In Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties, there are currently over 2,000 children in the foster care system. We all can play a part in impacting our community's most vulnerable children and families. You might adopt, foster, mentor or donate - we're not all called to do the same thing, but we can all do something.
Become a Foster Caregiver
Foster caregivers provide a temporary loving, safe, and secure home-like setting for children while their parents are working towards reunification. Currently, our GREATEST need is quality foster caregivers who will care for teens, sibling groups and children with special needs. Learn about the process of becoming a quality foster caregiver in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties, and find out how you can get started here.
Become an Adoptive Parent
There is a great need throughout the State of Florida for families to open their hearts and homes to children and teenagers in need of a forever family. We believe that there are loving, caring families who can provide a forever home to a child or sibling group who cannot safely return to their family. Many times this may be a teenager, a child with special emotional and/or medical needs, or a sibling group. Learn about the process of becoming a quality adoptive parent in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties, and find out how you can get started here.
Become a Volunteer
Become part of a group of community volunteers, that have stepped up to support our children and families in the foster care system.
Everyday Christians Helping Orphans receives donations to meet the physical needs of children that come into foster care.
Ways to get involved:
- Volunteer as an ECHO Shop Volunteer at one of the various ECHO shop locations (kids welcome with an adult)
- Volunteer as an ECHO Warehouse donation organizer at the ECHO Warehouse
- Host a Donation Drive for basic needs
- Donate new or like-new children's items such as clothes, shoes, diapers, furniture, hygiene products, etc. to the ECHO Warehouse
- Assist with Donation Deliveries or Donation Pick-Ups
Faith Xtreme
Creating a safe and fun place for kids to be encouraged at their summer camps and after-school program.
Ways to get involved:
Lobo Ranch
Providing basic needs and uniting siblings in foster care.
Ways to get involved:
One More Child
Global ministry that serves vulnerable children and families around the world.
Ways to get involved:
Become a Mentor
We're excited to share that we are launching our Heartlink Mentoring Program - a new opportunity for our community to wrap their arms around vulnerable youth in our community! We are looking for mentors that are willing to make a 12-month commitment to a youth or young adult and help them grow and reach positive academic, career and personal goals.
To get started, complete the Mentor Application or email heartlink@heartlandforchildren.org.
Make a Monetary Donation
Make a monetary donation via QGiv to Heartland for Children.
You may specify if you woud like to make a general donation to Heartland for Children, if you would like to sponsor a child/children, fulfill a child's wishes, donate toward our Pinwheels for Prevention fund, Rudolph Round-Up etc.
Become a Rudolph Champion
Each year, Heartland for Children's Annual Rudolph Round-Up Holiday Toy Drive sets a goal to help make incredible holiday memories for over 1,500 local children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect throughout Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. To learn more about the many ways you and/or your business, organization, faith community, or club can get involved click here.
Become a Faith-Based Champion
Faith communities play a vital role in the safety and well-being of children and families. They offer continued support and guidance for families within their immediate network as well as the community at large through programming and mission work. Each and every day Faith communities are helping to prevent child abuse and neglect. As part of our Faith-Based Initiative, Heartland for Children invites local faith leaders and other representatives of faith communities to work together with us to identify additional opportunities to positively impact families in the communities we serve.
Learn how your faith community can be a part of our Faith-Based Initiative at Heartland for Children.
Become a Prevention Partner
Our Prevention Partners are individuals, organizations and businesses partnering with Heartland for Children to prevent child abuse.
Contact our Prevention Department for more information on how to become a Prevention Partner.
Become a Business Champion
From hosting a hygiene product drive, inviting a speaker to share resources about the need for foster and adoptive families - your business can positively impact the lives of children and families in our community. To learn more contact info@heartlandforchildren.org for more information.
Coordinate a Special Project
Coordinate a special project that will help support children in foster care and families who need additional support in our community.
Email info@heartlandforchildren.org for more information.