OUR IMPACT

At the Give Joy Collective, our impact extends far beyond our initial mission to provide joy to foster children during the holiday season. Since our inception in 2017, we have grown from a modest goal of sponsoring 45 children to reaching over 6,200 lives through our various programs.

Our signature initiative, Christmas for Fosters, not only ensures that every child receives a memorable Christmas experience but also supports foster families by alleviating some of their financial burdens. This program has catalyzed significant community involvement, allowing individuals and local businesses to come together in support of those who need it most.

The reach of the Give Joy Collective encompasses 61% of Florida's counties (41 out of 67 counties) which is 10 out of 20 of the Department of Children and Families circuits in Florida, demonstrating our commitment to fostering a supportive environment so children in the system of care can thrive.  We currently have Collectives in Northwest, Northeast and West Central Florida where our services reach those populations.

With an emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, we also offer initiatives like New Kicks for Fosters which provides brand-new shoes to foster children giving them the opportunity to put their best foot forward for school, and Magical Moments, which creates unforgettable experiences at Florida theme parks.  Our team is constantly innovating new programs that will bring joy and relief.

Every step we take is driven by our core values of joyfulness, excellence, integrity, advocacy, generosity, impact and service, as we continue to build a village around these vulnerable children and those who care for them and provide professional services for them.

Our Services

Our programs are designed to uplift and empower foster children and families by addressing their unique needs. We offer initiatives that promote emotional well-being, enhance self-esteem, and foster community connections, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported. By providing essential resources, experiences, and opportunities, we strive to create a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

Together, we can help foster children thrive and achieve their fullest potential in life.

  • Christmas for Fosters is our signature program that aims to ensure that foster children experience the joy of the holiday season. Sponsors are matched with a local foster child and receive that child’s profile. Then the sponsors provide thoughtful gifts, including clothing, shoes, and wishlist items, allowing each child to feel special and valued. The program promotes a sense of normalcy and happiness for these children, emphasizing that despite their current vulnerabilities, they too can have a magical Christmas.

  • We believe that all siblings in foster care deserve to stay together, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. That’s where Magical Moments comes in. Our mission is to reunite siblings in foster care for an unforgettable day at their choice of a Florida theme park! In 2022, we had the joy of sending a foster family of five on a seven-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World. In 2023, we created similar magical memories for a family of four with another all-expenses-paid experience at the park!

    Our focus is on the children who, through no fault of their own, have been separated from their siblings in different foster homes. We aim to create lasting memories for these kids. There are numerous foster families on our waiting list eager to reunite with their siblings, and you can help make this happen!

    All proceeds will go towards covering travel, tickets, meals, souvenirs, preliminary gifts, and more for each selected family.

  • There’s something truly empowering about stepping into a new pair of shoes on the first day of school! While it might seem trivial in the larger context, for a child, having shoes that help them “run really fast” or for a teen to wear the latest trendy styles can mean the world. For foster children, this simple act promotes a sense of normalcy, helping them feel more connected and accepted at a time when they may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or shame regarding their home life.

    If we can enhance a foster child’s confidence and help them feel a sense of belonging with a fresh pair of shoes, we are all in— and we hope you will be too!

  • Learning how to care for curly and coily hair can be a fun and rewarding experience! Our class is all about empowering foster parents with hands-on tips and tricks for styling curly hair, from discovering the best products to mastering different tools and fun styles. It's not just about hair care it's about creating joyful moments and bonding with the children in your care. Embrace the cultural importance of hair care while learning how to make wash days a celebration of beauty, confidence, and connection!

  • Fostering is hard and lonely and some days are exceptionally harder from trauma behaviors, changes in the system of care, doctor and therapy appointments, etc. and removing the burden of preparing dinner at the end of the day can be essential to making it through the day.

    We provide meals and distribute food to families so they can have a burden lifted from them as they continue to serve vulnerable children facing crisis. By offering nutritious meals, the program alleviates some of the stress associated with food insecurity, allowing families to focus on nurturing and caring for their children.

    This initiative emphasizes community support and connection, ensuring that no foster family has to face foster care alone.

  • We love foster teens and want to see them thrive, so we focus on providing tailored support to address their unique needs. It includes initiatives such as rewarding good behavior with new shoes, offering prom dress and tux shopping experiences, and partnering with another organization that provides technology training to prepare them for successful futures.

    By addressing both emotional and practical needs, the program aims to empower foster teens, enhance their self-esteem, and help them build vital life skills for their transition into adulthood.