Better Together. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Every day in Florida, more than 20,000 children wake up in someone else’s home. Not because they lack love, but because life’s challenges—job loss, illness, or disability— arrive uninvited, shaking the foundation of families and forcing children into foster care.

In times of crisis, parents can feel lost and isolated, unsure where to turn for support.

For the past decade, Better Together has stood by families facing hardship, transforming challenges into hope and creating lasting change across Florida.

This year marks a significant milestone: 10 years of hope and healing. From humble beginnings to statewide influence, Better Together’s story is one of innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment to families in need.

“Growing up, my family faced poverty, job loss, and domestic violence. The local church came alongside us in our greatest time of need. Because of that love, care, and community, our family stayed together and grew stronger,” shares Megan Rose, CEO and founder of Better Together.

The Naples-based nonprofit supports families across Collier, Lee, Palm Beach, and Charlotte counties, helping them stay together and rebuild stability with the resources they need.

Rose shared that mission grew from a bold idea—to prevent children from entering foster care by bringing together local churches and caring communities—a vision that continues to guide its work today.

“After spending more than a decade in child welfare, I became heartbroken by how much trauma children endure when families are torn apart. I knew there had to be a better way, one that started from the ground up and was led by the community to reach families before government intervention was ever needed,” says Rose.

Better Together began as a small startup, creating safe and nurturing spaces for children while families worked to rebuild stability. The organization provides guidance on everything from employment and housing to healthcare and education, while connecting thousands of children with volunteer host families.

Better Together. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

“It is simple—families helping families. Volunteer host families open their homes to care for children temporarily while mentors guide and support the parents,” Rose explains. “Most of the parents we serve often feel isolated.”

At its core, Better Together addresses the root causes of hardship, helping families emerge stronger and more resilient.

“We served 105 children in our first year. This year, we will serve 8,000 children and more than 10,000 people seeking employment,” Rose says.

From its early days as a trusted community resource, Better Together has touched thousands of families’ lives, continually expanding its programs to meet evolving needs.

“We began with a small state appropriation and a three-person team serving Collier and Lee counties. Today, we are privately funded with about 75 team members serving 48 Florida counties and operating with a $10 million budget,” Rose says. “We are volunteer-driven and professionally supported—and we strive to do everything with excellence.”

Better Together has helped more than 12,000 children avoid foster care and connected over 46,000 individuals with job opportunities, reaching six regions across Florida and partners with churches in 24 states.

“To date, we have provided more than 20,000 instances of help to children and families through hosting, mentoring, resource support, and relational care, along with helping connect people with meaningful work opportunities,” explains Rose.

The organization has grown from a short-term hosting program into a multifaceted nonprofit providing comprehensive family support and disaster relief. By focusing on financial hardship and family crises, Better Together empowers parents and children with the resources, guidance, and care they need to not just survive—but thrive together.

“Many families on the verge of losing their children to foster care face financial hardship as the root issue. Our church-based job fairs help prevent those crises by connecting families to meaningful work, job coaching, encouragement, and resources that remove barriers to employment,” Rose says.

Over the years, Better Together has refined its approach to meet families where they are—building on their strengths, goals, and dreams. Through job coaching, childcare, transportation, and housing support, the organization empowers parents to rise above challenges and stay connected long after their immediate needs are met.

Better Together Job Fair. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

“Poverty often stems from a lack of relationships as much as a lack of money. Our professional team helps parents achieve their goals so they can reunite with their children safely. It is voluntary and relational, more like co-parenting than separation, and those relationships often continue long after hosting ends,” Rose explains.

“We believe a job is more than a paycheck. It provides dignity, community, and stability,” she adds.

Rose shares that throughout the years Better Together has faced its share of challenges—each one strengthening its mission and shaping its remarkable growth. By cultivating a healthy culture and uniting volunteers and local churches, the organization has discovered that placing the right people in the right roles can transform entire communities.

“Our biggest challenge has been scaling responsibly, which requires the right tools, processes, and people to sustain long-term impact,” she says. “ It takes time, patience, and consistency. There have been many hard lessons, but each one has made us stronger. When you are learning, you are winning, and we are grateful we have been able to put the right systems in place and pivot when necessary.”

