Hanna

Hanna

Hanna Age: 6 Years Old LSF – 108600140 Hanna is a bright, curious, and playful 6-year-old with an infectious smile and a heart full of love. She has an adventurous spirit, always eager to explore the world around her, whether it’s discovering new stories in books, making up imaginative games, or sharing giggles with those she adores. Sweet and affectionate, Hanna’s kindness shines through in everything she does. She has been matched with a wonderful family who shares her enthusiasm for life and her love for learning. As she awaits the finalization of her adoption, Hanna is surrounded by warmth, joy, and the promise of...
Ayran

Ayran

Ayran Age: 11 Years Old FSS – 103287892 Ayran is a creative and imaginative Caucasian boy who enjoys expressing himself through painting and crafts. He has a big appreciation for music and loves to relax by watching his favorite TV shows or playing video games. Ayran thrives in environments where he can explore his interests and be supported in trying new things. He’s looking for a family who will encourage his creativity and be there to cheer him on every step of the...
Cheilan

Cheilan

Cheilan Age: 12 Years Old FSS – 103287891 Cheilan is a lively and adventurous Caucasian girl who loves exploring new places and experiences. She has a special fondness for New York and would love to visit again, sharing her excitement and stories about her adventures. Very social and talkative, Cheilan enjoys engaging with others and loves to chat about her experiences. Music is a big part of her life, with a particular love for rap, which fuels her energetic personality. She also enjoys watching Bluey, which adds a playful touch to her day. Cheilan dreams of becoming a police officer when she grows up, inspired by her desire to help others and make a difference. She thrives in environments that encourage conversation, exploration, and a passion for music, adventure, and her future...
Patricia

Patricia

Patricia Age: 13 Years Old YFA – 102477259 Patricia is a sweet, quiet, Caucasian girl who mostly likes to keep to herself. She enjoys school and she is really proud to play the cello in her school band – music is a passion of hers! Patricia is looking for a mother figure in her life, she truly wants to feel like she is a part of a family. She wants someone to come home to each...
Gulf Coast JFCS Celebrates Local Holocaust Survivors With Second Annual Luncheon

Gulf Coast JFCS Celebrates Local Holocaust Survivors With Second Annual Luncheon

PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, May 29, 2025 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications Managermedia@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 Gulf Coast JFCS is honored to host its second annual Holocaust Survivors Luncheon, celebrating survivors, their families, and friends as we strengthen bonds across generations. Over a span of two days in Sarasota on June 4 at The Ora  and in Clearwater on June 5 at Congregation Beth Shalom, this event for Holocaust survivors and their guests fosters an atmosphere of joy, unity, and reflection on the experiences that have shaped each attendee’s journey. Now in its second year, this luncheon is not merely a commemoration of the past but a celebration of the present, the bonds formed, the communities built, and the legacies that endure. “Holocaust Survivor Day is not merely a time to remember the past; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have faced unspeakable hardship and emerged stronger” said Marina Reed, Holocaust Survivor Program Director at Gulf Coast JFCS. “We honor their resilience, celebrate their lives, and reinforce the bonds that unite us. This day ensures their stories continue to inspire future generations, fostering a legacy of strength, unity, and hope.” Contributions to support the Holocaust Survivor Program are warmly welcomed, ensuring that survivors can live comfortably and continue to thrive. Due to the high costs of essentials like medical and home care, survivors’ financial reserves remain of concern and are diminishing. Community support is crucial, and every act of generosity allows communities to come together and uplift one another, fostering strong bonds that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation . According to...
Gulf Coast JFCS Celebrates Local Holocaust Survivors With Second Annual Luncheon

Putting Children First

Leading The Path Forward to Forever Families: Gulf Coast JFCS is Breaking Barriers to Adoption PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, May 29, 2025 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications Managermedia@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 Gulf Coast JFCS is offering innovative solutions for the foster system through the Children First Innovation Fund – a groundbreaking new initiative minimizing obstacles to permanency for children in foster care. Every child deserves the warmth and stability of a safe and loving family but with the support of the foster care dependency system often comes recurring and hindering obstacles which unintentionally hinder the process of bringing children and parents together. A significant barrier in the foster system is the high turnover rate and burnout among child welfare staff attributed to large caseload numbers and high levels of stress associated with the job. This can prolong the adoption finalization and wait times, which in turn creates more stress for the child and family. These persistent and long waiting periods are deeply affecting the mental health of hundreds of children in the Tampa Bay region who end up waiting years for their chance with a future forever family. This causes detrimental and lasting effects on the child’s mental and physical health. With innovative solutions that streamline the adoption process, the Children First Innovation Fund will ensure behind-the-scenes obstacles are reduced, and prevent the already long and often stressful process of the adoption system that is experienced by both the children and staff. These solutions include adoptive placement stabilization support, crisis-intervention, and on-site clinical support for child welfare staff. This initiative is a testament to the power of compassion in action...
Elijah

