Children’s Home Society of Florida is advancing a bold vision for North Central Florida – grounded in a simple belief: a child’s zip code should not determine their future.

Across Jacksonville, Daytona and surrounding communities, too many children face barriers tied to poverty, limited healthcare access and unmet mental health needs. CHS is changing that trajectory through its Community Impact Model, a cradle-to-career approach designed to ensure every child is ready to grow, learn and earn by addressing needs early, before they become crises.

This work is delivered through Community Partnership Schools and Family Resource Centers – community hubs that bring integrated supports directly where children and families already are. Across Northeast Florida, CHS partners in Putnam County’s Family Resource Center and within 10 Community Partnership Schools across Clay, Duval, St. Johns and Volusia counties, reaching thousands of students and families with academic, health and family services right on campus.

As students transition out of the school year, the risk of losing access to critical supports becomes more pronounced. Through Community Partnership Schools and Family Resource Centers, CHS and its partners help bridge that gap – connecting families to summer learning opportunities, meal programs, healthcare services and enrichment activities that keep children engaged, supported and on track.

These schools are powered by a strong network of local partners, including Duval County

Public Schools, Clay County District Schools, St. Johns County School District, and Volusia County Schools, alongside healthcare and higher education leaders such as Agape Community Health Center, Aza Health, Baptist Health, Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital , UF Health St. Johns, Palms Medical Group, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Santa Fe College, St. Johns River State College, University of North Florida, Daytona State College, and Halifax Health – working together to remove barriers and expand opportunity.

And the data shows measurable impact. In Northeast Florida during the 2024-2025 school year, 2,558 students and family members accessed expanded learning opportunities, while 2,277 received wellness supports, increasing access to preventative and primary healthcare. An additional 1,619 referrals connected families to critical community resources, demonstrating how removing barriers early leads to stronger academic and life outcomes.

“The impact of this work lies in strong cross-sector collaboration that supports children and families from the start,” said Kimberly Barrett, CHS Executive Director for the Greater Jacksonville and Greater Daytona Communities. “When our community aligns, we create access to meaningful opportunities and a stronger future for Northeast Florida’s children and families.”

That momentum is fueled by strong local investment. Significant philanthropic support has committed over $1 million to enhance Community Partnership Schools locally and statewide, helping 

scale a model that delivers both social impact and economic return. The recent designation of Orange Park High as CHS’s 20th UCF-Certified Community Partnership School underscores the growing reach and impact of this work.

Scan the QR code to connect with the CHS team, learn more, or schedule a tour of one of our area’s community hubs.