The mission sounds simple, but in reality is as complex and broad ranging as the chil-dren’s diverse needs. All children who enter the foster care system have been seriously abused physically and/or emotionally; they suff er from self-image and self-esteem prob-lems; and they feel sad, angry, abandoned, frightened and isolated from their family and friends. They find themselves in situations that would strain well-adjusted adults. They have been torn from the only homes they have known and now are living with strangers. These children, unaware that this may have saved their lives, are confused about what has happened to them and don’t know if they will ever be reunited with their families.

The Foster Care Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (FCC), a 501(c)(3) organization, provides these emotionally damaged children with the funds, opportunities and support that the state’s foster care system cannot provide. We give these children a chance to become successful and strong adults. The FCC has established its identity within the community and with the state foster care system. The thank you notes we receive from the children we have assisted are the only validation we need for the work we do!?

THERE ARE CURRENTLY MORE THAN 1800 CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE IN DISTRICT 8 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

OUR GOAL, LIKE OUR MISSION, IS TO FULFILL THE NEEDS OF EVERY CHILD WHO ENTERS THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA. THESE CHILDREN MAY LEAVE THEIR HOMES WITH NOTHING MORE THAN THE CLOTHES THEY WEAR OR DRAGGING THEIR MEAGER BELONGINGS IN GARBAGE BAGS. THE NEEDS OF EACH CHILD BEGIN WITH THE BASICS AND EXPAND AS THEY GROW TO INCLUDE ITEMS FOR BABIES, SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS.