Our Timeline

Founded by Guardian ad Litem Ed Pudaloff and a small group of dedicated child advocates to meet the critical needs of Broward County’s foster care children. HANDY began with a donation of $1,000 from JC Penny and shared office space with the Guardian ad Litem Program in the County Courthouse.

Moved from the County Court House and took occupancy of a 3,200 square foot leased facility in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Received the Non-Profit Award Public/Private Partnerships from the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Expanded services/programs to include not only the children in Foster Care, but also the abused, neglected, disadvantaged children placed with relative and non-relative caregivers under Protective Supervision whose needs were not being addressed.

Developed LIFE Program (Life skills, Independent living, Foundation building, and Education/Employment) the first of its kind in the State of Florida serving youth who do not qualify for Foster Care independent living programs. Received the Heart Award from the Children’s Consortium.

Received the Award for Dedication to Foster Children from Florida’s Children First and the Welfare of Children Award from the Broward County Council of PTA.

Expanded services to include a limited number of disadvantaged children associated with the Dependency System and changed the “D” in HANDY from “Dependent” to “Disadvantaged”.

Purchased a 5,100 square foot facility thanks to a $2 million grant from the Lillian S. Wells Foundation. Received the Director’s Community Leadership Award from the US Department of Justice, Director of the FBI.

Received the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Award of $200,000 over a two-year period including leadership training for senior staff. This prestigious award is only given to two organizations in each area where Bank of America operates.

Received Hands on Broward “Heart of the Community Award, Agency Partner of the Year”. Incorporated the STARS Academy tutoring services, formerly provided by Broward College, into HANDY’s LIFE Program.

Became the first social service agency affiliate of Scholarship America’s Dollars for Scholars program allowing national exposure of HANDY’s Scholars program that provides educational case management and financial support for students seeking a post secondary education.