Mission: “To support abused, abandoned, and neglected children of Joshua House through resource development, investment and governance.”

Eighteen years ago, a group of concerned citizens, including Dottie Berger MacKinnon, the late Bob Thomas, Olin Mott, Jim Zimmerman, Laurence Hall, Greg Johnson, Alberto de Alejos, and others dreamed of a safe haven for the abused, neglected and abandoned children in the Tampa Bay area.

That dream was realized in the creation of Joshua House, a non-profit, therapeutic residential shelter that provides a safe, nurturing, family-like environment for children twelve and younger. These children have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children and Families and have been through multiple foster homes due to significant abuse. Located in Lutz, Joshua House has no less than 36 children living in five homes on a beautiful 11 acre lot complete with a playground and a recreational area.

Currently Hillsborough County leads the state in reported incidents of child abuse! Joshua House is unique in providing Master-level therapists to work with our children daily, providing individual or group therapy to overcome their personal demons. In addition, to providing for the bruised and battered spirits Joshua House also uses the T.O.P.S Program to teach these kids self-help and life skills. Since many of these children are severely abused and neglected, life skills have not always been a priority. Teaching these skills make future foster or adoption placement much more successful.

It is not easy to look into the eyes of a child whose life has been shattered by abuse, betrayal and pain, but Joshua House accepts this challenge because we know that their spirits can be healed just as their bodies are. Sixty children live at Joshua House and literally a thousand children have passed through our doors since it opened in 1992, unfortunately, there are still hundreds more to come. Thank goodness for the support and the dedication of this community in assisting us in healing these children.

Friends of Joshua House Foundation (FoJH) is managed and operated by volunteers and the founders of Joshua House. FoJH is a non-profit organization that builds resources, develops opportunities, and invests in the future of Joshua House and its children. This organization directly supports the children of Joshua House by providing clothing, shoes, schools supplies, holiday gifts, healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables and lean meats; computers, tutors, activities, beds and bedding. The list is as endless as the needs. In addition, indirect support is given through building maintenance and repairs, transport vehicles, staff training and incentives, therapy supplies, appliances, and safety and emergency management support.

A gift to Friends of Joshua House Foundation can be restricted, where 100% will go directly towards your intentions (clothing, bedding, school supplies, gifts, food and nutrition, etc.), or you can choose to allow FOJH to apply 1/3 of your gift for direct care services and the remainder can be managed by FoJH for investment in Joshua House’s future, or be used to address needs for the children as they unexpectedly arise. Either way, you can trust that your generosity will be handled with utmost integrity and for the benefit of our children.

Joshua House is a program of the Children’s Home Society of Florida. We thank you for continuing Joshua House’s service in our community through your support. If you have further questions regarding Friends of Joshua House Foundation, feel free to contact us at 813-263-3469.

Joshua House is a program of the Children’s Home Society of Florida, strengthening families since 1902.

P.O. Box 1769 ♦ Tampa, Florida 33601 ♦ (813) 263-3469