• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Devereux Florida foster families celebrate the season at ‘Camp Holiday Cheer’

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida and Central Florida Lifestyle Publications recently teamed up to help make holiday wishes come true for Devereux Florida foster families at the organizations’ second annual “Camp Holiday Cheer.”

Nearly 300 foster parents and children gathered at the Pines at Windermere, a lakefront recreational facility near Orlando, Fla., in December for an evening of fun and festivities.

“The holiday season can be a painful time of year for children in foster care who will not be home for the holidays with their biological families,” said Devereux Florida Director of External Affairs Lindsey Phillips. “Thanks to our friends at Central Florida Lifestyle Publications, and our other wonderful and generous community supporters, we were able to spread joy, and give these families cherished memories to last a lifetime.”

Capturing the magic of the season

Holiday spirit was in the air at Camp Holiday Cheer, as carolers from Montverde Academy and dancers from Ready, Set, Dance entertained the crowd. Families played games and gathered around a fire pit to share stories and roast marshmallows. Children even had the chance to meet a bull from Suhls Rodeo and safely hold a small alligator from Gatorland.

For many, the highlight of the evening was when Santa Claus arrived by boat and took photos with the children.

“We wanted to make the holiday season special for our foster children and the families that are providing them with safe, loving homes,” explained Phillips. “Hearing the kids laugh as they played games and seeing their faces light up when they saw Santa warmed everyone’s heart, and reminded us of what the holidays are all about.”

View a video featuring highlights from Devereux Florida’s 2019 Camp Holiday Cheer. Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida.

Latest News

		Celebrating Devereux's Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on PA CARES Clinical Coordinator Lucas Cepeda At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Pennsylvania CARES Clinical Coordinator Lucas Cepeda is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux PLEA's Gretchen Kelly elected president of CAP Executive Committee Congratulations to Devereux PLEA Executive Director Gretchen Kelly, who was recently elected president of the Conference of Allegheny Providers (CAP) Executive Committee. CAP is an affiliate member of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA).
		Servant Leadership Snapshot: Devereux PA Adult Services Program Coordinator Jewel Lerums Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services Program Coordinator Jewel Lerums empowers her staff to take ownership of their roles by emphasizing the value of their contributions and creating an environment where everyone feels their work is appreciated. Learn how she serves others through her actions and decisions.
		Conference empowers Devereux's Champions to cultivate an inclusive work environment Devereux recently hosted its annual Servant Leadership and Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEIB) Champions Conference where more than 50 emerging leaders from across the organization – selected as Servant Leadership and DEIB Champions – had the opportunity to connect, collaborate and cultivate new ideas on how to ensure their colleagues, and the individuals and families they serve, feel welcomed, included and supported.

More Stories