Elijah

Elijah  Age: 10 Years Old LSF- 106902252 Elijah is an imaginative and kind-hearted eleven-year-old Caucasian boy with a deep love for creativity and adventure. He enjoys painting, doing arts and crafts, and exploring new ways to express himself through art. Music is another favorite of his, often filling his days with rhythm and inspiration. When he’s not creating, Elijah loves relaxing with his favorite TV shows, playing video games, enjoying good food, and spending time at the beach. He’s also an animal lover and hopes to have a dog of his own one day. Elijah dreams of traveling the world in the future, discovering new places, cultures, and experiences. He also wishes for a big, loving family with both a mom and a dad, and hopes to have more siblings to share his life with. With his warm heart, creative spirit, and curious mind, Elijah is a bright and hopeful young boy with big dreams for the...
Gulf Coast JFCS Celebrates Local Holocaust Survivors With Second Annual Luncheon

A Gift of Hope Now Can Go Farther

$250,000 Match Empowers Refugee Lives PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, May 1, 2025 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications Managermedia@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 This week marks ninety days since a Trump administration executive order indefinitely paused refugee resettlement, not just for clients served by Gulf Coast JFCS, but across the country. For the last three months, Gulf Coast JFCS has served the last refugee families to arrive through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and they are now moving toward self-sufficiency.  For the past three months, Gulf Coast JFCS continued our commitment to humanitarian assistance supporting nearly 200 refugees who arrived in late January 2025 – among the approximately 2,000 refugee services clients being served today by Gulf Coast JFCS. Under federal law, the required 90-days of initial reception and placement support provided to refugees is closed. Community assistance and financial support enabled Gulf Coast JFCS staff to continue aiding families in achieving self-sufficiency, including settling into new residences, rebuilding relationships with long-separated family members now reunited, enrolling children in school, and securing initial employment opportunities in Tampa Bay.  Although the future of U.S. refugee resettlement remains unclear, Gulf Coast JFCS continues to offer services and support for refugees, asylum seekers, special immigration visa holders, and other individuals and families who are legally in the United States but unable to return to their countries due to war and humanitarian crises. Many are encountering additional difficulties as legal status and work authorization are prematurely terminated, and long-standing protections are reduced. Gulf Coast JFCS refugee programs provide essential workforce development, behavioral health, and service systems navigation to assist our newest neighbors in America in achieving...
Theodore

Theodore

Theodore Age:  3 Years Old LSF- 109223569 Theodore is an adorable and cheerful 3-year-old Caucasian boy with a big smile and an even bigger heart. He’s a sweet, happy little guy who loves books and enjoys being read to—story time is one of his favorite parts of the day! He also loves spending time outside, especially going to the park where he can run, play, and explore. When it comes to food, Theodore is a great eater—he enjoys both pizza and vegetables, which makes mealtime a fun experience for him. Theodore would thrive in a family where he had siblings to play with and learn from. He enjoys being around others and would benefit from the joy and connection that comes with a busy, loving...
Shawn

Shawn

Shawn Age:  11 Years OldLSF- 104224973 Shawn is a bright and enthusiastic biracial boy with a passion for all things gaming. His love for video games, especially Minecraft, keeps him engaged for hours as he builds and explores virtual worlds. When he’s not gaming, Shawn enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like indulging in his favorite comfort foods—pizza and mac and cheese. At heart, Shawn is a dreamer with a big heart, longing for a family that will offer him unwavering support and encouragement throughout his life. He also wishes for more siblings to share his experiences with and create lasting memories together. As he grows older, Shawn’s curiosity about the world continues to blossom, and he has a strong desire to travel more, exploring new places and cultures. Shawn’s journey is one of adventure, love, and endless possibilities, and he can’t wait to see where life takes...
Zoey & Emily

Zoey & Emily

Siblings Zoey Age:  10 Years Old FSS – 104015072 Zoey is a bright and creative 10-year-old with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. She absolutely loves reading books and getting lost in magical stories. Writing is one of her favorite things to do—she dreams of becoming a writer when she grows up and is already full of great ideas for stories of her own. When she’s not reading or writing, Zoey enjoys watching TV, listening to music, and getting crafty with arts and crafts. She’s always up for a fun project and loves using her creativity in different ways. Zoey also has a big love for animals and hopes to have pets of her own someday.   Zoey is looking for a family who will truly understand her, support her dreams, and be there for her every step of the way. She’s a thoughtful, kind, and imaginative girl who just wants to be loved and encouraged to be exactly who she is. Emily Age:  11 Years Old FSS – 103303549 Emily is an energetic and fun-loving 11-year-old Caucasian girl with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She has a healthy appetite and isn’t picky when it comes to food—she enjoys everything from cheesy macaroni and gooey pizza to a perfectly cooked steak. A trip to McDonald’s is always a treat she looks forward to! Emily is a big animal lover, especially when it comes to cats. While she adores most furry felines, hairless cats aren’t quite her thing. She’s also not a fan of heights (unless she’s safely strapped into a rollercoaster!) or feeling bored—she’s...
Renee

