FBH made move to Florida easier for Illinois family
Moving from Illinois to Florida last year was a big step for my family, and we’re still working hard to find our place. My name is Josie Reynolds and I am a single mother of three children – Jayden, Joslyn and Zealand – with a fourth on the way.
It’s just me at home, so I do my best to keep things stable and try to fulfill the roles of mom and dad, keep traditions and make life full for the kids even when times are tough.
The transition from Illinois to Florida was tough, especially for the kids, but RJ Longstreet’s KidsZone program made all the difference. Joslyn began to make friends, gain structure and finally feel like she belonged at school. I’m also working on Jayden’s enrollment, and both kids love the Food Brings Hope teacher, Ms. Miller, who has become a mentor and friend to them.
This year has been particularly worrying for children, who know we’re just getting by and worry that Christmas won’t come at all. My children are active because Joslyn loves to sing, dance and color. She wants Barbies, dolls or any other princess or imaginative play item.
Jayden thrives outside and stays active, which is helpful for his ADHD. He wants remote-controlled cars and outdoor toys.
Little Zealand loves typical 4 year old things like cars and dinosaurs, anything Spiderman or Paw Patrol!
We are so grateful to Food Brings Hope and our supportive community for keeping us grounded during this time of adjustment.
About this series: FBH Community promotes programs that address the root causes of generational poverty. Its initiatives include Food Brings Hope’s KidsZone, TeenZone, FBHonors, Change the Code and the Lemerand Center of Excellence at Daytona State College. Other FBHC programs include VCan, focused on ending hunger and homelessness among youth and families with children; Homes Bring Hope, which creates homeownership opportunities for working families; and the Prosperity Initiative, which helps families achieve stability and advancement. Because the Hosseini Family Foundation covers overhead costs, 100% of donations directly support programs and families. This holiday season, The News-Journal is spotlighting the FBH community by sharing the stories of its participants and their families. To contribute or donate a holiday gift, visit FBHCommunity.org, email info@FBHCommunity.org or call 386-317-5767..
This article originally appeared in the Daytona Beach News-Journal: Stories of Hope: FBH made moving to Florida easier for family from Illinois
