Fostering Connections

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Fostering Connections

Uplifting youth impacted by foster care or trauma. Essentials I Educational Programs I Community

06/07/2026

🎓✨ Day 5 & Graduation Day! ✨🎓

What an incredible way to wrap up our Jacksonville Career Readiness Academy!

We started the day with a visit from Florida Youth SHINE and Foster Power, where students learned about opportunities for advocacy, leadership, and staying connected to support as they continue their journey.

Next, our students put their hard work into action during mock interviews with Publix, practicing the skills they developed throughout the week and gaining valuable feedback from professionals.

In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to hear from community leaders and professionals during our Career Panel, learning about a variety of career pathways, educational experiences, and lessons learned along the way.

We ended the week on a high note by celebrating our graduates and recognizing the growth, determination, and accomplishments they demonstrated throughout the Academy.

Over the past five days, students explored careers, built resumes, practiced interviewing, learned financial and life skills, strengthened their confidence, and took important steps toward their future goals.

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, presenters, community partners, and supporters who helped make this week possible. Most importantly, congratulations to our graduates—we are so proud of you and can't wait to see what comes next! 💙

06/05/2026

🎓✨ Day 4 of Career Readiness Academy ✨🎓

Today our students explored both college and career opportunities through two incredible hands-on experiences!

We started the day with a visit to Florida State College at Jacksonville Downtown Campus, where students learned about the many programs, resources and opportunities available to college students. One of the most exciting takeaways? FSCJ students can access resources and benefits across all FSCJ campuses, giving them flexibility and support throughout their educational journey.

In the afternoon, students visited Oceanside Cleaners, where Mark and Elizabeth provided a behind-the-scenes tour of their facility and shared insights into the day-to-day operations of a successful local business. Students also participated in a workshop focused on what employers are looking for in prospective candidates, including professionalism, reliability, attitude, and work ethic.

A huge thank you to the teams at FSCJ and Oceanside Cleaners for investing in our students and helping them explore both educational and career pathways for the future.

Tomorrow is graduation day, and we couldn’t be more proud of how much these students have learned this week!

06/04/2026

🚍💰 Day 3 of Career Readiness Academy 💰🚍

Today was all about building independence and preparing for the future!

Our students spent the morning with Joyce and Thomas from Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), learning the basics of public transportation, reading bus routes, planning trips, and navigating the community safely and confidently. The highlight of the morning was putting those skills into practice with an actual bus ride experience!

In the afternoon, Ted from VyStar Credit Union led an engaging Financial Wellness Workshop focused on budgeting, saving, spending wisely, and building healthy financial habits for the future.

A huge thank you to JTA and VyStar Credit Union for helping our students develop essential life skills that will serve them long after Academy week ends.

Every day our students are gaining new tools, confidence, and experiences as they prepare for adulthood and future success!

06/03/2026

📄✨ Day 2 of Career Readiness Academy ✨📄

Today was another great day of learning, growth, and self-discovery!

We started the morning with an Adult Thinking Workshop led by Mattie Reaves, where students explored decision-making, personal responsibility, and practical strategies for navigating life transitions with confidence and purpose.

Throughout the day, students rolled up their sleeves and got to work on two important job readiness skills: completing job applications and building resumes. They learned how to present their skills, experiences, and strengths in a professional way while preparing for future employment opportunities.

We wrapped up the day with an inspiring public speaking workshop led by Debra Weller. Students explored the power of storytelling and learned that each of us has a unique story worth sharing. Through interactive activities and discussion, youth were encouraged to find their voice, build confidence, and recognize the value of their experiences.

A special thank you to Mattie Reaves and Debra Weller for investing in our students and helping them grow both personally and professionally.

We can't wait to see what Day 3 brings!

06/01/2026

🎉 Day 1 of Career Readiness Academy is in the books! 🎉

What an incredible start to the week!

Our students kicked off the day learning about workplace expectations, professionalism, and career pathways from Debbie and Adam from Publix . Students even had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on bagging challenge that highlighted customer service, teamwork, and attention to detail.

We also welcomed Jennii from CMIT Solutions - SW Jax, who introduced students to the exciting world of cybersecurity and technology careers. It was a great opportunity for youth to learn about an in-demand field and ask thoughtful questions about career pathways.

We wrapped up the day with a visit to Hope's Closet -Thrift Store (Arlington), where students selected professional attire to prepare for their mock interviews later this week.

A huge thank you to our community partners and volunteers for helping us create meaningful experiences for the youth we serve. We can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings!

05/29/2026

We’re heading into a big start to June, and there’s still time to jump in and make an impact. We have three volunteer opportunities coming up with youth and families:

💼 Career Readiness Academy – June
Support students as they build confidence, practice interview skills, and prepare for their future.

👕 Summer Social & Clothing Swap (June 6)
Help create a welcoming space for families to connect and access clothing and resources.

⚾ Teen Talk – Night at the Ballpark (June 13)
Join us at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game and support teens as they connect and enjoy a fun night out.

We’re just days away—whether you can give a few hours or more, your time makes a meaningful difference.

👉 Sign up today to volunteer at Career Readiness https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EACA62FA4FC1-62938068-fc2026 #/

👉 Sign up today to volunteer at Summer Social or Teen Talk https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EACA62FA4FC1-61373522-2026 #/

05/28/2026

☀️🎉 One Week to Go! 🎉☀️

Our Summer Social & Clothing Swap is just about a week away, and there’s still time to join us!

📅 Saturday, June 6
🕠 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Myrtle Avenue Brewing

Come connect with other families, enjoy a fun evening together, and shop or share gently used clothing. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to kick off the summer 💛

✨ You can still sign up and participate—don’t miss it!

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/NrPQy5PvxHMT2ott5

05/27/2026

💙 We’re honored to welcome Junaid & Wassia Family Foundation as a new community partner this year!

The Junaid & Wassia Family Foundation is deeply committed to uplifting children, adolescents, and families navigating difficult circumstances through supportive services, innovative programs, and meaningful community investment.

We’re especially grateful to be partnering together during this year’s Jacksonville and St. Augustine Career Readiness Academy cohorts, where their support and dedication to youth will help create meaningful opportunities and encouragement for students impacted by foster care.

We’re excited for all that’s ahead through this partnership and grateful to work alongside organizations that share a heart for empowering youth and strengthening communities.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason we have the freedoms we experience each day—freedoms we never want to take for granted.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

05/22/2026

💼 Volunteer at our Career Readiness Academy 💼

Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact this summer?

Our Career Readiness Academy is seeking volunteers to support youth as they build confidence, explore career pathways, and prepare for their future.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:
✨ Resume assistance
✨ Workshop support
✨ Career panel participation
✨ Mentorship and student support

Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time helps create opportunities that can change a young person’s future.

📅 June cohorts in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palatka

👉 Sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4EACA62FA4FC1-62938068-fc2026 #/

Address

7751 Belfort Parkway, Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL
32256

Telephone

+19048135809

Website

http://fosteringconnectionsfl.org/

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