Adopted – Nathaniel

Adopted – Nathaniel

Nathaniel Age: 16 Years Old YFA – 105766595 Nathaniel is a passionate Caucasian teen boy with a variety of interests. He loves playing soccer, watching anime, and staying active, often spending time decorating shoes and matching them with his outfits in his favorite colors—black and purple. Roller skating is another hobby that brings him joy and freedom. Family is important to Nathaniel, and he dreams of having a close-knit family with a mom, dad, and more siblings to share experiences and knowledge. He aspires to become a pilot and join the Air Force, with a particular interest in traveling and exploring the world. He’s also fascinated by Japan, enjoying learning about its culture and traditions. Though he loves life in Florida, Nathaniel is eager to travel and try new things. A firm Christian, he values his faith and enjoys attending church, always striving to learn, grow, and chase his dreams....
Mason

Mason

Mason Age: 14 Years Old YFA – 103845488 Mason is a creative, friendly, and motivated Caucasian teen who finds joy in hands-on activities like woodworking and cooking. He has a strong passion for the culinary arts and enjoys spending his free time building projects and shooting hoops on the basketball court. Mason excels academically and is currently expanding his interests by playing football this year. Responsible and thoughtful, Mason has a deep love for agriculture and animals, especially snakes, bearded dragons, and dogs. He dreams of opening restaurants around the globe, blending his love for food with his artistic flair. To make this vision a reality, Mason plans to pursue master’s degrees in both culinary arts and fashion design. Mason titled his Heart Art piece “Broken, but Healed” as a way to express his thoughts about being in foster care.  He values a nurturing and respectful family environment and is open to having siblings, as long as there’s mutual care and understanding. Mason’s vibrant personality and big dreams make him a truly inspiring young...
Michael

Michael

  Michael  Age:  15 Years OldYFA – 104684970 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery. Michael is a smart and curious Caucasian teen boy with a big love for electronics—he’s always excited to figure out how things work. When he’s not tinkering with gadgets, you can probably find him watching his favorite movies or TV shows. He’s also a huge dog lover and would be thrilled to have a furry friend around. While Michael likes having his own space, he’s very affectionate with the people he cares about. He enjoys attention and support and would do best with a patient family who understands his need for both independence and connection. Michael is open to different types of families, even if they live out of state. More than anything, he just wants a home where he feels comfortable, supported, and...
Alyssa

Alyssa

Alyssa Age: 13 Years Old YFA – 104032211 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery. Alyssa is a bright and imaginative 13‑year‑old Caucasian girl with a shy but deeply loving personality. Her gentle nature shines through in her favorite color, pastel yellow: a soft shade that reflects her warmth and creativity. She has a unique fascination with snakes and enjoys witchcraft‑themed stories and aesthetics, which blend perfectly with her love for magical worlds like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. “For Percy Jackson,” she says, “the books are much better. But for Harry Potter, I like the movies more.” Alyssa loves to read and often gets carried away in stories filled with wizards, demigods, and heroic adventures. At school, she proudly serves as a library helper, where her love of books and helping others truly shines. Her favorite subject is science, where her curiosity comes alive. Lately, she has been working on factoring in algebra and is getting really good at it; a victory she’s proud of and happy to share. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys making colorful bracelets, listening to music, watching horror movies, playing with dolls, and soaking in the thrills of amusement park rides. She also loves spending time on her tablet, especially with the CrazyGames app, where she can explore different games and challenges. When it comes to movies, she’s a huge Marvel fan, and The Avengers holds the top spot on her list. Although she can be quiet at first, Alyssa is incredibly thoughtful and caring once she opens...
Aiden

Aiden

Aiden Age: 15 Years OldLSF – 102302829 Stay tuned to learn more about Aiden....
Ledgand

