Life can be tough – for all of us. For youth and adults who try to navigate life’s hurdles alone, it can be especially tough. That’s why we’re passionate about connecting youth with mentors, guidance and resources – so they know they’re not alone! Through CHS’ many programs, youth can build skills and confidence as they receive practical guidance and learn positive decision making that can lead to lifelong success.
Providing Hope and Stability One Step at a Time
On any given night, 1,000+ Florida youth find themselves without a home and that can lead to frightening vulnerability.
But thanks to the CHS Street Solutions Outreach Team, they’re not alone. For Mya, a soon-to-be mom experiencing homelessness, CHS was life-changing. Through the care, support and targeted-solutions she received, Mya set – and reached – meaningful goals to create a stable future for herself and her child. Today, Mya is employed, proudly rents her own apartment and plans to start college soon.
Throughout Mya’s journey, the Street Solutions Outreach team provided more than support, direction and resources – they provided Mya with HOPE!
While we celebrate Mya’s triumph, we know she is one of many homeless youth who need help … just one of the 1,000 youth in our own state who face dark nights without a stable home or hopeful future – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Last year alone, you made it possible for CHS to help 275 runaway and homeless youth in Pensacola and the panhandle find safety, stability and encouragement. Thank you for creating bright futures for our youth!
Learn more about how Street Solutions helps youth make successful transitions to self-sufficient living.
Preparing Students for Success through Real-World Learning Experiences
Ready to ace your next job interview? Students at Orange Park High School, A Community Partnership School are! Students participated in mock interviews with 8 volunteer community members as a part of the model’s focus on expanded learning – empowering students to explore post-secondary opportunities. By giving students the opportunity to practice their interview skills and receive feedback in a safe space, mock interviews help prepare students for the job market and build confidence in their abilities.
In addition to providing smoother transitions to college and the workforce, these professional development opportunities empower students to discover their passions. The benefits extend to the community too by providing business leaders the opportunity to connect with future talent.
Orange Park High School, A Community Partnership School is a partnership among Children’s Home Society of Florida, Clay County District Schools, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, Palms Medical Center and St. Johns River State College.
Featured News: Florida Trend — It Takes a Community
As CHS celebrates 120 years of helping kids realize their full potential, we’re excited to shine a light on a decade of transforming students’ lives through Community Partnership Schools.
Community Partnership Schools inspire momentum, opportunities and thriving communities. This success is only possible because of our collaboration with partners, teachers, schools, students and community members like YOU!
Click here to read more about how your contributions, volunteering and collaboration make a difference in communities throughout Florida.
Building Lasting Connections through Mentorship
Joyce and Kaitlyn began their relationship as mentor and mentee through CHS’ MODEL Mentoring program. Now, they consider each other family. Through our MODEL Mentoring program, kids ages 6 – 12 find support with volunteer mentors who help youth build self-esteem, teach the importance of respecting authority and empower them to achieve educational goals.
The benefits also extend to the mentor, “Being a mentor makes me feel like a kid again because I can do fun things with Kaitlyn that I probably would not have done on my own,” shares Joyce.
Read Joyce and Kaitlyn’s full story here
Interested in becoming a mentor? If you’re in Palm Beach County, sign up here. Not in Palm Beach County but still want to mentor? Contact VolunteersCHS@chsfl.org.\
Looking for other ways to get involved?
We have plenty of opportunities to volunteer or get involved by purchasing items for youth from our wish list like hygiene kits, diapers, and gift cards.
Mentoring Comes Full Circle at Eccleston Elementary
Joshua was a student at Evans High School, Florida’s first Community Partnership School. He was one of a class of 25 male students, half of which were struggling academically. Led by Jarvis Wheeler – a former student, teacher and Community Partnership School Director at Evans High School – Joshua and his classmates were matched with mentors who encouraged positive choices, healthy living, responsibility, respect and achievement. Not only were Joshua and his classmates mentees, they also became mentors for local elementary students. Four years later, all 25 male students graduated on time and were accepted to four-year universities.
Fast forward to today … Joshua is paying it forward as a CHS team member, serving as the Expanded Learning Coordinator at Eccleston Elementary where he hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of students the same way his mentors did for him.<
Read Joshua’s full story here and learn how mentoring is a key component of the Community Partnership Schools model.
Eccleston Elementary, A Community Partnership School is a partnership among Children’s Home Society of Florida, Orange Blossom Family Health, Orange County Public Schools, Second Harvest Food Bank, University of Central Florida and Universal Orlando Foundation.
2021-2022 Annual Impact Report
The 2021-2022 Annual Impact Report is now available! The Annual Impact Report provides a snapshot of all the GOOD you have helped CHS achieve in the past year. Because of you, 80,000+ children and families received hope, stability, and opportunity! Read the full report here.
