FOSTERING HEARTS
IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL AND LIFE OUTCOMES
FOR FLORIDA’S FOSTER CHILDREN
FOSTERING HEARTS FLORIDA
is focused on the unique educational and life challenges that foster children face. By providing them with technology, in - person supplemental educators, and life skills training, we plan to fill existing gaps and prepare them for adulthood. Our concept will launch at Joshua House, a residential home in Lutz. This initiative marks the first step in our broader mission to extend support and services to foster children statewide.
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL, CHANGING DESTINIES
THE PROBLEM
Foster children are often removed suddenly from their homes or foster homes and may fall drastically behind their same-age peers.
Florida guarantees free college tuition to foster children, but few receive sufficient support to finish high school, much less attend college. Only 40% of foster children in Florida graduate from high school in four years, compared to 90.2% of all students statewide. (nces.ed.gov)
FOSTER CARE BY THE NUMBERS in Florida
A recent study shows the true age of independence in the US is 26. In Florida, young people are released from the foster care system at age 18 with little to no support.
24,245
FOSTER CHILDREN IN FLORIDA ( FLHEALTHCHARTS.GOV)
2,456
FOSTER CHILDREN IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ( FLHEALTHCHARTS.GOV)
800
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO AGE OUT OF FLORIDA’S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM EACH YEAR (FLORIDA DEPT. OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES)
CHILDREN GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL 75% EXPERIENCE UNEMPLOYMENT 25% EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS WITHIN
FEWER THAN 40% OF FLORIDA’S FOSTER
ONE YEAR
THE VISION
To help foster children thrive, and not just survive.
To build their confidence, self-worth, and resilience so they’re better equipped to navigate the foster care system and beyond.
To provide foster children with consistent emotional and educational support they may not otherwise receive.
THE MISSION
To support the unique educational needs of foster children using technology and in-person supplemental educators.
To equip foster children with the life skills and resources they will need when they age out of the system.
To collaborate with other nonprofit organizations with complementary goals.
THE PLAN
Fostering Hearts Florida will use Florida Virtual School (FLVS) as a framework to provide foster children with consistent, free, accredited education. We will supplement that content with experienced paid tutors and teachers throughout the children’s educational journeys. When provided with proper technological resources (like laptops) and in-person support, foster children can access FLVS no matter where their individual journeys take them. They can also stay involved in sports, band, and other enrichment activities at their local schools.
A BRIGHT, CONNECTED FUTURE
TIMELINE THE
MARCH 2022: FOSTERING HEARTS FL FORMED
JANUARY 2024: STRATEGIC PLAN FINALIZED
FEBRUARY 2024: ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
SUMMER 2024: ACTIVE FUNDRAISING
AUGUST 2024: CONCEPT LAUNCHES FOR STUDENTS AT JOSHUA HOUSE.
...AND MORE TO COME!
THE CONCEPT LAUNCH
Our concept launch will serve Joshua House, a therapeutic home for abused, neglected and abandoned children in Lutz.
Located on 11 acres, it consists of five homes and currently provides a safe haven for 42 children ages 6 to 17.
Joshua House promotes growth, stability and support specific to each child’s needs. Fostering Hearts Florida’s goal is to scale to a full-time, onsite teacher for Joshua House residents.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE FINANCIALLY TO OUR CONCEPT LAUNCH DONATE TECHNOLOGY FOR OUR STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT MENTORING OUR STUDENTS HELP DONATE TODAY! Visit FosteringHeartsFL.org to: You can also contact us at info@fosteringheartsfl.org.
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