Marilis

Marilis

Marilis Age: 15 Years Old YFA – 101422443 Marilis is a 15-year-old Caucasian girl with a strong passion for music, especially her favorite band, One Direction. She loves staying active, and soccer is one of her favorite ways to do so. When she’s not on the field, Marilis enjoys drawing and creating art, which allows her to express her creativity. Although she doesn’t have pets, Marilis has a soft spot for dogs and enjoys their company. She would love to have more siblings to share her life with and create more memories. Marilis also dreams of traveling and experiencing different cultures as she grows older. For Marilis, the most important thing in a family is love and support. She’s open to any kind of family, as long as they care for her. When it comes to food, she’s a big fan of Hispanic cuisine and comfort foods like pizza and mac and cheese. With her love for sports, music, and art, Marilis is excited for the future and all the adventures it may bring.    ...
Cassandra, Jonathan

Cassandra, Jonathan

Siblings Cassandra Age:  12 Years OldLSF – 103106209 Cassandra is a 12-year-old biracial girl with a kind heart, quiet strength, and a wonderfully creative spirit. She is gentle and soft-spoken, often a bit shy at first, but once she feels safe and comfortable, her sweet personality and imagination begin to shine. She loves the color purple and enjoys expressing herself through art, dance, storytelling, and crafts. Cassandra shares a close bond with her brother, and it’s important that they are adopted together. She would thrive in a calm, nurturing home that encourages her creativity, supports her gentle nature, and helps her build confidence at her own pace. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, imaginative child with a beautiful heart and strong sibling connection, Cassandra may be the perfect addition to your family.     Jonathan Age:  13 Years OldLSF – 102259036 Jonathan is a bright and respectful 13-year-old who brings energy and heart to everything he does. Whether he’s tossing a football, shooting hoops, or riding his bike around the neighborhood, Jonathan loves staying active and being outdoors. He’s also a big fan of video games and enjoys winding down by watching YouTube and his favorite TV shows.Jonathan has a soft spot for superheroes, especially Spider-Man, and his kind, thoughtful nature makes him a hero in his own right. He thrives with structure and encouragement and would do well in a supportive, loving home that can keep up with his active lifestyle and growing interests.   Jonathan and Cassandra feel they would thrive in a forever family that is African American, where they can share and celebrate their culture...
Michaela

Michaela

Michaela Age: 10 Years Old YFA – 104420563 Michaela is a bright and energetic Caucasian girl who enjoys the simple joys in life, like indulging in her favorite candies and exploring new things at school. She’s a curious learner who takes pride in her education and enjoys staying engaged in the classroom. In her free time, Michaela loves watching TV, listening to music, and taking peaceful walks outside. These activities help her unwind and enjoy her surroundings. She benefits from a supportive environment that encourages her to express herself and navigate her emotions in a positive way. Michaela is looking for a loving family where she can be the only child, receiving the care and attention she needs. She thrives in a structured, patient, and understanding home where she feels safe and supported. With the right family, Michaela has the potential to grow, flourish, and shine in her own special way.    ...
Gulf Coast JFCS Ordered To Cease Services

Gulf Coast JFCS Ordered To Cease Services

We Won't Cease Compassion PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications Managermedia@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 Gulf Coast JFCS has been directed by federal contractor, HIAS, to immediately cease the provision of services for 170 newly arrived refugees in Tampa Bay. At 11:57 pm last night our agency received an email and memo from HIAS officials, noting they were directed by the federal government to immediately cease all services to newly arrived refugees and special immigrant visa holders (SIVs). Refugees are not undocumented immigrants, did not enter the United States illegally, and in all cases have been fully vetted, background checked and “invited” to the United States. Most of our newly arrived refugees and SIVs were granted entrance into the United States because of their having supported our military during recent wars, or due to extreme and unfavorable conditions in their native country that forced them to flee. Most have spent significant time in refugee camps, waiting for United Nations countries to select them. The federal government’s confusing language in two OMB directives noted they would not halt support to individuals and that the focus of immigration efforts would be on “removable people” who have engaged in criminal acts. Federal assistance to Tampa Bay’s refugees and SIVs is provided on an individual basis, and they are generally not categorized as removable persons. This cease work order is not only inhumane, but it also puts the onus on nonprofits that are already underfunded while doing the work of our state and federal governments, to “deal with it.”  Because all this work is done on a cost reimbursement...
Arianna

