Who We Are

Friends of Children and Families, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk children and their families, and give them the opportunity to develop into well-adjusted and productive members of society.

Friends of Children and Families, Inc. was founded in 1984, as a supporting organization, which helped CHARLEE Family Care Services provide care and housing for foster children in Orange, Seminole, Polk and Osceola County for almost 25 years. In 2008, CHARLEE Family Care Services ceased operations; at that time the Board Of Directors for Friends of Children and Families made the decision to continue the mission of serving the children of Central Florida.

FRIENDS’ philosophy is based on the belief that if children are provided with love, a sense of security, structure and positive opportunities for growing in a family and community atmosphere, then healthy development will occur. FRIENDS strives to provide that kind of environment by providing the necessary services, support, and care for children in need.

The primary goals of FRIENDS are to provide an environment that is conducive to the growth and safety of our children, enhance the lives of children who have been diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disturbances, and offer the needed services and programs which develop the cognitive and social skills of the children.

We Believe That Every Child Has The Right:

…to receive loving care and respect as a unique human being.

…to grow up in freedom and dignity in a neighborhood of people who accept them with understanding, respect, and friendship.

…to receive education, training, and career guidance to prepare for a useful and satisfying life.

…to receive help in overcoming emotional, physical, intellectual or social deprivation.

…to be cherished by a family of their own, either his/her family helped by readily available services and supports to reassume his/her care, an adoptive family, or a continuing foster family.

…to receive help in understanding and dealing with family issues, and in developing confidence in their own self worth.

“When I fight about what is going on in the neighborhood, or when I fight about what is happening to other people’s children, I’m doing that because I want to leave a community and a world that is better than the one I found.”

–Marian Wright Edelman
American Activist for the Rights of Children