Success Stories

Homeless Children’s Foundation

CHELSEA*

When certified nursing assistant Chelsea suddenly had her hours decreased, things began to decline rapidly for her and her 8-year-old daughter. Chelsea fell behind in her rent, and they were evicted in late 2019.

Chelsea continued to work part time, but that wasn’t enough to keep her and her daughter from having to live in motels, in their car, or on the floor of a friend’s house. Sometimes Grandma could babysit, but often Chelsea had no choice but to take her daughter along to work with her. When her employer discovered this breach of policy, Chelsea was terminated.

In the midst of struggling to find a job and child care, Chelsea began suffering from anxiety.

Then the Homeless Children’s Foundation stepped in, coordinating and funding after-school programs, summer camps and year-round tutoring for Chelsea’s daughter, whose social skills and academic performance began to improve. Moreover, Chelsea was then able to seek a full-time position, which she landed in March 2021.

HCF also provided a mental health referral, housing resources and budgeting support to Chelsea. With all of this support in place, she was able to secure housing, settling with her daughter into an apartment they can now call home.

*Image changed for privacy

Children & Youth

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ST. LUCIE, INDIAN RIVER & OKEECHOBEE COUNTIES

772-466-8535 bbbsbigs.org

MISSION: To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever

MAIN EVENT: Annual Chocolate, Champagne and Chefs event, Oct. 25, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: One-to-one mentoring programs between a “big” and “little” through shared experiences in the community; school-based mentoring once a week for K–third grade; or tutoring 25 hours a week in the schools for VPK–third grade in the BBBS Reads program

Founded: 1984

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 772-299-7449 bgcirc.org

MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens

MAIN EVENT: Angels Dinner, March 10, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Tutoring and homework help during homework time

Founded: 2000

CHILDCARE RESOURCES OF INDIAN RIVER 772-567-3202 childcareresourcesir.org

MISSION: To elevate and promote the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families

MAIN EVENT: Starfest, Feb. 7 & 8, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Engage with children through reading, art projects, music, serving lunch, gardening or simply taking a walk or rocking babies

Founded: 1994

CROSSOVER MISSION

772-257-5400 crossovermission.com

MISSION: To help the kids who need us most to become successful adults through yearround basketball training and one-to-one academic mentoring

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Academic mentoring with an at-risk student for one hour per week during the school year, helping in the office, and working on the annual gala, parades and basketball tournaments

Founded: 2014

DASIE BRIDGEWATER HOPE CENTER

772-589-3535 dasiehope.org

MISSION: To empower students to be self-confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals in a safe and nurturing environment

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Business speakers and mentors, culinary arts teachers, and helpers at the STEM lab

Founded: 2004

FEED THE LAMBS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM INC.

772-501-2617 feedthelambsep.com

MISSION: To provide education, workforce development, recreation and mentorship services for underprivileged children, youth and young adults at no cost

MAIN EVENT: Gospel Concert, November 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Tutoring, summer camp and mentorship

Founded: 1996