In 2008, the Foundation for Foster Children was formed to address the alarming statistics surrounding foster children in Central Florida. One of the Foundation’s founding members, who played a key role in shaping the organization, is Michelle Chira.
Michelle’s passion for helping children in foster care began when she observed the foster children her mother worked with at Devereux Florida. While waiting for their family visitations, Michelle noticed the chaos in the lobby, where one little boy sat alone, sad because his mother hadn’t shown up. In that moment, she thought, “Now I know what I should be doing.”
Michelle, along with three other Central Florida women—Catherine Kirkpatrick, Lara Lee, and Laura Eidson-Cosgrove—founded the Foundation for Foster Children. What began with a focus on creating opportunities for children in foster care to experience the joys of childhood has grown into a comprehensive approach that supports normalcy, educational success, and the successful transition to adulthood. Through collaboration with caregivers, child welfare professionals, community partners, and supporters, the Foundation for Foster Children expands access to the relationships, resources, and experiences children and young adults in foster care need to thrive.