Learn about Hero’s Child
Our Mission
Hero’s Child is committed to honoring those who serve our community and country by providing full childcare scholarships to military families, EMS personnel, firefighters, police officers, childcare workers, and teachers-those who serve. Our mission is to ease the financial burden of quality childcare, ensuring that every child of a hero receives the care and early education they deserve.
About us
With the rising number of at-risk and foster children, along with the increasing cost of childcare, Hero’s Child Scholarship Program was founded to ease the financial burden on families and promote equitable access to high-quality early education. The program provides scholarships that cover a portion of childcare costs for military families and those who serve the Bay County community—including EMS personnel, firefighters, police officers, childcare workers, and teachers. This initiative aims to expand access to quality childcare, empower working parents to pursue career and financial advancement, and contribute to the overall economic stability of Northwest Florida. Additionally, Hero’s Child is committed to fostering continued educational enrichment and promoting academic excellence among Florida’s youth.
Proudly serving those who serve us every day. Hero’s Child Scholarship Program bridges the gap between financial insecurity and access to quality childcare programs for at-risk families.
Learn about our Partners
Harvest Worship Center
Founded in 1991 as a small storefront in a local strip mall, Harvest Worship Center has been serving the Panama City, Florida community for over 30 years. After a devastating fire destroyed the original church during its first year, the ministry rebuilt at its current and permanent location on Highway 390.
Over the years, Harvest Worship Center has become a cornerstone of the community—hosting prison ministry programs, serving as a polling station during elections, and providing space for local Girl Scout events. Beyond its role as a place of worship for residents of Lynn Haven and the wider Bay County area, the church actively supports families through its childcare ministry, Harvest Christian Academy.
Harvest Christian Academy
On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, causing widespread destruction throughout Northwest Florida. As a result, Harvest Worship Center lost its facilities, leading to a significant disruption in its childcare services. In response, the school was provided with a temporary modular facility, which continues to house its operations. However, the reduced space has limited the number of children the school is able to serve.
Harvest Christian Academy operates as an extension of Harvest Worship Center and is the largest early childhood education center in Bay County, FL. It serves approximately 160 children ages 8 weeks through 5 years old. Additionally, it is a contracted provider for the State of Florida’s School Readiness program, which requires adherence to established educational, health, and safety standards. As approved School Readiness providers, the Academy’s staff have demonstrated their ability to meet and maintain these higher quality benchmarks, ensuring a safe, supportive, and high-quality early childhood education for our students and their families.
In addition to education, the Academy provides essential support services, including a USDA-approved free hot meal program, serving approximately 6,000 meals each month. Families also benefit from after-school and summer care programs. The Academy is proudly contracted by the State of Florida to offer the free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, further expanding its impact on early childhood learning in the community.
