The Strategy Department led by Chief of Strategy, David DeStefano, assesses organizational capacity and strategic objectives.
Kid Central’s Approach
Our approach centers on delivering impactful services that create better outcomes for children and families.
Building Better Lives
As the community-based care lead agency for Circuit 5, Kids Central strives every day to embrace the purpose of building better lives. This is possible through programs, customer service, quality assurance, and community relations. Kids Central continues to concentrate on improving outcomes and achieving results, which in turn changes the lives of the children, families, and the communities served. By utilizing best practices, evidence-based programming, strategic planning, and measurements, Kids Central can quantify its impact.
Mission-Centered
Each year, Kids Central evaluates its annual business plan, overall strategic plan, and annual Balanced Scorecard ensuring they are aligned and mission-centered. First and foremost, Kids Central focuses on child safety and providing the best service to the families it’s responsible for serving. One manner in which this is accomplished is through constant attention to strategic planning and quality improvement.
Proven Approach
Our proven approach has earned Kids Central COA accreditation, and we’re the first community-based care lead agency to receive the prestigious Florida Governor’s Sterling Award.
Sterling Award
In June 2015, Kids Central’s achievements were acknowledged, as Kids Central became a 2015 Governor’s Sterling Award (GSA) recipient. Based on the Baldrige Management Criteria, the Florida Sterling Council awards organizations demonstrating continued performance excellence, recognizing them as role models. To be considered, applicants complete a lengthy self-assessment, implement continuous improvement strategies, benchmark and compare performance to nationally recognized standards, submit a comprehensive written application, and participate in an arduous on-site examination.
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At Kids Central, our mission of service, excellence, and caring is reflected in everything we do. We are dedicated to achieving measurable, positive outcomes for children and families in the Central Florida communities we serve. Please join us in creating brighter futures for children and families.
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IN THE
Community
Boot Scootin Fun For A Great Cause
Our annual Boot Scootin’ Fundraiser was held rain or shine this year, bringing line dancing, casino games, delicious food, and plenty of fun to the Ocala Downtown Market. Attendees kicked up their boots and even enjoyed line dancing to a custom-made Kids Central country western song. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the …
ReadCompany Retreat 2026
KCI Team Enjoys Company Retreat The Kids Central, Inc. team gathered at Hickory Point Park on Friday the 13th for our annual company retreat. It was a wonderful day filled with great food, fun activities, games, and plenty of time for connection and fellowship. It was especially meaningful to see colleagues catching up with familiar …
ReadHome for the Holidays
A Celebration of Forever Families On December 12, 2025, the spirit of the season filled the Ocala Courthouse as 18 children found their forever homes during our annual Home for the Holidays adoption event. These children were lovingly welcomed into 13 families and will now celebrate the holidays surrounded by the warmth, security, and joy …
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