I feel my position and my involvement in the community is a calling. A calling that has rewarded me time and time again. When I am face with a difficult client or situation and I am still able at the end of it all to see and feel I have done my best and my best is what I give.

Florence Boyce, MS, CINS/FINS Service Manager, BEACH House at SMA Healthcare

I decided to become a youth care worker because I believe it’s a calling I have on my life. The work is challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Being given the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life is a privilege and a great honor.

Sonja Bucy, MA, CINS/FINS Service Manager, BEACH House at SMA Healthcare

I initially became a youth care worker because I like children and helping people. As the years progressed, I came to realize my role required much more than Direct Care. I understood the importance of inspiring young children and teenagers to embrace who they are, like who they are along with providing them with the tools through mentorship to apply better decision making and develop independent living skills while being in a safe and positive environment where they feel seen and heard. Lastly, it gives me a great sense of role achievement when a youth tells me my encouragement inspires them to do better and want to be more and they feel safe when I am on duty.

Tracy Avant, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Group Living Manager, Treasure Coast

The work I do is my way of giving back to society. I have been employed with Children’s Home Society for over 12 Years. Working with youth at a critical time in their young lives and giving them positive influences motivates me to work with youth. While employed at WaveCrest I help guide youth in a positive direction. I make sure youth have a safe environment and receive the services they may need to be productive adults. Some of the most satisfying parts of my job is seeing youth have better family relationships, graduating high school and entering adulthood better prepared to be successful.

Terrance Davis, Youth Care Specialist CHS WaveCrest Shelter

Although I did not set out to become a Youth Care Worker, the job chose me. As I spent more one-on-one time with the youth, I noticed the need for strong positive male role models, men of faith, and integrity. Being a Youth Care Worker allows me to help influence and uplift the youth who are struggling for the chance to overcome their difficult circumstances. Mentoring the youth has allowed me to work in the position for as long as I have. I knew that this was my calling!

France Green, Youth Care Specialist, CCYS, Tallahassee Fl

I have a passion for helping kids. If I can make a difference in a kid’s life for more positive behavior then I feel rewarded. Also sharing my life stories and my wisdom will impact the differences in the way they think and act. I have always believed in treating kids with respect and in return you will get the same respect.

George Wilkins, Youth Care Specialist, CCYS, Tallahassee, FL

Although the youth we work with are challenging, this is the most rewarding work I have ever had the privilege of doing. Every day is different and the youth that come back to visit and are successful makes it all worthwhile. I can’t see myself doing anything else in life.

Christine Morgan, Residential Services Supervisor, Orange County Youth Shelter

In my 10 years of service I’ve had children come back to me and tell me what a positive impact I made on their life. I love having the opportunity to act as a mentor to these troubled youth and make a difference in this field of work.

Johnny Jones, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter

I needed work that mattered; work that made me feel fulfilled, and being there for these kids has surely done that. The days are long and aren’t always easy but these kids make it worthwhile — I can only hope that I have an impact on them as they have had on me.

Giselle Rodriguez, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter

I work as a youth care worker because it allows me to serve as a role model for underprivileged youth in my community. It also allows me to help young people with their personal and social development and work as a mentor.

Jessica Bryant, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter