20 Oct Children’s Home Society of Florida

Posted at 09:50h in 2025, Children's Home Society of Florida, Education, Nonprofit by

children’s home society of florida

Children's Home Society of Florida

Grant Year: 2025 | Focus Area: Education| Grant Amount: $103,500 Grant Status: In progress

Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), founded in 1902, is the state’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to children and families. From its beginnings finding homes for orphan train children, CHS has grown into a statewide leader in trauma-informed, family-centered services, reaching more than 80,000 children and family members last year alone. CHS helps children succeed in school and life through services including counseling, foster care, adoption, parenting education, early childhood programs, and its innovative Community Partnership Schools® model. Nationally accredited and recognized for its leadership in equity and inclusion, CHS is pioneering solutions to prevent crises and reduce the need for foster care. Through these efforts, the mission of CHS focuses on building bridges to success for children, breaking cycles of poverty and trauma, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Over the last 105 years, CHS locally has continuously adapted to the needs of children and families in this community with an increasing focus on prevention. 

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

W.A.V.E. (Warriors Achieving, Valuing, and Exploring) is an after-school academic intervention program at Bellview Middle School designed to boost student success. Modeled after proven programs at C.A. Weis Elementary and Pine Forest High School, W.A.V.E. provides targeted support in reading and math, along with enrichment opportunities and social-emotional learning for students who are performing below grade level. Operating after school throughout the year, the program combines personalized instruction with tools like i-Ready and Envision Math, hands-on project-based learning, and activities that build leadership, curiosity, and critical thinking. Serving up to 120 students, W.A.V.E. also offers small-group instruction, mentoring, meals, and transportation to ensure every student can participate fully. IMPACT 100 funds will be used for partial payroll for 2 personnel, tutors, student supplies, positive behavioral rewards, 10 enrichment events, and gas. Grounded in the belief that middle school is a critical time to shape confidence, resilience, and a love of learning, W.A.V.E. is committed to closing achievement gaps and keeping students engaged in their education. 

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

Bellview Middle School serves approximately 850 students with a racially and ethnically diverse population: 56% Black, 28% White, and 11% Hispanic or Latino. Many of these students experience significant barriers: over 95% are economically disadvantaged, with only 18% proficient in math and 28% in reading. The community also struggles with high rates of mental health concerns, food insecurity, violence, and limited access to affordable healthcare, leaving many families without needed support. Staff and students identified the lack of after-school programs as a major gap, limiting both academic progress and access to resources. The W.A.V.E. program will prioritize students performing below grade level or experiencing attendance and behavioral challenges, with the goal of serving up to 120 students annually. By offering academic intervention, enrichment, and social-emotional support in a safe after-school environment, the W.A.V.E. program will help students close achievement gaps, build resilience, and stay engaged in learning. 

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