Page 4 - Martin Downs Bulletin - May '24

Page 4, Martin Downs

Good Works

#25by2025 Campaign To

Recruit Foster Homes Kicks
Off With A Story Stroll

Communities Connected for Kids (CCKids) launched a
communitywide foster-home recruitment campaign Saturday
at its Third Annual 1K for Kids and Story Stroll.
Called #25by2025, the campaign’s goal is to recruit and
license a minimum of 25 foster homes by Jan. 1, 2025 –
homes that will help reverse a downward trend in the number
of foster homes being licensed since the COVID pandemic.

That was the message Saturday morning at Port St.
Lucie’s Hillmoor Lake Park, where CCKids launched the
campaign as part of its 1K for Kids and Story Stroll.
Nearly 200 people registered for the event, which
included a 1K interactive trail where walkers could use
QR codes to learn more about the foster-care community. Walkers also had the opportunity to join the Starfish
Also at the event were several foster-parent licensing Society, a special tier of giving for those who elevate their
agencies and a series of celebration stations where participants commitment to the #25by2025 campaign.
could join the #ManicureMovement to raise awareness for For a complete list of ways to help, or to join the
the prevention of child abuse or record a three-second video campaign’s Starfish Society, visit our campaign site at
to celebrate families being reunified this summer. cckids.net and then click the #25by2025 banner.

Former Hibiscus Children’s Center Resident from page 1 vital work being done by Hibiscus as well as the impact on
children. Through his perseverance, he overcame tremendous
Miller acknowledges the role of his past struggles in adversity and built a successful future and loving home for
shaping his resilience and determination to succeed but his children. Hibiscus helps kids imagine what a better life
Since 2020, the community has experienced a 58 percent attributes some of his success to the support and care he can be. Miller is the perfect example of this.”
decrease in homes in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast, received at Hibiscus. He is grateful for the impact Hibiscus Please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org for more
said Christina Kaiser, CCKids community relations director. had on his life and for the services Hibiscus continues to information about Hibiscus programs and how you can
“We have many wonderful homes and nurturing provide children who need a safe haven. get involved to help children.
caregivers, but it’s not enough to keep up with the number of CEO Matt Markley said, “Hibiscus was privileged to have Hibiscus had a lovely reception at Sailfish Point
children coming into care or the number of homes closing,” Dave share his inspiring story. His words underscore the Country Club and our guest speaker was a former child
said Kaiser, adding that many caregivers close their homes who lived at the Hibiscus Shelter many years ago.
after adopting or for related family reasons. Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
“We have too many children and teens in group care or
placed in other parts of the state,” she said. “Twenty-five new
homes will be enough to start bringing them home.”
A more robust network of foster homes also makes it
possible to keep siblings together and to keep children closer
to their homes and schools while in foster care.
The #25by2025 campaign offers the community many
opportunities to get involved in advocating for and recruiting
homes, Kaiser said.
“We created a list of 25 ways to help – from sharing
campaign information on social media to selecting foster-care
themes for book clubs,” she said. “Some of it might seem
small, but one small act can make a huge difference – one
connection can change the life of a child.” Diana Baker, Annabel Nicol, Senator Gayle Harrell and
Jodi Oliviera Joy Funston, Rita Nelson, Kathy Garlington and Dave Miller

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