New Hope for Kids – Center for Grieving Children & Wishes for Kids Program

New Hope for Kids – Center for Grieving Children & Wishes for Kids Program operates two core programs: the David C. Joswick Center for Grieving Children and the Wishes for Kids Program. The program provides a safe and supportive environment where children grieving the death of a loved one can share their experience with others facing the same feelings of loss. It also grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses and offers life-enriching wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses through the Wishes for Kids Program.

• Ages: 3–18 years old

New Hope for Kids was established in 1996. Its mission is to provide support to children and families grieving the loss of a loved one and to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions. The organization operates as the largest independent child-based grief support program in Central Florida and serves as a community-fueled resource providing grief support and granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida. New Hope for Kids has been a resource of support for almost thirty years through community-driven events. The leadership team includes Brian Clark, President and CEO. New Hope for Kids has been honored by the Maitland City Council on Children’s Grief Awareness Day, won the First Winter Park Health Foundation Grant Challenge Showcase, and was selected for EBI’s Empowering Good Initiative.

Last updated February 17, 2026.