Treehouse Talk

The Official Newsletter of the Children's Services Council of Leon County

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News & Announcements

Photo of Mabry Street Family Enrichment Center in Tallahassee, Florida

Amendment 3 raises concerns about funding for local children’s services (contributed by the FAMUAN)

Amendment 3 has raised alarm among child advocacy groups, as the Children’s Services Council of Leon County, Florida, relies greatly on local tax revenue to operate. The Children’s Services Council funds over 21 programs that collectively form a safety net for families, from after-school enrichment and mentoring to early learning, developmental screenings and neighborhood resource centers... If approved, the amendment could shrink the CSC’s budget beginning in 2027, potentially forcing cuts to the very programs it was created to support. Read On

CSC Leon Local Funding Opportunity

Summer 2027 OST Funding Opportunity Opens November 2

CSC Leon will release its Summer 2027 Out-of-School Time (OST) Request for Proposals on Monday, November 2, 2026, to engage qualified entities to deliver developmentally appropriate programs that strengthen youth resilience and character development while providing meaningful enrichment. Entities must demonstrate their ability to deliver quality programming, maintain appropriate staffing, measure results, and manage public funds responsibly. Learn More

Children and youth holding signs celebrating youth development and csc leon investments in afterschool

Four Youth Development Programs Performed on the Florida Capitol Steps

CSC Leon invests nearly $3 million annually in youth development programs designed to extend learning, support academic and developmental growth, explore career pathways, and create safe, engaging environments where youth thrive. On Thursday, October 22, four programs showcased their student talents on the steps of the Historic Florida Capitol as part of the national "Lights On Afterschool" movement. Learn More

Partner Spotlight: 24/7 Dad Program with Carter's Corner   

Carter's Corner 24:7 Dads Photos of men with thir children

Building Stronger Fathers and Families in Leon County

Fathers play a fundamental role in the development and well-being of children and families. With this in mind, providing fathers with the resources and opportunities to strengthen their parenting skills, relationships, and knowledge is essential. Since 2023, CSC Leon has funded Carter’s Corner 24/7 Dad program, which uses an evidence-based curriculum to help fathers build stronger relationships with their children and families. Learn More

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Executive Committee

December 9

12:00 noon

Finance & Budget Committee

December 9

1:00 p.m.

Governing Council Meeting

December 17

4:00 p.m.

Promotional Graphic for Tinsel and Togetherness, a movie event hosted by CSC Leon, PBS KIDS, and WFSU. Save the date for night of holiday fun and cheer

SAVE THE DATE: Family Movie Night - Friday, November 13

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a fun-filled family movie night! Join CSC Leon in collaboration with WFSU and PBS Kids for a night of holiday cheer, festive treats, and family-friendly entertainment on Friday, November 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the WFSU Studio in Innovation Park. Learn More

Want to keep up with CSC Leon events?

View our calendar here.

Family Resources

PSA Graphic from Prevent Child Abuse: Florida. Graphic says "Do you know the ABCs of Safe Sleep?" and features a child sleeping in the corner

Do you Know the ABCs of Safe Sleep?

October is Safe Sleep Month, which is the perfect time to learn about the ways that you can implement safe sleeping habits into your child's life. Prevent Child Abuse Florida offers easily accessible resources that support families in their safe sleep journey. Learn More

Legal Services of North Florida offers free legal assistance to qualifying families and children, including family stability, child support, housing and eviction issues, student educational rights and accommodations, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, financial assistance, and disability benefits.

Legal Help for Families, Stronger Futures for Children

Navigating legal challenges can be overwhelming, especially when they affect a family's stability and well-being. Through CSC Leon funding, Legal Services of North Florida provides free legal assistance to qualifying families and children in our community. From housing and family law matters to educational rights and access to essential benefits, these services help families overcome barriers, protect their rights, and build a more stable future. Learn More

Overview of monthly activities at Cross Creek Family Resource Center in Tallahassee, FL. The monthly calendar includes weekly classes, parenting workshops, art and baking sessions, support groups, wellness programs, Whole Child Leon services, and special Saturday events. Activities are scheduled Monday through Saturday throughout the month. For complete event dates, times, and details, please download the full flyer or call 850-629-6999.

Family Resource Centers at Cross Creek & Fort Braden

Check out what is going on this month at our Family Resource Centers, managed by the Children's Home Society of Florida. We currently have two locations, Cross CReek and Fort Braden, and will soon be opening an FRC in Griffin Heights. Learn More

Individual Counseling at The Oasis Center for Women & Girls offering free after-hours counseling for women raising children on their own and soon-to-be mothers. Highlights include licensed therapists, evening and weekend appointments, supervised children’s activities during sessions, and possible free transportation. Includes a QR code and contact information, along with an image of a counseling session.

Individual Counseling at the Oasis Center for Women & Girls

With the Oasis Center's FREE Individual Counseling sessions, women raising children, soon-to-be moms, and female guardians can speak with a licensed therapist in a safe space. Don't have childcare? Utilize their supervised children's activities during your appointment. Learn more

In crisis? Text CSC4U to 741741. Highlights free, 24/7 confidential mental health support by text, with an illustration of a phone showing a supportive text conversation.

From Our Partners

Promotional graphic for Add Us Community Day on November 7, 2026, 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at 1268 Cedar Center Drive

AddUs, Inc.: Community Day Rescheduled for Saturday, November 7

Families, friends and neighbors are invited to discover Add Us, Inc., the nonprofit arm of Ultrasound Made EZ. Come meet healthcare professionals, discover valuable resources, connect with local businesses and explore community services. Learn more

From learning to living: Celebrating 100 Years of Fort Braden's School and Community Center, Saturday, November 7, 16387 Blountstown Highway

100 Year Celebration at the Fort Braden FRC
Leon County will celebrate 100 years of the Old Fort Braden School, now the Fort Braden Community Center, on Saturday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Built in 1926, the schoolhouse served Fort Braden students until 1993 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The family-friendly event will feature free food, music, games and activities, along with a chance to connect with neighbors, local organizations and community partners. Learn More

Promotional Graphic for Free Dental Check-ups with the Molar Express and hosted by United way of the Big Bend. Leon County Schools are able to participate in this program that offers free dental check-ups. A tooth is shown along with floss, a toothbrush, and a graphic for the molar express train with cartoon tooth characters on it. More information can be found at (850) 404-8450, MolarExpress@FLHEALTH.gov, and the address 912 Railroad Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310. This information is provided by the Florida Department of Health in Leon County.

Smile United: Free Pediatric Dental Check-ups

Families in the Leon County area can access free dental care for their children thanks to the support of United Way of the Big Bend, Capital Health Plan, and the Florida Department of Health in Leon County. Children enrolled at Woodville K-8, John G. Riley Elementary, Fort Braden K-8, Pineview Elementary, Ruediger Elementary, or Bond Elementary, they may be eligible for free services. Learn more

Early Learning Coalition of the Big bend 25th Anniversary Fall festival and Resource Fair
Infographic for Street Corner Giveaway hosted by Divine Revelations Ministries, Inc., which will be hosted on Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 12 - 3 PM

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2002 Old St Augustine Rd

Building A, Suite 50

Tallahassee, FL 32301