Ledgand

Ledgand Age: 11 Years OldLSF – 104302928 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery.  Ledgand is a bright and energetic Caucasian 11-year-old who enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. Whether he’s riding his scooter, exploring local parks, playing games, or simply soaking in the fresh air, Ledgand finds joy in nature and movement. He benefits from a supportive environment where he feels safe to express himself and grow. Ledgand would do well in a home where he is the youngest child, surrounded by caregivers who are patient, understanding, and open to sharing in his love of outdoor adventures. Ledgand is looking forward to connecting with a family that values togetherness, exploration, and encouragement as he continues to discover the world around...
Tradella, Finding Independence with Healthy Youth Transitions

Tradella, Finding Independence with Healthy Youth Transitions

Most young adults rely on their parents to transition into adulthood. Tradella relies on Brandice, a Healthy Youth Transitions Life Coach. Healthy Youth Transitions allows youth in foster care ages 15-22 served by Children’s Services Council of Broward County & ChildNet to get the support they need to thrive and find independence. Thank you Forever Family and NBC 6 for shining the spotlight on resources helping children and teens in foster care. Learn more at...
Ayran

Ayran

 Aryan  Age: 13 Years OldLSF – 103287892 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery. Aryan (AJ) is a bright and curious Caucasian boy who enjoys a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. He is sensitive and often seeks comfort and reassurance from trusted adults, especially when faced with new or challenging situations. Aryan is respectful, enjoys socializing, and thrives with the right balance of adult supervision and guidance. With a kind and thoughtful nature, Aryan builds strong connections with others and is always eager to learn and explore in a safe, nurturing environment. Fascinated by the natural world, AJ dreams of becoming a marine biologist, with a deep interest in studying ocean life and its ecosystems. AJ hopes to find a forever family with supportive role models who will encourage his passions and cheer him on every step of the...
A’Yonna

A’Yonna

A’Yonna Age: 8 Years OldLSF – 106362388 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery. A’Yonna is a bubbly and lively African American girl with a love for flowers and rainbows. Her infectious enthusiasm and warm personality make her the center of attention wherever she goes. Dreaming of traveling the world, A’Yonna is excited to explore new places and cultures. A’Yonna’s joyful spirit and appreciation for the world around her ensure she’ll leave a mark on everyone she meets, no matter where life leads her. A’yonna is looking for a forever family where she can be the youngest, or the only child, so that she can truly thrive. Additionally, only approved adoption home studies for families living in Florida are being accepted at this...
De’Andre

De’Andre

De’Andre Age: 13 years old LSF – 103051164 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery.  De’Andre is an energetic 13-year-old African American boy with a passion for football and basketball, cheering for the Ravens and Bengals. He dreams of joining the NFL or NBA and loves sports, gaming, and steak houses. De’Andre also enjoys playing football, spending time at the park and pool, and spending time with friends. De’Andre is eager to bring his enthusiasm and joy to a forever home where he can feel valued. He is looking for a supportive family in Florida who will help him reach his dreams and provide stability, guidance, and...
Jacob, Setting Goals with the Young Adult Transition Program

Jacob, Setting Goals with the Young Adult Transition Program

NBC 6 Forever Family paid a visit to Gulf Coast JFCS to meet Jacob. Roxanne Vargas shares his story. There are so many wonderful free resources for young adults who are struggling with mental health or substance abuse. In this NBC 6 / Forever Family story, learn how Florida Department of Children and Families through the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition helps to ensure that more young adults have the support they need so they themselves, their parents, and their future children can avoid ending up in foster care. Learn more at...
Sydney

Sydney

Sydney Age: 16 years oldLSF-104600639 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery.  Sydney is a 16-year-old Caucasian girl who is both shy and sweet. She has many passions including staying active, drawing, playing basketball, and going to the gym. Sydney is also looking towards the future and hopes to go to school for fashion, photography, or nursing. She has shared that being a traveling nurse is a big dream of hers..  Sydney is looking for a family that values quality time together and enjoys adventure. She hopes to travel, partake in outings, and share new experiences with those she cares about. Her ideal family would offer understanding, patience, and a sense of companionship to help her feel supported and...
Ashton

