Dear Friends, September was a month of new connections and proud moments for Fostering Connections. Families gathered in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, youth practiced financial skills and shared their perspectives, and our Florida Youth SHINE leaders were recognized at the DCF Summit. Behind each of these moments are families who choose to join us, young people willing to use their voices, and partners who share their time and care. I’m grateful to each of you. I hope you e

Dear Friends, As young people and families settle into a new school year, I’m reminded of how important it is for them to have a community that continues to show up—not only during the summer, but throughout every season. This year, we’re excited to expand two of our programs so that young people have more consistent opportunities to connect and grow. Career & Life Skills Jumpstart workshops and Teen Talks will now be offered monthly throughout the program year. Through these

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, I'm filled with gratitude for all that we've accomplished together. Thanks to your support, youth across Northeast Florida spent the summer building confidence, developing career skills, and discovering new possibilities through our Career Readiness Academy. As we begin a new school year, I'm especially excited to share an important milestone for Fostering Connections. For the firs

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As I reflect on the past month, I am filled with gratitude. June is always one of the busiest—and most rewarding—times of the year at Fostering Connections. Over the course of three weeks, our team had the privilege of serving youth through our Career Readiness Academy in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palatka. Each student arrived with a unique story, different experiences, and their own hopes for the future. Throughout the week, we w

Dear Friends, As we enter May—Foster Care Awareness Month—I’m reminded of just how powerful community can be in shaping the lives of the youth and families we serve. This time of year always invites reflection, and what stands out most right now is the incredible growth we’ve experienced—and the responsibility that comes with it. Across Northeast Florida, we are seeing a significant increase in demand for our programs, particularly here in Jacksonville. More youth are seeking

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As we step into spring, I find myself reflecting on the power of connection—and how essential it is to everything we do at Fostering Connections. Our Art of Family Gala was more than an event—it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the belief that every young person deserves to feel supported, seen, and prepared for their future. I am deeply grateful for each of you who made that evening so meaningful. This season represents m

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As we move into the spring season, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible community. The Art of Family Gala was a beautiful evening that reminded us just how powerful it is when a community comes together in support of youth and families impacted by foster care. Seeing so many supporters, partners, volunteers, and families gathered in one room was truly meaningful, and I am deeply thankful to everyone w

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As you read this message, our award-winning Florida Youth SHINE Greater Jacksonville Chapter youth leaders and I are in Tallahassee for Children’s Week, walking the halls of the Florida State Capitol and meeting with legislators from across Florida. These remarkable young people are strengthening their leadership and advocacy skills while building the social capital that will shape their futures. Elevating youth voice remains a key focus

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you. Your support continues to make it possible for youth and families impacted by foster care to find community, opportunity, and hope through Fostering Connections. We’re starting the year with strong momentum. In January, our Florida Youth SHINE – Greater Jacksonville Chapter is hosting a fundraiser and preparing to travel to Tallahassee for Children’s Week,

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As we reach the end of 2025, my heart is filled with gratitude for each of you — our youth, families, volunteers, partners, donors, and community champions who make the mission of Fostering Connections possible. This year has been one of tremendous growth, resilience, and forward momentum — and I’m grateful to have walked this journey with you. Together, we achieved so much. We expanded Career Readiness Academy program partnerships and o

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I’m filled with gratitude for the many blessings that make our work at Fostering Connections possible. I’m especially thankful for our donors, board members, volunteers, and families—your generosity and belief in our mission continue to light the path forward. This fall has been full of growth and innovation. We piloted our new Career & Life Skills Jumpstart program in October, with additional ses

Dear Friends of Fostering Connections, Fall is here, and we are so grateful for the many ways you continue to support our mission....

Dear Fostering Connections Supporters, I hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend! We are off to a strong start this fall at Fostering...

Dear Fostering Connections Supporters, As we wrap up a meaningful summer and prepare for a new school year, I’m filled with gratitude for...

Dear Fostering Connections Friends, I hope you and your family are enjoying a fun, restful summer! While many are taking time to relax,...

Dear Fostering Connections Friends, As the school year wraps up, we’re entering one of the busiest and most exciting seasons at Fostering...

Dear Fostering Connections Friends, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support of our Art of...

Dear Fostering Connections Friends, I hope your 2025 is off to a fantastic start! We certainly kicked off the year on a high note with an...

At Fostering Connections, we believe that lasting change begins with a strong and supportive community. Each program, event, and...

We are thrilled to announce the Art of Family: A Celebration of Connection & Community Students & Families Art Contest and the Art of...