CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Marine Aquarium attracts visitors from all over the country for unforgettable experiences with marine life, including several beloved dolphins.

But some adults and children who are facing adversity get a unique opportunity to be inspired at a higher level with up-close encounters.

“Our Inspire Program is designed to help people with all sorts of life challenges, and that includes children who are in the foster care system,” said Inspire Team Supervisor Karen Malo, who also spent several years advocating for Florida’s most vulnerable children as a guardian ad litem.

“We are really proud to be that safe, happy place for kids who are in the foster care system, or any child for that matter, so they can experience joy during their day with us. The Inspire Program was really born with Winter (the Dolphin) because she inspired so many people experiencing life challenges.”

Malo helped expand the Inspire Program to reach more foster children with the goal of providing hope and normalcy. The complimentary program connects with groups working with “underserved communities, those experiencing physical and/or medical challenges, and educational programs inspiring the next generation of marine conservationists,” according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

“Recently, we’ve seen record numbers of children coming into the foster care system, especially in this region, which is the top area for the largest number of children in the system.” said Malo. “We really need people to think about what’s in their heart. Can you advocate for a child? Can you be a guardian ad litem? Can you foster a child and give them a safe landing spot?”

For Emily Westerfield, the Inspire Program would serve as the surprise of a lifetime for her two children recently adopted from foster care. Both Aubraya and Khaleesi, 8 years old and 6 years old, respectively, are huge fans of the Dolphin Tale movie and loved interacting and playing with Nicholas and Hope, the bottlenose dolphins, to celebrate their new family.

“I’m just excited that they’re happy and get to have this experience,” said Westerfield, a Pinellas County Schools educator. She just finalized both adoptions and still serves as a foster parent for other children in the system.

“Most of my career has been spent teaching in Title I school, so I’ve encountered a lot of foster children throughout my journey, and it just inspired me to say, ‘Hey, I could do this and help families, help the kids.’ So, teaching is what inspired me to become a foster parent,” Westerfield added.

She emphasized the importance of providing normalcy, a loving home and fun experiences for all her children to help cope with trauma from their past.

“My oldest had been in the system for six years, which came out to 2,080 days,” Westerfield said. “So, for the last several years, we practice and embrace normalcy. We go to the zoo. We go to football and baseball games. Aubraya has been in gymnastics since she was 3 years old. Khaleesi just started gymnastics. Sometimes it’s just visiting and experiencing a new park and playground,” Westerfield continued.

Joined by her parents and best friend, Westerfield added that their family experience through the aquarium’s Inspire Program was an extra special celebration with incredible, unforgettable moments for her children.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or adoptive parent, contact Family Support Services for Pinellas and Pasco counties, or the Children’s Network of Hillsborough.

The Heart Gallery has more information on children available for adoption in Florida.