Child ServicesResources

It takes a village! You don't want to miss out on these amazing and FREE programs for eligible families! The health department provides services designed to support you with educational tools that help to raise a healthy baby. They provide parent support, child development education, and child screenings. Staff will connect you to community resources that could help meet your immediate needs. All of this is offered to your family in the convenience of your home and completely voluntary.”   

Some of the amazing services include:

Breastfeeding Education

Car Seat Safety Certified Specialists

Certified Lactation Counselors

Childbirth Education and Classes

Inter-Conceptual Counseling and Education

Pregnancy Medicaid Information

Referrals to receive medical care

Referrals for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program

Smoking Cessation Education

Transportation Information and Assistance

Provide the latest information about child development

Provide activities to support healthy child development

Screen children for developmental delays

Help parents learn ways to reduce everyday stress

Teach positive parenting skills

Help parents set and reach personal and family goals

Connect families to other community services they may want and need

AND SO MUCH MORE!

It takes a village! You don't want to miss out on these amazing and FREE programs for eligible families! The health department provides services designed to support you with educational tools that help to raise a healthy baby. They provide parent support, child development education, and child screenings. Staff will connect you to community resources that could help meet your immediate needs. All of this is offered to your family in the convenience of your home and completely voluntary.”   

Some of the amazing services include:

Breastfeeding Education

Car Seat Safety Certified Specialists

Certified Lactation Counselors

Childbirth Education and Classes

Inter-Conceptual Counseling and Education

Pregnancy Medicaid Information

Referrals to receive medical care

Referrals for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program

Smoking Cessation Education

Transportation Information and Assistance

Provide the latest information about child development

Provide activities to support healthy child development

Screen children for developmental delays

Help parents learn ways to reduce everyday stress

Teach positive parenting skills

Help parents set and reach personal and family goals

Connect families to other community services they may want and need

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Potentially eligible participants do not have to be on a public assistance program to qualify for WIC services. In our current economy, inflation and rising food costs have created many financial challenges for Florida families. It is times like these that reinforce the importance that eligible Floridians utilize nutrition services, including WIC.

To be eligible for WIC, you must be a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a woman up to six months postpartum, an infant, or a child under age five. In addition, the applicant must have a low or moderate income, live in Florida, and have a nutrition need that can be helped by WIC foods, nutrition education, and counseling. WIC also provides breastfeeding support and referrals for health care. WIC nutritionists work directly with mothers to educate them about what is best for their baby and their family’s nutrition needs while encouraging them to build healthy habits.

To Schedule an appointment or for more information:  Leon County WIC comes to Franklin health departments (Apalachicola on Thursdays, Once a month on Wednesdays in Carrabelle) to provide services. Please call 850-404-6350 for more information.

Potentially eligible participants do not have to be on a public assistance program to qualify for WIC services. In our current economy, inflation and rising food costs have created many financial challenges for Florida families. It is times like these that reinforce the importance that eligible Floridians utilize nutrition services, including WIC.

To be eligible for WIC, you must be a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a woman up to six months postpartum, an infant, or a child under age five. In addition, the applicant must have a low or moderate income, live in Florida, and have a nutrition need that can be helped by WIC foods, nutrition education, and counseling. WIC also provides breastfeeding support and referrals for health care. WIC nutritionists work directly with mothers to educate them about what is best for their baby and their family’s nutrition needs while encouraging them to build healthy habits.

To learn more about the WIC Program or to see if you are eligible, Please call (850) 872-4666 to make an appointment or inquire about our services. Bay County WIC comes to Gulf to provide services locally.

Calling all moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers.

If you live in Gulf or Franklin, you may qualify for the free diaper assistance and wrap around support through the WEE CARE program.

[email protected]

Protecting, promoting, and improving the health of children, infants, and youth is a core focus of our mission. Health is essential for ensuring proper growth, cognitive development, and lifelong well-being. Investing in early health care and prevention helps build a stronger and healthier Florida.

This program helps families prepare children for a successful start in school. Through engaging activities, developmental screenings and readiness resources, children gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in kindergarten. Includes learning materials, activities, newsletters and more! Use the phone number to reach out and get started.

Highly recommended for at-home daycares or stay-at-home moms/caregivers. This is a downloadable app with curriculum. An award-winning digital learning platform offering high-quality, interactive content aligned to early learning standards. MarcPolo supports cognitive and language development for families learning at home.

FDLRS Child Find assists in the location, identification, evaluation and initiation of appropriate education or other needed services for children and youth, three through five years of age who have, or are at risk of developing, special or unique needs and are not enrolled in public school.

For children already enrolled in public school or over the age of 6, please contact the school district ESE office in your county of residence.

