New nonprofit supporting children in foster care holds Chamber ribbon cutting

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Fostering Connections St. Johns, a new nonprofit organization in St. Johns County, held its ribbon cutting with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce on May 10 at The Gillis Law Firm in St. Augustine.

Thirty people were in attendance, including Chamber ambassadors, community members and board members. According to a press release from the nonprofit, the mission of Fostering Connections St. Johns is to provide support to children in foster care and foster families through fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy. 

The organization was founded by Aubrie Simpson-Gotham, a local educator and active community volunteer. 

“In my work as an educator and community volunteer, I saw that there was a shortage in social services for children in foster care,” she said. “Fostering Connections St. Johns will fill this need by providing a ‘connection’ between foster families and our local communities, helping all children in foster care reach their full potential.”

  Fostering Connections St. Johns’ initial programming will be providing care packages for children entering foster care and outreach programs for foster families. The Board of Directors and community supporters donated gift cards for foster parents to receive at the upcoming Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner. 

On Aug. 10, Fostering Connections St. Johns will be hosting a Back to School Bash for local foster and adoptive families. Additional planned events include Purge Party fundraisers, a PJ Family Movie Nigh and a holiday gift drive in collaboration with the Island Christmas Drive.

For more information, visit www.fosteringconnectionsstjohns.org or www.facebook.com/fosteringconnectionsstjohns.