Friends of Children and Families, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk children and their families, and give them the opportunity to develop into well-adjusted and productive members of society. Friends of Children and Families, Inc. was founded in 1984, as a supporting organization, which helped CHARLEE Family Care Services provide care and housing for foster children in Orange, Seminole, Polk and Osceola County for almost 25 years. In 2008, CHARLEE Family Care Services ceased operations; at that time the Board Of Directors for Friends of Children and Families made the decision to continue the mission of serving the children of Central Florida. FRIENDS’ philosophy is based on the belief that if children are provided with love, a sense of security, structure and positive opportunities for growing in a family and community atmosphere, then healthy development will occur. FRIENDS strives to provide that kind of environment by providing the necessary services, support, and care for children in need. The primary goals of FRIENDS are to provide an environment that is conducive to the growth and safety of our children, enhance the lives of children who have been diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disturbances, and offer the needed services and programs which develop the cognitive and social skills of the children.