Youth and Family Advocates, Inc.

10/22/2026

Melissa Atkinson, Chief Growth Officer, and Devon Anderson, VP of Development, recently participated in the Nonprofit Leadership Center’s Fundraising Officer Roundtable.

The event brought together nonprofit senior leaders and fundraising professionals from across the region to discuss current trends and shared opportunities within the sector. Valuable connections were made, and new ideas were gathered to help strengthen YFA’s impact and future growth.

10/20/2026

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming United Way of Central Florida’s Polk County team to the YFA George W. Harris Youth Shelter in Bartow. During their visit, we shared how we provide children ages 10–17 with a safe, nurturing environment and access to essential services — all at no cost to children or their families.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and highlight the powerful impact we can achieve when organizations unite around a shared mission. We’re truly grateful to United Way of Central Florida for their ongoing support — your partnership empowers us to elevate the level of care we offer and continue making a difference.

10/15/2026

We are proud to celebrate several outstanding members of our YFA Hernando and Citrus Case Management team who were recognized for their exceptional contributions at Kids Central’s Annual CARE Awards. Please join us in congratulating these remarkable team members:

⭐️ Chloe Bensette - Family Support Worker of the Year
⭐️ Holly Cook - Case Management Support Staff of the Year
⭐️ Ashley Amar - Case Manager Supervisor of the Year
⭐️ Sherisse Reeve - Case Manager of the Year
⭐️ Casey Chanlatte - Rising Star Award
⭐️ Steveon Oliver - Vision Award
⭐️ Sabella Rodriguez - Engaging Children & Families Award
⭐️ Corey Washington - Focus on Permanency Award

These recognitions reflect the compassion, commitment, and excellence our team brings to their work every day. We are incredibly grateful for all they do to support children and families across our communities.

Thank you, Kids Central, for hosting this meaningful event and for your continued partnership in advancing positive outcomes for the children and families we serve.

10/12/2026

We recently had the privilege of hosting United Way of Central Florida’s Highlands County team and their volunteers at the YFA George W. Harris Youth Shelter in Bartow for a tour and presentation.

The YFA George W. Harris Youth Shelter provides children ages 10–17 with a safe place, consistent support, and essential services — all at no cost to children and families. Many of the children we serve at this shelter come from Highlands County, and thanks to the generous support of United Way of Central Florida, we’re able to elevate the level of care we provide.

We’re deeply grateful to United Way of Central Florida for supporting us as we ensure that every child receives not just shelter, but the support and resources they deserve.

10/08/2026

Sweet treats and even sweeter support! Thank you to the Sons and Daughters of Una Famiglia Lodge 2882 for donating homemade baked goods to the children at the YFA New Beginnings Youth Shelter. Your thoughtful gift brought smiles to our youth and serves as a wonderful reminder of the power of community support. We are so grateful for your generosity!

10/06/2026

Our YFA leadership team was honored to welcome Congressman Scott Franklin for a tour of the YFA George W. Harris Youth Shelter yesterday. Since opening its doors in Polk County in 1994, the shelter has provided trauma-responsive care and support to youth ages 10-17 who may be navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Sharing the story of this important work is essential to ensuring more children and families know help is available. We were grateful for the opportunity to provide Congressman Franklin with an overview of YFA’s mission, the services we offer, and the lasting impact this shelter has made in our community for more than three decades.

Thank you, Congressman Franklin, for taking the time to learn more about the children and families we serve and for your interest in supporting the well-being of youth in our community.

10/02/2026

It's never too early to get into the holiday spirit! ☃️ We are incredibly grateful for community partners like the Inverness Coffee House who help bring joy, hope, and special memories to the children we serve during the holiday season. Your kindness will make a meaningful difference for those who need it most.

🎄I know, I know, it’s way too early for Christmas! I get it!! 🎄

HOWEVER!!!!

We have the privilege to team up with Youth and Family Advocates, Inc. and help these children have a wonderful Christmas this year. Many children in our child welfare system may not have a normal Christmas. They’re facing tough situations, but they still have dreams, hopes and hearts full of holiday magic. This year, we can help make their Christmas brighter by providing gifts and holiday wishes.

If you come by and feel led to help, just grab a tag off the tree, and have a blast with it! I’m truly excited for this. No kid off of this tree will be left behind. Let’s show up for these kids!

3806 E Gulf to Lake Hwy, Inverness FL, 34453

10/02/2026

Chill together and make the community better! 🍦

The children at the YFA George W. Harris Youth Shelter recently received a sweet surprise from the Polk County Sheriff's Office’s outreach team. Their thoughtful ice cream treat brought plenty of smiles to both the children and our staff, making for a fun and memorable day.

A special thank you to the Polk County Sheriff's Office for all they do to keep our community safe and for taking the time to invest in the well-being of the children in our care. Acts of kindness like these remind our youth that they are supported by a community that truly cares.

09/30/2026

YFA had a boot-scootin’ good time at the Hernando Builders Association’s 2026 Wild West Cash Bash this weekend!

From great food and fun to the many friendly and welcoming faces we met along the way, it was truly a memorable evening. We are incredibly grateful to the Hernando Builders Association for selecting the YFA New Beginnings Youth Shelter as their charity beneficiary for the event.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, community members donated cash, checks, and much-needed supplies to support children in our care. The event also provided a wonderful opportunity to build new relationships, share YFA’s mission, and connect with individuals who care deeply about making a difference in our community.

Thank you again, Hernando Builders Association, for your support, partnership, and commitment to helping children thrive!

09/25/2026

As a member of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, YFA is honored to join the Network this year in celebrating 50 years of strengthening children, youth, and families across Florida.

At the Network’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Susan Eby and Dr. Amy Bradshaw-Hoppock joined partners from across Florida to recognize decades of impactful work to ensure young people and families have access to safe shelter, counseling, intervention services, prevention programs, and the support they need to thrive.

Here’s to the next 50 years of making a difference together!