This website has a lot of really helpful education to help prepare for pregnancy and parenting.

Be sure to reach out to your local health department to help you navigate local services to help you!

About the Strong Florida Moms website:

Every mom and family needs access to trusted medical information and resources no matter where they are in their parenting journey.

Strong Florida Moms is where you can access information about what to expect during pregnancy, resources to obtain health care, and answers to many of the questions Florida moms and dads have about parenting. Families can also access community resources such as local support groups with other moms, initiatives that connect to job opportunities, and other resources tailored to their parenting journey.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngster (HIPPY) is an evidenced-based family support model that works directly with parents in their homes, a home base, early intervention program that helps parents create experiences for their children that lay the foundation for success in school and later life.

Our proven model is delivered by Peer Educators for 30 weeks of high-quality school readiness curriculum activities and books are provided directly to parents, who then work each day with their own three, four and five-year old children. The achievement gap can appear well before children enter kindergarten. Children who begin school having missed critical early learning opportunities are already at risk for failure in school. HIPPY, an evidenced-based early learning program, addresses these issues by supporting parents in their crucial role as their child’s first and most influential teachers. The home-based model provides very structured materials and support to help parents close the word gap. The program brings families, organizations, and communities together and removes any barriers to participation.

North Florida Child Developments, HIPPY program serves children in Gulf, Calhoun, Liberty and Franklin Counties. Please contact the HIPPY Coordinator, Ashley Ferrell, for more information at [email protected]

This program is part of North Florida Child Development.

The Family Health Line is a statewide, toll-free hotline offering counseling information and community referrals about pregnancy, infant and toddler issues. The goal of the hotline is to improve the health status of Florida's pregnant women and their children by providing callers with information on helpful community resources and answering basic questions about pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth education and other pregnancy-related concerns. The Family Health Line is available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Serving Gulf and Franklin Counties -If you have a child under the age of 3. T.E.A.M. Dad is a free program that equips fathers with the self-awareness, compassion, and resources that every good parent needs. T.E.A.M. Dad is about Teaching, Empowering, Advocating for, and Mentoring men on their fatherhood journey.

We are the behind-the-scenes team ensuring Northwest Florida children have access to affordable, high quality early learning experiences, so every child is prepared for success in school.

Child Care Resource & Referral

School Readiness (Financial Assistance Program)

Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK)

Child Developmental Screenings

Mental Health Services

Parent Advisory Committee

Early Childcare Coordination Teams are available to work children, their family and their childcare provider.

PanCare Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center. Below is list of services offered through their practice.

Medical:

From routine check-ups to urgent care needs, PanCare Health provides a comprehensive range of primary and walk-in healthcare services. Our primary healthcare services encompass a wide array of preventive and diagnostic measures, including routine physicals, vaccinations, and screenings for various health conditions. We prioritize patient wellness by offering personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Dental:

Caring for your smile is at the heart of our mission, and regular dental care is an essential part of your overall well-being. We’re committed to maintaining the health, function, and beauty of your teeth! From routine check-ups to extensive treatments, our services are designed with your dental wellness in mind. Discover our range of affordable dental services: Exams/Radiographs, Cleanings, Extractions, Restorations, and Crowns

Vision:

During the school year, our Optometry staff is dedicated to providing vision care services to students through our Mobile Program. However, when summer arrives, our focus shifts to expanding care across all our clinic locations using our mobile clinic vehicles.

For patients seen through our mobile clinics, follow-up appointments are scheduled at their initial location to ensure proper fitting and optimal vision. Additionally, appointments can be scheduled during the summer at our Panama City and Port St. Joe Optometry clinics. We offer comprehensive eye exams and affordable eyewear options at these locations. Patients that already have a current prescription can explore eyewear choices, and eyewear selection and fitting services throughout the year at our Panama City and Port St. Joe clinics.

Behavioral Health Services:

Our compassionate staff of Behavioral Health Professionals listen to patients and develop relationships built on mutual trust. Behavioral health services are a collaborative effort between the healthcare professional and patient.

Pharmacy:

Our are 340B qualified, allowing us to provide significant discounts on many prescriptions. Become a patient today to see how this program can help you with more affordable medications!

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm. We accept Medicaid, Medicare and most 3rd party insurances. Many of our service fees are based on a sliding fee scale.