Arianna

Arianna Age: 14 Years Old YFA – 101650098 Arianna is an African American teen girl full of energy and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to sports! She loves playing volleyball and football and is always ready to give her best on the field. When she’s not staying active, she enjoys relaxing with her favorite TV shows and spending time on her phone. Arianna dreams of traveling and exploring new places one day—she’s excited about all the possibilities the world has to offer! Though she is a picky eater, she knows what she loves, and mac and cheese is always at the top of her list. She has a soft spot for pets, especially cats, and hopes to have one of her own in the future. Arianna also values family and would love to have siblings around her age or older. To her, the most important aspect of a family is communication—she believes that understanding and openness build strong connections. Arianna is open to moving to another state if she finds the right family, one that supports and embraces her passions and values....
Jayden

Jayden

Jayden Age:  15 Years OldLSF – 101353243 Jayden is a fun and active 15-year-old Caucasian teen boy with a laid-back personality and a big love for life. He enjoys watching TV to relax, but he also loves getting outside to play sports like soccer and football. Whether he’s on the field or hanging out with friends, Jayden enjoys being active and staying connected to the people around him. A true food lover, Jayden has some favorites that always make him smile—especially hamburgers, rice, and steak. He’s also a big fan of trying new things and dreams of one day traveling the world and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. Jayden is looking for a family that will love and support him unconditionally. He would thrive in a home where he’s the only child, allowing him to have the attention and space he needs to grow and succeed. With the right support and encouragement, Jayden is excited about his future and all the possibilities it holds. Jayden is also hoping to be adopted by an African American family.      ...
Tristan, Wesley

Tristan, Wesley

Siblings TristanAge:  11 Years OldLSF – 103874675 Tristan is a fun-loving and energetic 11-year-old boy with a passion for sports, especially football. He loves staying active and enjoys competing in any sport. Tristan thrives on attention and affection from adults and is always ready for a hug or a fun moment. He’s adventurous, loves to travel, and is open to living outside of the state. Tristan would love to have a mom and dad and is also happy with having other siblings in the home. He has a big heart, full of love and energy to share with everyone around him.   Wesley Age: 12 Years Old  LSF – 102889053 Wesley is a bright and energetic 12-year-old Caucasian boy with a love for adventure and excitement. He enjoys playing video games in his downtime and is always up for a challenge. Wesley’s dream is to become a firefighter when he grows up, driven by his passion for helping others and staying active. He wants a family with a mom and a dad and is open to having more siblings in the home. Wesley is also open to living outside of the state and experiencing new places. Whether he’s playing sports, exploring new places, or having fun with his friends, Wesley brings lots of energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. He’s friendly, caring, and always ready to lend a hand, with a heart full of love and a future full of possibilities....
Kaitlin

Kaitlin

Kaitlin Age:  16 Years Old YFA – 102863117 Kaitlin is a 16-year-old Caucasian girl with a bright mind and a creative spirit. She loves to read, getting lost in different worlds through books. Music is a big part of her life—it helps her relax, express herself, and sometimes even dream a little bigger. She also enjoys movies and TV shows, especially ones with great stories and characters she can relate to. What Kaitlin wants most is a family she can count on. A family that will love her, support her, and remind her that she belongs. She’s looking for a home where she feels safe, where she can be herself, and where she knows she’s not alone.    ...
Jacob

Jacob

Jacob Age:  16 Years OldYFA – 103384491 Jacob is a 16-year-old Caucasian teen with a diverse set of interests and goals. When he’s not immersed in his favorite video games, he’s making music—he’s been playing the piano for four years and has developed a true love for it. Alongside his musical talents, Jacob has a strong passion for math, enjoying the challenge it brings at school. He is an active member of his local Catholic church, finding comfort in his faith and the community around him. Jacob’s love for animals, particularly cats, is something that has always been a big part of his life. He dreams of having a loving, caring family, and hopes to one day have siblings to share experiences with. Looking to the future, Jacob is focused on joining the Navy, where he hopes to become a field medic. His fascination with computers and IT fuels his interest in technology, making him eager to learn and grow in the digital world. Though he enjoys spending time with friends and hanging out at their houses, Jacob would like to stay local, he appreciates the connections he has within his community. No matter what he does, Jacob is driven by a desire to be loved and supported, and he’s ready to take on the next steps in his journey....
Charles

