When Pinellas County voters established the Juvenile Welfare Board in 1946, they created a dedicated source of public funding to address the needs of vulnerable children. Eighty years later, the agency invests more than $128 million annually in children’s services, reaching more than 83,000 children and families throughout the county.
The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB) marked that history Friday, Oct. 23, with its 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon. The sold-out event drew approximately 600 community leaders, elected officials and supporters.
The anniversary also offered a reminder of Pinellas County’s pioneering role in publicly funded children’s services.
In 1944, juvenile court Judge Lincoln Bogue approached community leaders about providing better options for vulnerable children. Attorney Leonard Cooperman subsequently drafted legislation establishing an independent agency with dedicated taxing authority.
The Florida Legislature approved the measure in 1945, and Pinellas voters ratified it Nov. 5, 1946, creating what JWB identifies as the nation’s first independent special taxing district devoted to children’s welfare.
The agency initially funded three organizations serving approximately 1,500 children.
Today, JWB uses property tax revenue to support services addressing early childhood development, school readiness, student success, children’s health and family stability. Its independent taxing authority provides a continuing source of funding for nonprofit organizations and other service providers across Pinellas County.
That arrangement also places responsibility for funding decisions with a governing board that determines how public resources are distributed among competing needs.
“Eighty years ago, the people of Pinellas County made a decision that continues to shape our community today: children deserve the opportunity to thrive, and investing in their futures benefits everyone,” said interim CEO Karen Boggess in a prepared statement.
The luncheon recognized people carrying out that mission in schools, neighborhoods and family service organizations.
Keli Mondello, co-founder and board chair of LiFT, received the Dillinger-McCabe “Putting Children First” Leadership Award. The Clearwater organization serves children and adults with neurodiversity and different learning needs.
Mondello’s work spans more than three decades, including advocacy for early literacy policies, service as a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children and the development of educational opportunities for students who learn differently.
“Children don’t choose their parents; they don’t choose their genetics; they don’t choose their circumstances; I feel it’s our responsibility to be their voice,” Mondello said.
The award commemorates Bernie McCabe, the former Pinellas-Pasco state attorney, and Bob Dillinger, the former public defender. Both served two decades on JWB’s board.
Kay Dillinger recalled that her late husband reviewed nominations for this year’s award shortly before his death. “Even in his weakened state, he made sure his rankings were submitted,” she said, adding that Mondello’s work had particularly impressed him.
JWB also posthumously honored former state Sen. Jack Latvala, whose legislative work helped bring the state attorney and public defender onto the agency’s board. His son, Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, accepted the award.
Four frontline professionals received the KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Award, each accompanied by $1,000.
Gena Calish was recognized for working directly with families to improve parenting skills and prevent child abuse. Melissa Mapes, a teacher at Gingerbread Preschool for 29 years, was honored for her work in early childhood education.
Christine Powell, a foster grandparent with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, received recognition for helping kindergarten students at Maximo Elementary School develop reading skills.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Borbonio was honored for his community policing work in High Point, where he connects families with neighborhood resources and support.
Two students, Tatiana Mansfield and Savannah Starcher, received H. Browning Spence Education Scholarships to support their academic and career goals.