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FFC’s Staff is a diverse, passionate, anddriven group. Our dedicated Advocatesare the hands and feet of FFC’s mission.These individuals spend countless hours STAFFMEET THEguiding, encouraging, and listening to the foster youth of the greaterOrlando area. From one-on-one mentoring, to grant writing, to graphicdesign, the FFC Family bands together every day with the ultimatepurpose of steering the foster children of Central Florida towards success.

As I reflect on 2023, the changes we experienced not only shaped the course ofour work but also allowed me to assume the role of Executive Director, aresponsibility I carry with immense pride and commitment. I am humbled toexpress my gratitude for the trust placed in me. My commitment to this missionspans almost a decade, starting in April 2014 when I joined as a ProgramManager. Transitioning into the role of Executive Director has been both apersonal and professional milestone.Despite facing challenges such as a reduction in funding leading to programadjustments, we turned adversity into opportunity. A key shift involved directingour focus towards the Empower Program which is tailored for youth aged 14-24.While this program has been a part of our fabric, we made a deliberate effort toamplify its reach and impact. Our intentional focus on the Empower Programmanifested in various initiatives designed to address the diverse needs of ourfoster youth. A commitment rooted in the understanding that empowering themtoday contributes to a more resilient and self-sufficient tomorrow.We established ‘Connections Club’, catering specifically to those withdevelopmental disabilities, ensuring tailored support that recognizes and nurturestheir unique abilities. As these youth transition to adulthood, we created life skillsopportunities that acknowledge the distinct challenges they face, fosteringindependence in ways that respect their individual journeys.RAQUEL BELL,EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLETTER FROM THEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR“WE TURNED ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY”Recognizing the intersectionality of challenges faced by foster youth involved inthe juvenile justice system, we forged a partnership with a local organization tobring Empower services to these youth. This collaboration provides an additionallayer of support crucial for those navigating the complexities of two systems. Ourcommitment stems from the understanding that addressing the needs of youthinvolved in both child welfare and juvenile justice is not only compassionate butalso strategic in breaking cycles and fostering positive outcomes.Additionally, we created a Young Moms Group. This initiative aims to provide avital social network and peer support for young parents within our foster youthcommunity. By offering strategies for parenting, we strive to break the cycle ofabuse, providing these young families with new opportunities and pathways tothrive.As we look ahead to 2024, where we will celebrate the 15th anniversary of ourorganization, these initiatives exemplify our dedication to fostering resilience,independence, and a sense of community among the youth we serve. Yoursteadfast support continues to be the driving force behind our work, and I eagerlyanticipate the positive impact we'll create together.

ENRICH &Enid, during her time as a kindergarten teacher, discovered theimpact that children in foster care face surrounding not celebratingor even having their birthdays acknowledged. This realizationinspired her and her husband, Paul, to set out and make adifference.OVER 1,200BIRTHDAY CARDSWERE MAILED IN 2023!PAUL AND ENID'S STORY IS A TOUCHING TALE OFCOMPASSION AND DEDICATION TO MAKING ADIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF FOSTER CHILDRENCLICK HERE FOR THEBIRTHDAY CARD FUNDTheir unwavering commitment involves crafting 150-200meaningful birthday cards for youth in foster care each month.Volunteering weekly, despite the challenges, they ensure theseheartfelt cards bring joy to countless youth in Central Florida. Thisemphasizes the transformative power of empathy and theprofound impact of small acts of kindness in creating a brighterfuture for foster children.

411,796hours of one-on-oneprofessional tutoringwere provided320students were served EL COACHES PROVIDED6,659hours of serviceA TOTAL OF 89 students were servedEducate aims to decrease the academicgap among foster children and to improveacademic performance and advancementfrom one grade to the next.OUR GOALEDUCATEMay 2023 - Early Literacy Graduation.100% Of Pre-K Students wereKindergarten Ready!3 YEARS OF EARLYLITERACY SERVICES2020 - 2023 School Year 2022 - 2023

10,753Hours of service 161New youth served 54new clients wereserved throughAdvocacySINCE ITSIMPLEMENTATIONEMPOWER HAS SERVED334foster youthSINCE 2020ADVOCATES HAVEPROVIDED OVER42,000hours of serviceEMPOWERF I V E F A C T O R S91%100% 100%STATSAvoided ArrestAvoided HomelessnessOn Track to GraduateEmployed/Enrolled in Post-SecondaryAvoided Teen Pregnancy100% 98%2020 - 2023

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT NOVDEC EMPOWERWORKSHOPSMonthly workshops bring our Advocacy studentstogether to have interactive experiences that go inline with the life skills that Advocates focus on in theirone-on-one weekly visits. Applying valuable, real-lifetopics to their personal journeys ensures that ourstudents gain a true understanding what will preparethem for adulthood.

GUTIADVOCACY IMPACT“Thank you to FFC for all theopportunities that you all gave me,for supporting me and always havingmy back. A lifetime is not going to belong enough to express my gratitudefor you all.” - GutiGuti and her father came to the United States whenshe was 12 years old, hoping for a better future,Soon after they arrived, Guti’s father passed awayunexpectedly. Finding herself suddenly alone, shewas in and out of various group homes, all provingto be negative experiences.While she was living in her second group home,Guti’s case manager introduced her to FFC, and shewas matched with a staff Advocate, Ms. Kim. Theybegan to meet every week, and Guti slowly butsurely grew to trust her Advocate. She says that Ms.Kim cared deeply about her in a way that no onehad in a long time. Ms. Kim made some calls andadvocated for Guti to be placed in a foster home,somewhere she’d be loved and taken good care of.Guti was welcomed with open arms to thisplacement and is thriving there.

Ryan is 24 and has been a part of theEMPOWER Program for over 2 years. He’sbeen studying at UCF and Valencia for thepast 6 years and graduated In Decemberof 2023. While in school, Ryan was veryinvolved in social justice groups, Community Action, and has developed apassion for helping his community. He hasplans to attend law school and hopes tostudy constitutional law to serve others.Ryan hopes to one day work for himselfand have his own community center. Ryan is the first member of his family tograduate from college!RYANCOLLEGE GRADUATE“My experience in the Empower program hasbeen great. As a collegiate age student, it hassupported with challenges in my life that bothour economy and country officials don’t takeinto consideration when addressing collegestudents, especially those who are fosteryouth and wards of the court.” - Ryan

ANTHONYSUMMER INTERSHIP“I feel like I’ve accomplisheda lifelong goal” - Anthony Anthony loves all things cars, and wasoverjoyed when he got the opportunity tointern at Field’s BMW for Summer of2023. He worked diligently in the kitchen,preparing food for customers. During histime there, he gained valuable workexperience, several friendships, andmemories to last a lifetime.He will graduate from high school inSpring of 2024, and he hopes to become achef.

GET INVOLVEDIN KIND SUPPORTORGANIZE A DRIVEOrganize, take inventory and clean,FFC’s storage room. Removeunnecessary items, group itemstogether, label storage bins, etc.Collect high-need items for FFC andclients from our Amazon wishlist. Oneof our most popular drives is the GiftCard Drive!EVENT SUPPORTFFC hosts at least 4 events per year.You can support with registration,event setup and breakdown, and more!CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR WEBSITE