Success Stories

Childcare Resources of Indian River

CK first came to Childcare Resources when he was 14 months old, and the staff immediately recognized that he was experiencing a number of developmental delays. Due to the challenging circumstances of his early life, he was completely nonverbal and unable to walk or even crawl.

Knowing that it wasn’t too late, Childcare Resources’ Wellness and Early Intervention teams sprang into action, developing an individualized plan for CK. The screening and evaluation process brings together parents, teachers and health care professionals to ensure that the correct interventions are made for each child.

CK began receiving physical, speech and occupational therapy on the Childcare Resources campus, and he responded very well. Less than a year later, he is at nearly age-appropriate levels in all of his motor and developmental skills. He can regularly be seen running, climbing stairs and communicating verbally with his teachers.

“We saw something in him that if he had the right tools he would really flourish,” says physical therapist Livya Barreirinhas, “and that’s exactly what happened.”

*Name changed for privacy

Gifford Youth Orchestra

When Marissa Rollins was in fifth grade, she had a chance encounter in Publix with Crystal Bujol, founder of the Gifford Youth Orchestra. Marissa then joined the orchestra as a violin student; but that was only the beginning.

Fast forward more than a decade, and we have a young woman who graduated cum laude with a music education degree from the University of South Florida and is now teaching 400 elementary string students.

Marissa Rollins

Marissa’s time in the GYO was valuable on multiple levels: “Being a pupil of the GYO taught me the intrinsic value of music,” she says. “When I first started, older students helped tutor the younger ones. As an only child, the experience of being guided by another adolescent was invaluable.

“The GYO taught me the importance of community. I find continued contentment in supporting an organization that energized and encouraged me as a child and continues to do so for many other children.”

GUARDIANS FOR NEW FUTURES

772-807-3868 gfnf4kids.org

MISSION: To support the unfunded needs of maltreated children

MAIN EVENT: Annual Child Summit

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Helping create the new Child Advocacy Center

Founded: 1991

HIBISCUS CHILDREN’S CENTER

772-299-6011 hibiscuschildrenscenter.org

MISSION: To maintain a safe shelter for children who are abused, abandoned and neglected by providing prevention, early intervention and advocacy in quality residential, assessment and recovery programs

MAIN EVENT: Hibiscus Candlelight Ball, Dec. 10, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Fundraising; assisting youth with homework, tutoring or mentoring (background screening required)

Founded: 1985

HOMELESS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

772-532-1139 hcfirc.com

MISSION: To coordinate and fund programs for homeless children to enable their healthy development and long-term success while guiding their families to self-sufficiency

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: File, organize, transport furniture to families moving into permanent housing or take pictures and videos for fundraising purposes

Founded: 2015