Ashton

Ashton Age: 14 years oldLSF-102302830 Thank you for your interest in adopting a child with moderate to severe therapeutic or medical needs featured on the Gulf Coast JFCS Heart Gallery.  Ashton is an energetic 14-year-old Caucasian male who dreams of joining a caring family with pets and older siblings. Ashton is a proud fan of the Miami Dolphins and a pizza lover. He loves to travel, Italy being at the top of his bucket list, but would prefer that his new family has roots in Florida as well. Ashton also enjoys watching Marvel movies, football, drawing, and playing video games.  Ashton’s favorite subject is science, and he takes pride in being athletic, caring, and smart. His friends can always count on him and his supportive nature.  Ashton’s energy, kindness, and determination shine through in everything he does, making him a wonderful teen with so much potential.     ...
Rising housing costs in Tampa Bay impacting refugee programs

Rising housing costs in Tampa Bay impacting refugee programs

Rising housing costs in Tampa Bay impacting refugee programs PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, June 20, 2024 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications ManagerHana.Cowart@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 Families from War-Torn Countries May Lose Housing, One Local Refugee Program Makes a Plea for Assistance Gulf Coast JFCS is making an urgent appeal for financial assistance and other resources to support refugee families and individuals who have been resettled in the region because of war and conflict in their home countries such as Ukraine and Afghanistan. “Gulf Coast JFCS remains committed to assisting refugees fleeing war and conflict in their home countries. As a result of the rising costs of housing in the Tampa Bay region, our Refugee Assistance Program has reached a tipping point to be able to continue supporting these families who have already been through such heartache,” noted Dr. Sandra Braham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Coast Jewish JFCS. Without additional resources, the organization cannot continue to fund temporary housing and other living expenses to help these families and individuals from war-torn regions rebuild their lives. Gulf Coast JFCS Refugee Services is in need of: Financial assistance to keep families housed Temporary, free or low-cost housing options Employers seeking to hire refugee individuals who are authorized to work, pending receipt of physical work documents Donations to supply household furnishings to help refugees establish their apartments beyond temporary, emergency housing Donations to support Kosher and Halal food options for refugee families. Donations can be made online at Refugee Assistance Fund – Gulf Coast JFCS or inquiries by email to GulfCoastinfo@gcjfcs.org “In the past two years, Gulf Coast JFCS has assisted...
Inaugural Holocaust Survivor Day

Inaugural Holocaust Survivor Day

Holocaust Survivor Day calls on us to celebrate survivors’ lives City of St Petersburg recognizes June 4 as Holocaust Survivor Day  (ABC Action News) By: Casey Albritton, ABC Action NewsPosted at 4:51 PM, Jun 04, 2024 PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The City of St. Petersburg is declaring June 4th as Holocaust Survivor Day, a day meant to honor the families who endured so much during World War II. “Many of my childhood friends’ memories are with me, and very often when I’m in a situation, ‘Hm, Peter could probably solve this math problem better than I did…unfortunately, he is not here,'” said Laszlo Adler, a Holocaust survivor. Adler and his wife, Vera Adler, have lived through the unimaginable. “Very low food. During the winter, it was very cold. We didn’t have much clothing. There was mistreatment by the Germans and by the Ukrainian supporters,” said Laszlo Adler. When Laszlo was eleven years old, he and his family were sent to concentration camps during the Holocaust. “They wanted to finish their job, and they put us on a train, and they want to send us to an extermination camp,” said Laszlo Adler. Laszlo said while being transferred to the concentration camp, the train rails were damaged, and the people on the train had to be sent elsewhere until Laszlo and his family were free at the end of World War II. Vera was nine months old when her parents were forced into camps. Her mother sent Vera and her brother to hide with Christian families. “They risked their own lives, they risked their whole family’s lives, their children’s life to...