Honoring the Legacy of Veronica V. James
A Pioneer in Behavioral Health, Empowering Families and Children for Over 25 YearsThe Vision and Legacy of Veronica V. James
Veronica V. James founded Our Children Our Future, Inc. in 1994 with a singular vision: to create a place where children and families could find the emotional and psychological support they need to thrive. With over 25 years of dedicated service, Ms. James’s work transformed countless lives, providing not just care, but hope and healing. Her deep belief that ‘the family is the soil where children grow’ continues to guide our mission today.
Ms. James’s journey in the field of psychology and community service began long before OCOF. Her early work with Dr. Benjamin B. Wolman and her extensive experience in mental health agencies and hospitals shaped her understanding of emotional distress and healing. This foundation inspired her to create OCOF—a place that would address not just individual needs, but the interconnected challenges faced by families and communities.
I believe that the family is the soil where children grow. By nurturing the family, we ensure that children can reach their full potential.
Lives Empowered Through Behavioral Health Services
Dedication to Strengthening Communities
Expert Team of Therapists and Psychologists
Our Mission & Vision
At Our Children Our Future, we believe that emotional well-being is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Our mission and vision reflect our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care and empowering families to overcome life’s challenges. By fostering resilience and promoting early intervention, we aim to create lasting positive change in the lives of the children and families we serve.
Mission Statement
To support and strengthen the emotional health and wellbeing of children, youth, and families to build resilience and achieve and maintain optimal potential. This is who we are.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a future where every child and family can thrive emotionally and mentally. Through compassionate care, cultural competence, and community-based programs, we aim to create a supportive environment where emotional well-being is prioritized, and each individual has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Early Intervention
Proactively identifying and addressing mental health concerns in children ensures they receive the support they need when it matters most.
Family Support
Strengthening families is at the core of everything we do, recognizing that healthy family dynamics are essential for child development.
Cultural Competence
We deliver services with an understanding of cultural diversity, ensuring our approach is inclusive and effective for every family we serve.
Community Empowerment
OCOF is committed to uplifting the entire community, working to provide resources, education, and support that create lasting change.
Meet Our CEO: Toula Zoulas
Toula Zoulas, our CEO, is a dedicated clinical therapist with extensive experience in community-based therapy programs for youth and families. Her career began in New York, where she worked as a Research Manager on multi-site studies focused on treatments for children with ADHD and Anxiety Disorders. After completing her master’s degree, Toula continued her studies in Florida, where she pursued her Doctorate coursework towards a Psy.D. With a strengths-based approach, she empowers clients to become the authors of their own lives, guiding them through challenges such as anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, and trauma.
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone; with the right support, happiness is not an elusive concept but a set of skills that anyone can acquire.
Meet Our COO: Lola S. Jordan, B.S.
Lola S. Jordan, our COO, brings over 30 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, with a deep commitment to empowering families and strengthening communities. Beginning her career at the United Way of Broward, Lola advanced to Director of Community Impact Education, overseeing more than 20 community programs and managing a dedicated team of volunteers. Since joining OCOF in 2015, she has provided a fresh perspective on service delivery, ensuring that our programs reach the families who need them most.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lola is passionate about serving her community and advocating for children’s emotional well-being. Her leadership and dedication to OCOF’s mission have played a vital role in shaping the organization’s impact, helping families build resilience and find the support they need to thrive.
Empowering families is at the heart of everything we do, because when families are strong, children have the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Michèle Jean-Gilles, Ph.D. – Founding/Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Michèle Jean-Gilles is a founding member of OCOF and a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience in the field of child and adolescent psychology. Her work focuses on helping children and families navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Jean-Gilles has been instrumental in developing OCOF’s therapeutic programs, ensuring that clinicians are implementing evidence-based practices through weekly supervision.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Jean-Gilles is fluent in both Creole and French, enabling her to connect with diverse communities and provide culturally sensitive services. Her dedication to promoting mental health awareness and early intervention continues to guide OCOF’s mission of strengthening families and empowering children.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and it is our responsibility to provide the support and care that makes that possible.
What Families Are Saying
At Our Children Our Future, we are honored to have made a positive impact on the lives of countless children and families. Through our compassionate care and tailored services, we’ve helped many overcome emotional and behavioral challenges, allowing them to build stronger, healthier futures. Here’s what some of the families we’ve worked with have to say about their journey with OCOF.
The support we received from OCOF was truly life-changing. Our family was struggling, and they helped us find the right path to healing and growth. We are forever grateful for their care and dedication.
Our partners
Ready to Take the Next Step for Your Family's Well-Being?
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way—reach out today to learn more about how we can support you and your family.
Let’s Work Together to Build a Better Tomorrow
At Our Children Our Future, Inc., we’re more than just a service provider—we’re your partner in creating a brighter, healthier future for your family and our community. Whether you need support, have questions, or want to get involved, we’re here to help. Don’t wait—reach out to us today and let’s start making a difference together.
Address
450 N Park Rd. Suite 600, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone
Fax
954-929-7510