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Family Made Whole honors the front-line staff caring for children and families across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee countiesFamily Made Whole, a Lakeland-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring and supporting vulnerable children and families, hosted the first-ever leadership and employee appreciation luncheon for Heartland for Children, the child welfare agency serving families across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. The event brought together caseworkers, front-line staff, and community partners for a morning of recognition, encouragement, and connection.The luncheon was designed with a single purpose: to honor the men and women who show up every day for children and families in crisis, often with little visible acknowledgment of the difference they make.The most powerful moment of the morning came from an unexpected voice. Shae, the adopted daughter of Family Made Whole co-founders Trevor and Karen Booker, stood before the room full of caseworkers and spoke from her own experience. Having spent years moving through more than a dozen foster homes before finding her forever family with the Bookers, she knew firsthand what it means to have someone fighting in your corner. Her words were direct, honest, and full of gratitude. The room went quiet, and then filled with tears. Afterward, staff members came forward one by one to share how seen, encouraged, and renewed they felt."Caseworkers carry an enormous responsibility with very little recognition," said Trevor Booker, Co-Founder of Family Made Whole. "We wanted to create a moment where they could hear, from the very children their work is meant to serve, that what they do matters. Shae said it better than any of us ever could."One Heartland for Children staff member reflected on the experience: "I've been doing this work for years, and I don't think I've ever felt this appreciated. It reminded me why I said yes to this job in the first place. I'm walking out of here ready to keep going."The event was catered by Burning Bush BBQ, generously provided by Travis, a servant-hearted local business owner who shares a passion for community. One More Child and Southeastern University were recognized as ministry and resource partners alongside Family Made Whole's ongoing work with Heartland for Children.Family Made Whole believes that when the people caring for vulnerable families are themselves supported and renewed, the entire community benefits. This luncheon marks just one expression of a broader commitment to building a village of care around every child and every family in Polk County and beyond.For more information about Family Made Whole and its programs, visit https://www.familymadewhole.org.About Family Made WholeFamily Made Whole is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, committed to restoring and redeeming vulnerable children and families through church and community partnerships. Founded by Trevor and Karen Booker, who fostered 73 children and adopted 5 over 12 years, Family Made Whole offers wraparound support teams, respite events, mentorship programs for youth aging out of foster care, and practical resources including Totes of Hope emergency bags and Colleen's Cakes for Kids. The organization serves Polk County and Central Florida, with a mission to ensure every vulnerable family is surrounded with support, every church is equipped to serve, and every child experiences hope and belonging.
Family Made Whole honors the front-line staff caring for children and families across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties
Family Made Whole, a Lakeland-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring and supporting vulnerable children and families, hosted the first-ever leadership and employee appreciation luncheon for Heartland for Children, the child welfare agency serving families across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. The event brought together caseworkers, front-line staff, and community partners for a morning of recognition, encouragement, and connection.
The luncheon was designed with a single purpose: to honor the men and women who show up every day for children and families in crisis, often with little visible acknowledgment of the difference they make.
The most powerful moment of the morning came from an unexpected voice. Shae, the adopted daughter of Family Made Whole co-founders Trevor and Karen Booker, stood before the room full of caseworkers and spoke from her own experience. Having spent years moving through more than a dozen foster homes before finding her forever family with the Bookers, she knew firsthand what it means to have someone fighting in your corner. Her words were direct, honest, and full of gratitude. The room went quiet, and then filled with tears. Afterward, staff members came forward one by one to share how seen, encouraged, and renewed they felt.
"Caseworkers carry an enormous responsibility with very little recognition," said Trevor Booker, Co-Founder of Family Made Whole. "We wanted to create a moment where they could hear, from the very children their work is meant to serve, that what they do matters. Shae said it better than any of us ever could."
One Heartland for Children staff member reflected on the experience: "I've been doing this work for years, and I don't think I've ever felt this appreciated. It reminded me why I said yes to this job in the first place. I'm walking out of here ready to keep going."
The event was catered by Burning Bush BBQ, generously provided by Travis, a servant-hearted local business owner who shares a passion for community. One More Child and Southeastern University were recognized as ministry and resource partners alongside Family Made Whole's ongoing work with Heartland for Children.
Family Made Whole believes that when the people caring for vulnerable families are themselves supported and renewed, the entire community benefits. This luncheon marks just one expression of a broader commitment to building a village of care around every child and every family in Polk County and beyond.
For more information about Family Made Whole and its programs, visit https://www.familymadewhole.org.
About Family Made Whole
Family Made Whole is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, committed to restoring and redeeming vulnerable children and families through church and community partnerships. Founded by Trevor and Karen Booker, who fostered 73 children and adopted 5 over 12 years, Family Made Whole offers wraparound support teams, respite events, mentorship programs for youth aging out of foster care, and practical resources including Totes of Hope emergency bags and Colleen's Cakes for Kids. The organization serves Polk County and Central Florida, with a mission to ensure every vulnerable family is surrounded with support, every church is equipped to serve, and every child experiences hope and belonging.