For More Information
Ali Weil November 10, 2025
334.328.1568
Weil House Creative
For Immediate Release:
EMBRACE FLORIDA KIDS RECEIVES COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUNDING FROM UNITED WAY EMERALD COAST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
United Way Emerald Coast is partnering with 25 organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties to award over $550,000 in grants through UWEC Community Investment funding.
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, November 10, 2025 – Embrace Florida Kids is proud to announce it has been selected as a United Way Emerald Coast funded partner agency for 2025-2026, making this the fourth consecutive year. Through the partnership, Embrace Florida Kids will receive funding for their Family Preservation program, helping families in Okaloosa and Walton counties access essential resources to strengthen their families and prevent separation.
“We’re grateful to United Way Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our families.” said Ramsey Lawrence, director of development and community relations, Embrace Florida Kids. “Because of their support, we’re able to continue providing homes, healing and hope for families who need it most in Okaloosa and Walton counties.”
United Way Emerald Coast awarded $550,000 in community grants to 25 organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties whose missions align with healthy communities, youth opportunities and financial security. United Way Emerald Coast believes all communities across Okaloosa and Walton counties should be safe and thriving no matter their zip code. Embrace Florida Kids’ awarded funds are supported by United Way Emerald Coast donors and investments by Eglin Federal Credit Union.
Embrace Florida Kids was awarded $20,000 toward their Family Preservation program. Family Preservation is a licensed and accredited program designed to strengthen and preserve families by teaching, challenging and helping families learn the skills they need to stay together and help each other grow successfully.
“We understand that family is the most fundamental influence on children. Our philosophy is that it is usually best for children to be able to stay with their own families and for families to learn how to handle their own challenges in a healthy, loving way.” said Blake Horne, president and CEO, Embrace Florida Kids. “We have more than a 95% success rate in our Family Preservation program, which means families are staying together in lieu of their children entering the foster care system.”
To learn more about Embrace Florida Kids, please visit embraceflkids.org/. For inquiries about Family Preservation or other Embrace programs, contact Ramsey Lawrence at ramsey.lawrence@embraceflkids.org or 850-533-9968.
To learn more about United Way Emerald Coast, please visit united-way.org/.
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About Embrace Florida Kids
Embrace Florida Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit faith-based organization dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families in crisis in northwest Florida. Embrace Florida Kids is a ministry which was established in 1890. The organization provides homes, healing and hope to hundreds of children and families each year through foster care, family preservation, residential care, school readiness and higher education services. To learn more, please visit EmbraceFLKids.org
