Bailey Hughes

Bailey Hughes is a recognized advocate, leader, and changemaker committed to supporting children and families in crisis. A former educator and now co-founder of The Hands and Feet Bailey's passion for child welfare stems from deeply personal experiences.

After fostering for over five years, taking in 23 children, and adopting four of them, Bailey and her husband closed their foster home in May of 2021. This transition left a profound void, as the foster care community had become Bailey’s life’s work. While adjusting to life as a full-time parent to four special needs children, Bailey sought a way to remain deeply involved in supporting foster families. She recognized a significant unmet need: when children enter foster homes, they often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and while foster closets provide critical supplies, accessing them can be challenging for families.

Bailey envisioned a solution where families could request what they needed, and those items could be collected and delivered directly to their doorsteps—lifting an overwhelming burden during a time of crisis. This vision became the foundation of The Hands and Feet, Inc.

Since its inception, The Hands and Feet has served over 7,000 children across six counties in South Florida. Bailey’s commitment to swift and compassionate support has ensured that families receive items such as clothes, shoes, strollers, and car seats, often within 48 hours. Her innovative model of care continues to inspire hope and resilience in the families she serves.

Bailey’s dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including being named Palm Beach Atlantic University Alumna of the Year in 2023, a CBS12 Hometown Hero, and the recipient of the Outstanding Nonprofit Advocates for Children Award by Florida Children's First. She was also recognized as a Florida Hero by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis for her transformative impact on the foster care community. Further demonstrating her commitment to community leadership, Bailey is a member of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2025.

Through her work with The Hands and Feet, Bailey’s mission goes beyond providing tangible items. Her efforts aim to rewrite the stories of families in crisis by replacing fear and uncertainty with hope and connection. Whether delivering essential supplies, sharing heartfelt stories to inspire action, or collaborating with community partners, Bailey embodies the belief that when a community comes together, every child can feel seen, valued, and loved.