When A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay first opened its doors in 2009, its mission was clear: provide a safe, loving, and stable environment where siblings in foster care could remain together. That vision—sparked by founder Dottie Berger MacKinnon, a tireless advocate for children—continues to guide every aspect of the organization’s work today.

Since its founding, A Kid’s Place has served more than 1,700 children and supported over 750 families. Located on a residential-style campus in Tampa Bay, the organization offers more than just temporary housing. It provides a sense of home—a nurturing environment where children can begin to heal from trauma and grow with confidence.

At the heart of that mission is the houseparent model.

“Our entire program is built on a live-in House Parent model that offers something most foster care settings can’t: a true home,” explains Bria Washington, Donor Relations Manager at A Kid’s Place.

Unlike many foster care environments where siblings are often split up due to placement limitations, A Kid’s Place was intentionally designed to keep siblings together. House Parents live on campus and create a family-style environment, helping to preserve the essential bonds between brothers and sisters.

“To us, House Parents aren’t just caregivers,” Washington says. “They become trusted adults, role models, and steady sources of love and support during one of the most vulnerable times in a child’s life.”

These House Parents are more than staff—they’re central to the emotional and physical well-being of every child. Their role includes everything from making home-cooked meals and cheering kids on at school events, to planning weekend outings and managing the daily rhythms of life. The result is a warm, stable environment that gives children the consistency they need to thrive.

So what does it take to become a successful House Parent at A Kid’s Place? According to Washington, it starts with heart.

 “At A Kid’s Place, our compassion, patience, and resilience allow us to show up every day with empathy, even when things are tough. This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.”

Ideal candidates are team-oriented, emotionally grounded, flexible, and proactive. While experience working with children helps, the organization places high value on mindset: being calm under pressure, communicating clearly, and having a strong sense of purpose.

Washington is quick to acknowledge the challenges that come with the role—but also the deep rewards. “Some days will be filled with joy and laughter; others may be tough and emotionally draining. But every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact,” she says.

For those considering houseparenting as a career, Washington offers clear advice: be open, be honest, and be ready to grow.

“We’re not looking for perfect people; we’re looking for people who are willing to grow, to love, and to show up every day with heart.”

If you’ve ever felt called to provide children with safety, stability, and the chance to feel like part of a family, A Kid’s Place might be exactly where you belong.

Learn more about House Parent careers at A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay and see how you can make a difference—right where it matters most.

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