What happens when children entering foster care are given more than a bed—when they are given stability, trusted adults, opportunities, and the chance to remain with their brothers and sisters?

Samantha Mellen, Development Director at A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, explains how the organization creates a safe, loving, family-style environment for children who have experienced trauma and family disruption.

Samantha walks Joey Pinz through the realities of foster care, from children arriving late at night with few belongings to the gradual process of building trust and helping them feel like children again. She describes A Kid’s Place’s live-in house-parent model, on-campus therapists, academic support, mentoring, independent-living programs, and extended foster care services for young adults ages 18–23.

The conversation also challenges the damaging assumption that foster children are inherently “troubled.” Samantha’s message is direct: they are simply children who need consistency, care, and someone willing to believe in them.

She also shares how community members can contribute through their time, talent, treasure, or voice, and why even ordinary donations can have a measurable impact.

🌟 Top 3 Highlights:

🏠 Creating a real home: How house parents, shared meals, routines, and individualized care help children feel secure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Keeping siblings together: Why maintaining sibling relationships can support healing and long-term stability.

🤝 The power of community: How donors, volunteers, mentors, businesses, and advocates help sustain the organization’s mission.