CHS Blog
Some years ago, Christy and Danny Lowe provided a loving home to non-relative children. They watched those children grow, flourish, become adults, enter the workforce, buy homes and even start families of their own. Inspired by seeing their kids succeed, the Lowes decided to become foster parents with the Children’s Home Society of Florida in […]
“In foster care, we often hear ‘Be the village’. No one embodies this more than Tracy Garmon” – Casey Hendershot, LMHC, CHS Licensed Clinical Program Supervisor Tracy Garmon became a foster parent in 2015. She has provided a loving home to so many children in Northeast Florida she says she has lost count … but […]
There’s Always Room at the Jenkins’ Table Starla and Mike Jenkins became foster parents in North Carolina. When a new opportunity brought them to Florida, they knew they wanted to continue welcoming children into their hearts and home in Central Florida. The Jenkins did not waste any time. In the midst of moving across state […]
In the midst of so much uncertainty, so much fear, I see so much good. There is good in the essential work that must continue. Not a minute passes without the heart of our communities rapidly beating to serve others. Our first responders, health care workers, gas station attendants, grocery store clerks, maintenance professionals, janitorial […]
At CHS, one of our core values is balance – something all families are struggling to find in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. As social distancing drives families into their homes, our communities can still come together. Here are some ways you can support your friends, families, neighbors and loved ones during these unprecedented […]
As this pandemic pushes on, so do the jobs of those who care for and oversee the many Central Florida kids in foster care. These everyday heroes simply ask that their commitment reminds people how important it is for these children. Placing children in the safe loving homes is what this is all about. Team […]
Computer use is a common cause of eye strain… especially when routines receive a “switch up” as in recent weeks. Therefore, if you work at a desk and use a computer, follow the self-care steps below to help you prevent strain on your eyes! Blink often to refresh your eyes. Many people blink less than usual […]
Children in foster care rely on loving foster parents to provide stability and comfort – two things COVID-19 is threatening in families across the globe. As parents everywhere struggle to balance home, work, homeschool, self-care and more, foster parents face added stressors with often limited support systems – but you can change that. Here’s a […]
A message from Andry: [UPDATE 3.17.2020: All CHS offices are closed through March 29. At this time, ALL programs and services remain operational with necessary adjustments to help protect the health and safety of our children, families and team members. These include teleworking arrangements using Telehealth, Skype, Google Duo, Zoom and more. If you have a […]
When you embark on a career serving children and families in foster care, you don’t expect you’ll ever be featured in Forbes. You don’t imagine that you’ll have the latest technology and equipment, and you certainly don’t expect to work 9-5. But, you do dream of the impact you will make. Showing a child how […]
Originally Posted By: Action News Jax DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Local students are receiving valuable lessons outside of the classroom. In Duval County, Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) mentors are empowering children to reach their full potential. S.P.A.R.K. is a 13-week mentorship program for boys and girls between the ages 11 and 17 who may not live with […]
Originally posted by: Herald-Tribune Specifically, the school is looking for black and Hispanic men. When students return to Manatee Elementary in August, they will attend a community partnership school — the first in Manatee County. In partnership with the University of Central Florida, the school will provide students and their families with on-site health, social, medical […]
It’s too easy to judge. The 15-year-old standing with her head down, eyes averted as her public defender speaks. The split-second decision to shoplift, the ticking temper that led to a fight … life-altering consequences. For most people, this child has a single title: juvenile offender. This label will define her for life. But this […]
Originally posted by: PNJ.COM Hundreds of children in foster care joined forever families through adoption in the western panhandle just last year. But, when the adoption finalized, their story certainly didn’t end. Long after the ink dries on the adoption papers, forever families overcome new challenges and celebrate their children’s successes alongside Children’s Home Society of […]
Three hundred billion dollars. That’s the annual cost to society for untreated mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. But the consequences are deeper than pocketbooks. Today, nearly one in seven children suffer from a treatable mental health challenge – yet half don’t receive treatment. Without treatment, these issues can affect children’s […]
