Naples Children Foundation Supports Families in Crisis

A Collier County mother who fled domestic violence with her three young children found more than emergency shelter through the Naples Children Foundation. She found a coordinated system of nonprofits that addressed each stage of her family's recovery.

The foundation supports organizations that handle safety, food security, education, healthcare, mental health, mentorship and family support. After the mother reached The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Better Together helped her secure employment through job fairs and childcare. Her children attended Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, an NCF-supported center serving infants through Pre-K students.

Once employed as a medical assistant, the mother relied on the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County for after-school care. The foundation's Hunger Initiative, in partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida and Harry's Helpings, sent supplemental food home with her children from their early learning center.

The NCF Oral Health Initiative connected the family to dental screenings at school and continued care at the NCF Pediatric Dental Center, eliminating transportation barriers and missed workdays.

The family moved into their own apartment. The mother now works full-time, enrolls her children in school and considers returning to school herself. She plans for her children to each have their own room and talks about family travel.

Residents can join the Naples Children Foundation mailing list to learn about its work with vulnerable children and families.