The health department offers a wide variety of services, including:

-Birth and Death Certificates

-Background Screening and Fingerprint services

-Pregnancy and Parenting Support

• Family planning (a variety of birth control methods available to you)
• Child development (pregnancy and parenting coaches at no cost)
• Breastfeeding and lactation support from certified consultants
• Infant safety (car seat installs, safe sleep guidance, home safety education and so much more)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program (healthy food and resources)

-Children and Adult Health

• Immunizations (infants and up)
• School and sports physicals
• Sick visits (short-term treatment, non-emergency acute care, ages 3 and up)
• ECG (EKG) for sports physicals (ages 12 through college)
• College, adult, and employment physicals
• Laboratory testing
• Dept. of Transportation physicals
• Allergy Injections (Must have provider approval and provide medications - Call for more information)

-Preventative Care

• Breast and cervical cancer screenings (clinical breast exams, pap tests, mammogram referrals)
• STD/STI testing and treatment (prevention education, early disease detection)
• HIV testing, treatment, and prevention
• Overall wellness programs
• Tobacco cessation (helping you quit using tobacco products)
• Chronic disease prevention, management, and support
• Emergency preparedness (supporting medical preparedness, response and recovery needs for Gulf and Franklin)

North Florida Medical Centers, Inc. (NFMC) provides quality and affordable medical primary care for the entire family.

Most insurance is accepted, including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid and more. We offer a sliding fee discount program and a discount prescription program for our patients.

The Wewahitchka Medical Center offers the following services:

• Women’s Health Services (Gynecology)

• Pediatric Care

• Men’s Health Services

• Geriatrics – Senior Care

• Standard labs, immunizations, school sports or work physicals for established patients

• Annual Physicals

North Florida Medical Centers, Inc. (NFMC) provides quality and affordable medical primary care for the entire family.

Most insurance is accepted, including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid and more. We offer a sliding fee discount program and a discount prescription program for our patients.

OUR SERVICES

• Women’s Health Services (Gynecology)

• Pediatric Care

• Men’s Health Services

• Geriatrics – Senior Care

• Standard labs, immunizations, school sports or work physicals for established patients

• Annual Physicals

Our Apalachicola location is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 pm. We accept Medicaid, Medicare and most 3rd party insurances. Many of our service fees are based on a sliding fee scale.

The health department offers a wide variety of services, including:

-Birth and Death Certificates

-Background Screening and Fingerprint services

-Pregnancy and Parenting Support

• Family planning (a variety of birth control methods available to you)
• Child development (pregnancy and parenting coaches at no cost)
• Breastfeeding and lactation support from certified consultants
• Infant safety (car seat installs, safe sleep guidance, home safety education and so much more)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program (healthy food and resources)

-Children and Adult Health

• Immunizations (infants and up)
• School and sports physicals
• Sick visits (short-term treatment, non-emergency acute care, ages 3 and up)
• ECG (EKG) for sports physicals (ages 12 through college)
• College, adult, and employment physicals
• Laboratory testing
• Dept. of Transportation physicals
• Allergy Injections (Must have provider approval and provide medications - Call for more information)

-Preventative Care

• Breast and cervical cancer screenings (clinical breast exams, pap tests, mammogram referrals)
• STD/STI testing and treatment (prevention education, early disease detection)
• HIV testing, treatment, and prevention
• Overall wellness programs
• Tobacco cessation (helping you quit using tobacco products)
• Chronic disease prevention, management, and support
• Emergency preparedness (supporting medical preparedness, response and recovery needs for Gulf and Franklin)

Hours of Operation: Wednesdays, 8am – 5pm EST

Our clinic office is open in Carrabelle on Wednesdays, but if you can't make it on that day, our Apalachicola location is open Monday through Friday. We accept Medicaid, Medicare and most 3rd party insurances. Many of our service fees are based on a sliding fee scale.

The health department offers a wide variety of services, including:

-Birth and Death Certificates

-Background Screening and Fingerprint services

-Pregnancy and Parenting Support

• Family planning (a variety of birth control methods available to you)
• Child development (pregnancy and parenting coaches at no cost)
• Breastfeeding and lactation support from certified consultants
• Infant safety (car seat installs, safe sleep guidance, home safety education and so much more)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program (healthy food and resources)

-Children and Adult Health

• Immunizations (infants and up)
• School and sports physicals
• Sick visits (short-term treatment, non-emergency acute care, ages 3 and up)
• ECG (EKG) for sports physicals (ages 12 through college)
• College, adult, and employment physicals
• Laboratory testing
• Dept. of Transportation physicals
• Allergy Injections (Must have provider approval and provide medications - Call for more information)

-Preventative Care

• Breast and cervical cancer screenings (clinical breast exams, pap tests, mammogram referrals)
• STD/STI testing and treatment (prevention education, early disease detection)
• HIV testing, treatment, and prevention
• Overall wellness programs
• Tobacco cessation (helping you quit using tobacco products)
• Chronic disease prevention, management, and support
• Emergency preparedness (supporting medical preparedness, response and recovery needs for Gulf and Franklin)

The clinic is open on Fridays from 8a.m-4p.m.CST, but some of our other services are available by appointment during the week as needed. We accept Medicaid, Medicare and most 3rd party insurances. Many of our service fees are based on a sliding fee scale. If Friday doesn't work for you, we can schedule you at the Port St. Joe site as well.

