CHS Blog
“So what does the Community Partnership program do here at our school?” Bethany Groves, principal of Webster Elementary School, prompted a class of third-graders on Tuesday afternoon. “Gives us socks and shoes,” answered one boy. “We get food,” another student said. “Clothes,” one girl volunteered. Webster Elementary School and South Woods Elementary School have both […]
It’s not a top headline or the latest public outrage. It’s a quiet crisis, but one that affects not only the quality of life for kids who enter the foster care system, but also the economic outlook for the entire state. Florida’s child welfare system is understaffed and overwhelmed. Imagine if your local police or […]
Sad but true: Poverty is a reality far too many families face. Before children in poverty even step foot in a classroom, most are already playing catch-up. Too many begin kindergarten not ready for school and, by the time they reach fourth grade, 50% of those children will not be reading at grade level. Sadly, […]
Not far from bustling downtown Tampa and just west of University of South Florida, there is a transformative movement happening — one that is changing lives, strengthening families and rarely getting the attention it deserves. In Hillsborough, a county where 12 percent of the population lives in poverty, a startling 30.4 percent are at or […]
Different cultures believe the sunflower is a symbol of anything from positivity and strength to admiration and loyalty. Jennifer Stenger, a Case Manager with Children’s Home Society of Florida, recently shared how sunflowers became a symbol of connection, commitment and success in her work to serve children. “When I met Amie*, she would not speak […]
“With almost 50 years of of family history with CHS, we look fondly upon the organization,” Joy, a CHS volunteer, shares. Joy and Sydney Ashlock — a mother and daughter duo — have a special place in their hearts for volunteering with CHS. Joy’s long passion for CHS began after her brother’s adoption through CHS. […]
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The United States Council on Homelessness says over 1,000 people who are homeless in Florida are young adults ages 18-24 living without families. Click the image below to watch. The Pensacola chapter of the Children’s Home Society of Florida is working to change that One of their programs, M-Power, provides housing for […]
Caroline, a single mother of one, struggled to keep a job to support her family. Deep in financial stress, she felt helpless. An immense lack of support left her isolated, anxious and disconnected from her son. Caroline longed to find stability in a job, build her self-esteem and be able to provide for her son, […]
The 2021 holiday season will be especially bright for the Edwards family as they spend it together as an official forever family. Michael Edwards adopted siblings Neveah and Jayden from foster care earlier this year. Like many children in foster care, Neveah and Jayden experienced heartbreak and uncertainty in their search for stability. They moved […]
When April became a mom, she never dreamed her family could be wrapped up in the child welfare system. But without a positive parenting role model, April found herself repeating a cycle she herself endured as a child — and she knew she needed help. With Children’s Home Society of Florida’s (CHS) Parents as Partners […]
Today and always we recognize our team members, family members and neighbors who have served in our United States Armed Forces. Steadfast in doing GOOD, they make a difference for not only the 59,000 kids and family members we serve throughout Florida, but our nation as a whole. Thank you for your sacrifice and your […]
November is National Adoption Month – the perfect time to give thanks for adoptive families and shine a light on the children still waiting to find their forever homes. Michael and Savanna recently finalized the adoption of their twins – making this their first holiday season as an official family of nine! But this isn’t […]
After years in foster care, Liam and Nate finally have a forever home for the holidays. At just three and six-years old, Liam and Nate have spent most of their lives in foster care. Like many children in the child welfare system, their journey to adoption came with heartbreaking losses and the fear of uncertainty. […]
Savatrie and Sal Forbes have opened their hearts and home to more than 70 children as registered medical foster parents in Palm Beach County. For nearly two decades, the couple have been caring for children with severe special needs including everything from breathing machines to feeding tubes and more. When Seth – an infant with […]
Yesterday was World Mental Health Day with the theme “Mental Health in an Unequal World”. . Florida ranks No. 40 in the U.S for access to insurance and mental health treatment – and that’s affecting children, adults and families here Northeast Florida. It’s especially evident as the COVID-19 crisis continues to force more families into poverty, creating […]
