Accelerating
Futures,
Inc.
Helping Families,
Help Themselves!
About Us
Thank you to our starfish model, Michael.
See more photographs by this photographer at
Accelerating Futures uses a starfish as a symbol of how the efforts of one person can make a difference. Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977), the following story explains the symbolism:
A man once saw a young boy reaching down to the shore, picking up starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean.
As the man got closer, he called out, "Good morning young man, what are you doing?" The young boy, looked up and replied "Throwing starfish back into the ocean."
"Why are you throwing starfish back into the ocean?"
"The sun is coming up and the tide is going out. If I do not throw them back into the water, they will die."
"But young man, there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it. You can not possibly make a difference!"
The young boy listened politely, bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the ocean, and replied, "It made a difference for that one!"
Accelerating Futures is a nonprofit outreach program designed to assist families in the Florida state dependency system for abused or neglected children.
We are “hands on” and we use a solution and strength based model to assist families to become self-sufficient and provide a safe environment for children in a permanent home (permanency).
We fill the gaps between resources available and resources needed for families to move into permanency. AF believes by filling the gap with solution based services, we can Accelerate the Futures of these families.
We believe families at-risk may gain long-term benefits from becoming fully engaged in their case plans. At the very least, they should complete education for entry level employment, learn new job skills, understand the value of earned income, improve on basic life-skills, and recognize the importance of providing a safe home for their family. We believe in personal equity and commitment in exchange for resources not readily available.
We believe we can make a difference by Accelerating Futures, One Family at a Time with quality efforts.
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Mission
Empowering families to achieve their fullest potential in life by providing tools for success, one family at a time.
Vision
Helping families, help themselves.
Our Values
We treat all people with dignity and respect and never pass judgment.
We exemplify good citizenship by promoting family, social, educational, healthy, financial and environmental responsibilities.
We maintain the highest ethical standards
We promote the importance of continuing education and challenge each other to strive for excellence.
We research and use evidenced based practices and embrace continuous improvement processes for the good of the organization and our clients and families.
We work with the local community to find resources needed to accelerate the futures of our families. We respect your privacy, and all information is kept confidential.
