First Lady Casey DeSantis Holds Cooking Class as part of Hope Florida Initiative

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis was joined by Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris and Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Dennis Moore in hosting a “hands-on, healthy cooking class” in Orlando as part of the Hope Florida initiative. This mentorship program has touched the lives of hundreds of youth making their way out of the foster care system, but more mentors are needed, according to the Executive Office’s press release.

“As a mom to three young children, I know how important strong role models are to the success of our youth,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “It was heartwarming to spend time cooking with these amazing boys and girls in Florida’s foster program. There is a need for mentors across Florida—with over 100 in the Orlando area. I encourage those with a call to mentorship to apply through Hope Florida.”

Moreover, Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Moore shared a positive experience regarding the mentor/mentee program.

“It’s incredible to see the difference a mentor makes in the lives of youth aging out of foster care,” said Executive Director Dennis Moore. “It was a pleasure to join First Lady Casey DeSantis and Secretary Harris as we encourage our Hope Florida mentees to live healthy, fulfilling lives. More mentors are needed and we encourage anyone with heart to serve to join this program.”

Furthermore, DCF Secretary Harris added that this program allows those who need a mentor to lean on to “guide them into adulthood.” Almost 900 foster youth have received mentors through the Hope Florida program.

“Every child should have a mentor to turn to who can help teach them life lessons and be there to guide them into adulthood,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “It was great getting to watch our foster youth engage in a fun cooking class with their mentors. We are so fortunate for First Lady Casey DeSantis’ leadership in recruiting more mentors for our youth and continuing to expand opportunities for individuals to give back to their communities.”

According to the Executive Office, this program expects to save $900 million for the State of Florida over the next decade.