Alternative Family Program

Alternative Family Program (AFP) is based on the therapeutic foster home concept of trained sponsors who open their homes to no more than five adults or seniors with mental illness and welcome them into their families. With over 219 beds in 71 licensed care homes covering a 36 county area, sponsors provide 24-hour client supervision, care, and support in exchange for a monthly stipend.

Contact Information

Fort Myers Area
239.450.3612
serving Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, & Lee Counties

Gainesville/Daytona Area
352.262.8551
serving Flagler, Volusia, Levy & Bradford Counties

Lakeland Area
863.944.0510
serving Polk, Highlands & Hardee Counties

Orlando Area
863.944.0510
serving Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties

Pasco Area
727.330.4879
serving Pasco County

Sarasota Area
941.780.5933
serving DeSoto, Manatee & Sarasota Counties

South Florida Area
954.809.4758
serving Broward County

Tampa Bay Area
727.479.1800
serving Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties

A welcoming home for those with mental illness

AFP was bestowed recognition by the American Psychiatric Association for significant achievement with seriously and persistently mentally ill adults, stating that the program was “an outstanding and important model for community mental health.”

“I am very satisfied with the services I have received here. I am very relaxed and content. We are treated like family.”

John R.

“I got to practice the skills that I have learned in the Step Program. I have learned steps to be more independent. I have learned to respect my caregiver and self. ”

Janet R.

“I moved in on November 2, 2006 into the best home that I have had in years. At Keith’s I have my own private room with a fish tank, something I have always wanted. I feel so lucky that I found this place.”

Linda I.

Eligibility Criteria:

19 years or older with a primary DSM IV psychiatric diagnosis on Axis I.
Continent or be able to manage bowel and bladder with light assistance.
Able to ambulate with minimal assistance and have the ability to “self preserve” in the presence of life threatening circumstances.
Competent, or if legally incompetent, client will have a court appointed guardian.
In a state treatment facility or at risk of a higher level of care or psychiatric hospitalization.
Able to function in an unlocked facility, thus not being a danger to self by wandering. In addition, the individual cannot have an episode of elopement within the last 90 days.
Not a danger to self or others, nor can the individual have been seriously disruptive or violent within the last 90 days.
Cannot be suffering from a severely debilitating physical condition (i.e., Alzheimer’s Organic Brain Syndrome, Cancer, and/or Severe Cardiopulmonary Disease) requiring moderate to advanced nursing care or use of technical equipment such as IV’s, oxygen, or monitoring devices which cannot be accommodated by the caregiver.
Must have some form of income, including SSI/SSDI, to pay for cost of care/room and board.

I want to Volunteer!

Volunteers are the life-blood of Gulf Coast JFCS. We are proud of the ongoing commitment demonstrated by hundreds of volunteers each year.

Learn More!

I want to Donate!

There are many ways you can be a part of making your community better by working with Gulf Coast JFCS.

Donate Now!