Friends of the Heart
"Fostering children to a new beginning"

WHO IS FRIENDS OF THE HEART?
Friends of the Heart is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization developed in 2001. After recognizing the hardship on children when being placed into foster homes, I developed a program to make sure that children entering a foster home will receive a new duffel bag filled with age-appropriate gifts. Children are often taken from their homes under traumatic situations allowing them no time to gather personal belongings. If time is allowed, a trash bag is given to the child to place their belongings into.

The "Duffel Bags For Kids Program" has proven to be a beneficial aspect with the transition of the child who is entering into a new foster home. The gift of the duffel bag allows the child to feel special and gives
them a much-needed sense of confidence.

Children are removed from their homes due to extreme abuse, neglect, or a parent who has a substance abuse problem. This time in a child's life is very difficult and extremely painful. We are trying to make a difference in the children's lives by showing them that they are cared for and loved.

Testimonials reflect the difference in a child when they receive the gift of a new duffel bag. Even though their happiness may be temporary, the memory of being cared for will last forever. Each bag is customized for the child by age and gender. The gifts include toiletries, blankets, clothing, toys, books, school supplies, personal teen items, and other age-appropriate gifts.

With the help of our communities and citizens, we have had the opportunity to help hundreds of children who were in need of our service.

We serve the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Children are the future. Let's join together and make a difference!

WHO DO WE HELP?
Children of all ethnicity - newborn babies to 18 years of age.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Friends of the Heart is committed to the betterment of the community by assisting children and families transition from dependency to independence. We are committed to the preservation of the family by identifying the needs of the children and families within the communities. We serve and are working towards accessing and delivering the resources to meet those needs.