Supporting
Families in Crisis(SFC)
Over 525 children & families served annually
Our goal is to help children heal from the trauma of abuse and help them cope while building positive adaptive and problem-solving skills that will lead to a successful future. We are helping children build strong futures!
Helping families preserve
SFC is a nationally recognized primary child abuse prevention program serving St. Lucie County families. The program helps families resolve crisis siutations, build tools to address future crisis situations and grow stronger as a family. SFC helps families persevere. Case Management Services include financial aid to avoid evictions, help with domestic violence and substance abuse issues, in-home counseling, stress mangement, jobs and budgeting skills. A caring Family Advocate is assigned to work with the family. Services usually last an average of 8-12 weeks, although some families require longer services. The program works closely with local organizations and resources to assist families.
SFC has an annual 100% SUCCESS RATE of
keeping children out of the Child Welfare System.
- 100% of families served had no verified reports of abuse or neglect during services.
- 95% of families who completed services successfully showed improvement in at least 3 out of 5
outcome scales of the Self-Sufficiency Standard. - 100% of families who completed the program demonstrated knowledge and competency in
accessing community resources. - Community families were assisted with food, basic household needs and baby supplies from our Food Pantry.
Success Story
Gina is a single mother of three children who contacted SFC for rental assistance to avoid an eviction. One of her children has cancer and receives treatments in Miami. Driving to Miami and the treatments
have caused financial hardship for Gina and her family. The SFC Family Advocate referred Gina to a local taxi company and helped her access Medicaid coverage for transportation. Gina’s landlord would not
accept financial assistance from the SFC Program, but Hibiscus was able to provide monetary assistance to Gina for groceries and household items. This financial assistance helped Gina catch up on the back rent she owed. Through adversity, Gina persevered to ensure her children were safe and her sick child had the medical treatments necessary. She didn’t give up but pursued getting help and is now back on track and doing much better. The SFC Program motto is: “Asking for help is a sign of strength”.
Support Staff
Will Malone
Director of Prevention Programs
Will has been with Hibiscus since 1996 and is the 2 nd longest tenured staff member. Will has a passion
for helping to strengthen children and families. He began working as a childcare worker in the Jensen
Beach Shelter before joining the Hibiscus Outreach Programs. He currently oversees Hibiscus’
prevention programs, Supporting Families in Crisis and SafeCare.
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. 404 or email: LSwift@hcc4kids.org.
Volunteer: Please contact Jennifer Rawlings, Education/Volunteer Coordinator, at (772) 334-9311, ext. 619 or email: JRawlings@hcc4kids.org