Over 15 years ago, the Prestridge Family started their foster care journey. Barbara shares her inspiration, "I wanted to make a difference in each life. A stable home where [children] can feel safe and loved at all times." Read about their journey.
Just 3 years ago, the Goddard family began their foster care journey. Not only have Tiffany and Jason provided a safe and loving home for the children in their care, but they have also fostered a strong, supportive relationship with the biological family.
Join us in celebrating the families who have stepped up to foster, spreading awareness, learn about becoming a foster parent yourself. Every child deserves a loving, supportive environment to grow and thrive in.
In the last ten[+] years, Heartland for Children has established strong community partnerships and effective programs that have positively impacted our tri-county area. Under their leadership, child abuse has decreased. This change has been a result of strong commitment to prevention and evidence based programs. Additionally, their focus on trauma focused care has made a tremendous impact on children and families that have experienced abuse, neglect, and out of home placements. Heartland for Children is the model of community based care for our state.
As a social worker who was involved in the transition to this model of care in our state, I fully support and endorse their continued work and leadership in Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties.
Mary Jo Plews - Former Executive Director, Healthy Start Coalition