Community Blog Archives by Date Blog
Join us in congratulating our 15 newly certified child welfare professionals! These graduates just completed our 12-week Pre-Service Training to join the ranks of child welfare to protect and strengthen children and families in Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties!
After years of struggling with the effects of trauma and cycles of addiction, Jennifer experienced having her children removed from her care. This moment was frightening and she shares, "I felt as if I was the worst mom ever and I gave up on life." Since no one in Jennifer's family was willing to take her kids in, they had no other option but to go into foster care and ended up in foster caregivers Darlene and Neil Rogers' home. The Rogers are amazing at co-parenting and providing support to the parents of the children in their care and become some of Jennifer's biggest supporters saying, "I believe in you and I know you can do it!"
Case manager's corner is Chief Quality & Legal Officer, April Rolle's forum in which to recognize various employees from case management organizations for their outstanding work.
IN THIS EDITION:
- Tamora Boatwright at Lutheran Services Florida
- Markeisha Willis at One Hope United
- Jennifer Cortes at Children's Home Society
A BIG thank you to our long-standing Rudolph Champions Polk County HOG (Harley Owners Group) for helping us kick-off our Rudolph in July by rounding up over $500 worth of toys and making a generous financial donation for our children and teens in foster care! This fantastic group is already working on rounding up more toys to drop off in December!
Living in New York, Betzaida Vasquez just had experienced the loss of her husband and was now a single mom of five children. On top of it all, she was now homeless and for five months she and her children lived out of her car and went from shelter to shelter. Despite the challenges, Betzaida never gave up and continued push forward.
The 2022-2023 School Year is right around the corner! Here is a list of Back-to-School Bashes in Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties.
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