Local Caregivers Honored for their Dedication to Children in Care

June 11, 2025

More than 140 people registered for the 2025 1k for Kids and Story Stroll - a nearly 100 percent increase from the previous year. Pictured, from top left are: the Williams and Wisecup Families; CCKids Chief Executive Officer Carol Deloach and Christy Gillis, the Southeast Region Community Director for the Department of Children and Families; Leslie Pfeiffer, Christina Kaiser and Leslie Lutz tending registration; Jerra Wisecup getting a painted tattoo; the Lesa Sims Family; Camelot Community Care staff; volunteer Sara Staley and her children at the water station, and some children paying a visit to the registration booth (the faces of children are obscured to protect their privacy.)

Port St. Lucie - More than 100 community members turned out for the 2025 CCKids 1K for Kids & Story Stroll on May 17, held for the first time at the scenic Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens and newly expanded Pioneer Park.

The event, now in its fifth year, continues to grow as both a celebration of local foster families and a powerful recruitment and awareness initiative. Attendees walked a winding 1K route through lush gardens, butterfly habitats and orchid displays, punctuated with story stations that shared real-life experiences from the foster care community.

“The support from the community was incredible,” said Jerra Wisecup, CCKids Licensing and Caregiver Support Specialist. “Hosting the event in such a beautiful space made it extra special, and we’re so thankful to the City of Port St. Lucie and the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens for partnering with us.”

As part of the agency’s 25in2025 campaign to recruit 25 new foster homes by year’s end, the event offered numerous opportunities for attendees to engage and learn more about becoming a foster parent—or how to support the foster care system in other meaningful ways.

One attendee was so inspired by the stories and mission of CCKids that she approached the team seeking information on how to become a foster parent—a testament to the power of connection the event aims to create.

“The heart of this event is about making connections,” Wisecup said. “Whether it’s deciding to foster or simply supporting foster families in your community, every action matters. One small act of kindness – one connection - can change a child’s life.”

Did you miss the event but want to get involved? Visit Becoming a Foster Parent or text (772) 528-0362 for more information on fostering or volunteering.