The 2024 legislative season brings new opportunities for our child advocates to continue CHS’s legacy of GOOD. Since our founding in 1902, our local and state leaders, advocates, team members and volunteers we have worked tirelessly to drive necessary policy changes and support the continuation of successful and effective programs that positively impact the lives of Florida’s children and families.

Expanding the GOOD: $10.6M Proposal for Community Partnership Schools™

We are thrilled to announce that the Florida Senate has endorsed a $10.6 million proposal to expand the Community Partnership Schools™ model. This support enables us to reach more students, extend our impact to their families, and create positive ripples throughout our communities. The expansion of this model is a testament to the belief in the transformative power of education and community collaboration. But our work is far from over, please join us in urging our lawmakers in the Florida House of Representatives to support this important issue.

Community Partnership Schools Day at the Capitol

The 5th annual Community Partnership Schools Day at the Capitol brought together students, school faculties, and leaders from around the state to celebrate the impact our Community Partnership Schools™ model has on more than 40,000 students across Florida every year.

We had the pleasure of meeting with legislators to share the impact the Community Partnership Schools™ model has on students, families, and communities. CHS is currently a partner in 31 out of 44 Community Partnership Schools and we couldn’t be happier for the opportunity to further expand this model and create brighter futures across the state.

Learn more about Community Partnership Schools.

Strengthening Families: $2M Budget Endorsement for Healthy Families

In another momentous achievement, the Florida Senate has given their endorsement to our $2 million budget request for Healthy Families. This support empowers our frontline efforts dedicated to ensuring families remain healthy, safe, and united. Please join us in urging our lawmakers in the Florida House of Representatives to support this important issue so we can continue our mission to provide essential resources and support to families in need.

Healthy Families Helps Children Thrive

Parenting is tough – especially without a support system! CHS’ Healthy Families Program empowers parents and caregivers to build upon their strengths and provides a strong community of support and understanding along their parenting journey.

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 deeply grateful to the Florida Senate for their support of our budget request and their commitment to keeping families safe, strong and together.

Hard work, dedication, self-care, education, support, and fun made this possible for these families and I couldn’t be prouder of them. It’s been a pleasure working with each family”

– Jennifer Herndon, Family Support and Engagement Specialist, Healthy Families West Florida

These milestones wouldn’t be possible without the support of individuals like YOU. Your commitment builds brighter futures for children and families across the state.

Learn more about Healthy Families. 

Get Involved!

Your voice matters! Join our team of child advocates and use your voice and influence to expand the GOOD for kids.

You can take an active role in shaping the future of your community by visiting the CHS Advocacy Action Center. Here, you can easily find a directory of your elected officials and lend your support to CHS advocacy priorities with just the click of a button. Communicate directly with your elected officials through prepared emails and tweets that champion the 2024 advocacy priorities.

Looking for other ways to get involved?

We have plenty of opportunities to volunteer, give and host supply drives to directly benefit kids and families!

Learn more about ways to get involved

Combating Childhood Hunger 

We are excited to announce that we have received a $400,000 grant from Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign to combat child hunger across Florida. The program will be implemented in ten of our Community Partnership Schools in the 2023-2024 school year.

The funds will help alleviate childhood hunger through encouraging use of federally funded school meals and through innovative nutrition initiatives like the establishment or enhancement of kid-friendly cooking classes, food pantries and more.

We are excited to partner with No Kid Hungry Florida to ensure children across Florida can thrive and reach their full potential.

A New Year, A New Future – A New Way To Save

This year, give yourself the gift of peace and predictability. With so much uncertainty in the world, would you like the comfort of beginning this year with a more certain future?

There are tools and ideas for you that can bring more reliability and dependability to your year. Here is a sample of ideas that can benefit you and help children:

• Receive income for life and tax savings this year when you make a gift annuity.
• Receive a tax deduction and capital gains tax savings when you donate your house and continue to live in it.
• Reduce your taxable income by making your IRA distribution directly to Children’s Home Society of Florida.

Here To Help You

There are more ways you can save taxes, receive income, and make an impact on children. You can receive tax benefits such as income tax or capital gains tax. You can also choose options that require no money or contributions now.

For more details, please contact Casey Schroder at casey.schroder@chsfl.org or call her at (321) 558-4034 or click this link for more ideas.

Start your year well and make a lasting difference on the lives of children. Thank you for all you do!

Join Us at an Upcoming Event!

We have so many exciting events planned this spring, and we want to see YOU there! Your involvement directly contributes to counseling, early learning and school-based programs, child welfare and parental support services, and more, directly impacting the children and families in your community.

Together, we can create brighter futures for children and empower families to stay safe, strong, and together.

For more information on all the events below, visit our Events page.