BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
More than 20 years ago, a Tampa church saw the dire need to help children in need of homes. They decided the best way to accomplish this goal was to work in conjunction with the local governmental agency responsible for the children.
The origin of the Family Enrichment Center began in the secretary’s office of the College Hill Church Of God And Christ. The idea was to recruit African American families to become licensed foster parents.
The Center opened its doors on September 29, 1992.
On Thursday, September 20th, the Board of Directors, management, and staff of The Family Enrichment Center will celebrate its 20th Anniversary. The celebration will take place at the Tampa Airport Hilton, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The guest speaker for the event is Lucas Boyce, author of “Living Proof: From the White House to the NBA.” He will share his story of being a former foster child born prematurely to an alcoholic and drug addicted teenager.
The organization will also pay a special tribute to the late Mr. Freddie Solomon, a popular retired NFL star and local coach.
Ms. Olga Stirrup, Executive Director of the Family Enrichment Center said, “It is inconceivable to have our celebration and not talk about how much Coach Solomon meant to the agency and his heart, and our Grandparents Program. His widow, Mrs. Dee Solomon will join the agency that evening.”
Having served the community for the past 20 years, The Family Enrichment Center is the second largest provider of foster care in Hillsborough County.
Ms. Stirrup said, “It was our challenge to dispel a prevailing attitude that Black families would not step to the plate and provide safe homes for Black children who were disproportionately represented in the foster care system. And, we continue to respond to challenges.”
The Center continues to increase its services to the community. The most recent undertakings include: low-cost housing for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS; a residential group home for siblings in foster care; case management, and the first support services for grandparents and other relative caregivers in Hillsborough County.
For additional information, contact The Family Enrichment Center at (813) 237-2530, extension 26; or see the ad in this edition of the Sentinel.
