Children’s Needs Program

A young girl with painted hands holding a heart-shaped gesture around her eye outdoors.

Every month, children enter the child welfare system in Pinellas and Pasco counties. These children are removed from their homes—through no fault of their own—due to abandonment, abuse, or neglect. The state covers their daily needs while they are in the dependency system. However, because of the trauma they have experienced, these children often require more support than the system can provide.

This is where Hero To A Child and our generous donors make a difference. We believe that every child deserves to have their basic and medical needs met, access to educational aids that can help them succeed academically, opportunities to participate in normal, age-appropriate activities, access to necessary mental health services, and preparation for a future beyond foster care.

Please note, you will now need the child’s case number to complete your request. The case number is easily found on your home page in Optima.

Needs Request Form ▸
FAQs ▸

  • Kimberly Drake, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer

    “Hero To A Child has had such an incredible positive impact on the families I’ve worked with. I don’t know if people realize that their donations provide so much more than toys and clothes. My kids have received things like tutoring and funds to go on outings to bond with siblings. The impact these experiences have on the kids is so profound. They are able to experience confidence and a sense of normalcy during such a difficult and traumatic time in their young lives. Some of these donations truly do leave a lasting impression that can be life-long. Something as simple as a haircut and a new outfit can provide a child with confidence and self-esteem. I am so grateful to Hero To A Child and what they do for our kids in care.”

A person sitting at a desk writing on paper with a pen, using a laptop computer. The desk has a cup with pencils and rulers, and there are colorful folders. A globe and window are in the background.

Tyree

Tyree was removed from his parents as a young child, he has been in the foster care system for years, spending the last 3 living in a teen group home. Tyree began to struggle with depression after his parents opted not to pursue reunification. Now at 17, Tyree is far behind in school and struggling to catch up. His Guardian ad Litem (GAL) saw the struggle that Tyree was having back in 2020 when school switched to virtual learning. She reached out to Hero To A Child and asked for help getting Tyree into tutoring. Now, more than 2 years later, Tyree is continuing to work with his tutor and hasn’t missed a session yet. The tutor has helped Tyree focus and motivated him to study and understand concepts in the classes he has troubles with. Without the help of the tutor, Tyree most likely would not have passed the last 2 years of school.

A young man holding a girl, with another boy standing next to them outdoors in front of a tree and some pink flowering bushes.

Gabe

Gabe spent the first 14 years of his life taking care of himself and his younger siblings. Their parents often left them home alone for days at a time, usually without enough food. During Gabe's 7th-grade year, he and his siblings missed more than 100 days of school. Over a year ago, they were removed from their parents' care and placed with their uncle, who takes good care of them but has limited financial resources.

Now 15, Gabe has adjusted well to his new home. He is learning to accept and appreciate the love he deserves and has access to the food he needs. He is also working hard to catch up on the schoolwork he missed.

Initially, Gabe was sleeping on an air mattress, but after a year of regular use, it stopped holding air, and he would wake up on the floor every morning. Unfortunately, his uncle did not have the funds to replace it, so Gabe's Guardian ad Litem reached out to Hero To A Child for assistance. Through the Children's Needs Program, Gabe received a bed and bedding of his own, allowing him to sleep safely and comfortably in his new home.

Gabe's uncle expressed their gratitude, noting that Gabe was especially thankful that someone cared enough to provide him with his own bed.