Hope Florida is an initiative First Lady Casey DeSantis launched in 2021 to help Floridians achieve economic self-sufficiency and prosperity. During the first week of the 2025 legislative session, the First Lady hosted a spouse lunch at the Governor’s mansion in Tallahassee, where she discussed her passion for Hope Florida, showing that she is the leader Florida needs. She told the spouses how to get involved in helping this wonderful organization, which will save Florida taxpayers nearly $800 million over the next ten years by helping approximately 30,000 Floridians transition off government assistance and achieve self-sufficiency. Additionally, annual savings from reduced reliance on public aid are projected to be around $100 million. Here are the details about the groundbreaking program Casey DeSantis is leading to help Floridians and set an example for the nation.
Thank you, @GovRonDeSantis, for highlighting Ginger’s story as an example of how @HopeFlorida is transforming lives every day. Thanks to Hope Florida, Ginger is no longer struggling to make ends meet—she has changed her life by achieving her dream of becoming a physical therapy professional.
Proud of Ginger and the tens of thousands of other Floridians who have reduced or eliminated their reliance on government assistance with the help of Hope Florida navigators and community partners throughout our state.
~Casey DeSantis
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How Does Hope Florida Work?
Hope Florida uses “Hope Navigators” to connect individuals with community-based resources, including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and private sector partners. The program focuses on breaking down barriers to success, such as employment challenges, substance use disorders, or foster care transitions, while reducing reliance on government assistance. Women, youth, and families benefit enormously from this program.
What is First Lady Casey DeSantis’s Role?
Casey DeSantis spearheaded the Hope Florida program and has actively promoted its expansion and integration into various sectors, including law enforcement and veterans services. She emphasizes a community-based approach that minimizes bureaucracy and maximizes collaboration among different entities. Less government overreach and more community involvement show that Casey DeSantis isn’t just talking the talk—she’s walking the walk.
Ginger’s Story (the woman who spoke at Governor DeSantis’s State of the State Address)
During the 2025 State of the State address, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Ginger, a woman who benefited from Hope Florida. She was invited to showcase how the program helped her connect with needed services. Sitting alongside Casey during the address, Ginger received a standing ovation from lawmakers as an example of the initiative’s success in transforming lives. Ginger also told her emotional story of Hope at the spouse luncheon.
https://x.com/CaseyDeSantis/status/1897456774560542922
How Has Hope Florida Impacted the Lives of Floridians?
Hope Florida has significantly impacted the lives of Floridians by fostering economic self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on public assistance. Key outcomes include:
Reduced Public Assistance: Hope Florida officially launched in 2021. Over 30,000 Floridians have decreased or eliminated reliance on government aid, with an estimated taxpayer savings of nearly $1 billion projected over 10 years.
Support for Vulnerable Groups: The program has helped over 1,000 foster youth access education and mentorship, supported pregnant mothers battling substance use disorders, and assisted at-risk youth with employment and community connections.
Employment and Self-Sufficiency: Nearly 40,000 food stamp recipients were referred to the program, and over 70% reduced or eliminated reliance on food stamps.
Community Collaboration: Through partnerships with over 5,600 organizations, including faith-based groups and nonprofits, “Hope Navigators” have connected more than 100,000 individuals to resources like housing, employment, and mentorship opportunities.
The program’s personalized approach has successfully addressed barriers to prosperity while uniting the public and private sectors to maximize support.
Casey’s background has strongly influenced her approach to Hope Florida, shaping it as a community-driven initiative to empower individuals and families.
Key aspects of Casey DeSantis’s Influence Include:
Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations: Casey DeSantis has consistently focused on supporting children, families, and at-risk groups. Hope FFlorida’s collaborative model shows her commitment to breaking down barriers between government, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness: Her prior work with initiatives like Hope for Healing Florida highlights her dedication to addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges. This focus is integrated into Hope’s efforts to help individuals overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
Community-Centered Approach: Casey DeSantis emphasizes leveraging existing resources outside government and minimizing bureaucracy. Her belief in connecting people with personalized support through “ope Navigators” reflects her vision for empowering individuals while fostering community collaboration.
Casey’s leadership has made Hope Florida a unique model for reducing dependency on public assistance and promoting long-term prosperity, proving that she is the Hope for continued success.
To become a Hope Hero, volunteer, and learn more about the program, contact a Hope Navigator at 833-GET-HOPE. Visit the website at hopeflorida.com
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