TILTON FAMILY
Children’s Shelter
SAFETY, LOVE and HOPE FOR ABUSED CHILDREN
The Shelter is a 30-bed emergency shelter that opened its doors in October, 1989, to provide a safe haven for abused, abandoned and neglected children.
Children:
Children, ages birth to 12, are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect and/or abandonment by the State. The children are placed at the Shelter for a few days, months, or sometimes, even years. Children over the age of 12 years can be admitted if they are part of a sibling group with younger children.
Staff & Volunteers:
Children are cared for by a group of caring and trained staff and assisted by loving volunteers. The staff provide 24-hour awake supervision. Volunteers enhance care by helping with meals, tutoring, rocking babies, laundry and much more.
::Mental Health Services:
Professional therapists provide on-site services to children, specializing in the treatment of trauma-based disorders, behavioral health, infant mental health, and healing victims of sexual abuse. Services are provided by licensed therapists that have been professionally trained and have a true passion for working with children. The children also receive psychiatric services such as medication management in conjunction with our counseling services to ensure the best outcomes.
Equine Therapy:
Hibiscus Children’s Center has partnered with Justin’ Time Stables to provide the children living at the Jensen Beach Shelter with Equine Therapy. This non-traditional therapy helps build self-esteem, confidence and trust. It can also help children learn social skills while reducing anxiety and depression. And children love it! This unique program is an expansion of our current mental health program for children and helps build self-esteem and life skills. “If I am sad when I go see the horses, I feel happy when I see them”. – Shelter child
Medical/Dental Services:
Children who are required to receive updated physicals and immunizations receive them within five days of admission. Medical office staff care for the children’s daily medical needs and appointments. Children also receive dental services in the community.
Educational Services:
The children attend public schools and are encouraged to be part of extra-curricular activities. The Education Coordinator is the liaison with the school counselor and Shelter staff/therapists. After-school tutoring is provided by volunteers and staff.
Literacy Program:
Provides individualized assistance to children whose traumatic experiences have virtually halted the educational process. The Literacy Coordinator assesses each child and determines his/her academic level. This program helps to foster a love for reading and provide a fundamental foundation for education. The Literacy Program and tutors for the children are made possible through grants from Children’s Services Council of Martin County and United Way of Martin County.
Enriching Opportunities:
The children experience fun and educational outings and activities, including Camp Hibiscus, a ten-week summer camp.
IMPACT ON CHILDREN
Last year, 32 children were provided safe haven at the Shelter with an average length of stay of 120 days.
36 children participated in the Literacy Program with 285 group sessions.
515 tutoring sessions provided.
99% of children attending school were promoted to next grade level.
To learn more about the Hibiscus Shelter and to take a tour of our facilities, please contact Lori Swift, Director of Outreach and Events, at (772) 334-9311, ext. 121 or email: LSwift@hcc4kids.org.
Volunteer: Please contact Maria Cook, Education/Volunteer Coordinator, at (772) 334-9311, ext. 110 or email: mcooke@hcc4kids.org
The Shelter and Village, Hibiscus’ residential facilities, provided over 16,000 safe nights to children last year.
