Paul Smith, director of operations for Sunshine Health, has been named chair of the Children’s Harbor board of directors.
A Children’s Harbor board member since 2017, Smith was most recently vice chair of the board. “I am honored to lead this board as we move into a new year,” said Smith. “It would be an understatement to say that 2020 was a challenging year, particularly for non-profits that serve children and families in need. But COVID has not prevented us for continuing our mission of providing a safe harbor and support to at risk children, youth and families. We keep brothers and sisters together, strengthen families and guide youth toward independence.”
Children’s Harbor provides nurturing, family group homes for 24 siblings and seven pregnant/parenting teens in the foster care system on its eight-acre campus in Pembroke Pines, where brothers and sisters and teen mothers and their babies stay together during a turbulent time in their young lives. Children’s Harbor also helps prevent child abuse through the Family Strengthening Program and each year 200 families across Broward County receive in-home counseling to improve parenting and communication skills.
At Sunshine Health, Smith is director of operations for child welfare programs. Smith first became aware of the challenges faced by children in foster care while serving at a summer camp for foster children in the Seattle area. When he had the opportunity to move to Florida and become more directly involved in helping these children, he was intrigued and motivated to make a difference. Smith was introduced to Children’s Harbor during his second year at Sunshine Health.
“Paul has been a tremendous asset from the first day he became involved with us,” said Tiffani Dhooge, president and CEO of Children’s Harbor. “We benefit from his experience, insights and vision and look forward to his leadership as board chair.”
Smith is a resident of Coral Springs.