Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches provides residential care to children in need. It is for ages 8 through 18. Youth are cared for by "cottage parents" who helps them. Each child must be recommended by the local Sheriff. Please call 386.842.5501 or visit website for more information on Residential Care.

Ronald McDonald House Northwest Florida serves as a home-away-from-home for families. They offer respite services. They also offer supplemental programs to assist the families. The group operates under the belief that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child. And that no family should have to deal with this alone. These families have traveled to Pensacola to receive critical medical treatment for their children. A house guest has to be referred. The referral must be from a medical facility, social worker, or designated nurse clinician.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) helps America’s disabled veterans and their families.

Assistance includes:

• Community outreach
• Counseling
• Death benefits
• Filing claims for VA disability compensation and pension
• Health care
• Home loan guaranty
• Information seminars
• Life insurance
• Represent veterans and active duty military personnel before Discharge Review Boards, Boards for Correction of Military Records, Physical Evaluation Boards and other official panels
• Vocational rehabilitation and employment, education

Please call 727.319.7444 for or visit website for more information.

SSA has two programs for disability benefits. They are different but have the same medical requirements. The programs pay benefits to individuals. As well as certain family members. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Programs Available:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Click here to locate the office nearest you

The Emerald Coast office of FDLRS offers help to parents who have children with disabilities. They offer support services for parents and their children. They also help educators and other school staff. Please call 850.469.5423 or visit the website for more information.

MADD Victim Advocates can help the family apply for Crime Victim Compensation. Every state offers this type of benefit. Eligibility conditions may vary. Please see the website for more information.

Costs that may be compensated:

• Child care
• Counseling services
• Crime scene cleanup
• Funeral expenses
• Lost wages
• Medical, rehabilitation and prescription expenses

This program helps victims of crimes committed by Florida inmates. Victim/Survivors notification service available. Victim/Survivors may also register to learn when an inmate is released, transferred, escapes or dies. The VINE service is confidential. Please see the website for more information.

Toll Free: 1.877.884.2846

The Department of Justice runs the Victim Witness Assistance Program. It works to help victims of federal crimes. Call or visit the website to learn more.

Services:

This agency offers the (VPK) Voluntary Prekindergarten program. This program is for Florida children who are four years old. Offers services for students with special needs as well. Please call or visit the website for more information.