Behind every statistic is a story of a family given a second chance—and those stories are what have shaped Better Together through the years.

“We take a holistic approach. When a family comes to us, we get to know them, their strengths, goals, and challenges, and then build a plan to help them succeed,” Rose adds. “Our goal is to strengthen the entire family so they can thrive long after our formal involvement ends.”

In its early days, one single mother arrived hesitant and afraid, her eyes bruised and Child Protective Services already involved. What began as a moment of crisis became a turning point, both for her and for the growing mission of Better Together.

“I had the privilege of caring for her son for only a few days, but reuniting them was beautiful,” Rose recalls. “Over time, we built a deep friendship. Even 10 years later, we are still close. I am incredibly proud of the woman she has become. Her story reminds me every day why this work matters so much.”

Better Together Job Fair. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Marking a decade of dedication, Better Together reflects on its achievements—and looks to the future with even greater ambition.

“I am proud of our outcomes, the relationships we have built with churches, volunteers, and employers, and the culture we continue to strengthen. Most of all, I am proud of the stories of families who have faced hard times and found hope and a stronger future through Better Together,” Rose shares.

Better Together is prepared to reach more children, families, and job seekers across Florida. The organization remains focused on creating a deeper impact where help is needed most.

“Our goal is to be serving families statewide by 2030, reduce foster care entries by 20 percent, and begin replicating our model in other states. We also plan to expand our church-based job fairs nationwide, bringing hope, faith, and opportunity to communities across America,” Rose shares.

For ten years, Better Together has been a lifeline for children and families across Florida, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. With programs grounded in care and innovation, the organization has sparked lasting change and inspired hope. Looking ahead, it aims to help more families stay together and build stronger communities.

“We are proud of what we have achieved in our first decade, and the best is yet to come,” says Rose.

IMPACT STORIES:

Naples: Reuniting a Family

The blessing came on a Saturday, as two children sprinted into their father Jordan Gentry’s arms. Gentry wrapped the 7- and 9-year-olds in a hug that spoke louder than words ever could.

Jordan Gentry with Nathan and Natalie. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Nearly 400 days earlier, Gentry entered St. Matthew’s House in Naples, committed to overcoming substance abuse and reclaiming his life for his children.

Gentry was determined to finish the year-long program, gain employment, and move into his own apartment. He arranged for his children to be cared for by their mother while he focused on recovery.

After seven months of battling homelessness, the children’s mother turned to a relative for help with their care. Three months later, feeling overwhelmed and with foster care looming again—they reached out to Better Together.

As a Better Together host family, Katelyn and Barron Collier stepped forward with compassion and open hearts. They provided for the children’s medical and dental care, supported their learning and therapy, and guided them with love toward their long-awaited reunion with Gentry.

“It was everything we hoped for—for them. That’s the ultimate goal. That they’re reunified. It’s a fresh start for all of them,” shares Katelyn Collier.

“I’m grateful for my family, Better Together, and the Colliers,” says Gentry. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better; the only other option was them going into foster care, and then I would have had to fight to get them back.”

Katelyn Collier with Jordan Gentry. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Gentry successfully completed his program and began a full-time career with a plumbing company, creating new opportunities for himself and his children.

“I’m overwhelmed by the love and joy. It’s empowering. It’s a blessing,” adds Gentry.

Better Together helps families reunite and rebuild, ensuring children don’t just survive—they thrive. The Gentry family’s reunion demonstrates how love and guidance can turn struggle into strength.

Palm Beach County: Doors of Opportunity

Marubeny “Maru” Lemus stood at the threshold of homelessness.

“Every door I thought was open was closing,” she recalls, a single mother of three boys.

But sometimes, closed doors guide us to new openings.

When Urban Youth Impact connected Lemus with Jacqueline Hardin, faith met action—opening the first door to safety and hope for her family. Already familiar with her family from Twin Lakes outreach, Hardin moved quickly, securing a hotel and guiding them through shelters with unwavering faith in God.

