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ABOUT READY FOR LIFE

WHO WE ARE

RFL is a solution-based skill center supporting former foster care youth in homelessness prevention, education & employment, and lifeline support networks. RFL offers a unique Educational Learning Lab program; a full-time Mental Health Counselor, through a partnership with the Pinellas County Public Defender's Office; legal services provided through the Community Law Program, supported by the St. Petersburg Bar Association; Mentor Program; Youth Council; Mommy & Me; Keys to Independence; and more.

 

RFL is a family environment where young people find basic needs like food & meal kits; personal & hygiene supplies; caring support; and have access to laundry and shower facilities. We understand that until immediate basic needs are met, it is nearly impossible to contemplate the future...and RFL believes that all young people deserve the opportunity for a successful future.

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OUR MISSION

Ready for Life provides the support, resources, and guidance former foster care youth need to successfully 

transition to adulthood.

OUR VISION

Ready for Life assists young adults as they make the challenging transition from foster care to adulthood, preventing homelessness and helping them achieve their goals.

OUR MESSAGE

We are a family-like community that serves, inspires, and empowers young adults that have transitioned out of foster care to be Ready for Life.

Who We Are
Meet the Team

MEET THE TEAM

Kathy Mize

KATHY MIZE, MSW

CEO

O: (727) 513-4679

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MICHELLE WALAG

Senior VP of Strategic Partnerships

O: (727) 500-2599

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MICHAEL FORSTER

VP of Operations

O: (727) 250-4028

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KATIE ROCKMAN

Director of Development

O: (727) 250-4029

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JAKE RAY

Director of Youth Programs

O: (727) 291-9861

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MARIA JANSSON

Director of Impact 

& Engagement

O: (727) 334-7753

Falana Shannon

FALANA SHANNON

Youth Specialist

Supervisor

O: (727) 349-1231

Nate Johnson

NATE JOHNSON

Youth Specialist

O: (727) 291-9250

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DIAMOND DAVIS

Life Skills

Case Manager

O: (727) 500-1992

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SARAH BOWENSHULTE

Mental Health Counselor

O: (727) 954-3989

Image by Mike Meyers

RECEPTION

Front Desk

O: (727) 954-3989

Board & Advisory Council

BOARD MEMBERS

Our co-founders were approached about developing a nonprofit that would focus on assisting this population through this transition and thus Ready for Life was created.  

David Fischer    Gerry Hogan    Bud Risser  –  Co-Founders

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Yvette Bean

Kenneth Beattie 

Scott Clendening 

Ben Coughanour

Bob Dillinger

Jennifer Dittman

Mary Pat McLain (chair)

Sally McLane

Crystal Moore

Bud Risser

Kathy Mize, CEO

Jamelle Connor

Provost, St. Petersburg College • Co-Chair RFL Advisory Council

 

Glenn Gomer

Attorney • Co-Chair RFL Advisory Council

 

Scott Clendening

Commercial Partners Realty • Immediate Past Chair RFL Advisory Council

 

Ken Beattie

RFL Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

Kathy Mize

CEO & One of the Founders of RFL

 

Michelle Walag

SVP Strategic Planning RFL • Staff Lead RFL Advisory Council

 

Erika Almond

Tournament Director Suncoast Ladies Classic

 

Mike Brown

Owner Trunk Bay Designs • President Santa’s Angels 

 

Laura Connelly

GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs Second Vice President

 

Kay Dillinger

The Beth Dillinger Foundation

Terry Farner

Founder Suncoast Kingfish Classic 

Anne Gottlieb

Owner & Founder of Profiles Placement Services in Baltimore, MD • Mentor RFL • Chair of the RFL Marketing & Communications Committee

 

Uday LeLe

Serial Entrepreneur

Kelly Mione

Marketing Professional, Retired

 

Fawn Moore

Chief Innovation Officer FSS

 

Margaret Martin

Re-Design Your Life Coach for Women 50’s, 60’s, 70’s • Martin & Associates

 

Jeni Mitchell

Retired, Former CEO of Caregivers Network • Founder of the Dr. David Zabrocki Dental Foundation and Program at RFL

Jenn Tran

Chief People & Culture Officer for the Tampa Bay Rays

 

Bill Weiner

Chief People & Community Officer for the Tampa Bay Rays

 

Amanda VanLaningham

Vice President Quality Services FSS

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