Fostering Connections March/April Newsletter

Dear Fostering Connections Friends,

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support of our Art of Family Gala. This event was not only a beautiful celebration of family, community, and creativity but also a vital fundraiser that allows us to continue our mission of empowering youth and their families impacted by foster care and adoption. Your generosity ensures that we can provide life-changing programs, support, and opportunities to young people and their families as they navigate their futures.

At Fostering Connections, we believe that every young person deserves the tools and resources to thrive. Proceeds from the gala help fund programs like our Career Readiness Academy, which equips teens with essential job skills, networking opportunities, and career exploration experiences. Your support also makes events like Teen Talks, Foster/Adoptive Family Meet Ups, and our newly launched Florida Youth SHINE Jacksonville Chapter possible—creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported.

As we look ahead, I’m excited about the impactful work we have coming up:

Children’s Week in Tallahassee – Our Florida Youth SHINE Jacksonville Chapter will be advocating for child welfare at the state level.

Teen Talk at Towers Farms – April 5 – A fun, hands-on experience for teens to connect and grow.

Foster/Adoptive Family Meet Up at The Playful Family – April 18 – A special opportunity for families to gather and build community.

Career Readiness Academy – Summer 2025 – Preparing teens for their future through job training and mentorship

There are many ways to support our work— whether through volunteering, making a donation, becoming a corporate sponsor, or simply spreading the word about Fostering Connections. How can you help? Let’s start the conversation! Every effort, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of the young people we serve.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support and partnership fuel our mission and create lasting change. We couldn’t do it without you!

With Gratitude,

Aubrie Simpson-Gotham

Founder & CEO, Fostering Connections

MarchApril 2025 Newsletter.pdf

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