Hope. Help. For All.

Families

Image of a man with his arms around his son's shoulders.

JFCS of the Suncoast provides services that strengthen families. Each family has unique needs and we work to meet families where they are through connection and compassion.

Our programs offer a variety of assistance to individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties. Our goal is to help families grow together.

Our Family Services Include:

  • Supportive Case Management
  • Connection to public benefits and mainstream, community resources
  • Relationship and Adult Education Classes
  • Addiction Prevention and Mentoring Program for children impacted by a family members substance use
  • Career and Financial Coaching

Services & Programs

Restoring Empowerment & Choosing Hope (REACH)

This federally funded program assists adults in developing the skills they need to hone healthy relationship skills, improve parenting/co-parenting skills, and enhance skills and abilities required to gain and retain economic self-sufficiency. Skills and support are provided through the usage of 10-week evidence-based curricula and individualized case management.

To be eligible for this program you must be 18 or older and live in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County.

For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:

941-225-5660outreach@jfcs-cares.org
Image of two parents holding their two children and smiling.
Image of a man holding his two kids.

Ignite Fatherhood Program

Ignite is a grant & research program exploring the role of fathers and father figures through individualized coaching and group discussions. Participants are welcomed into an encouraging growth environment where they can connect with others and share their experiences.

Through this program we hope to:

  • Promote healthy relationships
  • Strengthen family functioning
  • Improve economic stability
Learn More About Ignite

For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:

941-225-5660outreach@jfcs-cares.org

Building Strong Families Program (Homeless Prevention)

In partnership with United Way of the Suncoast and the Siemer Institute, JFCS is working to prevent family homelessness and reduce school mobility among low-income families in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The Building Strong Families Program offers homelessness prevention assistance to families with at least one child in the home.

For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:

941-366-2224, ext. 271bsf@jfcs-cares.org
Image of two parents sitting in the living room with their child.

Camp Mariposa

Camp Mariposa® Sarasota is a year-round addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Youth ages 9-17 attend weekend camps six times a year. Weekend camps offer fun, traditional camp activities combined with education and support sessions led by mental health professionals and trained adult mentors. Additional social activities are offered for youth and their families throughout the year. All program activities are offered free of charge to families. Camp Mariposa Sarasota is part of Eluna’s national Camp Mariposa network.

Learn More About Camp Mariposa

For Questions or Enrollment:

941-780-5929mariposa@jfcs-cares.org

Adolescent Diversion & Assistance Program

ADAP serves youth, ages 11-17, who are involved with the juvenile justice program or are exhibiting behaviors that put them at risk of involvement with juvenile justice. ADAP offers individual and group counseling with an emphasis on learning better coping skills, anger management, and social skills to reduce the risk of repetitive destructive behaviors. Individual, group, and family counseling is available for adolescents and families needing support in Sarasota and Manatee Counties free of charge.

For Questions or Referrals:

941-224-1785adap@jfcs-cares.org
Image of two teens studying.

We Provide Assistance With:

  • Anger Management/Violence Prevention
  • Gang-Related Activity
  • Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Criminal Mischief
  • Bullying Prevention
  • Theft Prevention (shoplifting/stealing)

Community Youth Response Services

The Community Youth Response Services (CYRS) was created to help fill gaps in services for youth needing mental health support. CYRS provides free counseling services to youth, ages 9-17, for non-emergent mental health crises that require immediate intervention to stabilize clients. CYRS is for youth who are experiencing high levels of distress but are not in need of crisis intervention. Services are provided free of charge to youth and families for up to 90 days. Clients must live in Sarasota County.

For Questions or Applications:

941-713-3280