239.470.2733

239.470.2733

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DONATE   |   VOLUNTEER   |   STAY CONNECTED

239.470.2733

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IMPACT

IMPACT

The Problem: Florida’s Foster Care System is Overwhelmed

45k
“There is no greater need than strengthening our communities and creating strong, stable and supportive networks for our children and their families. That is exactly what Better Together does – and through this incredible partnership, we are able to empower and preserve families when we can safely do so; through the selflessness of volunteers who open their hearts and homes to keep our families safe and together during times of crisis.”

Lisa Mayrose, Former Regional Managing Director, Department of Children and Families

The Solution: Better Together

A proactive approach to PREVENTING neglect and keeping families TOGETHER: hearts and homes to keep our families safe and together during times of crisis.”

Our Impact

Thanks to more than 150 church partners and 1,000+ approved volunteers, we’re making an impact that we hope will last generations for the families we serve.

3,000

Families Served Since Startup

Our goal and vision are to expand our proven program across the state of Florida. Together, we strive to reduce the number of children entering foster care due to neglect and keep families together.

Family Testimonials


"He helped me through a lot as a mentor. I can call him on a dime if I need to. He got me reading the Bible for the first time. I ain’t got many friends, but he’s become a real good friend and an inspiration to me too."

Mickel, Father


"Before Better Together, I was unstable. Because I was unstable, my kids were unstable. I didn’t have the support system. I didn’t have someone to show me they cared. I basically was raising five kids by myself with no support. If Better Together never got involved with me and my children, I probably would have lost my kids. I probably would be homeless trying to figure out everything. It’s just amazing to know there are loving, supportive people out there that are willing to give their time to help people like me. Not for what they can get out of it, but to actually support people in my situation and truly love that person. Now that I’ve got through the struggle, I want to help other people get through it. I want them to know it’s ok. There are people to reach out to and get us through these things."

Abby, Mother


"When I got hit by a car, it was a total crusher. It almost tore my family apart. They gave me all these pills for the pain, and when I fell backwards in my kitchen, that’s when I knew I needed help. I needed help for my kids, but I felt like my life was over because I had no help. It was a truly amazing experience to have a stranger walk up to my home with open arms and to say ‘We got you. We’ll help you.’ She called me every day to check up on me and was so genuine and warm. We were like family - I felt the connection. Picking up the pieces and having a family that supports me made me feel better. I would love to help somebody else like I have been helped. I’m truly grateful."

Shakeena, Mother


"He helped me through a lot as a mentor. I can call him on a dime if I need to. He got me reading the Bible for the first time. I ain’t got many friends, but he’s become a real good friend and an inspiration to me too."

Mickel, Father


"Before Better Together, I was unstable. Because I was unstable, my kids were unstable. I didn’t have the support system. I didn’t have someone to show me they cared. I basically was raising five kids by myself with no support. If Better Together never got involved with me and my children, I probably would have lost my kids. I probably would be homeless trying to figure out everything. It’s just amazing to know there are loving, supportive people out there that are willing to give their time to help people like me. Not for what they can get out of it, but to actually support people in my situation and truly love that person. Now that I’ve got through the struggle, I want to help other people get through it. I want them to know it’s ok. There are people to reach out to and get us through these things."

Abby, Mother


"When I got hit by a car, it was a total crusher. It almost tore my family apart. They gave me all these pills for the pain, and when I fell backwards in my kitchen, that’s when I knew I needed help. I needed help for my kids, but I felt like my life was over because I had no help. It was a truly amazing experience to have a stranger walk up to my home with open arms and to say ‘We got you. We’ll help you.’ She called me every day to check up on me and was so genuine and warm. We were like family - I felt the connection. Picking up the pieces and having a family that supports me made me feel better. I would love to help somebody else like I have been helped. I’m truly grateful."

Shakeena, Mother

DCF Testimonials

“Better Together has diverted many children from entering the state foster care system. They are always available and ready to bring hope and warmth to families in a situation that can feel helpless. They continue to provide emotional support and guidance while families remedy their situation. I am grateful for our continued partnership and shared goal to keep families together.”
Ryan Lukosavich, DCF Program Administrator
“Better Together is a vital resource for the Department of Children and Families (DCF). We are able to have a host family provided to the children while parents make necessary changes to their home or lives so that the children are not put into foster care. Some families need some time to get things in order, and with Better Together children do not have to endure going into the foster care system. Instead they get to have a sleepover with some new friends until their home or parents are able to properly provide.”
Ashley Wilson, Child Protective Investigator
“As Child Protective Investigators, we are perceived as only taking actions to remove children from their caregivers and support systems. That perception is heartbreaking for the investigators that go out every day to meet with families to figure out a plan to keep their children safe, identify available services, and determine adequate supports systems in order to avoid any intrusive actions. Services such as Better Together allow investigators to utilize the least intrusive measures while building a strong support foundation for the families’, hosts’, and the child(ren)’s future. We know it takes a village to raise children and that village is Better Together.”
Bernard Faithful, Child Protective Investigator
“The Better Families program is a fantastic option for families in crisis. Our work with Better Together gives us ways to support families on the road to hopefully making them self-sufficient. I find the staff responsive, caring and committed.”
Matthew Wallace, Department of Human and Veteran Services

Our team is dedicated to helping people help themselves. We empower them to find employment and provide a loving, safe and supportive foundation for their children.

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HEADQUARTERS

15275 Collier Boulevard
Suite 201-284
Naples, FL 34119
Tel: 239.470.2733
info@bettertogetherus.org
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Better Together | Keeping Families Together

Dawson JordonBetter Together Team

Dawson Jordan
Creative Director

Dawson is an exciting addition to the Better Together Team. Since graduating college in 2015 from Florida Gulf Coast University with his bachelor’s degree in Business Management he has managed to create a successful career for himself as a self-employed freelance videographer/photographer. He has recently relocated back to his hometown in SWFL and is excited to join the team as the Creative Director to help us tell the Better Together story. Dawson is passionate about telling stories through a creative lens, especially when it comes to seeing families stay together and for individuals to thrive and become the best version of themselves. When Dawson is not in the office he likes to hang out with his friends, workout, and watch sports.