Transforming Futures: 2025 Quarterly Impact Report
As we mark 25 years of dedicated service, the Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) stands at a pivotal moment, with our vision for children's mental health clearer and more urgent than ever before. Your belief in our mission is the very power behind our ability to shape a more resilient future for thousands of children and families in Palm Beach County.
Our work goes beyond merely responding to crises; we are transforming what's possible for every child. This is a bold public health vision, operationalized across prevention, early intervention, and treatment, always connecting data to action and community to care.
Trauma-Informed and HOPE-Centered Care
Our commitment to creating a trauma-informed, HOPE-centered system of care is at the core of everything we do and part of our Strategic Plan 20252028. We believe that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are not destiny, and positive outcomes can be cultivated. Key initiatives in this area include:
HOPE Training Efforts: We are in full swing, expanding our reach across the community and equipping agencies and partners with the tools to create resilience-focused environments.
HOPEful Families Curriculum: We developed a 12session curriculum for caregiver groups, with a new support group officially launched, and the University of Texas conducting research on its impact and success.
HOPEful Youth Psychoeducational Groups
Curriculum: We are actively developing a new curriculum for youth, expanding our reach to younger generations.
SHAWN’S STORY
At just 15, Shawn had already endured more trauma than most face in a lifetime. Referred by his pediatrician for extensive trauma, difficulty managing anger, and ADHD symptoms, he carried a heavy weight that often left him feeling overwhelmed and out of control. That’s when he met his therapist at Center for Child Counseling.
Over the next two and a half years, his therapist became a safe and steady presence. Together, they processed painful memories, worked through new challenges that arose during treatment, and built coping skills to help Shawn manage anger and anxiety Shawn’s guardian saw the change firsthand, calling his therapist “his biggest cheerleader and mine as well an angel here on earth ”
As Shawn neared discharge, the family shared they needed more support. A Center for Child Counseling Care Coordinator stepped in to connect them with mentoring services and legal assistance to help stabilize their home life. The caregiver described her as “a God send,” ensuring that the progress Shawn made in therapy was supported by a stronger foundation at home.
By the time services ended, Shawn was described by his guardian as “a totally different kid.” Reflecting on the journey, she told the team, “Center for Child Counseling has left a lasting footprint on our hearts and lives.”
The Mobile HOPE Unit – Bringing Hope
Directly to Communities
A major second-quarter milestone was the launch of our new 25-foot Mobile HOPE Unit a traveling healing space delivering education, prevention, mental health services, and hope directly to communities in need.
Designed to remove barriers to care, our Mobile HOPE Unit ensures no child’s future is limited by their zip code, aligning with our mission to meet families where they are. This vital unit was made possible by an anonymous donor, with operating support from several foundations—proof of the power of partnership in transforming services.
"We don’t have to wait for a child to fall apart emotionally before we do something. This is about building the capacity of the people who live and work with kids to promote their mental health and wellbeing." -Renée Layman
Summer of Play, Prevention, and Partnership!
We kicked off the Summer with the CityPlace Summer Social - Day of Play. On May 24th, we were thrilled to partner with our community at CityPlace’s Summer Social! Our Day of Play was bursting with creativity, connection, and joy as children and their families came together to color, draw, and create both art and memories From laughter at the craft tables to shared moments of fun, it was a beautiful reminder of the power of play.
CampSafe: This online child sexual abuse prevention program has demonstrated strong global reach. As of April 22, 2025, we have 110 camps signed up from across the country and Canada! CampSafe is used by both day and residential camps, with a wide variety of programs serving children with diverse interests and needs medical, special needs, religious, athletic, travel, arts, parks and recreation, and more.
This summer we also joined forces with Rohi's Readery and Rohi's Liberation Station in Northwood for the heARTwork Creative Camp x Center for Child Counseling The focus of the program is to empower youth through trauma-informed creative practices, focusing on social-emotional and mental health, in partnership with the CFCC with 2-3 on-site counselors. We have continued to provide much-needed support over the summer with various community partners like the Boys and Girls Club and Bridges!
Program Highlights & Community Impact
Expanding Our Reach in Palm Beach County
In June, our Education and Prevention Services team hit the road— participating in five outreach events across Palm Beach County. These events not only boosted our visibility but also brought much-needed resources directly to underserved neighborhoods.
According to our Data Dashboard, prevention and early intervention services at co-located sites and partner agencies reached over 600 children this semester—proof that early access and consistent support can make a powerful difference.
Child First: Changing Lives
Child First programs are currently serving 108 families, with 7 more on the waitlist. Demand continues to grow, reflecting the community’s trust in our ability to provide compassionate,
Get Your Green On – A Decade of Awareness
May marked the 10th anniversary of Get Your Green On, celebrating Mental Health Awareness and Trauma-Informed Care Month. Our team—and the community— turned out in force,
Project BRAVE: Removing Barriers to Care
Project BRAVE continues to make mental health services accessible for clients without insurance. Therapists are on track to meet all SAMHSA-required NOMS data goals—a testament to their dedication and the program’s lifechanging impact.
SNAP: Father First
We’re excited to launch a FREE 13week SNAP® Fatherhood Initiative! Designed for fathers, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, and male caregivers with kids ages 6–11, this evidence-based program helps families strengthen bonds, improve communication, and build resilience. Our current SNAP Boys 6–8 group is already thriving, with boys and caregivers learning tools to manage emotions and grow together.
Celebrating 10 years of Child First in Palm Beach County
This year, we proudly celebrate a decade of impact through the Child First program in Palm Beach County As we reflect on these 10 years, we are filled with gratitude Thousands of families have been touched by the dedication of our Child First teams, whose work has strengthened mental health, nurtured relationships, and built brighter futures for infants, young children, and their caregivers
This incredible journey would not have been possible without the generous support of the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
At our 10-year celebration, we were honored to recognize three extraordinary leaders with the Child First Community Champion Award: Dr Lisa Williams-Taylor, Judge Kathleen Kroll, and Tammy Fields Each of these champions has made a lasting difference in the lives of families and children, advancing mental health and strong relationships through their leadership and commitment to our community
Child First is an evidence-based, two-generation program that promotes strong relationships and mental well-being for families with young children. Nationally, Child First is a program of Changent, which implements and supports datadriven programs. Here in our community, it is carried out by Center for Child Counseling and Families First of Palm Beach County.
Learn more: centerforchildcounseling.org/child-first-program
Circle of Giving: Change That Lasts
Our Circle of Giving is turning hope into action and action into lasting change.
In April, members came together to dive into our HOPE Framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences, developed by Tufts University) and explore how we’re weaving HOPE into every aspect of our work at Center for Child Counseling.
We are deeply grateful to this passionate group of supporters who continue to invest their time, energy, and leadership in building a brighter, more hopeful future for children and families. And there’s a place for you, too. We invite you to join the circle and discover how you can make a difference.
Our work is a testament to the power of collective action, innovation, and compassion. Every milestone, every child reached, and every family strengthened is a direct reflection of the generous support from partners like you. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment, heart, and passion of our entire team, who are helping create a brighter, more hopeful future for children and families every single day.
We invite you to continue this journey with us, as together, we can transform what's possible for every child.
We could not do it without you.
