Embracing children

Realtors care when it comes to their communities. Take Venice Realtor Stephen Lingley and his wife Leona. They just can't say no when it comes children. Several years ago, the couple learned about a local YMCA "Partnership for Children" program while watching TV. Ever since, they've opened their home and their hearts to children in need.

“We get calls all hours of the day or night,” Stephen says. He and Leona offer loving care to kids from birth to age 18 who have temporarily been removed from their families due to emergencies.

During that first year of volunteering, the couple provided a safe haven for 14 children, sometimes for a day, sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a month. “One time we had three children in diapers at once!” Stephen recalls.

As if that wasn't challenging enough, the Lingleys take care of a host of other responsibilities. They coordinate weekly parent-child visitations through the YMCA, arrange schooling and doctor's visits, make sure records are transferred and act as the children’s advocate in court. To keep current with required rules and practices, they also attend monthly continuing education meetings for foster parents.

Although the Lingleys have no children of their own, Stephen says, “We get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that we’re making an impact in children’s lives.”

The YMCA honored the couple in 2002 for their efforts. The accolades didn't stop there: In 2003, Stephen Lingley was named "Newcomer of the Year" in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his community, as well as to the Venice Area Board of Realtors and to the Florida Association of Realtors.