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...
A’Yonna

A’Yonna

A’Yonna Age: 7 Years OldLSF – 106362388   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 time.  ...
Allyson

Allyson

Allyson Age: 16 Years OldLSF- 101394262   Allyson is a creative and kind-hearted 16-year-old Caucasian teen who finds joy in arts and crafts, drawing, and reading. She has a deep love for animals, especially farm animals, and dreams of living on a farm with lots of land and pets. Collecting stuffed animals is one of her favorite hobbies, and she enjoys spending time both indoors and outdoors. Allyson also enjoys attending church and listening to country music. Science is her favorite subject, and she’s excited about learning new things, like playing tennis. She loves hibachi food and hopes to travel someday, with Los Angeles at the top of her list. Though she may be shy at first, Allyson opens up once she feels comfortable. She would thrive in a family where she can be the older sibling to younger children. Allyson is open to moving to another state and looks forward to a fresh start with a loving, supportive family who shares her love for animals and the outdoors.          ...
De’Andre, Eric

De’Andre, Eric

Siblings De’Andre Age: 12 years old LSF – 103051164 De’Andre is an energetic 12-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. He’s looking for a supportive family in Florida who will help him reach his dreams and provide a stable, loving home. Eric Age: 15 Years old LSF – 101845136 Eric, a 15-year-old African American boy, is resilient, energetic, and optimistic. He loves Roblox, football, and dreams of becoming a basketball player. Eric does well in school and his favorite subject is Algebra. With a keen interest in math and puzzles, he seeks a loving, supportive family in a stable home to help him thrive and pursue his dreams. Eric is eager to bring his enthusiasm and joy to a forever home where he can feel...
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 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 or photography.  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 cherished.      ...
Ashton

Ashton

Ashton Age: 14 years oldLSF-102302830 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.     ...
Destiny

Destiny

Destiny Age: 17 years oldFSS -100317614 Destiny is a determined 17-year-old African American girl who loves soccer and basketball. In fact, she’s Chicago Bulls’ self-proclaimed number one fan! She also excels in math and science, enjoying challenges and problem-solving. Destiny recently began participating in a dance group through her church and is loving it! She also has her sights set on a successful future, as she is planning on attending USF to study anthropology.    Destiny is seeking a family who can offer love, attention, and encouragement, and be especially supportive of her identity within the LGBTQ+ community. She values honesty, integrity, and compassion, and is developing a strong sense of her own personal identity and character. Destiny’s journey is marked by resilience and a positive outlook, eager to find a nurturing home that will celebrate her passions and guide her through life’s adventures.                                                                  ...
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...

Forever Family: How one teen overcame adversity to graduate high school

Despite the many challenges Shamya faced in her life, she graduated valedictorian for her class. Author: wtsp.com Published: 6:59 AM EDT May 15, 2024 While many take this milestone for granted, for teens in foster care, it’s a huge achievement. Meet Shamya in our Forever Family 10 Tampa Bay segment with Caitlin Lockerbie. Despite facing challenges, she’s become a beacon of hope for her siblings. Join us as we celebrate her journey at Gulf Coast JFCS surrounded by the supportive community that has stood by her...
Compassion in Action Mural in Progress

Compassion in Action Mural in Progress

Compassion in Action Mural in Progress (ABC Action News) Credit: ABC Action News Air date: ABC Action News 5.11.24 at 6:00 pm 2024 is an exciting year for Gulf Coast JFCS as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as an organization and as a community! Since its incorporation in 1974, Gulf Coast JFCS has remained committed to serving the Tampa Bay area and beyond, playing a crucial role as an integral part of the community and assisting nearly 30,000 individuals annually across all stages of life. Alyssa Marie, of Alyssa Marie Gallery and a well-known artist from St. Pete, has designed the mural, the largest paint-by-number project she’s ever...
Compassion in Action Mural in Progress

Compassion in Action Mural in Progress

Compassion in Action Mural in Progress (10 Tampa Bay)   Credit: 10 Tampa Bay   Air date: 10 Tampa Bay 5.11.24 at 6:00 pm 2024 is an exciting year for Gulf Coast JFCS as we celebrate our 50th anniversary as an organization and as a community! Since its incorporation in 1974, Gulf Coast JFCS has remained committed to serving the Tampa Bay area and beyond, playing a crucial role as an integral part of the community and assisting nearly 30,000 individuals annually across all stages of life. Alyssa Marie, of Alyssa Marie Gallery and a well-known artist from St. Pete, has designed the mural, the largest paint-by-number project she’s ever...
Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, a City of Pinellas Park Non-Profit and Charity Spotlight

Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, a City of Pinellas Park Non-Profit and Charity Spotlight

Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, a City of Pinellas Park Non-Profit and Charity Spotlight Credit: City of Pinellas Park Published: May 11, 2024 The Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco connects children in foster care with their forever families through adoption. In addition to featuring children, they recruit and support families interested in adoption. Since the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco was created in 2006, they have helped find more than 450 adoptive families for waiting...
Good Afternoon Friends and Amigos fills need for Plant City Farmworkers

Good Afternoon Friends and Amigos fills need for Plant City Farmworkers

Good Afternoon Friends and Amigos fills a big need for Plant City Farmworkers Credit: 10 Tampa Bay//An afterschool program in Plant City serves farmworker families. (https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/community-connection/good-afternoon-friends-amigos-plant-city-farmworkers/67-9a4fe47d-4896-485b-8988-43234d0a70ce) Author: Kathryn Bursch Published: 5:27 PM EDT April 17, 2024, Updated: 10:45 AM EDT April 18, 2024 Airdate: April 20, 2024 PLANT CITY, Fla. — When the school day ends at Robinson Elementary, about 40 kids walk, run and hopscotch their way to Good Afternoon Friends and Amigos, an after-school program serving primarily the families of farmworkers. “This service is super-duper important for these families,” said Program Director Mary Torres. “If this program wasn’t here, these children would be home alone.” Aiden Bautista is in second grade and each afternoon — has a ball. “So, when I go to Friends and Amigos, I play outside and play soccer,” the 8-year-old said. Each day this bi-lingual program serves up a wide-variety of activities. There’s yoga with breathing and calming techniques, help with homework, sports activities and a meal. Aiden’s mom loves the free program, because it means her son is in a safe place while she works long hours picking local crops. “I work in the fields, picking strawberries, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, you name it,” said Petronila Vargas, who lives in Dover. “We come home tired and late and here in this program, they help him with his homework.” Good Afternoon Friends and Amigos is run by Gulf Coast Jewish and Family Community Services. It also receives funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. There is also a GAFA program at Reddick Elementary School in Wimauma. Torres has been with the program from...