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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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A Fun-Filled Day for Children in Foster Care with Help From Community Partners

Inspiration Posted October 27, 2021

Connecting Children in Foster Care with Marine Life

Every child needs nature. Not just the ones with parents who appreciate nature. Not only those of a certain economic class or culture or set of abilities. Every child.  –Richard Louv

Many children feel a strong connection to nature, especially to marine life.  When they learn about the problems facing marine animals and their environment they are often inspired to help.  Unfortunately, children in some family situations do not get the opportunity for hands-on experiences with marine life.

Photo credit: National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

One group that often faces obstacles to access are children in the foster care system.  Through no fault of their own, many children must be removed from their homes, due to abuse or neglect, making even everyday activities a challenge. Foster children need more help to thrive than the system is able to provide. Activities, like coming to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, are often ignored when a child has more urgent needs, like going to the dentist or getting new shoes to replace the ones they have outgrown.

Photo credit: National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Clearwater Marine Aquarium was happy to partner with The Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports local foster children, to make this outing possible.  The children were able to spend a fun day meeting our resident animals and hearing their stories.  They also learned about invertebrates like sea stars, urchins, and crabs.  Each child even received a gift card to spend in the gift shop and cafe from our mutual community partner, Angels Against Abuse. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is proud to work with organizations that provide programs to underserved communities through our Inspire Program. If your group would like to learn more, please email inspire@cmaquarium.org.

For more information on Guardian ad Litem, visit www.herotoachild.org 

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Moira Rose
Next Post: Howie Heads Home After Recovering From Red Tide

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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