Hope Florida: Supports for Florida’s Families

About the Webinar:

This informative session introduced Hope Florida, a groundbreaking statewide initiative designed to connect Florida families facing economic hardships with comprehensive wraparound services and support. Dr. Andrew Weatherill from the Florida Department of Education explained how Hope Florida takes a holistic, family-centered approach to helping households achieve economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Unlike traditional social services that operate in silos, Hope Florida assigns each participating family a dedicated Hope Navigator who conducts thorough assessments, develops personalized action plans, and coordinates access to resources across multiple areas including employment assistance, childcare, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education support. The program emphasizes building relationships, identifying root causes of challenges, and empowering families with the tools and connections they need to break cycles of poverty and crisis.

Dr. Weatherill outlined how charter schools can play a vital role in connecting families to Hope Florida services, serving as trusted community partners who can identify students and families who might benefit from support. He explained the straightforward referral process, emphasizing that participation is completely voluntary and family-driven, with services tailored to each household’s unique needs and goals. The presentation highlighted success stories demonstrating Hope Florida’s impact on families, from securing stable employment and housing to accessing mental health services and educational opportunities. Charter school leaders learned about the extensive network of community partners, faith-based organizations, and state agencies collaborating through Hope Florida, and how schools can leverage these resources to support their families’ holistic wellbeing while removing barriers to student success.