You brightened the lives of children!

The children’s faces lit up this holiday thanks to so many generous donors. We had parties, lots of gifts and lots of fun! It's just what the holidays are supposed to be.

Thank you!

Together with your kind support, we are making a world of difference to the boys and girls who live in our residential cottages and are in all of our programs.
 

See how you help real people.

It was destiny!

Roshawnda believes, “Whatever God has for you, He has for you.” After two years of trying to have a baby, she and husband, Rayshan, realized a biological child was not in the plans. However, they would soon learn, Ariana was in the plan.

Faced with the reality they couldn’t have a child , the couple explored adoption. Months later, a close friend called and said she was six months pregnant and considering placing for adoption. She asked if the couple would be the parents.

Roshawnda met with a private attorney but felt it was too much like a business deal. So, the couple decided to visit Children’s Home Society of Florida. There, they received parenting classes, the birth mother received counseling, and they all received legal assistance.

Roshawnda drove the birth mother to the hospital and stayed with her until Ariana was born. Ariana, now 16 months old, is “vibrant and always smiling” and living with Roshawnda and Rayshan.

“I really believe this was meant to be,” Roshawnda said. “No one even knew we were looking into adoption when she came to us. It was destiny.”

Life is good!

Many people don’t realize Children’s Home Society of Florida provides many more services than adoption and foster care. In fact, CHS also provides prevention programs, counseling and support groups.

It’s CHS’ Family Life Education program that brought Pat to the agency. Pat’s 11-year-old son, Kevin, was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and multiple learning disabilities. He was failing in school.

Pat began attending CHS’ ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Parent Support Group, where she received advice from staff on how to work with children with disabilities, handling the behavioral challenges and juggling school and doctors’ appointments with general life.

Two years after she started participating in CHS’ support group and Kevin began to attend regular therapy, Pat says his disposition is as different as night and day. Now, instead of failing classes, Kevin is an A/B honor roll student and is hoping to attend a magnet school for engineering.

“He’s sweet and kind, very quiet, analytical and artistic. He really is a loving kid.” Pat says, “Kevin tells me all the time, ‘Mom, I don’t want to remember what I used to be like.’ Life is good.”