individuals such as the late Ms. Loretta Stitt and the vital link the Community Foundation of Broward plays in connecting philanthropists with nonprofits who need their help.”

For more than 35 years, Broward Children’s Center has been providing medical, educational, and advocacy services to infants, children, and young adults with special needs.

Contact: Thor Barraclough
954.410.4410 thorb@bcckids.org