My Story
No one ever plans to end up in the foster care system. With “happily ever after as the goal,” foster care is your worst nightmare. Mine began when I was just eight years old, and my mother lost her job. Prior to this we lived as a family and did family things like go to […]
Amy’s Story
Ten years ago, we welcomed a sibling group of seven to the Village. Unfortunately, their mother’s parental rights were terminated leaving the children in foster care. The primary goal in foster care is for children to be reunited with their parents. If this is not possible, the next step is to try to place them […]
SOS Family Reunion
Winds and rain from tropical storm Debby did not dampen the fun for the NEXT STEPS barbecue held at the Village on Saturday August 3rd. Over one hundred young adults and their children gathered to celebrate family and friendship thanks to the support of Weinstein Legal Team who underwrote the event. The event featured food […]
Why Language Matters
“People should not be defined by their experiences. This is especially true for youth with lived experience in the child welfare system which includes foster care.” In June SOS Children’s Villages Florida hosted a community program made up of a panel of business leaders and advocates, to work to redress foster care biases, close gaps […]
Philanthropy Truly Begins at Home!
BRANDON AKS SOS Children’s Villages Florida is thrilled to spotlight Brandon Aks, an exceptional youth advocate and student at FAU High School in Boca Raton, Florida. Despite the demands of his FAU High School curriculum, Brandon embodies the ethics of philanthropy and community engagement. Balancing his college-level courses and navigating an accelerated curriculum, Brandon […]
Progress New Law Impacting Foster Youth in Florida
The critical period between when young adults leave foster care at age 18, and the transitionary time as they become self-sufficient adults is critical. New legislation will extend vital services and support as they make the transition to full independence. These services include mentoring, tutoring, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, job and career skills […]
Meet our 2024 Graduates
MAEVAH PETIT-FRERE Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Central Florida TY’KIYSAH BREIGHNER High School: Plantation High School Will Attend: Broward College Major: Culinary and Business ANDREA CAMPOS-RAMIREZ High School: Northeast Highschool Will Attend: Broward College Major: Sonography KAESHAWN WORMELY High School: Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED Magnet School Will Attend: Broward College […]
Special National Foster Care Month Feature Ryan’s Story
This month, we introduce you to Ryan Mohorne who is joining us in the journey of removing barriers and destigmatization of former foster youth by telling their stories and voicing their experiences. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from FAMU, a master’s in professional communication from FSU, and will pursue his doctorate in […]
Celebrating 20 Years!
SANDRA WALLACE, COOIf you ever wonder what it takes to manage the daily operations of the Village, meet our Chief Operating Ocer, Sandra Wallace, who is celebrating 20 years of passionate and dedicated service to our children and young adults. She is a certied Child Welfare Case Manager and has a B.A. in Business Administration […]
Partnership Employment Opportunities for Former Foster Youth
Finding gainful employment is often an area of difficulty for former foster youth. These young adults as they transition towards becoming fully functioning self-sufficient adults, need to have well developed social and self-efficacy skills to equip them to manage relationships in multiple contexts, including in an employment setting. Through our partnership and philanthropic efforts, Seminole […]