Voices for Children of Tampa Bay

Spring is in the air, and so is the spirit of giving! As flowers bloom and sunshine fills the days, it’s the perfect time to help the tiniest members of our community. Many newborns and infants enter foster care with little more than a onesie, and we’re here to change that. ??? By donating, you can provide essential clothing and baby supplies to foster children from newborn to 24 months. Click the link to give today https://ow.ly/hs5h50VgAMY and #SpringIntoAction! "Join us in bringing comfort and care to foster babies in need! ?? Every donation—big or small—makes a difference. #BabyClothingDrive #HelpFosterBabies #MakeADifference #SupportFosterChildren #NewbornCare

Mini-Me’s and Me: Why I Love My Job ?? By Best Boi Barley Lots of dogs have important jobs. Some chase bad guys, some help find lost things, and some are just super brave all the time. But my job? Oh, my job is the best because I get to help the smallest, mightiest humans—my Mini-Me’s! ?? Every day when I go to work, I know I’m about to do something special. Maybe I’ll help a Mini-Me be brave when they’re feeling scared. Maybe I’ll turn a frown into giggles with my goofy expressions. Or maybe, just maybe, I’ll be the strong, steady shoulder they need when the big feelings get too heavy. Sometimes my Mini-Me’s have to do really tough things—things that even big humans find hard. But that’s where I come in! I sit beside them, cuddle them, and remind them they’re never alone. And when the blues just won’t go away? Well, I press my warm fur against them and let them know that I’m here. Always. The hardest part of my job is saying goodbye. Sometimes I never see my Mini-Me again. But even if they’re far away, I know they carry a little piece of me with them, just like I carry them in my big doggy heart. ???? Because once a Mini-Me is my friend, they are my friend forever. ? Make An Impact! ? Support Barley and all his Mini-Me’s by donating to his mission at vfctampabay.org/programs. #DogLovers #MiniMe #ServiceDogs #CanineCompanions #PawSupport #SupportFosterKids #BestBoiBarley

?? Meet Anthony, a bright light in our community! ?? Anthony has faced tough challenges in his young life. Due to his parents' substance abuse struggles, he was placed in foster care. Despite it all, he continues to shine as a dedicated student and a well-behaved kid. Recently, he joined the school band and discovered a passion for the clarinet, which brings music to his soul! However, his foster family didn't have the financial means to purchase him a clarinet. His Guardian Ad Litem asked us if we could support his musical dreams and buy him a clarinet. DONE! ???? We can't wait to hear the beautiful music he will create with his very own clarinet. Our Children's Needs Program doesn't just provide necessities like food and clothing - we support foster kids' dreams through music and sports, summer camps, and academic clubs. Help us make dreams come true! GET INVOLVED at https://lnkd.in/ghz8tAZf #FosterCare #CommunityLove #SupportFosterKids #MakeADifference #FosterCareSupport #ChildrensNeeds

Lorne, our four-legged ray of sunshine regularly visits the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Mental Health Court! Alongside his handler, Dayle, Lorne brings comfort, warmth, and wagging tails to everyone he meets. From kids and parents navigating the court process to hardworking case managers, attorneys, and court staff who work to assess whether defendants may be eligible for Mental Health Pre-trial Intervention. Lorne’s presence makes everything a little less overwhelming and a lot more pawsitive! ?? Whether he’s easing nerves, lifting spirits, or simply offering a much-needed smile, Lorne reminds us all that a little kindness (and a lot of cuddles) can go a long way. ???? #LorneTheGoodBoy #SmilesAllAround #MentalHealthMatters #PawsitiveVibes #CourtSupportDog #MentalHealthAwareness #DogsBringJoy

?? Look at That Smile! ?? ?? Look at That Smile! ?? Little cutie-pootie Angel couldn't stop smiling after her Guardian Ad Litem took her to get her hair done and honestly, we can’t stop smiling either! ??? Moments like these are more than just a fun outing; they help foster kids build self-confidence and create beautiful childhood memories with someone they trust and call a friend. ?? YOU can help make more moments like this possible! Your donations support our Children’s Needs Program, giving kids the experiences they deserve. Learn how you can help: https://lnkd.in/gHjJXPPi. #FosterSmiles #MakeADifference #SupportFosterKids #GuardianAdLitem #PositiveImpact #MakeMemories #ChildAdvocacy #FosterCare #CommunitySupport

