CHS Blog
At the height of the pandemic, it was obvious to mental health professionals who specialize in working with Escambia County children that social strains from COVID-19 were taking a toll on their patients. But local licensed professional counselors and clinical social workers didn’t come to understand the full weight of the situation until the kids returned […]
“Silence is definitely different inside your home when your children are not there,” said Misty. With June being National Reunification Month, we want to highlight all of the families who have overcome challenges to successfully bring their children back home safely. Misty is one of those success stories. She had her 5 children removed from […]
Living in the sunshine state means spending the summer months with loved ones by the pool or at the beach. Water can provide fun activities everyone, but it can also pose dangers for children. To keep water activities fun and safe for all, it’s important to establish safety practices to prevent drowning. Here are some […]
National Foster Care Appreciation Month in May shines an important light on families and professionals helping children and youth in foster care find safety, stability and success. Although foster families are needed for children of all ages, teenagers are especially in need of homes. Natalie Monzon, public relations specialist for the Children’s Home Society of […]
Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) has appointed Jane Adams to its statewide Board of Directors. Adams is the former Vice President of University Relations for the University of Florida, where she was responsible for government relations, public relations, marketing and external relations at the national, state and local levels. She retired from the university […]
Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) has appointed Alex Ralicki to its statewide Board of Directors empowering children and their families to find – and pursue – opportunities for success and happiness throughout Florida. Ralicki is a Wealth Manager and Accountant for Ralicki Wealth Management & Trust. After 7 years serving on CHS’ local advisory […]
Children’s Home Society of Florida’s annual Soundside Splendor fundraiser returned to the Portofino Island Resort on Pensacola Beach on Sunday to raise a record $350,000 for children and families throughout Pensacola and the Panhandle. More than 400 community members and child advocates joined Honorary Event Chairs Jim and Ann Neal to help raise funds and awareness for […]
I didn’t know what an engineer was until I was in college. I knew what a nurse did, because my mom was a nurse. It wasn’t until college that I had access to the worlds beyond that of my home or the small town I grew up in. I’m not alone. Throughout Florida, thousands of […]
Martine Michel may not have taken the route she intended, but she ended up exactly where she needed to be; a foster parent that has provided a loving and supportive home for 16 kids in the past two years. Martine initially wanted to start a group home. She said it has always been a passion […]
Growing up in the foster care system, Rose Williams knew she wanted to give back to children in need. Her and her wife, Melanie, decided that the best way to do that was to become foster parents. “I always chose that I would always do better than the way that my parents were,” said Rose. […]
Berlyn and Elias Reese have been providing a loving home for children in need since 1989. Their love for children is what inspired them to begin their fostering journey. After 60 kids, Berlyn lost count of how many they’ve had in their home and believes they’ve taken care of well over 100 children by now. […]
Last year, 1,578 children who were impacted by allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect in the Greater Lakeland area received care from our local Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, it’s important to highlight the resources in our community that are helping prevent child abuse and neglect. […]
Each March – and all year long – we celebrate the impact of women around us. It is a time of celebration to recognize the contributions of women to history, culture, and society. Recently, we were honored to come together to learn more about the historic contributions women have bestowed to our nation, as well […]
In the months leading up to the 2020 election, hotelier and philanthropist Julian MacQueen, usually a booster for this Florida Panhandle beach destination, found himself making an unusual pitch to the other business leaders of Pensacola. Escambia County, he told them, was failing its children. In all sorts of metrics of well-being, from abuse and […]
When Tanya became pregnant with her first child she joined Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Healthy Families – a program that provides encouragement, practical guidance and resources to parents throughout Florida. During weekly sessions, and in the comfort of their own homes, parents – like Tanya — learn how to help their children reach key […]
