History of H.E.L.P.

History of H.E.L.P.

Since 1998 H.E.L.P. has been making a difference for children throughout Florida. Founder Jennifer Lostumbo's goal was to reach out and give hope to the area's population of underprivileged children by adopting subsidized childcare centers through various not-for-profit agencies. H.E.L.P. has provided high school and collegiate students the opportunity to work towards bringing love and dedicated friendship to countless children of inner-city families and disadvantaged homes.

Jennifer Lostumbo established H.E.L.P. during her sophomore year at Western High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Shortly thereafter, the organization, under the guidance of Family Central , spread to five high schools throughout South Florida. Then, in January 2002, Lostumbo's never-ending devotion to helping underprivileged children led her to begin H.E.L.P. at Florida State University.

By the beginning of the 2003 school year, H.E.L.P., with the assistance of Kids Incorporated , gathered enough support to adopt three subsidized preschools in the Tallahassee area and set up trips to each of them once a month. These monthly trips have a different theme and include various fun-filled activities that promote learning and success. In addition to the preschool program, H.E.L.P. worked with foster homes and shelter homes through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to mentor and spend time with troubled youths. They offered the children living there a chance to interact with and learn from positive community role models. By the end of October 2004, H.E.L.P. stood leaps and bounds ahead of everyone's expectations. With the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and serving thousands of children and teens, H.E.L.P. has also broadened its horizons by becoming a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with the assistance of James Moore & Co. H.E.L.P. also became incorporated shortly thereafter, and can be referred to as H.E.L.P. National Incorporated.

H.E.L.P.'s next step is to become nationwide by opening chapters throughout the United States. By doing this, we will offer support, love, and hope to our children of tomorrow.