Florida Coalition for Children Honors Local Advocates!

Four Central Floridians have earned statewide recognition for their outstanding commitment to families in foster care. Embrace Families nominated the following winners of the Florida Coalition for Children Foundation awards. They were honored during the Foundation’s 2019 Annual Conference on July 9 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

A Longwood resident, Neswold has served on the board of Embrace Families for more than a decade. Neswold, CEO of Titan Electric Southeast, has been instrumental in building a sustainable model for growth as Embrace Families expanded from its Seminole County roots to serve Orange and Osceola counties. He has introduced new board members, corporate donors, volunteers and community partners, as well as mentoring and hiring youth in foster care.

Nelson, a resident of Sorrento, joined Embrace Families in 2009 as a case manager for the Pathways to Home program, serving children and families who are homeless. Now as Sr. Community Relations Manager, she has built support for the agency through community outreach and active participation in numerous chambers, leadership programs and local boards. Her brainchild, the MANicure Movement®, has helped raise awareness of child abuse and call the community to action.

In just one year as foster parents, Altamonte Springs residents Chad and Holly Nuttle have cared for 13 children. Never declining a placement, they readily accept kids with extensive health needs — treating every child as their own, while focusing on the goal of safely reunifying them with their families. They were recognized by Florida DCF Secretary Chad Poppell for their commitment to Florida children.
“Mike, Sharon, Chad and Holly have tirelessly given their time, energy, resources, and most of all, their love, to help our community’s vulnerable families,” said Glen Casel, president and CEO of Embrace Families. “We’re delighted to see them honored and deeply grateful for their efforts to support our neighbors in need.”