Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted Friday the continued success of the Hope Florida initiative.
Throughout the year, the First Lady has reaffirmed her commitment to support and advocate for Florida’s children, families, and vulnerable populations by breaking down community silos to unite faith institutions, nonprofits, private sector entities and government.
“Hope Florida continues to connect and harness the goodwill of amazing nonprofits, faith institutions, and private sector partners to serve Floridians in need and put them on a path for long-term success,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I am proud of the work we have done over the past year, and I look forward to doing even more in 2024 to help Floridians achieve their God-given potential.”
Over the last year, some of the Hope Florida initiative’s successes include:
- Over 80,000 Floridians in need served by Hope Florida to date.
- More than 24,000 Hope Florida participants had a reduced reliance or are no longer relying on public assistance to meet their food or cash needs.
- Over a 10-year period, participant reduction of public assistance will save taxpayers over $700 million.
- Over 1,000 foster youth have been supported by Hope Florida.
- 616 former foster youth received help accessing a college and university tuition waiver.
- 453 foster youth are working with a long-term mentor to prepare for their future.
- Over 1,750 faith institutions and church response teams across the state united to serve Floridians through Hope Florida and CarePortal, making this initiative the largest statewide cooperative faith effort in the country.
- Over 6,000 needs have been met by Florida faith communities through the CarePortal.
“Hope Florida has transformed the way our Department supports families and has created unlimited opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors, nonprofits, and faith institutions,” said Department for Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We all experience challenges in our lifetime, but a strong support system can make a huge difference. Thanks to the leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis over 80,000 Floridians have been able to tap into the Hope Florida Network as they work to get back on their feet and be self-sufficient.”
“Hope Florida – A Pathway to Promise mentoring initiative provides Florida’s foster youth more opportunities of support, providing a lifeline for youth transitioning out of foster care to live independently thanks to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ vision,” said Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Executive Director Dennis W. Moore. “Youth in foster care face difficulties and challenges, with many having nobody to turn to. A positive relationship with a caring adult helps the youth navigate life’s obstacles, helping even more youth succeed.”
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