This year, Giselle made it official and adopted 16-year old Lili! Giselle explains what inspired her to consider adoption. Read their story here.
Jamie and Michael have always had a heart for kids - especially teens and siblings! This lead them to starting their journey 8 years ago by becoming foster caregivers and providing a safe and loving environment for kiddos.
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