Marubeny “Maru” Lemus, Palm Beach. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

“God was saying, ‘Don’t worry about tomorrow, I’ve got tomorrow, just walk in today, keep loving, just keep walking,’” says Hardin.

The second door opened when Lemus and her sons were welcomed into AVDA Shelter in Delray Beach. Her gratitude grew even more when Hardin and her husband, Scott, took two of her boys into their own home, giving them love and stability.

“We knew them from doing outreach, so it was a no-brainer,” says Scott Harin.

Her third door opened when she connected with a Better Together mentor. They shared meals, books, and life stories, building a bond rooted in faith.

“We became sisters in Christ,” Lemus reflected. “She was exactly what I needed.”

The final door of faith opened after three months of perseverance and the support of Better Together. Lemus and her sons moved into their own apartment in Azure Estates, a home built on faith and hope.
“They were here to help,” Lemus said, speaking of Jacqueline and Scott Hardin and the community that supported her. “It was the only reason why I was able to focus on what I had to do.”

“Maru (Lemus) witnessed the magnificence of God’s hand in each and every one of God’s people,” Jacqueline Hardin shares, “A magnificence that can open any door.”

Better Together helped unlock doors of opportunity and support, guiding families like Lemus’s toward hope and stability.

Charlotte County: A Family by Choice

When Amber Nolan talks about Katherine and Tyler Petersen, she doesn’t call them a host family—she calls them family.

“It’s not host family, it’s just family now,” she says without hesitation.

The Petersens (host family). -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Over the years, the Petersen’s have opened their doors—and their hearts—to ten children, creating bonds that go far beyond a temporary stay. Through Better Together, they cared for newborn twins while Nolan received treatment and built a lasting connection with her through mentorship.

Katherine Peterson even recently joined a Better Together shopping day, connecting with other families and offering encouragement and support. Her presence wasn’t just about showing up—it was about lifting others, sharing experience, and inspiring confidence in families navigating challenges.

The impact of their dedication was on full display when Nolan and her two-year-old daughters cheered as Katherine and Tyler were honored as ‘Host Family of the Year.’ When the twins ran up to the podium and embraced the couple, it perfectly captured the love and connection the Petersens have nurtured over the years.

The Petersens’ generosity shines through every act, from mentoring and hosting to supporting community events. The Petersen’s company, PDS Architecture, also contributes to the mission, sponsoring events that help strengthen families.

Through their unwavering dedication, Katherine and Tyler Peterson embody the mission of Better Together. Their love, care, and commitment transform lives and inspire others to do the same.

The Petersens (host family). -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Fort Myers: Running Toward a Second Chance

Victor Carr spent most of his life running—but not from life. He was chasing hope, love, and towards a future he refused to give up on.

At a young age, Carr left home to live with his aunt. Yet the pull of love was stronger than fear, and he ran back to his mother despite warnings about her lifestyle.

“I missed my mom so much,” he recalls.

Victor Carr. -PRIORITY MARKETING / COURTESY PHOTOS

Even as his mother tried to change for him, it wasn’t enough. Carr ran again—this time to the streets——where poor choices quickly handcuffed his hope.

“I was living the life that the average 9- or 10-year-old shouldn’t be,” shares Carr.

In 2008, he faced his first major setback when he was arrested and sentenced to a year in a juvenile program at just 12 years old. For the next 15 years, he struggled with the cycle of running in and out of jail. Yet through those challenges, the seeds of change and resilience were steadily growing.

Even amid hardship, Carr discovered moments of growth. He earned his GED, mended his relationship with his mother—who had transformed her own life—and strengthened his faith.

On November 12, 2024, Carr’s life took a turning point with the birth of his son, Lyric. Motivated to build a better future, he ran toward stability and opportunity, supported by Better Together’s guidance. Even when doors closed and challenges arose, Carr was determined to provide for his family.

With the support of Better Together, Carr was able to embrace opportunities that transformed his journey. Their programs connected him to resources and the Nationwide Day of Second Chances job fair at Riverside Church in Fort Myers, where he earned a position with All American Barricades.

“I’m able to provide for them. I’m able to be a father,”  Carr says, grateful for the second chance that Better Together helped make possible.