SCSO Wrap-Around Services & Wekiva Foster Closet | Erik Swenk

The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Family Wraparound Services toured the Wekiva Foster Closet at First Baptist Church of Sweetwater to see how the two could partner. I had already toured Wraparound Services myself, and I was glad to help connect these organizations so they can share services and resources.

Wekiva Foster Closet provides clothing, cribs, car seats, bikes, school supplies, comfort packages, and more for families in need. It helps families directly and also supports other community organizations, including The Lifeboat Project, Harbor House of Central Florida, and several women’s shelters. In the past 24 months alone, it has given thousands of duffel bags filled with clothes and essentials. If you have items like these to give, please consider giving them to Wekiva Foster Closet.

There is another partnership story worth telling. Wekiva Foster Closet reached out to 11 churches for space before finding a home. At the 12th church, when told they would understand a “no,” the pastor immediately said “yes,” sharing that the church had been praying for an opportunity like this. That first partnership, only a few years ago, helped the closet grow several times over — and helped many more families along the way.

Community work often starts with introductions. This one is a good reminder of what happens when people who serve the same neighbors find each other.