Charles

Charles Age:  14 Years OldYFA – 110609293 Charles is a shy but loving Caucasian teen who finds joy in the simple things. He loves spending time with his tablet watching videos, cartoons, and playing games. Charles thrives on routine and finds comfort in predictability. He enjoys going to school, where he feels secure and engaged. His excitement for learning and structured activities shines through, especially when he knows what to expect. Outside of school, Charles loves going for walks and being in nature, which bring him peace. Charles has a warm and gentle spirit. He is waiting for his forever family—someone who is patient, understanding, and committed to walking alongside him through life. Charles needs a home where he can feel safe, supported, and loved unconditionally. His quiet, independent nature allows him to experience the world in his own beautiful way, and with the right family, he will continue to grow and thrive. Click the video below to learn more about Charles!...
Raina

Raina

Raina Age:  13 Years Old YFA – 105008534 Raina is a bright and gentle 13-year-old Caucasian girl with a passion for exploring the outdoors and discovering new things. She has a unique charm that shines through her love for animals, nature, and the vibrant world around her. Whether she’s playing outside, watching her favorite TV shows, curling up with a good book, or immersing herself in music, Raina finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Though she may be shy at first, those who take the time to get to know her quickly discover a caring and thoughtful spirit. Raina thrives in an environment filled with love and support, and she dreams of being part of a nurturing family with a mom and a dad—she’s also completely comfortable with having siblings in the home. With an innate need for understanding, patience, and encouragement, she blossoms in settings where compassion is abundant....
Cailyn

Cailyn

Cailyn Age:  16 Years OldYFA – 102047286 Cailyn is a Caucasian teen girl who prefers to be called Phoenix, as she sees the name as a symbol of her determination and persistence in life. She is deeply passionate about poetry, using it as a way to express her thoughts and emotions. Music is another important part of her life, providing both inspiration and solace. She also has a love for nature, often finding peace in the outdoors. Phoenix is also learning to play the guitar, expanding her musical abilities. She dreams of traveling to Paris or Chicago to experience the culture and energy of these vibrant cities. Looking ahead, she is determined to pursue a career in criminal justice, with aspirations of becoming a Circuit Judge. Phoenix embodies resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose, always striving to make her dreams a reality....
Alana

Alana

Alana Age:  15 Years OldFSS – 101142644 Alana is a 15-year-old African American female with a love for both adventure and relaxation. She enjoys school, mainly because it gives her the chance to spend time with her friends. When she’s not studying or socializing, you’ll likely find her enjoying her favorite hobbies, such as roller skating, watching movies, or lounging at home with some TV. She also loves shopping and is a huge fan of spaghetti – it’s one of her all-time favorite meals. Alana has a soft spot for animals, especially cats and dogs, and dreams of getting a cat in the future. She has big aspirations too, with China being her top destination on her bucket list. As for her future career, she’s thinking about joining the military, though she’s still figuring out what path is best for her. Family means the world to Alana, and she values communication, love, and care above all else. She’s open to the idea of having a family even if they live out of state or if she has siblings. Alana has voiced that she would prefer to be adopted by an African American family, however for her, a supportive and loving family dynamic is what matters most....
Matthew

Matthew

Matthew Age: 16 Years Old LSF- 101888844 Matthew is a 16-year-old African American teen boy with a passion for music, particularly rap. He finds joy in expressing himself through rhythm and lyrics, using music as a way to connect with the world around him. While he enjoys school and values his education, his true happiness comes from spending quality time with his friends. Though Matthew is naturally shy and quiet, his gentle soul shines through in his interactions with others. He is thoughtful and caring, with a warm heart that those close to him deeply appreciate. Matthew hopes to be adopted by a loving, single mother who is African American.  ...
Soulain

Soulain

Soulain Age: 15 Years Old LSF- 101153244 Soulain is a 15-year-old Caucasian teen with a curious and driven personality. He’s passionate about TV shows and video games, always diving into new stories and exploring different virtual worlds. His love for food is another big part of his life, with an adventurous taste for trying new dishes and enjoying his favorite meals. Soulain also enjoys going shopping, often looking for new clothes or gadgets that align with his growing sense of style. Looking to the future, Soulain is determined to join the military when he’s older, inspired by a strong sense of discipline and service. Above all, he dreams of having a supportive, loving, and caring family that will always be there for him as he works toward his goals...