Changing Lives
Beyond Foster Care
Ready for Life (RFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Pinellas and Pasco counties dedicated to supporting former foster care youth in homelessness prevention, education and employment, and lifeline support networks. Our solution-based Skill Center offers former foster care youth and their children an incredible number of programs and services, all guided by the Youth Voice.
RFL is a caring environment where young people find basic needs like food and meal kits; personal and hygiene supplies; support networks; access to laundry and shower facilities; disaster preparedness; and so much more. We understand that until immediate basic needs are met, it is nearly impossible to contemplate the future…and RFL believes that all young people deserve the opportunity for a successful future.
The History of RFL
Founded in 2009, Ready for Life, Inc. emerged from a shared vision among three passionate community leaders—David Fischer, Gerry Hogan, and Bud Risser—who recognized a critical need: young adults aging out of foster care were stepping into adulthood with few supports and far too many barriers. RFL was created to be a bridge to stability, education, employment and independence, anchored in the belief that no young person should navigate that transition alone.
Over the years, RFL has grown from a concept into a comprehensive support network for resilient young adults. From our “Skill Center” hub in Largo serving youth formerly in foster care, to specialized programs helping with housing, legal services, education, and career readiness, we’ve maintained a hands-on, community-driven approach.
We’re proud to be entering our 17th year of impact, standing by our mission of “Changing Lives Beyond Foster Care,” and ensuring that every step we take is informed by the voices of the young adults we serve.
Our Mission
Changing Lives Beyond Foster Care
Our Vision
Ready for Life’s vision is a world where every young person has the opportunity to succeed. We work toward our vision by providing a caring environment and wraparound services to the resilient young adults who age out of the foster care system with little to no support.
Our Values
The Youth Voice
2024 - 2025 Impact Report
“At just 20 years old, Gabe Green of St. Petersburg, Florida, stands with gratitude as he reflects on how far he’s come. Sharing his journey is something he never imagined doing, but for Gabe, it’s an honor to show what perseverance can look like.”
To read more about Gabe and more stories of resilience, view our 2024-2025 Impact Report.
Meet the Team
Kathy Mize
CEO
Contact
Chuck Deitch
COO
Contact
Julie Pirkl
CFO
Michelle Walag
Development
Contact
Katalin Espey
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Contact
Diamond Davis-Johnson
Director of the Family HOPE Center
Contact
Haley Klicker
Director of Marketing
Sandy Hoglund
Director of RFL Pasco
Contact
Jennifer Daugherty
Clinical & Volunteer Services Manager
Patsy Stills
Director of HR & Grants
Contact
Andrew Brittain
Technology & Innovation Lead
Catalina Gonzalez
Community Engagement Coordinator
Contact
Chrissy Booth
Family HOPE Center Coordinator
Contact
Kate Atkinson
Program Coordinator
Serena Aguilar
Program Coordinator, Pasco
Contact
Falana Shannon
Program Specialist, Pinellas
Nate Johnson
Program Specialist, Pinellas
Gloria Richardson
Program Specialist, Pinellas
Board of Directors
Our co-founders were approached about developing a nonprofit that would focus on assisting this population through this transition and thus Ready for Life was created.
Co-Founders
- David Fischer
- Gerry Hogan
- Bud Risser
- Scott Clendening
- Ben Coughanour
- Kay Dillinger
- Jennifer Dittman
- Michael Forster
- Glenn Gomer
- Gabriel Green - Youth Voice
- Chris Kline
- Chris McCabe
- Brian Linde - Treasurer
- Mary Pat McLain - Chair
- Bruce Mitchell
- Bud Risser - Founder
- Kathy Mize - CEO
- Brandon Williams
Advisory Council
Garreth Hughes
Director, Raymond James Financial • Co-Chair 2024/2025 & 2025/2026
Silas Elkins
Retired Investment Banking, PNC Bank • Co-Chair 2025/2026 & 2026/2027
Bruce Militello
Retired Investment Banking, PNC Bank • Immediate Past Co-Chair
Mary Pat McLain
Chair of the RFL Board of Directors
Kathy Mize
RFL CEO
Michelle Walag
RFL SVP of Development • Staff Lead
Chuck Deitch
RFL COO
Erika Almond
Owner, Suncoast Classic Events • Tournament Director, Suncoast Ladies Classic, and Suncoast Kingfish Classic
Mike Brown
Owner Trunk Bay Designs • President Santa’s Angels
Chris Compton
VP Technology and Operating Services at Family Support Services (FSS)
Laura Connelly
GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs Second Vice President • First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin Mission Committee Chair
Terry Farner
Founder, Suncoast Kingfish Classic
Anne Gottlieb
Owner, Profiles Placement Services in Baltimore, MD • Mentor RFL
Alan Heinlein
Owner AH Management Solutions, LLC
Don Howe
Past RFL Board Member • Mentor • Sarah and Don Howe Real Estate
Keron Jean-Baptiste
Provost, St. Pete College
Uday LeLe
Serial Entrepreneur
Kate Linde
Creator and Host of RFL’s Cooking with Kate Program • Major Donor and Contributor
Sally McLane
Attorney • Past RFL Board Member
Kelly Mione
Marketing Professional, Retired • RFL Programs Committee Member • Former Mentor & Tutor
Margaret Martin
Re-Design Your Life Coach for Women 50’s, 60’s, 70’s • Martin & Associates • The Arc of Tampa Bay Board of Directors • Haven of RCS Advisory Committee Member
Fawn Moore
COO, Heartland for Children
Doug Morgan
Owner, WD Morgan Solutions • Creator of RFL’s Website
Debbie Reeser
Broker Associate, Commercial Partners Realty
Jenn Tran
Chief People & Culture Officer for the Tampa Bay Rays
Ben Walker
Founder and CEO Buyer’s Point • VP of GZL Educational Foundation • Tampa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Bill Weiner
Chief People & Community Officer for the Tampa Bay Rays
Amanda VanLaningham
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Florida Department of Children and Families
