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
Ignite Forge Fatherhood Program
The Ignite Forge Fatherhood Program challenges men to step up and connect deeply with purpose in every relationship that matters. Over 12 powerful weeks, this FREE federally funded program helps fathers and father figures strengthen their bond with their children, develop or rebuild trust with their child’s mother, and create stronger connections with family, friends, and coworkers. Through personalized coaching and dynamic group sessions, men learn how to communicate with clarity, manage emotions with control, and make intentional choices that build stable, lasting relationships and families. With in-person, virtual, and hybrid options, plus dinner and childcare provided for in-person sessions, Ignite Fatherhood gives men the tools and support to grow, lead, and thrive.
Through this program we hope to:
- Promote healthy relationships
- Strengthen family functioning
- Improve economic stability
For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:
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:
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.
For Questions or Enrollment:
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:
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 timely 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 or Manatee Counties.
For Questions or Applications:
Vibe: Real Life, Real Skills
Vibe is a new program created to help high school students in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties figure out real-life stuff, like relationships, money, and what comes next after high school.
This isn’t a lecture or another class. Vibe is about you – your goals, your friendships, your future.
Through small group hangouts, one-on-one support, and connections to people who actually want to help, you’ll learn how to:
- Build healthy relationships (friends, dating, family, everything)
- Handle stress, drama, and tough situations
- Communicate without it turning into a mess
- Start thinking about your future, college, jobs, money, and independence
A lot of teens are dealing with feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure about what’s next. Vibe is a space where you can talk about that, learn real skills, and connect with others who get it.
No pressure. No judgment. Just support, real conversations, and tools you can actually use in your life.
For Questions or Enrollment:
