Dear Caregivers,

As we welcome the start of summer, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the extraordinary role you play in the lives of the children and teens in your care.

For many families, summer is a season of relaxation, vacations, and making memories. For children in foster care, however, summer can bring a mix of emotions. Changes in routine, reminders of family relationships, and the uncertainty that often accompanies transitions can make this time of year especially challenging.

That is why your presence matters so much.

The simple moments you create, such as sharing a meal, visiting a local park, cheering at a summer activity, or enjoying a quiet evening together, help build the sense of safety, belonging, and stability that every child deserves. While grand adventures are wonderful, it is often the everyday experiences that leave the deepest impact.

Summer also provides opportunities to strengthen family connections. Through our Responsible Fatherhood Program, we continue to support fathers and father figures as they build healthy relationships, develop parenting skills, and play an active role in the lives of their children. Positive father engagement can have a lasting impact on a child’s emotional well-being, confidence, and sense of belonging. We are proud to offer resources and support that help families grow stronger together.

At Friends of Foster Children, we are committed to supporting you throughout the summer months. Whether through resources, activities, our Responsible Fatherhood Program, or community connections, we are grateful to partner with you as you provide care, encouragement, and hope.

As the days grow longer and the school year comes to a close, I encourage you to celebrate the progress your children have made, embrace opportunities for connection, and remember that your dedication is changing lives every day.

Thank you for the compassion, patience, and love you bring to this important work. We wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and memory-filled summer.

With appreciation,

Jane Denny Richardson

Executive Director

Friends of Foster Children

Foster Parent Appreciation Recap

This year’s Foster Parent Appreciation Brunch was a heartfelt celebration of the remarkable foster parents who open their homes and hearts to children across Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Hosted by Friends of Foster Children and ChildNet, the event recognized the extraordinary dedication and compassion these caregivers demonstrate every day. Their commitment provides children with the stability, support, and sense of belonging they need to thrive, often during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

The brunch also highlighted the power of community partnerships in supporting foster families. We are deeply grateful to the team at Aloft Delray Beach for their warm hospitality and for helping create such a welcoming and memorable experience, and to Craig Zinger Parodies for the beautiful live piano music that made the celebration even more special. Together, through the generosity of community partners and the unwavering dedication of foster parents, we continue to build a stronger support system for children and families impacted by foster care.



Summer Prep

Need help keeping the little ones busy?

Check out some of these free/low-cost summer programs!

Vacation Bible School

A typical "VBS" includes a few hours of games, crafts, songs, and Bible lessons. It is a good way to get little ones out of the house and socializing for a few hours, and many churches in our area host them!

Art Club

ArtClub brings together a Center for Child Counseling therapist and a professional art instructor to offer weekly therapeutic art activities — from painting to pottery — for tweens and teens in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The program is designed to increase feelings of community and connectedness, build resilience and coping skills, and decrease feelings associated with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. And it's completely free.

Primetime Virtual Summer Camp

 Keep your children learning and having fun this summer with new live interactive programming that includes hands-on learning activities provided by local content experts every week. All sessions are free and open to the public. 

Public Libraries

We have some incredible libraries in our county that work hard to provide daily and free programming. Whether it's meals, art classes, financial literacy courses, or interactive playtime, your local library probably has something for you to enjoy! There are a few linked below, but make sure to check your surrounding area for your local library!

Summer Events

L.O.T Health Services

Every Wednesday, we’re proud to partner with L.O.T. Health Services, an incredible nonprofit dedicated to making healthcare accessible for families in our community. From primary care and vision screenings to dental, mental health support, and even food distribution, L.O.T. meets families where they are with compassion and dignity. Their mission aligns beautifully with ours: ensuring that children and caregivers impacted by foster care have the resources they need to thrive.



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