?? A Heartfelt Thank You to Johnson & Johnson! ???? Lorne and Barley had the best time at Johnson & Johnson’s Tampa office for a special team-building afternoon! The amazing team at J&J built bikes for our kids while Lorne and Barley lent a helping paw and gave encouraging snuggles. It was a fun afternoon and the cheers that greeted the pups said it all! Kelsey and Dayle shared about our Children's Needs Program and the incredible impact of our Courthouse Dog Program makes helping the kids we serve through their foster journey. We’re so grateful for this partnership and can’t wait to see it grow. Thank you, Johnson & Johnson, for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a difference! ??♂??? Learn more about being a VFC Community Partner at https://lnkd.in/ghz8tAZf. #Gratitude #Teamwork #VFC #CourthouseDogs #MakingADifference #CourthouseDogProgram #CommunityPartnership #DogLovers #VolunteerTogether

?? Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! ?? There are a lot of rainy days in the lives of foster teens, but Anna refuses to let them stop her! For her birthday, she had one special wish—rollerblades. When her Guardian Ad Litem Advocate surprised her, she laughed and said, “I didn’t think you’d actually get them—and the wheels light up!” ????? Moments like these remind us how much joy a simple gift can bring. Every time you donate, you help brighten a foster child’s life—one smile, one wish, one magical moment at a time. ?? ?? Be the reason a child smiles today. Donate now: vfctampabay.org ?? #FosterJoy #MakeAWishComeTrue #VFCTampaBay #FosterTeens #FosterAdvocacy #FosterCare #SupportFosterKids

? A Little Help, A Big Difference! ? Larissa’s mom was struggling financially and worried about how she’d afford school uniforms. That’s when Larissa’s Guardian ad Litem Advocate reached out to us for help and we said YES! ?? Her advocate shared: "Voice for Children responded immediately, and the items arrived so fast! When I delivered them to Larissa, her face lit up with joy. She was thrilled about her new school clothes and backpack. Seeing her smile was absolutely priceless!" Every child deserves to feel confident and ready to learn — and you can make that happen! ?? Donate today to our Children’s Needs Program and help kids like Larissa shine! ?? Give now & make an impact: https://lnkd.in/eis3X2YX #SupportOurKids #EveryChildMatters #DonateForGood #MakeADifference #ChildAdvocacy #fosterkids #CommunitySupport #ChildrensNeeds #WeAreVFC

We know you’re avid supporters of Lorne and Barley and their incredible work helping foster kids through life’s most challenging moments. But have you ever wondered what it’s really like day-to-day in the life of a Courthouse Facility Dog? ???? Now’s your chance to find out! Subscribe to our newsletter at vfctampabay.org, and we’ll send you this quarter’s edition, which features the full video with Lorne and Dayle! ??? Don’t miss this heartwarming conversation with this dynamic duo. Sign up today! ???? #FacilityDogs #MakingADifference #SubscribeNow #SupportFosterKids #DogInTheCourtroom #FosterCareSupport #HeartwarmingStories

?? Big wins on and off the field for Jordon! ?? Since joining the soccer program, Jordon has not only been excelling in the game but also making incredible strides in his behavior. Being part of a team has helped him listen better, follow rules, and interact positively with others — reducing meltdowns and outbursts. Soccer has become his safe space to regulate emotions and channel energy into something he loves. We’re thrilled to support Jordon’s passion by covering his fall and winter sessions, along with providing his gear, uniforms, and lessons. Seeing his growth at home, in school, and on the field makes our hearts happy! Want to help more kids like Jordon thrive? Your donation can make a difference! Support foster children by giving today at vfctampabay.org/donate. ??? #GameChanger #FosterCare #SoccerJourney #DonateToMakeADifference #SupportFosterKids #FosterSupport