Message from the Director

In June 2002 I became a Guardian ad Litem for the state of Florida. After training and beginning my first case I couldn’t help but sense the overwhelming need to assist these children in the system and the governmental agencies involved. Within a short time of working one on one with the child involved I began to grasp the absolute hopeless feeling that whatever I did it would never be enough.

As a Christian I know the God of hopeless situations. I then asked myself, “Where is the church?” There is a whole community of believers who have the answer to the problem tucked away in their hearts.

In June of 2004 the Foster Heart Link Ministry was born. After much prayer the Board of Directors was established and we received our 501(c)(3) status. Our goal was to become a mediator to the church and the need of the children under State supervision. We have had amazing opportunities to minister the love of God to the children of Pinellas County over the past 4 years.

There are presently 331 licensed foster homes in Pinellas and Pasco County through the lead agency. These homes have 1220 children placed in them. Over 300 of those children are teenagers. From 2006 to the present, 1974 children were removed from their homes due to child abuse and neglect.

Obviously there are not enough quality foster homes for the number of foster children. It becomes increasingly difficult for Foster children to receive the quality of care they deserve under these circumstances. Teenagers in particular tend to be the most needy group. As a result, they may endure prolonged years in the system.

We are grateful for the support of the local churches in Pinellas County especially my home fellowship, Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg. Foster Heart Link has enjoyed a very rewarding partnership with the Foster and Adoptive Parent Association of Pinellas County and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Eckerd Community Alternatives, the new lead agency here in Pinellas County.

How about you? I just know there is a place that you can fill by helping us to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Pinellas County foster children, their families as well as the agency and families who have already stepped up to make a difference in the lives of these innocent children.

Don’t delay. Contact me today.

Pattie Cleberg
Executive director
Foster Heart Link, Inc.
(727) 432-6058 | pattiec@fosterheartlink.org