Fostering Connections July 2025 Newsletter

Dear Fostering Connections Friends,

I hope you and your family are enjoying a fun, restful summer! While many are taking time to relax, summer is one of our busiest —and most exciting— seasons at Fostering Connections.

In June, our Career Readiness Academy was in full swing! We hosted three impactful cohorts in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palatka, reaching 51 incredible students who gained valuable job, career, and life skills. We’re so grateful to our dedicated staff, inspiring guest speakers, committed volunteers, and supportive families for making these sessions a success. You can read more about each cohort’s journey in this month’s newsletter.

We also had a blast hosting a Teen Talk at Daytona Lagoon and a joyful Foster/Adoptive Family Summer Social at Myrtle Avenue Brewing — two amazing opportunities for connection, laughter, and community.

Looking ahead to July, we’re excited to launch our final Career Readiness Academy cohort of the summer in DeLand. We’re also proud to be the host chapter for the Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Quarterly Meeting right here in Jacksonville.

As we look toward the Fall, we invite you to get involved—whether by volunteering at an upcoming Foster/Adoptive Family Meet Up or Teen Talk, or by joining the Art of Family Gala Committee. Gala volunteer opportunities will be shared in our August newsletter—we’d love to have you be part of the team!

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement helps us uplift, empower, and connect youth and families across our region.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Fourth of July!

Warmly,

Aubrie Simpson-Gotham

Founder & CEO, Fostering Connections

July 2025 Newsletter.pdf

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