In a heartwarming ceremony today, Caridad Center, Florida’s largest free and charitable clinic, proudly celebrated the grand opening of Justin’s Shoe Store, a new initiative made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Bill Forster and the Forster Foundation. The ribbon-cutting event marked a new chapter in Caridad Center’s ongoing mission to support children and families in need by providing free, quality footwear to children served by the clinic.
Driven by a passionate desire to ensure that no child is left without proper shoes, Bill Forster approached Caridad Center several months ago with a visionary goal: to create a shoe store where children could receive brand-new shoes at no cost. This dream became a reality today with the unveiling of Justin’s Shoe Store, which will serve as a vital resource for countless families who rely on Caridad Center for their health and well-being.
“Bill’s unwavering dedication and the incredible support of the Forster Foundation have made a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve,” said Laura Kallus, CEO of Caridad Center. “With Justin’s Shoe Store, we are addressing a critical need in our community and ensuring that every child walks with confidence in shoes that fit and are of high quality.”
The store, located within the Caridad Center facility, will provide free shoes to children who otherwise might not have access to the essential footwear they need for school, sports, and everyday activities. Forster’s philanthropic contribution underscores the power of community partnerships in addressing basic needs and improving the quality of life for underserved populations.
“Making sure children have proper shoes may seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound impact on their well-being, self-esteem, and ability to participate fully in their daily lives,” said Bill Forster. “It’s an honor to be able to give back in this way, and I’m grateful to Caridad Center for helping bring this vision to life.”
The opening of Justin’s Shoe Store aligns with Caridad Center’s commitment to addressing not only the health needs but also the broader social and material needs of Palm Beach County’s most vulnerable children and families.
About Caridad Center, Inc.
Founded in 1989, Caridad Center is Florida’s largest free and charitable health clinic. With over 600 volunteer physicians and healthcare providers, Caridad Center provides medical, dental, vision, mental health, social services, and health education to uninsured and underserved children and families in palm beach county, with over 84,000 patient visits. Caridad Center is a Four-Star Charity by the National Charity Register and a 2023 Platinum Transparency Award recipient from Candid
