Relationships Continuing to Grow: Fostering Connections’ Goals for 2025

As we embark on a new year, we’re excited to share Fostering Connections’ goals for 2025. This year, our focus is on cultivating and growing relationships with our donors, volunteers, clients, and community. Through enhanced programs, innovative events, and strengthened development efforts, we aim to make an even greater impact on the foster and adoptive families we serve.

Program Enhancements

Our commitment to providing quality programs remains strong. This year, we’re piloting the Math Connections program, an interactive, game-based initiative with funding from the Florida Philanthropic Network that will debut at our Foster/Adoptive Family Meet Up events. Youth will engage in hands-on math activities, while caregivers will receive resources and strategies to incorporate math into everyday learning.

Additionally, we aim to increase attendance by 10% at our Foster/Adoptive Family Meet Ups, Teen Talks, and Career Readiness Academy.

For our Career Readiness Academy program, we’ll hire program assistants to maintain a 5:1 student-to-assistant ratio, ensuring personalized support. We’re also expanding job shadowing and field trip opportunities to provide students with increased real-world career experiences. Meanwhile, our Florida Youth SHINE Greater Jacksonville Chapter will grow its membership by 10%, amplifying the voices of youth advocates in the foster care system.

Development and Community Engagement

Our ambitious fundraising goal of $175,000 will help us sustain and expand our programs. To achieve this, we’re focusing on major gifts and microfundraising, aiming for a 10% increase in both areas. We’re also reimagining our signature fundraising event, launching the Art of Family Gala: A Celebration of Community and Connection on March 7, 2025. This special evening will honor foster and adoptive families, celebrate community connections, and cultivate support for our mission. Click here for more information about the event.

In addition, we’re relaunching our Advisory Council as county-based Advisory Boards. Each board will be tasked with planning a microevent in their community, ensuring localized support and outreach. We also aim to increase volunteer capacity by 10% to support our growing initiatives.

Looking Ahead

These goals reflect our dedication to building stronger relationships, enhancing program quality, and creating meaningful connections. We are grateful for your continued support as we work together to create brighter futures for foster and adoptive families in our community. Stay tuned for updates on our progress throughout the year—2025 promises to be a year of growth, impact, and celebration!

Would you like to join us in making these goals a reality? Contact us today to learn how you can get involved, or visit our website for more details about our programs and events.