Renee

Renee Age: 12 Years Old LSF – 102638488 Renee is a 12-year-old biracial girl with a gentle heart and a creative soul. Though she’s a bit shy, she’s incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and full of unique interests that make her shine. Renee finds peace in the nighttime, often gazing up at the stars and enjoying the quiet beauty of the sky. She loves being outdoors, especially when it involves camping and connecting with nature. One of her dreams is to learn Spanish, a language she’s excited to explore more in the future. She has a deep love for music, especially Rap and R&B, and even enjoys writing her own songs. Renee also has a creative streak when it comes to drawing and all things artistic. In her downtime, you’ll find her relaxing in front of the TV, especially when she’s watching a good mystery show that keeps her guessing. When it comes to food, Renee is a fan of flavor! Her favorites include plantains, orange chicken, and lo mein. Although she’s slightly allergic to dogs, she still loves them and would be happy with other pets in the home too. Renee hopes to stay in Florida and would love a family with a mom and dad. She also dreams of having siblings to laugh and grow up with. Kind, imaginative, and full of potential—Renee has a lot to...
Serenity

Serenity

Serenity Age: 11 Years Old YFA – 105233422 Serenity is a bright and energetic 11-year-old Caucasian girl with a heart full of creativity and joy. She absolutely adores Bluey and never gets tired of watching the playful adventures. Whether she’s playing with her Barbies, collecting fun stickers, or drawing colorful pictures, Serenity loves expressing herself in creative ways. She’s always on the move and enjoys staying active—going to the park, running around, and just being a kid! Serenity thrives in environments where she can play, explore, and have fun while feeling safe and supported. What she dreams of most is a family who will be there for her through all of life’s ups and downs. A family that will cheer her on, encourage her creativity, and help her grow into the amazing person she’s meant to be....
Gulf Coast JFCS Partners with National Network to Support Federal Workers Now Navigating Private Sector

Gulf Coast JFCS Partners with National Network to Support Federal Workers Now Navigating Private Sector

Pressing the Reset Button PRESS RELEASE: Friday, April 4, 2025 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications Managermedia@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 Federal employees preparing to shift into private-sector careers now have a new resource to help navigate the change. ‘Pressing the Reset Button: Transitioning to the Private Sector’ is a three-part virtual workshop series designed to provide essential guidance, practical tools, and confidence for a successful career shift. This interactive series addresses common challenges such as adapting to a new work culture, identifying transferable skills, crafting a compelling résumé, and leveraging strategic networking techniques. Participants will gain valuable insights on financial readiness, overcoming roadblocks, and stepping-stone opportunities that can enhance career prospects. Workshop Details: Session 1: April 9, 2025, at 1PM Eastern, Understand Your Value in the Private Sector (Build the Foundation for a Successful Transition); Registration Link Session 2: April 16, 2025, at 1PM Eastern, Craft a Private-Sector Résumé and LinkedIn Profile (Position Yourself for Success in the Job Market); Registration Link Session 3: April 23, 2025, at 1PM Eastern, Networking and Interviewing in the Private Sector (Make Meaningful Connections and Ace the Job Interview); Registration Link About Gulf Coast JFCS: Protecting the vulnerable, strengthening families, and empowering individuals throughout the state of Florida since 1974, Gulf Coast JFCS helps the most vulnerable people throughout our community, from babies to seniors, to find safety, comfort, and a path toward a fulfilling life. To help as many people as compassionately and comprehensively as possible through complex life challenges, Gulf Coast JFCS programs span a broad human service spectrum reaching more than 30,000 people annually throughout Tampa Bay and beyond. Our programs...
Aden

Aden

Aden Age:  11 Years OldYFA- 103633868 Aden is an energetic and imaginative 11-year-old Caucasian boy with a big heart and even bigger dreams. Aden enjoys spending his free time playing video games, watching TV, and going to the park. With aspirations of becoming a travel nurse one day, he’s already thinking about how he can make a difference in the world. Aden values family and dreams of having a mother or father, or even a loving single mother. He is open to the idea of having other kids in the house and believes in the importance of being close-knit. When it comes to pets, Aden’s love for dogs and cats knows no bounds, and he’s always excited to spend time with furry friends. Aden also has a soft spot for his community and would love to live close to, or in, Pasco County. When it comes to food, there’s nothing he enjoys more than a delicious taco. With a mix of curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm, Aden is ready to take on whatever comes his way....