— A local initiative led by the Declare No More Foundation is mobilizing Leon County residents to address the pressing need for stable homes for children in the...
The foundation, which focuses on connecting communities with resources for vulnerable children and families, hosted the "No More Orphans" event in Tallahassee to encourage greater participation from local...
"We are committed to connecting people to care for the most vulnerable in our communities."
Community Efforts Intensify to Secure Stable Homes for Leon County Foster Children
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A local initiative led by the Declare No More Foundation is mobilizing Leon County residents to address the pressing need for stable homes for children in the foster care system, as the number of children in out-of-home care reaches nearly 240.
From Instagram — related to Secure Stable Homes, Tami Kent
The foundation, which focuses on connecting communities with resources for vulnerable children and families, hosted the “No More Orphans” event in Tallahassee to encourage greater participation from local organizations, and individuals. According to Tami Kent, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Declare No More Foundation, the event aimed to move beyond awareness and inspire direct action.
“We are committed to connecting people to care for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Tami Kent Senior Pastor Wildwood Church
Tami Kent, Declare No More Foundation Executive Director and Co-Founder
Kent emphasized the untapped potential within the county’s faith-based and community organizations, noting that Leon County is home to over 400 churches. She highlighted a simple yet impactful solution: if one family from each church stepped forward to provide care, the current foster care system in Leon County could be effectively emptied, with additional families ready to support as needed.
“There are over 400 churches, so 239 children, 400 churches. If one family from every church stepped up and said, ‘I’ll step into care,’ we could empty the system in Leon County and then have a waiting list of families ready to help support.”
Tami Kent
The foundation’s efforts come as Leon County’s foster care system faces ongoing challenges, with approximately 239 children in out-of-home care as of March 2026. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between the number of children in need and the available resources within the community.
Personal Stories Highlight the Impact of Foster Care and Adoption
For some families, the decision to foster or adopt has been transformative. David McNeely, Senior Pastor at Wildwood Church, shared his family’s journey, which began with struggles to have biological children. A brief conversation with his wife led them to pursue adoption, ultimately growing their family through four adoptions, both locally and internationally.
Local push to find stable homes for Leon County foster children
“What started out as desperation, I think, turned into conviction. So the first adoption, the twins. The first adoption really was just, God, we want to be parents so bad…”
David McNeely, Senior Pastor at Wildwood Church
McNeely’s story underscores the broader potential for community involvement in addressing the foster care crisis. By sharing personal experiences, advocates hope to inspire others to consider fostering or adopting children in need of stable homes.
Broader Efforts to Strengthen Families and Prevent Foster Care Placement
In addition to recruitment efforts for foster and adoptive families, local organizations are working to address the root causes of family instability. The Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon) reported investing $6.3 million in 2025 to support initiatives aimed at strengthening families and expanding access to critical resources. These investments target factors such as food insecurity, housing disruptions, and limited parenting support, all of which can contribute to child welfare challenges.
Care Declare No More Foundation
The foundation’s event also served as a platform to connect attendees with local organizations providing direct support to children and families in crisis. By fostering collaboration among churches, nonprofits, and community groups, the initiative aims to create a sustainable network of care for vulnerable children in Leon County.
Next Steps and Community Response
As the Declare No More Foundation continues its outreach, the focus remains on converting community awareness into tangible action. Kent’s call to action—encouraging families from local churches to step forward—highlights the potential for grassroots solutions to address systemic challenges in the foster care system.
For those interested in learning more or getting involved, the foundation encourages reaching out to local organizations and exploring opportunities to support children and families in need. The event in Tallahassee marks a step toward building a more resilient and responsive foster care system in Leon County.
