The Hands and Feet

Get your tissues ready…this one will make you have all the feels. Upon asking for feedback to our families and partners we received this response from a Child Protective Investigator. “I have utilized Hands and Feet for two different families. Not only has the families been grateful for the donations but just being able to see the look on a child’s face when they receive a new pair of shoes, or a new book bag makes the rest of the “not so great parts” about this job worth it. My first experience involved a family of three that was displaced due to domestic violence. They had to leave everything behind when they fled the home and the family literally had the clothes on their back. I told them what the children needed and within a day, I received a telephone call that said my order was ready for pickup. When I picked up the order, there were no questions, no follow-up, just generosity of heart. I am a 41 year old man, ex-law enforcement, current investigator for DCF. I packed up the items in my car, left and got about a mile down the road before a tear rolled down my face. The sadness that comes with the idea that these organizations have to exist is enough to bring all the emotions, but the fact that Hands and Feet helps bring so many smiles and so much hope to people at their worst...that is love. Packed in orange duffel bags.” -Jason It’s reasons like this why we do what we do. This job isn’t always easy but serving these families and standing in the gap is. We are so thankful to be able to be there in the hardest moments for so many. ??

A moldy bottle and dropped off to a foster mom at 11 PM at night in a parking lot—at just 4 months old and weighing only 7 pounds this true story depicts the immense struggles children and families face in our backyard. If this image stirs something in you—makes you wish you could fix the problems mere vulnerable children are facing daily—then we promise you won’t want to miss this. On April 25 our Voices of the System: Redefined held at Oak & Ashe in Lake Worth from 7-9 will showcase the journey of a child much like the one who arrived with nothing more than a moldy bottle. The theatrical storytelling component, live painting, interactive exhibit, and a night of deep immersion into what these children experience is sure to be a charity event you have never experienced before. Tickets are on sale now, with only a limited amount left. Click the link below to learn more and purchase tickets or sponsorship today. https://lnkd.in/epUCjSQk

Too many stories are left in the dark. Too many voices are never heard. Too many children navigate a system that wasn’t built for them. On April 25 in Lake Worth, Voices of the System will bring one of those stories to life. Through raw storytelling, live music, and an immersive theatrical experience, we’ll follow the journey of a child growing up in foster care—moving from home to home, longing for stability, and facing a system that often sees a case instead of a child. Come for an evening that will challenge perspectives, spark conversation, and stay with you long after the last word is spoken. Enjoy food, drinks, and raffles while supporting a mission that changes lives. Only 70 tickets remain before we are completely sold out! Get yours below today! https://lnkd.in/eiBTZ2bt

Our "The Passion Behind the Mission" series ends with one of the most amazing stories of a family who inspired generations of people to continue to serve children in the foster care system. This week we are introducing you to Stephanie West Dixon, Site Director of the Treasure Coast. Read how the incredible work her grandparents did inspired her to work with these same types of children we serve each and every day! "My journey with foster care started before I could even walk. Growing up in the same town as my grandparents, who fostered an incredible 264 children over 25 years, I was surrounded by babies from the very start. My grandma handled most of the baby care, and every morning, after bathing each infant, my grandpa would feed them their first bottle—usually starting at 5:30 a.m. He also helped with the evening feedings, though he often dozed off before the last bottle was done. They were a great team. Some of my best childhood memories come from growing up around those foster babies. My parents also fostered five infants during my elementary school years, and they shared my room. I learned early on that love doesn't have to be forever to be meaningful. By the time I was 13 or 14, fostering had become such a normal part of my life...." Read the rest of Stephanie's amazing story directly on our blog at the link below! https://lnkd.in/gnY7JSW6

What a SMASHING SUCCESS our Comedy For A Cause event was last night at Dania Improv ?? We brought in a total of $27,674 for this event! Not only did we laugh so hard but so many people had such an incredible time and it was SO much fun! We cannot wait to make this an annual event! Every dollar raised will help children in Broward county help feel the love and support when entering foster care. A special shout out to our sponsors and host committee! We could not have done it without you! Price Family Foundation Simple Night TCII The Aesthetic Label Daphna Nagel Danielle White Chad Marinoill Haas Elise Gilberstein Melody Salcedo Kristi Halberstein Chad Marino

It’s almost here!!! Come join us at our first Broward event while raising money for the most vulnerable children in your community. https://lnkd.in/epUCjSQk

Last week, we shared Katy’s story in "The Passion Behind the Mission," where she shared her deep commitment to supporting families in crisis. This week, we’re excited to introduce Ciarra's journey, and how her role as Director of Finance and Operations was formed by a true passion in multiple areas of life. Ciarra's Story "My husband, Trevor, and I started our foster care journey in 2019. We were newly married and knew we wanted to be involved in helping the most vulnerable children in our community. At the time, we lived in Broward County and got involved with 4kids. We were licensed by 2020 and did respite care for numerous families with large sibling groups. Respite care is essentially being an approved caregiver for an extended period of time while the foster parents assigned to the case were away for various reasons. This type of support is so vital, and I highly recommend getting involved in this capacity if you are able to offer foster parents much-needed relief and support. Sometimes, even a small effort can make an enormous difference in the lives of these children and the families who care for them. In 2020, we were placed with our son, who would officially become our son just a couple short (but very long) years later. We were also pregnant with our daughter at the time. We had virtual twins, just 5 months apart. After these large changes, we were no longer able to take in long-term placements and closed our license. Even though we couldn’t continue fostering at that time, we discovered there are countless ways to stay involved, whether through providing support, raising awareness, or lending time to organizations that help children in care. There is truly something for everyone. One year later, in 2021, I met Bailey through a foster community group. A few weeks after The Hands and Feet began, I was volunteering with social media behind the scenes, and the rest is history...." Want to read the rest of Ciarra’s inspiring story? ?? Click here to read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eSdmSDzy

Last week, we shared Michelle’s story in "The Passion Behind the Mission," where we introduced you to her "why". This week, we’re excited to share Katy’s story! In our series, "The Passion Behind the Mission," we’re highlighting the personal journeys of our incredible staff members and the deep passion that drives their work in supporting families and children in crisis at The Hands and Feet. Katy's Story "Long before The Hands and Feet started, I packed a small bin with girls and boys newborn items for a friend that was just licensed. Now I get to pack bags for several kids a week! It truly feels like a passion I have been able to find in my life. Serving relative caregivers and biological parents is one of my favorite parts of the job! Providing loving caregivers and parents with what they need for the kids helps to keep them with their families." ?? Read the full story on our blog and learn more about Katy's journey and why she’s so passionate about delivering help and hope to those who need it most. https://lnkd.in/gnY7JSW6

At The Hands and Feet, our team is at the heart of everything we do. Each person brings their own story, experiences, and deep passion for supporting families and children in crisis. In our new series "The Passion Behind the Mission" we’re sharing the personal journeys of our incredible staff members and their passion behind the mission! First up is Michelle, our Palm Beach County Site Director. Her journey is one of compassion, commitment, and a deep love for children who need it most. Michelle’s Story: "Since I was a little girl, my heart has been sensitive to kids who didn't have a safe and secure home with parents that loved and cared for them well. My first introduction to children like this was when my parents opened our home for a weekend to kids who lived in a large childrens home and came to share their stories at our church. Later, my husband and I had the opportunity to love on and do special events for the children at Real Life Children's Ranch......" ?? Read the full story on our blog and learn more about Michelle’s journey and why she’s so passionate about delivering help and hope to those who need it most. https://lnkd.in/gnY7JSW6

We are all celebrating with Diana, Co-Director of Broward on her adoption anniversary from 2017!