Community Blog Archives by Date Blog
Heartland for Children was pleased to host three film screenings of the much anticipated documentary, Paper Tigers, here in Lakeland, Sebring, and Winter Haven in November 2015. HFC partnered with Prevent Child Abuse Florida to bring this film to our community. Paper Tigers intimately examines the inspiring promise of Trauma Informed Communities – a movement that is showing great promise in healing individuals struggling with the dark legacy of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
We'd like to recognize the following Case Managers this quarter:
- Barbara Hester | One Hope United
- Sylvia Matteo | Children's Home Society
- Mary Thomas | GCJFCS
- Cemico Green | Neighbor to Family
Waypoints Financial has been a wonderful partner in our community, opening their hearts to helping children in need through Heartland for Children’s Rudolph Round-Up Toy Drive.
For several years, the staff at Waypoints Financial has committed to being Rudolph Champions, purchasing specific wishes for teens and hosting a toy drive to specifically benefit children and teens who are receiving services through the local foster care system.
Through their partnership with Heartland for Children’s faith-based initiative, Grace Bible Church, under the leadership of lead Pastor Dustin Woods, has been instrumental in impacting the lives of children and families throughout Circuit 10 – Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties.
For the second year, Grace Bible Church committed to being Rudolph Round-Up Champions and through the generosity of the church and its members, hosted a toy drive to specifically benefit teens who are receiving services through the local foster care system. The toys and items donated through the Church-sponsored toy drive exceeded expectations and helped to meet the holiday wishes of our teens in care.
It’s not just about helping the children, the children impact our lives as well. My family is multi-cultured, it is a learning experience for everyone. Both the children and the foster family learns each other’s cultures- what foods they like, what products they use, etc. We take the children with us on outings to the beach, theme parks, and treat them the same as our own children. The children are a part of our family.
Andrea & Charles Mills - Foster Parent