August is a time for fresh starts, especially for students gearing up for a new school year. It’s a month filled with the excitement of new backpacks, teachers, and opportunities—a clean slate for every child to succeed. But for families in under-resourced neighborhoods, this can also be a challenging time as they strive to provide their children with everything they need to start strong. We recognize that starting strong doesn’t just happen in the classroom—it begins at home and continues through every stage of life.
That’s why we’re focused on supporting children and families from cradle to career, ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. From back-to-school drives to vision care and beyond, we’re building a foundation for a brighter future for all, empowering families and students to succeed every step of the way.
Community Partnership Schools: A Difference You Can See
August is National Children’s Vision and Learning Month, a time to highlight the important connection between healthy vision and successful learning. Childhood vision issues significantly impact learning, with approximately 1 in 4 school-age children in the U.S. having some form of vision problem.* For kids like Leslie at Edward H. White High School and Malaki at Dodgertown Elementary, both students at Community Partnership Schools, vision difficulties created serious obstacles in their education.
But with the help of their schools, Leslie and Malaki were able to receive free eye screenings, referrals for eye care, and affordable vision services—ensuring their vision problems didn’t hold them back. Now, equipped with the glasses they needed, both students are thriving academically, proving that when we remove barriers to learning, we open up a world of possibilities.
By meeting students’ basic needs and eliminating barriers to learning, Community Partnership Schools are making a difference you can see!
*Source: American Optometric Association
Building BRIDGES and Making Memories
The BRIDGES program, a partnership between CHS and the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, connects families with support and resources to help them raise strong, healthy children who are ready to learn. Through workshops, one-on-one support, and community activities, families receive guidance on everything from comforting a crying baby to accessing quality childcare and medical care. The safe, judgment-free environment fosters strong community connections, helping families build bridges to success while ensuring children thrive.
BRIDGES at Northwood recently enjoyed their annual summer fun trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, thanks to the generosity of a dedicated donor who sponsored 75% of the cost.
This special outing celebrated the end of summer by offering children, many of whom have never been to Orlando, the chance to experience the magic of Disney. The day was filled with joy and adventure, perfectly aligning with Bridges’ mission to support families and provide children with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. We are so excited to have shared this experience with them!
Learn more about how BRIDGES is helping children and families build bridges to success.
Celebrating Healthy Families
This summer was a time of celebration and new beginnings for many families in our Healthy Families program. In July, we proudly celebrated the graduation of over 52 families! CHS’ Healthy Families program provides parents and caregivers with essential resources and support, so they never have to navigate the parenting journey alone.
Through regular home visits, our team helps parents understand their child’s growth and development, teaches positive parenting skills, and supports families in meeting important developmental milestones.
The result – nearly 100% of families that complete our Healthy Families program remain safely together – and out of foster care, creating stronger, brighter futures for kids and communities.
We are incredibly proud of all the families who completed the program this summer and excited to see the bright futures they will continue to build. Congratulations to all our graduating families!
A million reasons to plan ahead this month
August is Make-A-Will Month, and there are a million reasons to create a will and plan for the future. Over one million people like you have used this free will-writing tool to protect their loved ones and support the causes they love — including helping children in their community reach their full potential.
Life can be hard, and no child, no family should face the tough times alone. Will you build a brighter future for your loved ones and for children and families today?
If you have already included a gift to Children’s Home Society of Florida in your will, please let us know by clicking this link FreeWill.com/record/chsfl. This will help us know how you want your gift used and allow us to thank you for your generosity.
Thank you for all you do for our children! If you have any questions about this resource or our partnership with FreeWill, please contact Casey Schroder, Director of Donor Relations & Gift Planning at (321) 558-4034 or casey.schroder@chsfl.org.