The health department offers a wide variety of services, including:

-Birth and Death Certificates

-Background Screening and Fingerprint services

-Pregnancy and Parenting Support

• Family planning (a variety of birth control methods available to you)
• Child development (pregnancy and parenting coaches at no cost)
• Breastfeeding and lactation support from certified consultants
• Infant safety (car seat installs, safe sleep guidance, home safety education and so much more)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program (healthy food and resources)

-Children and Adult Health

• Immunizations (infants and up)
• School and sports physicals
• Sick visits (short-term treatment, non-emergency acute care, ages 3 and up)
• ECG (EKG) for sports physicals (ages 12 through college)
• College, adult, and employment physicals
• Laboratory testing
• Dept. of Transportation physicals
• Allergy Injections (Must have provider approval and provide medications - Call for more information)

-Preventative Care

• Breast and cervical cancer screenings (clinical breast exams, pap tests, mammogram referrals)
• STD/STI testing and treatment (prevention education, early disease detection)
• HIV testing, treatment, and prevention
• Overall wellness programs
• Tobacco cessation (helping you quit using tobacco products)
• Chronic disease prevention, management, and support
• Emergency preparedness (supporting medical preparedness, response and recovery needs for Gulf and Franklin)

We provide primary care and preventative services for individuals of all ages, ensuring your whole family stays healthy and well.

• Women’s Health Services – Gynecology & Preventative Care
• Men’s Health Services – Comprehensive Primary Care
• Pediatric Care – From Newborn to Young Adult
• Geriatric Care – Support for Senior Wellness
• Standard Labs – Convenient In-House Testing
• School, Sports, and Work Physicals
• Annual Physicals – Stay on Top of Your Health

"We provide Primary care from birth through the lifespan. We manage chronic medical conditions, promote wellness, provide weight loss services, and offer men and women's hormone replacement therapy. New Horizon is certified in functional medicine and obesity medicine. We provide sick clinic for our established patients; however, it is our goal to focus on wellness and balance of optimal health rather than wait for you to become disease progressed and then treat."

Full list of services below:

Primary Care

Comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults

Preventive and Wellness Visits

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Chronic Disease Management

Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance

Sick Visits

Evaluating, diagnosing, and managing a broad spectrum of mental health conditions

Weems Medical Center East in Carrabelle and Weems Medical Center West in Apalachicola provide primary care and rotating specialty care services.

Qualified and caring professionals service both locations bringing their expertise to the Franklin County community. Services provided at both locations are:

• Medicare Wellness exams
• School and sports physicals
• Maintenance & treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and skin infections, lacerations, annual physicals, infections, referrals to specialists
• ER follow ups
• Headaches, UTI, earache, fever, and many other types of appointments

Weems Medical Center East in Carrabelle and Weems Medical Center West in Apalachicola provide primary care and rotating specialty care services.

Qualified and caring professionals service both locations bringing their expertise to the Franklin County community. Services provided at both locations are:

• Medicare Wellness exams
• School and sports physicals
• Maintenance & treatment of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and skin infections, lacerations, annual physicals, infections, referrals to specialists
• ER follow ups
• Headaches, UTI, earache, fever, and many other types of appointments

In addition to sick visits, we offer the following

Physical exams (school & work)

DOT license exams

specialist referrals

Covid and Flu vaccines

Chronic disease management

Blood draws

Primary care services provided in Wewahitchka.

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate healthcare to individuals and families in our community. Our team of experienced professionals offers a wide range of medical services designed to promote wellness, prevent illness, and support your overall health. Whether you need routine check-ups, chronic disease management, or urgent care, we’re here to meet your healthcare needs with personalized, patient-centered care.

• Annual Physicals
• Sports Physicals
• Annual Wellness Visits
• Transition of Care Visits
• Chronic Disease Management
• Acute Illness Visits
• Medically Supervised Weight Loss
• Coordination of Care to Specialists

Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf in Port Saint Joe, Florida, delivers primary care and specialty care for your everyday health needs, as well as 24/7 emergency care for serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our care teams listen to quickly understand your health needs and deliver care that's right for you and your family. Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf is a destination for specialty care - including surgical services and heart and vascular health, as well as a helipad to provide rapid transportation of trauma and critically ill patients. We offer a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, imaging, lab tests and rehabilitation services, all on one campus.

Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart offers primary and specialty care in Gulf and Franklin counties, including family medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, general surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine and infusion therapy. 

Our primary and specialty care doctors offer advanced care close to home. Learn more about our services and programs:

Emergency department

Primary care appointments

Chronic Disease Management

Heart and vascular health - Cardiology

Orthopedics

Surgical care

Mammography and women’s diagnostics

Rehabilitation

Pediatric rehabilitation

Swing bed care - skilled nursing care plus the benefit of “rehabilitation” therapies to help patients transition to home. Swing bed care can also be utilized to help rehabilitate from surgery, illness or accident.

Interventional radiology

Diagnostic imaging

Laboratory services

Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Primary Care - Wewahitchka, delivers primary care to children and adults. When you need convenient care for unexpected, non-life threatening, minor illnesses and injuries, we're here for you. We listen to understand the health needs of you and your family. Then, we deliver care that's right for you or your child. 

From screenings and physicals, to care for minor illnesses, your primary care doctor takes the time to get to know you and your family and to learn about your family’s health history. Together, we work with you to promote your long-term health and well-being. We deliver a wide range of personalized services, including health physicals, screening tests, and treatments for existing health conditions. 

Have a conversation with a primary care doctor for:

Annual wellness visits and physicals

Concerns and questions 

Care for minor illness and injury

Check-ups and sports physicals

Care for chronic conditions

Medication management

Mental and emotional health care

Well-child visits

Preventive care

Referrals to specialists

Screenings

Senior care

School and sports physicals

Vaccinations

Well-women exams

Connected to specialty care at Ascension Sacred Heart

Primary care doctors with Ascension Medical Group can be your first point of contact and ongoing connection into care. When you are not sure what you need or how to access health care services, a primary care doctor will listen to understand your questions and provide a personalized care plan. If you need more specialized care, your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist. Our doctors and specialists are part of a network of care, working together to deliver the care that’s right for you.

Same-day care for minor injury and illness

If you need immediate care for a non-life-threatening minor illness or injury, we offer same-day and next-day appointments. We make getting the care you need easy and convenient. 

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 9-1-1. Signs or symptoms of an acute emergency may include shortness of breath, chest pain, open fracture, fainting, severe bleeding, head injury or other major trauma, one-sided weakness or numbness, loss of consciousness/fainting, severe abdominal pain, or bites or stings.

To report Human Trafficking to law enforcement in Florida, call 1 (855) 352-7233.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human Trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining, by any means, a person for labor or services involving forced labor, slavery or servitude in any industry, such as forced or coerced participation in agriculture, prostitution, manufacturing, or other industries or in domestic service or marriage (Freedom Network, based on the federal criminal law definitions of trafficking).

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) provides a variety of services. They provide family & child services, safety and protection services, substance abuse and mental health linkages, and more.

DCF has several numbers to get access to helpful resources:

Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

General Questions/Customer Call Center line: (850) 300-4323

Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771, Available 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday

The Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program began provided services to adult and minor victims of sexual violence in Gulf. A 24 Hour Hotline serves to provide immediate telephone crisis intervention services to all primary and secondary victims of sexual violence.

By calling this hotline, the caller will be assisted in evaluating immediate needs, provided information about available resources, provided information about the effects of sexual violence, general information about medical and legal issues, offered advocacy services and provided options regarding next steps. Any request made to the Sexual Assault Program will prompt a response by one of our qualified Victim Advocates within an acceptable time frame. Advocates can provide multiple referrals and information, crisis counseling, court accompaniment, and provide support for the client in their time of need.

The program is also committed to provide a coordinated, trauma sensitive response to all victims of sexual violence. A part of this commitment includes community education and awareness. Our agency works diligently to development and maintain productive relationships with other programs and providers within the areas we serve to ensure maximum outcomes for all individuals in need.

Mission Statement-To protect and enhance the quality of life for victims of sexual violence and child abuse in our community by providing a trauma-sensitive, specialized approach to assess, identify, treat and prevent sexual assault and child abuse through the coordination of community resources.

Protecting children & strengthening Gulf Coast Families through child protection teams, Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program, KidsCourt, Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center, and Trauma Treatment Team.

