- February 7, 2025
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Christina Markoff has been busy trying to bring together more programs to benefit children throughout Volusia County.
The most recent accomplishment for Markoff, the CEO and founder of the Our Children First Foundation, was adding an athletic program for children that are autistic and who have been through trauma.
"We're teaching them how to play soccer," Markoff said. "The woman that is teaching the class went to college to help autistic children so this is something she specializes in."
The free soccer classes will take place over a six-week period and will be held at Port Orange's All Children's Park, 6007 Spruce Creek Rd. A soccer meet and greet will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, while practices will be announced afterward.
Previously, the organization set up an anti-bullying martial arts program that included mentoring and ways for students to appropriately use the skills they have learned to de-escalate situations where they are being bullied. While learning anti-bullying strategies, the students have the chance to work toward earning their belts and to progress through the program through different levels and while working toward their individual goals.
The organization also had a backpack giveaway where they gave more than 175 children backpack supplies, shoes and uniforms.
However, Markoff has expanded beyond Port Orange and has set up a horse therapy class in Ormond. The classes are geared toward children with autism and will start on Saturday, Nov. 18.
For more information on this and other programs visit facebook.com/nonprofitourchildrenfirst/.
