Big changes are underway for foster children in Hillsborough County as A Kid's Place gears up for the addition of a new multipurpose facility. The upcoming center, which will span nearly 13,000 square feet, is poised to become a cornerstone for enrichment activities and personal development for those in the foster care system. Announced earlier this week, the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, and will mark the start of construction at the organization's residential campus.
According to Hillsborough County's announcement, the facility isn't just brick and mortar; it’s a lifeline to vital services. The building will house classrooms dedicated to vocational education, an arts and crafts space, computer labs for the tech-savvy, and areas designed for learning independent living skills and mentoring. A Kid's Place will also provide therapy rooms to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children, as well as spaces for family visitation and reunification.
The Hillsborough County contribution to this project is substantial, providing $933,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. Community members and county officials recognize the need for such a space, where foster children can find guidance, develop skills, and receive holistic support. The campus, located at 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511, offers a unique setting for both youth in custody and those transitioning out of foster care.
As stated by A Kid's Place, their mission transcends providing a bed; it involves keeping siblings together and giving kids a chance to thrive in a safe and stable environment. With 60 beds and a focus on this familial element, which allows siblings to maintain connections often severed in the system, their approach is about crafting a semblance of home in an otherwise tempestuous period of these young lives. The additions of an outdoor multisport court, pool, and an exercise room are integral to this vision – promoting not just mental and emotional growth, but physical wellness too.
The new facility will serve children from birth to age 17, alongside young adults aged 18-22 in extended foster care, addressing a broad spectrum of needs across social, educational, medical, and psychological domains. With the groundwork set to be laid in coming days, the campus is on track to enhance the quality of life and future prospects for some of the county's most vulnerable residents.
