Pictured: Safe Children Coalition’s Independent Living team includes (from l-r) Sarah Hawk, Wendy Readus, Christine Jones and Dave Luebcke Provided photo/Safe Children Coalition

During the 2026 Florida Department of Children and Families child welfare conference in Orlando, Safe Children Coalition and its Independent Living Life Skills Manager, Wendy Readus, earned several significant awards. Readus was recognized as the Florida Youth SHINE Mentor of the Year and also received the Spark of Change Award; additionally, SCC’s Independent Living team and All Star Children’s Foundation earned the Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) Breakout Collaboration Award. These awards showcase Safe Children Coalition's innovation, quality of programming and commitment to prepare foster care youth ages 13-18 to live independently as well as support young adults who have aged out of the care system with support critical to helping them prepare for adulthood.

Pictured: Safe Children Coalition’s Independent Living team includes (from l-r) Sarah Hawk, Wendy Readus, Christine Jones and Dave Luebcke Provided photo/Safe Children Coalition