MISSION STATEMENT
We will strive to facilitate creative, effective programming that addresses the immediate needs of children in crisis while seeking long term solutions to the abuse, neglect, and abandonment problem facing the children of our community.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation was formed to aid abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Dade and Broward counties The funding became possible because of the successful conclusion of a legal battle that lasted more than nine years, ending in the United States Supreme Court over the wrongful death of Paul Palank. In addition to being a husband and devoted father of two small children, Paul was a Sergeant with the Miami Police department, who focused his professional and personal efforts on helping children. Sadly, he was killed, along with seven others, in a train derailment wherein CSX Railroad was found by a jury to have put enormous profits above human life. When the jury punished the corporation with a large financial verdict, Paul's family contributed proceeds of the jury award to this cause in an effort to honor Paul's values as well as Paul himself for his examples of courage and commitment to the most vulnerable in his community, the children.
THE FOUNDATION IN REVIEW
We have granted for over 10 years now, always seeking to be effective while keeping in mind both Paul's values - - protecting some of the most vulnerable of children - - and the values of the current directors - - innovation, collaboration, and successfulness.
The organization we have been fortunate enough to work with have been impressive. From larger organizations such as Kristi House or Kids in Distress, to smaller ones such as KidSafe or Heart Gallery, as well as a full spectrum in between, we have personally verified their exceedingly high standards for helping the children, as well as their efficiency and intent on assuring the most amount of improvement for the most children.
The individual we have met, moreover, have shown themselves to be nothing short of amazing. It is not surprising to find so many workers and volunteers making sacrifices, considering the type of people who make children their life's work, but even in such a caring community it has been wondrous to meet such soulful, committed, and clever people. The people we have met, whether briefly or repeatedly, could teach other communities many things about working in harmony and cooperation, and the value of being unified in their common goals. They have been try professionals, regardless of their titles. Their generosity in teaching us how to do this work both optimally and optimistically is deeply appreciated.
Now, we are looking forward to the next stage in our Foundational Plan. While we intend to keep our eye on the same problems and issues we have been committed to since our inception, we are also updating our priorities and approaches in hope of being more proactive in both comprehensive program coverage, as well as innovation.
Sadly, we cannot do anywhere near all that we would like to, so we are sharpening our focus. This is a difficult economic period, but we are looking forward to helping those programs that are making a positive difference in the lives of children.
