The Hope Closet

Since 2008, JLT's Fostering Hope Committee has strived to serve foster care children living in Tallahassee. JLT members have organized the Hope Closet by collecting clothing, schools supplies, toys, and cleaning supplies for those in need. Throughout the year, JLT members contact community organizations to inform them of items available to their clients. Donations to the JLT Hope Closet can be made at the JLT House. Infant, children, and adult clothes appropriate for teenagers is always needed.

Supporting Tallahassee Area Foster Parents

In an effort to support community foster parents and the organizations that help them, the Fostering Hope Committee joined forces with the Early Learning Coalition in early 2011 to provide childcare for the Tallahassee Area Foster Parent Association during their monthly meetings. This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the JLT to give to the local foster care community and spend time with children.

Back-to-School Fashion Show

On August 11th, the JLT's Fostering Hope and Heart Gallery Committee co-partnered with Goodwill Industries for the area's first Back to School Fashion Show. The show was assembled to support local foster care children and "forever families." Thanks to many sponsors and the tireless efforts of Donna Wright and committee volunteers, the Goodwood Carriage House was transformed into a festive area where fifteen area students strutted down the runway with local celebrities to kick-start back to school in style. Each student was given a voucher for back to school shopping and was provided a backpack full of school supplies from the JLT Fostering Hope and Heart Gallery Committee, an effort led by Kristina Tutton.

"Forever families" were spotlighted and given the opportunity to share their family stories about adoption and the hope it brings to these children. This event was an exciting venue to kick off the new JLT year and introduce us to the amazing possibilities for the children in the Heart Gallery. The JLT is proud to announce its new partnership with Goodwill Industries and thanks its fabulous contributors: Children's Home Society, Tri-Eagle Sales, Goodwood Museum & Gardens, and our continued partnership with the Heart Gallery.