A Word from our Executive Director, Nicole Britton
This year marks a meaningful milestone for The Twig--ten years of serving children in foster care. What began as a simple act of care has grown into a steady presence for thousands of children who need to know they are seen, valued, and worthy of dignity.
When a child enters foster care, so much of their world changes overnight. Familiar routines, belongings, and even a sense of control can disappear in an instant. At The Twig, we exist to meet children in that space with consistency and care—by meeting their tangible needs and offering them a moment to feel like themselves again.
Each visit to The Twig is more than a shopping experience. Children are invited to choose clothing that fits their body and their personality, shoes they can walk confidently in, and items that help restore a sense of normalcy. These choices may seem small, but for many children, they are powerful reminders that they matter.
Over the past year, we’ve continued to grow—serving more children while remaining deeply committed to seeing each one as an individual. Our volunteers approach every visit with intention and compassion, focusing not on numbers, but on the child standing in front of them. It’s this personal, consistent care that defines The Twig.
As we reflect on the past decade, we are filled with gratitude. To those who have been part of The Twig since the very beginning—thank you for believing in this mission before it had a name, a space, or a plan. And to those who have joined us along the way—your support has strengthened and sustained this work in ways you may never fully see.
Because of this community, children in foster care leave The Twig with more than clothing. They leave with dignity, confidence, and the reassurance that there are people who care deeply about their future.
Thank you for being part of these first ten years. We are honored to continue this work alongside you.
With gratitude,
Nicole Britton
Executive Director, The Twig Cares
When a child enters foster care, so much of their world changes overnight. Familiar routines, belongings, and even a sense of control can disappear in an instant. At The Twig, we exist to meet children in that space with consistency and care—by meeting their tangible needs and offering them a moment to feel like themselves again.
Each visit to The Twig is more than a shopping experience. Children are invited to choose clothing that fits their body and their personality, shoes they can walk confidently in, and items that help restore a sense of normalcy. These choices may seem small, but for many children, they are powerful reminders that they matter.
Over the past year, we’ve continued to grow—serving more children while remaining deeply committed to seeing each one as an individual. Our volunteers approach every visit with intention and compassion, focusing not on numbers, but on the child standing in front of them. It’s this personal, consistent care that defines The Twig.
As we reflect on the past decade, we are filled with gratitude. To those who have been part of The Twig since the very beginning—thank you for believing in this mission before it had a name, a space, or a plan. And to those who have joined us along the way—your support has strengthened and sustained this work in ways you may never fully see.
Because of this community, children in foster care leave The Twig with more than clothing. They leave with dignity, confidence, and the reassurance that there are people who care deeply about their future.
Thank you for being part of these first ten years. We are honored to continue this work alongside you.
With gratitude,
Nicole Britton
Executive Director, The Twig Cares
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Our Impact
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A "Refresh"ing time was had by all who attended
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This past April, The Twig partnered with Foster the Family Florida to host the Refresh Retreat—a special weekend designed to encourage and care for those who care so deeply for others.
We welcomed 21 foster and adoptive couples for a time of rest, connection, and renewal. With powerful sessions led by Jamie Finn and Jason Johnson, the retreat offered space for reflection, encouragement, and meaningful conversations. The impact was real and immediate: “We were planning to disrupt our current placement. After this weekend, we feel encouraged and supported—and are reconsidering.”
“We have never been away as a couple until this weekend.” “Thank you. We needed this.” We are excited to announce that we already have plans for our 2nd Annual Refresh Retreat!
It will be held April 17-19, 2026. If you would like to sponsor the event, or sponsor a couple by paying for their admission tickets, go to: The Twig Cares - Refresh - A Marriage Retreat for Foster Couples Thank you for making moments like this possible—because of your support, we can care not only for children in foster care, but for the entire community that surrounds them. |
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Mark Your Calendar for our Upcoming Events!
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Thank you to our 2025 Event Sponsors!
Would you like to become an Event Sponsor?
Go to: TheTwigCares.com/EventSponsors
Or contact [email protected] for more information
Go to: TheTwigCares.com/EventSponsors
Or contact [email protected] for more information
Other Ways Our Community Helps Support The Twig
Our community has come up with all kinds of creative ways to support The Twig by bringing awareness to their neighborhoods, clubs, churches, businesses and organizations. If you would like to host a fundraiser or a collection drive, please give us a call at 941-220-7958 and we would be happy to speak with you.
Venice Area Board of Realtors hosts an annual "Splittin' Clays for Charity" event with The Twig as one of it's supported charities!
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The Pelican Pointe Niners hosted a Golf Tournament to support The Twig!
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Our annual Fostering Feet event in Venice, and our Sneakin Back to School event in Bradenton were organized by Ajax Paving and TLC Women's Circle. Together they brought in over 1000 pairs of shoes for The Twig!
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Donors shop our Wishlist on Amazon and have greatly needed items sent directly to us!
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2026 is a Giving Challenge Year!April 15th and 16th, 2026 from noon to noon, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County will be hosting its biennial Giving Challenge!
Stay tuned for more information on how to get your donations matched during this amazing Community Event. |
We can't do what we do without contributions from donors, like you.
Learn about how to become a
monthly Dream Partner
by clicking HERE.
Do you need some Twig Merch?
A Letter from a Foster ParentIn the heart of love, a seed was sown,
From it, a mighty tree has grown. The Twig, a beacon shining bright, A haven for souls in need of light. For foster children, often torn, By circumstances they were born, The Twig extends its loving hand, To help them firmly take a stand. Clothing and shoes, not just for show, But tools to help them truly grow. To erase the scars of difference and pain, So they can find their place again. In this haven, they build their dreams, A place where hope forever gleams. A sense of community, so strong, Where they truly do belong. Safety and love, like stars above, Guide them on their path to love. Relationships blossom, friendships bloom, In The Twig's embrace, there's no more gloom. Each day, each month, it's like Christmas cheer, For the children The Twig holds dear. A celebration of their worth, A reminder of their infinite birth. From The Twig, a tree, God's love did plant, A legacy of hope, so gallant. From one foster child, the journey began, To nurture others, with love as the plan. The Twig, an organization divine, With roots in love, like vintage wine. For foster children, it's a dove, A testament to the power of love. From The Twig, they blossom and thrive, In its warm embrace, they truly come alive. An amazing organization, forged from above, The Twig is a testament to boundless love. |
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