Community Partners

In 1973, Family Central, Inc. (FCI) began as an organization to assist working poor families in need of subsidized childcare. Nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and certified by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training, FCI has grown into an agency serving over 18,000 in South Florida annually through family strengthening, early learning initiatives, a food program, and educational training.

In 2018, with the upcoming retirement of their tenured CEO, the Board was charged with the responsibility to strategically determine the future for FCI. In an effort to creatively and collaboratively meet the ever-changing needs within the child welfare system, FCI was acquired by Kids In Distress, Inc. in January 2019, allowing for a greater continuum of care with lower administrative costs. FCI is committed to continuing the mission of strengthening relationships and creating sustainable nurturing communities where children and families flourish.

https://familycentral.org/

 

The Heart Gallery’s mission is to provide innovative programs that help to promote the adoption and enrichment of Broward’s foster youth. We have since expanded into family support programs. Established in October 2006, the Heart Gallery of Broward began as a traveling photography exhibit showcasing foster children awaiting adoption, featuring professional photographs and personal biography cards to highlight their personalities.

Today, the gallery has transitioned to an online format to further the protection of our youth. Our physical outreach efforts now focus on adoption education and recruitment. Our three main program pillars are:

1. Finding Forever Families: Recruiting adoptive families through community events and educational outreach.

2. Youth Enrichment: Enhancing the lives of foster youth with programs like Birthday Buddy, Back-to-School Shopping Spree, holiday parties, and community outings we call Heart Days.

3. Family Services: Our WE CARE program provides resources and support through community partnerships to address the needs of our adoptive families and prevent adoption breakdowns through wrap-around community-based support.

https://heartgalleryofbroward.org/

 

The 19th Annual Duck Fest Derby, presented by JM Family Enterprises, is one of South Florida’s premier charity events. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, children of all ages will enjoy a free, family- friendly, Island-themed Duck festival filled with “quacky” activities in the Fun Zone, including the KID Olympics, face painting, petting zoo, live entertainment, delicious food trucks, and more.

Then, 40,000 rubber ducks will be dropped in the New River to race for prizes, all in support of KID & FCI. Community members can buy entries into the race by forming “Duck Teams” or adopting individual ducks for $5. Each adoption is a chance to win one of our fabulous prizes, including the grand prize of $10,000 cash.

https://duckfestderby.org/