The Youth Services Program provides direct services to youth who have experienced or been affected by domestic violence. Trained staff and volunteers work to provide a safe space for youth to talk openly regarding their experience as well as provide them with helpful tools to navigate the violence they experience in their lives. Refuge House’s youth services are designed to reduce the risk factors leading kids toward violence and promote protective factors in an effort to end the cycle of violence. These services include but are not limited to:

Individual and group advocacy

Crisis intervention

Information and referrals

Evidence-based curricula implementation

Educational and social support groups

Safety-planning in relation to child’s age and environment

Toll Free Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-500-1119

Toll Free Florida Sexual Assault Hotline: 888-956-7273

TTY: 800-621-4202

The Matchbox is a youth centered recreation facility with sports training camps, clinics, youth leagues, summer programs, and open rec play for basketball and other indoor athletics.

Port St. Joe daycare, pre-school, VPK and after-school program.

Gymnastics and tumbling classes for summer and after school. Please also check their Facebook page for announcements:

https://www.facebook.com/forgottencoastathletics/

This is a summer-time only hang out for kids. Opening date: June 8th, Closing date: July 31st. Will be closed for July 3rd due to holiday.

The City of Port St. Joe officers this opportunity for kids to hang out in 4-hour sessions at no cost to parents/caregivers. Adult supervision present. Children can bring money for snacks.

The STAC house will be open Monday - Friday.

Morning session: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm EST, Kindergarten through 6th grade.

12:00-1:00: Closed for Lunch

Afternoon session: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm EST, 6th grade through high school.

*6th grade may choose either the morning session or the afternoon session, but not both.

Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically.  Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exams as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care. Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs.

The Nest afterschool and summer programs have been operated by the First United Methodist Church Eastpoint Youth and Children's Center. While the Nest is administered by a faith-based organization, it is open to all Franklin County students regardless of faith who are in pre-Kindergarten through the eighth grade. The Nest programs are free of charge. The Nest is funded each grant year under the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program which is administered by the Florida Department of Education. The Nest is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) which sets high standards for member schools, and ACSI inspects our operations annually.  

The Nest afterschool and summer programs have been operated by the First United Methodist Church Eastpoint Youth and Children's Center. While the Nest is administered by a faith-based organization, it is open to all Franklin County students regardless of faith who are in pre-Kindergarten through the eighth grade. The Nest programs are free of charge. The Nest is funded each grant year under the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program which is administered by the Florida Department of Education. The Nest is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) which sets high standards for member schools, and ACSI inspects our operations annually.  

Childcare centers, Pre-K and VPK programs (Early/Head Start) with locations in Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, Blountstown, Crawfordville, Greenville and Madison, FL. Our mission is to deliver the best childcare services available in a safe learning environment.

Childcare providers who offer high-quality education and family assistance programs where parents are actively engaged in their children’s progress. We provide nutritious, family-style meals and physical, social, emotional and intellectual development to prepare children to be ready for school.

Childcare centers, Pre-K and VPK programs (Early/Head Start) with locations in Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, Blountstown, Crawfordville, Greenville and Madison, FL. Our mission is to deliver the best childcare services available in a safe learning environment.

Childcare providers who offer high-quality education and family assistance programs where parents are actively engaged in their children’s progress. We provide nutritious, family-style meals and physical, social, emotional and intellectual development to prepare children to be ready for school.

Autism Care Today provides funding assistance to families throughout the United States on a quarterlybasis. These grants are designed to provide access to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. The application requests proof of autism diagnosis, proof of cost for medical treatment, programs or materials, and proof of family income with a copy of your tax return. Families that make less than $100,000.00 annually will be considered first but they do not automatically disqualify applicants because of their family income. Typical grants awarded range between $100.00 -$5,000.00.

Florida’s resource for helping families of children with disabilities.

You’ll find the resources and support your family needs. Call the number above or check out their wonderful website.

FDLRS Child Find assists in the location, identification, evaluation and initiation of appropriate education or other needed services for children and youth, three through five years of age who have, or are at risk of developing, special or unique needs and are not enrolled in public school.

For children already enrolled in public school or over the age of 6, please contact the school district ESE office in your county of residence.

Blind Babies Program

The Blind Babies Program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2000 to provide community-based early intervention education for children from birth through five years of age who are blind or visually impaired, and for their parents, families, and caregivers.

The program promotes early development with a special emphasis on vision skills to minimize developmental delays. This education lays the groundwork for future learning by helping a child progress through normal developmental stages. It teaches children to discover and to make the best use of their skills for future success in school.

The program helps ensure that visually impaired and blind children enter school as ready to learn as their sighted classmates. It also links children and their families to other available resources that could assist these families in the future. Early intervention services offered through the Blind Babies Program are delivered by community-based provider organizations.

Children's Program:

The Children's Program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2000 to facilitate blind and visually impaired children's fullest participation within the family, community, and educational settings.

The program supplements services already offered by the school system to foster the child's learning and ability to function independently. The student's parents, family, and caregivers are an integral part of the program to foster independence.

