History of Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust, Inc.
The story of Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust, Inc. dba The Center for Faith-based Family Services begins with a profound commitment to From Trauma to Trust, rooted in the visionary leadership of Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, QS, TF-CBT. With over 30 years of experience in mental health counseling and trauma-focused care, Dr. Shoemaker's journey in Healing Hearts started in the early 1990s, where he dedicated himself to supporting vulnerable children and families through adoption advocacy and therapeutic interventions.
In 2011, Dr. Shoemaker—affectionately known as "Mr. Ed"—was nominated for the Irene Sullivan Adoption Advocacy Award in Pinellas County, Florida, recognizing him as an unsung hero for his tireless work in transitioning children to adoptive homes across multiple counties. This early milestone highlighted his Insightful Minds approach to Building Forever Families, even in the most challenging cases involving trauma and attachment issues.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Shoemaker earned his PhD in 2016, marking a pivotal evolution in his career. Inspired by faith-based principles and a passion for Purposeful Healing, he founded Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit shortly thereafter, initially evolving from his earlier venture, Mr. Ed's Family & Education Intervention Services Inc. The organization was established in Lakeland, Florida, to provide specialized therapeutic services, comprehensive behavioral health assessments, and family support programs that Piece Together Solutions for a Brighter Future.
In partnership with Shoemaker Consulting & Treatment Group, PLLC—co-led by Dr. Shoemaker and Tonya A. Sharrett-Shoemaker, M.A.—the center expanded its reach, integrating decades of clinical, educational, and coalition-building expertise. This collaboration, formalized in the mid-2020s, enhanced our ability to offer trauma-informed care, attachment-focused therapy, and telehealth services via platforms like Doxy.me, all while elevating Minds & Futures Above Politics to foster unity and ethical renewal beyond partisan divides.
Key milestones include:
- 2016-2018: Launch of core programs in trauma recovery and adoption support, serving families across Polk, Pinellas, and surrounding counties.
- 2020s: Adaptation to virtual services during global challenges, ensuring uninterrupted Healing Hearts for remote clients.
- 2024-2025: Introduction of the Substack newsletter Minds & Futures Above Politics, providing bold insights and tools for generational healing.
Today, as we approach our next chapter in 2026, Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust, Inc. continues to evolve, committed to Building Forever Families through innovative, faith-centered solutions that transform trauma into triumph and pave the way for brighter, unified futures.
