Spotlight on Charity Families of Slain Children (FOSCI)

Spotlight on Charity Families of Slain Children (FOSCI)

Jun 25, 2023

Families of Slain Children’s top mission is “To touch the lives of hurting families’. FOSCI was established in 2006 to support and ensure the emotional and physical wellbeing of families who have lost a family member to violence.

For over 16 years, through the grace of volunteers and community partners they are on the verge of a national movement to put an end to this madness. When a family first encounters the loss of a loved one, FOSCI is often the “first call” and they immediately employ strategic initiatives for financial support, personal development and long term recovery.”

FOSCI has helped over 3,000 families with the services they provide: Family Support Services, Prevention Services, Job Readiness Training, and Free Health Care.

The DWA are supporting this organization with a cash donation and help by meeting their mission of empowering children and families that have lost loved ones to homicide by employing strategic initiatives for long-term growth, community development and educational reinvestment. We will volunteer at their charitable events, candlelight vigils, children’s programs, and prevention programs.

The headquarters are at N. Myrtle Ave, Jacksonville, and this is also host to the FOSCI’s Wall of Compassion, a memorial wall commemorating the names of Jacksonville’s slain sons and daughters due to senseless violence.

For more information on this charity, please visit their website www.fosci.org

Pace Center for Girls is a Florida-based, nationally recognized not-for-profit organization that provides non-residential, prevention, intervention and diversion services for girls and young women of middle and high school age. Pace provides free year-round schooling in academics, case management, counseling and life skills development in a trauma and gender free environment.

The DWA supports Pace at their Mrs. Mary’s Boutique. The Boutique, formally known as “The Clothes Closet”, was started by now 90-year-old Mary Warner. The Boutique provides a way for the girls to “buy” items with points they’ve earned through grades, good deeds, class attendance and participation. We support the Boutique with donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and toiletries.

Mrs. Mary’s Boutique has its own permanent room. It’s decorated and set up just like a boutique in the mall. This makes the girls feel very special and gives them an opportunity to shop in a place that otherwise they cannot afford.

Thank you for all your support for Pace in the way of volunteering and donations. If you are interested in volunteering or have items to donate, please contact Vicki Khan at 904-923-3538 or [email protected]. Her address for drop off items is 10148 Deercreek Club Road.