Children's Program Specialists serve eligible children so that they may reach educational and independent living goals. Successful outcomes enable students to transition from school to Vocational Rehabilitation or other appropriate community programs.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

AG Bell helps families acquire hearing technology, secure financial aid and scholarships, and give themaccess to resources they need to succeed. AG Bell offers financial aid programs for families at everystage of raising their child. All programs require documentation of a pre-lingual bilateral hearing loss inthe moderately-severe to profound range and use of listening and spoken language. Programs includeFinancial Assistance for Hearing Technology, AG Bell Preschool-Age Financial Aid Program, and more.

Help Me Grow promotes early identification of developmental, behavioral, and educational concerns, then links children and families to community-based services and supports at no cost to parents and caregivers.

To get connected, call 2-1-1 or go on their website to fill out a screening form.

Children's Medical Services (CMS) is a collection of programs for eligible children with special needs. Each one of our programs and services are family-centered and designed to help children with a variety of conditions and needs.

CMS has a variety of services for expecting moms, newborn babies, infants and toddlers, school-aged children, adolescents and young adults. All of our services are provided by highly qualified physicians, nurses, social workers and other health care providers around the state. Through our family-centered programs, they make sure your child gets the care he or she needs.

Early Steps (early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions.)

Big Bend Early Steps – Panama City

Counties Served: Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington

Children's Home Society, 700 W. 23rd Street, Building E 40, Panama City, FL 32405

Phone: (850) 747-5411

Fax: (850) 747-5583

Big Bend Early Steps – Tallahassee

Counties Served: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla, Franklin

Children's Home Society, 325 John Knox Rd, Building A, Tallahassee, FL 32303

Phone: (850) 921-0772

Fax: (850) 270-5153

About Early Steps

Every child grows and develops at their own pace, but research shows that a child’s first three years are the most important time for learning. We help families build on their child’s individual strengths and provide support to meet each child’s unique needs. Getting help early puts your child on the right path to learn and develop at their full potential.

The Community Action Team (CAT) provides comprehensive, high quality, community based behavioral health care services to youth and families where traditional interventions have been unsuccessful. These family-centered services are individualized according to the strengths and needs of the child and family with a goal of supporting and sustaining the child or young adult in the most appropriate environment.

Services include: individual and family therapy; case management; nursing services; psychiatric services; and mentoring.

And the Treatment Eligibility program is available to youth ages 11-21 who have a mental health or co-concurring substance use disorder diagnosis with two or more of the following criteria:

• Are at risk for out-of-home placement
• Have two or more psychiatric hospitalizations or poor outpatient treatment outcomes
• Involvement with Department of Juvenile Justice or multiple episodes involving law enforcement
• Poor academic performance, multiple suspensions or school "drop-outs".

Life Management Center’s Mobile Response Team (MRT) can provide the knowledgeable, compassionate assistance you need when mental health issues or substance use leads to a crisis that requires professional attention.

The MRT was created to provide on-demand behavioral health crisis intervention in any setting — most often at schools, but also in homes, ERs and other locations. (In homes and other non-school locations, we request that law enforcement accompany our team.)

The MRT serves anyone in need in Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf counties. We recommend intervention when a crisis interferes with an individual’s ability to function and there is a clear and immediate need for stabilization. Our goals are to:

• Lessen crisis trauma

• Divert individuals from ERs and the

traditional court system

• Prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization

• Help identify potential crises in advance

We are Experienced with BAKER ACT PROTOCOL and Your partner in SUICIDE PREVENTION.

EASY TO ENGAGE, 24/7 at (850)522-4485 Ext. 7 or 1833

Simply call the MRT any time and a behavioral health professional will assist you to evaluate and assess the individual, then make a safety plan. Depending on the situation, we can also provide:

• Supportive crisis counseling

• Education and coping skills

• Direct links to appropriate resources

The MRT also coordinates and check-ins throughout the 72-hour period following crisis assessment. If we can’t make an effective safety plan, a Baker Act procedure may be an option.

Let us know how we can help.

Our Mobile Response Team (MRT) can provide the knowledgeable, compassionate assistance you need when mental health issues or substance use leads to a crisis that requires professional attention.

The MRT was created to provide on-demand behavioral health crisis intervention in any setting — most often at schools, but also in homes, ERs and other locations. (In homes and other non-school locations, we request that law enforcement accompany our team.)

We recommend intervention when a crisis interferes with an individual’s ability to function and there is a clear and immediate need for stabilization. Our goals are to:

• Lessen crisis trauma

• Divert individuals from ERs and the

traditional court system

• Prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization

• Help identify potential crises in advance

We are Experienced with BAKER ACT PROTOCOL and Your partner in SUICIDE PREVENTION.

