July is National Make a Difference to Children month – a time to reflect on the immense impact we can have on the lives of children. At CHS, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. So, this month, we invite you to join us in making a difference and find your CHS Why! You can get involved by mentoring a child or teen, offering your time as a volunteer, advocating for children and families, or donating to our back-to-school drive.
Your support can help a child build confidence, achieve their goals, and secure a brighter future. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to succeed.
You can create lasting, positive change in the lives of children across Florida.
#MyCHSWhy
“The kids and families that are served within my communities are reflections of my family and myself when I was younger. I know our services have the power to completely shift the trajectory of a life and I want to be part of life changing work. I believe my service is a planted seed for generational change in the lives of families that I intersect daily.”
– Tiffany Martin | CHS, Executive Director
Reunification: Shavonda’s Journey
When families can remain safe, strong, and together, children in our communities have more chances to thrive. While CHS helps thousands of children remain safely at home through our prevention programs, we also partner with families involved in the foster care system so they can safely reunite with their children.
Children like Shavonda’s, whose mother embarked on a journey of recovery and reunification after battling addiction. Through perseverance, determination, and the support of CHS, Shavonda triumphed over adversity and rebuilt her family.
Initially, her addiction led her away from her parental responsibilities, but the birth of her baby became a catalyst for change. Embracing a reunification plan, Shavonda drew strength from her faith and community, overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life. With the support of her husband, she reentered the workforce, pursued education, and fulfilled every requirement to regain custody of her children.
After a year and a half, Shavonda joyfully reunited with her children, demonstrating that with faith, determination, and perseverance, families can be brought back together, stronger than ever.
Read more about Shavonda’s journey.
Signs & Symptoms of Back-to-School Anxiety
Did you know that when school starts back up, sessions between students and Children’s Home Society of Florida counselors nearly double? If left untreated, anxiety and other mental health challenges can have a significant impact on a student’s classroom behavior, academic performance and social interactions.
Be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms of anxiety in the children and teens in your life:
If someone you know is struggling with anxiety, CHS is here to help! We provide counseling in multiple formats, including meeting with children and families in homes, in schools, in offices and online via Telehealth. To find out more, visit chsfl.org/counseling.
Also, make sure to visit our blog for tips to help ease back to school anxiety.
For many children who live in under-resourced communities, back to school means more than pencils, paper and backpacks. It means back to basic resources — hygiene supplies, clothing closets, counseling services, and more.
When you donate to Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, you break down barriers for kids so they can go to school ready to learn.
You can help!
Now through August 31, 2024.
Host a Supply Drive
Lack of basic necessities. Depression. Homelessness. Barriers to learning come in many different forms. You can break down these obstacles for local students by hosting a supply drive within your community or organization.
Purchase Supplies from an Amazon Wish List
In less than three minutes with just a few clicks of your mouse, you can connect students in your community with resources they need to have a successful school year.
Donate to the Back-to-School Fund
Any amount, big or small, can make a meaningful impact on kids in your community.
Visit our event webpage to learn more about all the ways you can help students gear up for success.
Your Will Can Help Children
August is National Make-A-Will Month. Will you join this movement?
Harness the power of your WILL
Including Children’s Home Society of Florida in your will or trust is a gift that costs you nothing today but ensures that the services we provide children can continue for generations to come. It’s a powerful way to define your values and offer them a better future because life can be hard, and no child should face tough times alone.
Getting Started
You can start your will today by clicking this link FreeWill.com/chsfl. At the “Residuary” step, choose to include either a percentage of your estate or a fixed dollar amount to Children’s Home Society of Florida, EIN 59-0192430.
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, please contact Casey Schroder, Director of Donor Relations & Gift Planning at (321) 558-4034 or casey.schroder@chsfl.org.
