For former NFL player and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy, the topic of fostering and adopting children hits close to home.
Dungy and his family opened their arms -- and their hearts -- to adopted children, raising seven of their own. Since then, their family’s life has changed and Dungy himself has become a staunch promoter for fostering and adopting children.
His role as an advocate is another chapter in Dungy’s colorful life story -- which includes playing in front of packed stadiums and even coaching a winning Super Bowl Team -- but to him, it’s the most important job he’s ever had.
“There is no greater calling for my wife and I than helping other families adopt and foster children,” Dungy said. “That’s what it’s all about: Making a difference, one child at a time.”
Dungy’s experience led him to become the spokesperson for a father-centric nonprofit organization, All Pro Dad, which aims to help men become better caregivers and fathers.
On Wednesday, he announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families to raise awareness for adoption and foster family recruitment across the Sunshine State.
The goal of the partnership is to help children and strengthen families statewide.
“What happens to you as a child helps mold you into the person you become as an adult,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll on Wednesday. “They need someone to love them unconditionally...and to be there during the highs they’ll experience...but also during the tough times we all experience.”
According to Carroll, there’s a real need to spread the word about adoption to help needy children.
Over 23,000 children are currently in foster care around the state and another 800 are waiting to be joined with families.
“People like you and me... have to step up and be part of the solution, to open your hearts, to open your homes, to open your families and accept somebody into them,” Carroll explained.
The two organizations will be using social media platforms, TV ads, outdoor advertising and in-school events to spread the word of the campaign.
Over 70 agencies affiliated with the Florida Coalition of Children, including 20 community-based care lead agencies across Florida, work to promote adoptions.
Former House Speaker Will Weatherford also joined in the press conference in Tampa on Wednesday to discuss just how important adopting is in a child’s life.
Weatherford, a father of four who is rumored to make a run for governor in 2018, remained hopeful about the future of adoptions and excited about creating families through the adoption process.
“Because of this campaign...and because of the inspirational message Coach Dungy puts forth...thousands kids will be taken off the foster rolls,” Weatherford told the crowd.
“We are fighting this battle for children who are underserved..if we can leverage the community and citizens throughout our state to feel compelled...to do something about this, to engage, to save someone’s life, it’s going to be an awe-inspiring experience,” he said.
Gov. Rick Scott recently designated November as Florida Adoption Month. Scott is working alongside DCF in the “30 Days of Amazing Children” campaign, where DCF will highlight two children who are looking for a forever home each day.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
