Foundation for Foster Children

Emma is a brave, beautiful and bright 17 year-old senior at Evans High School.  She is on the A-B honor roll and is going to Valencia in the fall for nursing.  She currently resides in a group foster home.

With funding from the Foundation for Foster Children, Emma was able to get her senior photos. Recently, she stopped by our office to pick her photo package and show us some of the beautiful pictures the studio had taken of her.  She also was a runner-up for the 2013 Blue Ribbon award and received $500.

We are very proud of Emma and all her accomplishments!  Congratulations!

She could be, but if nothing else, she is  a 16 year old foster child fulfilling her dream. The Foundation is proud to pay for her ongoing voice lessons and we had the pleasure of funding a roller skate birthday for her and her friends and foster family!

Check out her note of thanks below:

We have now settled into our new space for a full month and we love it.

We are incredibly grateful for the many contractors and companies that donated their time and services to our new home. Over $70,000.00 was given in-kind to make it all a reality.

The Foundation would also like to recognize Mr. Ted Eidson for the donation of our previousoffice space for 5 years. Thank you!

Richard McCree- McCree General Contractors

Keith Coker- Orlantech

Caroline Rader- Monarch Kitchen and Bath Design

Jack Sccarborough- Orlantel

Donna Shea- Infinity Surfaces

Joshua is 5 years old and has been in foster care most of his life. He suffers from Tuberous Sclerosis, a genetic disorder that effects the nervous system, causes benign tumors to grow on vital organs, and can leave someone developmentally delayed. Joshua’s mother died from the disorder and his father and grandmother could not take care of him.

Joshua has been fortunate enough to live in the same foster home since entering care and has formed a special bond with his foster mother. His speech therapist uses early education apps on an iPad to help develop Joshua’s communicate skills and suggested he receive one of his own to use regularly. The Foundation for Foster Children provided Joshua with his very own iPad and his speech therapist reports he’s doing great!

Shown is Eryn Catter of Panera Bread (left) presenting Betsey Bell, Executive Director of the Foundation for Foster Children with the check.

On Friday January 25th Panera Bread presented the Foundation for Foster Children with $18,445.04

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Panera Bread for their continued partnership and
support in the Foundation’s mission to help local foster youth!

Thank you to the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund for choosing the Foundation for Foster Children in support of our educational initiative to help kids in foster care!

Click here to watch the video

At the special game presentation was Executive Director, Betsey Bell, and a very special guest, Preston. He is a kind hearted 17 year old foster youth whose favorite sport just happens to be basketball and plays for the Evans Varsity Team.

Preston’s wish is to be adopted. You can view his bio on the Heart Gallery website By Clicking here

Foundation for Foster Children Board President Michelle Chira Carlton and Betsey Bell receive the award.

Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw congratulate Preston!

Preston on the court at the Magic Game.

The OMYF awarded over $1 Million that night!

Pictured left to right: Betsey Bell, Executive Director, Chelby Afrifa, Insight Credit Union and Scott Lawler, FAIRWINDS Credit Union.

Thanks to the CFCCU, the Foundation received a $2000 check to support the work of the Foundation meeting the unmet needs to foster kids.

The Foundation for Foster Children would like to thank the Dr. Phillips High School Beta Club for hosting a successful drive for the Emergency Duffel Program!  This is the second year Elvira Tomlin, Beta Club Sponsor, and her students have hosted a drive collecting backpacks and items for local foster children entering care.  The club also adopted an Angel Tree this year, making ornaments, decorating the tree, and collecting gifts at the Panera Bread café in Dr. Phillips.  Thank you all again for your incredible support!