ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis, accompanied by Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris and Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Dennis Moore, hosted a hands-on, healthy cooking class for Hope Florida mentors and mentees. The event highlighted the collaboration between Hope Florida and the Guardian ad Litem program, which has facilitated hundreds of mentorship pairings since its inception in September 2023. There remains a significant need for more mentors across Florida to support youth aging out of the foster care system.
“As a mom to three young children, I know how important strong role models are to the success of our youth,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “It was heartwarming to spend time cooking with these amazing boys and girls in Florida’s foster program. There is a need for mentors across Florida—with over 100 in the Orlando area. I encourage those with a call to mentorship to apply through Hope Florida.”
The First Lady’s Hope Florida – A Pathway to Promise initiative aims to connect foster families and youth aging out of foster care with Hope Navigators who can match them with volunteer mentors. These mentors assist with the transition to independent living by providing guidance, motivation, and emotional support.
“It’s incredible to see the difference a mentor makes in the lives of youth aging out of foster care,” said Executive Director Dennis Moore. “It was a pleasure to join First Lady Casey DeSantis and Secretary Harris as we encourage our Hope Florida mentees to live healthy, fulfilling lives. More mentors are needed and we encourage anyone with heart to serve to join this program.”
Since its launch last fall, Hope Florida has paired nearly 900 foster youth with mentors. In the Orlando area alone, over 100 foster youth are seeking local mentors. Those interested in becoming a mentor for foster youth can visit hopeflorida.com or call 850-300-HOPE.
“Every child should have a mentor to turn to who can help teach them life lessons and be there to guide them into adulthood,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “It was great getting to watch our foster youth engage in a fun cooking class with their mentors. We are so fortunate for First Lady Casey DeSantis’ leadership in recruiting more mentors for our youth and continuing to expand opportunities for individuals to give back to their communities.”
Hope Florida operates through multiple state agencies utilizing Hope Navigators who guide Floridians on an individualized path towards prosperity and economic independence by fostering community collaboration among private sector entities, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government bodies. This pioneering program integrates various community segments to enhance support systems and identify new opportunities for individuals facing challenges.
Floridians needing support or foster youth seeking mentorship can connect with Hope Florida at www.HopeFlorida.com or via the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE.
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