Simply call the MRT any time and a behavioral health professional will assist you to evaluate and assess the individual, then make a safety plan. Depending on the situation, we can also provide:

• Supportive crisis counseling

• Education and coping skills

• Direct links to appropriate resources

The MRT also coordinates and check-ins throughout the 72-hour period following crisis assessment. If we can’t make an effective safety plan, a Baker Act procedure may be an option.

Let us know how we can help.

Gulf Wind Counseling was founded with a vision to provide high-quality psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults in the Tallahassee, Crawfordville and Apalachicola areas. Gulf Wind Counseling seeks to help people live better by addressing the challenges they face both inside their minds and in their outside environments. We treat complex problems such as the opposition, conflict and exhaustion faced by families coping with mental health and daily living challenges.

Alateen is a worldwide, free and anonymous fellowship for young people aged 13-18, whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. Part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, it provides a supportive environment for teens to share experiences, learn coping skills, and understand they are not responsible for another person's addiction.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor LeeAnne Poloronis works with children, teens and women in person and via telehealth.

Families Connect, Inc. in association with North West Florida Health Network have partnered to provide IN-HOME parent-child interaction therapy, internet-based parent-child interaction therapy. Eligible child ages are 2 through 7. Covers Gulf and Franklin at no-cost to eligible families.

Terrance Keenan Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Fridays

Gulf Wind Counseling was founded with a vision to provide high-quality psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults regardless of socio-economic background. We strive to determine the best treatment strategies for each client using evidence-based therapy modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,​ Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy. If you need help with depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, anger management or anything that is making your life stressful, we'll provide an open, accepting environment to improve your mental health.  

The Chrysalis Heath team includes psychiatrists and nurse practitioners that are board certified to treat adults, adolescents, and children, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed mental health counselors (LMHC), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), certified substance abuse counselors, masters level therapists, targeted case managers, as well as a comprehensive team of executive and administrative support professionals.

Chrysalis offers a range of community based behavioral health care services to include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, mental health evaluations, therapeutic behavioral on-site services, individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Services may be rendered in a variety of settings as well as a variety of modalities; to include the client’s residence, school, and/or job site, telehealth, and in-office locations. 

Children’s Outpatient Services

Apalachee’s Children’s Outpatient Program provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy and case management services. Our services are individualized to meet the unique needs of each family we serve – our staff provide services in the home, office, or child’s school to accommodate family’s busy schedules.

When you are worried about your child’s mental and behavioral health, you might feel frustrated, tired, or even helpless. At Life Management Center, we can help you navigate your child’s mental and behavioral health struggles; there is nothing too big or too small.

Gulf County: 888-785-8750

24-Hour Crisis Line: (850) 522-4485

Toll-Free: (888) 785-8750

Empowering You(th)

Individualized services that focus on building self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and personal identity for teens struggling with substance misuse and mental health.

Our Youth Outpatient programs empower teens to identify their needs in life and assess personal strengths to achieve short and long-term goals. Passionate professionals collaborate with family members, school officials, and other community service providers to ensure their needs are met.

Calling all moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers.

If you live in Gulf or Franklin, you may qualify for the free diaper assistance and wrap around support through the WEE CARE program.

[email protected]

Protecting, promoting, and improving the health of children, infants, and youth is a core focus of our mission. Health is essential for ensuring proper growth, cognitive development, and lifelong well-being. Investing in early health care and prevention helps build a stronger and healthier Florida.

Taunton Family Children's Home, Inc. is a privately owned haven for homeless children. It's mission is to provide a stable, loving, Christian home environment for those of God's children who have nowhere else to turn.

Our Programs

At Franklin Youth Essentials Corp, we offer a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of our youth:

• Clothing Distribution: We provide essential clothing items to children and teens in need, ensuring they have access to appropriate attire for school and everyday life.
• Educational Support: Our organization supplies educational materials, including school supplies and books, to help students succeed in their studies.
• Community Engagement: We organize events and workshops that encourage youth participation, promote life skills, and build a sense of community.

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure that all youth in Franklin County have access to the clothing, educational materials, and resources they need to succeed. We aim to bridge the gap for families facing economic challenges, fostering an environment where children can grow, learn, and flourish.

Helping Children in Need Sleep Better

All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. In Idaho and across the US, too many boys and girls go without a bed—or even a pillow—to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health.

That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in. We’re a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need.

Helping Children in Need Sleep Better

All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. In Idaho and across the US, too many boys and girls go without a bed—or even a pillow—to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health.

That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in. We’re a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need.