Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis First Lady Casey DeSantis, alongside Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris and Guardian a
First Lady Casey DeSantis, alongside Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris and Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Dennis Moore, recently hosted a fun and educational cooking class for Hope Florida mentors and mentees.
The event emphasized the successful partnership between Hope Florida and the Guardian ad Litem program, which has facilitated hundreds of mentorship matches since its inception in September 2023. However, more mentors are urgently needed statewide, especially for youth transitioning out of foster care.
“As a mother, I understand the crucial role mentors play in shaping young lives,” stated First Lady DeSantis. “It was truly rewarding to cook alongside these incredible young people in Florida’s foster system. With over 100 foster youth in need of mentors in the Orlando area alone, I urge anyone feeling called to mentorship to apply through Hope Florida.”
Read: Florida’s Population Surpasses 23 Million Milestone
The First Lady’s Hope Florida initiative connects foster families and aging-out youth with Hope Navigators, who then pair them with volunteer mentors. These mentors provide vital guidance, support, and encouragement as young people navigate the path to independent living.
Executive Director Dennis Moore added, “The positive impact a mentor has on the life of a young person aging out of foster care is immeasurable. We need more mentors to step up and encourage anyone with a compassionate heart to join this program.”
Since its launch, Hope Florida has successfully matched nearly 900 foster youth with mentors. Those interested in becoming a mentor can find more information at hopeflorida.com or by calling 850-300-HOPE.
Read: University Of Florida Student Fee Lawsuit Heads To State Supreme Court
Secretary Shevaun Harris emphasized the importance of mentorship, stating, “Every child deserves a mentor to offer guidance and support as they grow into adulthood. It was wonderful to see our foster youth having fun and learning valuable skills with their mentors. We are grateful for First Lady DeSantis’ leadership in recruiting more mentors and fostering community involvement.”
Hope Florida, a multi-agency initiative, utilizes Hope Navigators to help Floridians achieve economic self-sufficiency and prosperity. By connecting individuals with resources and support across various sectors, Hope Florida aims to empower Floridians and create lasting solutions for those facing challenges. This innovative program is estimated to save the State of Florida nearly $800 million over 10 years.
Floridians needing assistance or foster youth seeking mentors can connect with Hope Florida through their website,www.HopeFlorida.com, or by calling the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.
