Joins organization during time of rapid growth and service expansion
MELBOURNE, FL – October 22, 2014 – Brevard C.A.R.E.S. has named Kimah Burrell as its new executive director, following the promotion of former ED Valerie Holmes to senior executive of programs for Brevard Family Partnership, Brevard C.A.R.E.S. parent organization.
The child abuse prevention and family preservation organization has been growing rapidly and has recently expanded to serve an increasing number of families who voluntarily seek counseling and services to deal with life stressors that may lead to child abuse or neglect.
Burrell has worked in child welfare since September 2001, serving in roles as a case manager with the Florida Department of Children and Families and One Hope United, case coordinator with Orlando Health, and diversion counselor with Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services. Promoted to program director with GCJFCS, she managed in-home, solution-focused therapy and case management to families with involvement in DCF.
“We’re happy Kimah has chosen Brevard C.A.R.E.S. as the next step in her career,” said Valerie Holmes. “Her breadth and depth of experience, and her passion for caring for children and families is a great fit for our organization as it grows to serve more of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Burrell graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and received her Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. She also holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology degree from Troy University and is currently working towards a Doctorate of Education degree in Organizational Leadership and Human Services from Nova Southeastern University.
About Brevard C.A.R.E.S.
The mission of Brevard C.A.R.E.S. (Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support) is to prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting and strengthening families so that they can remain together in the community. Brevard C.A.R.E.S. is a family-centered, strength-based, and community-driven model for child abuse prevention and family preservation. The program’s unique “Wraparound” approach and Family Team Conferencing offers services and support to families experiencing stressors that could lead to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
The program has had a positive impact on the families and children, helping to prevent situations or events that would result in a child being removed from his or her home. Its success is due to the proactive participation of the families in need who openly engage in the process, building upon the successes and skills within their family unit that will sustain them long term.
Since inception, Brevard C.A.R.E.S. has provided support to over 11,000 children representing more than 10,700 families in Brevard County. Less than 10% of families have been referred to Brevard C.A.R.E.S. more than once.
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