"One thing I do value is people that care about me, because I never had people who loved me or cared about me, or even paid me a lot of attention."
-- Ashleigh, when in residence at CHS' Hacienda Girl's Ranch
CHS is home to hundreds of children like Ashleigh who come to live, sometimes permanently, in one of our group homes throughout Florida. Some have lost their parents. Some have been abandoned. Some are homeless due to abuse, neglect, or because they struggle with emotional or behavioral problems.
Providing much more than shelter and food, CHS staff nurture and counsel the children in their care. CHS homes are usually filled with laughter, music and play, but sometimes give way to tears and anger as the children learn to cope with their situations and begin to heal.
In some ways CHS group homes are no different than that of any family. They are lively households with CHS house parents and staff who make the children feel safe and at home, perhaps for the first time in their lives. CHS team members weave the details of home life -- school drop-offs, movie outings, sports, after-school activities -- into a busy daily schedule. But they never lose sight of their bigger, tougher job: helping the children in the care find the best within themselves. They listen to their hopes, encourage their dreams and work with them to reach their goals. For the children who need it, we also provide intensive therapy and counseling.
Some children just stay for a few weeks or months until it's safe for them to return to their families, live with relatives, or join a foster or adoptive family. Others may "grow up" with CHS. These youth are given support, training and love as caring staff prepare them to transition into adulthood through independent living and self-sufficiency programs.
At 15, Cynthia walked into a CHS group home an angry rebellious teen. She "graduated" with a new outlook, thanks to then-CHS house parents about whom she wrote the following once in college.
"I first came in contact with CHS four years ago, when I was 15 years old. It was the first time in my life that I experienced positive role models, especially with my house parents, Chat and Dolly. From them I learned that love was something I had been searching for my entire life."
Safe Harbor Runaway Center, West Palm Beach
Gets young people off the streets before they become victims of crime or resort to criminal acts to meet basic needs, such as food. Counselors help the youth resolve whatever problems caused them to be homeless with an ultimate goal of reuniting them with their families. For contact information, click here.
Transitions Group Home, West Palm Beach
Provides a safe, nurturing environment for teenage mothers, ages 13 to 19, and their children. The young mothers learn to become self-sufficient and to become a good parent raising a healthy family. For contact information, click here.
Joshua House, Tampa area
An 11-acre campus of several ranch-style homes includes a large play area, basketball courts, jungle gyms and a tree house. Supported in part by The Friends of Joshua House Foundation, a group of dedicated Tampa-area volunteers and business leaders. For contact information, click here.
American Children's Home, Miami
Therapeutic group home provides family and group counseling, school and community activities, and individualized treatment with the goal of adoptive placement for children ranging in age from 5 to 12 years. For contact information, click here.
Teen Group Homes, Miami
Five group homes in residential neighborhoods include two homes for teenage mothers and their children, and three homes for teens getting ready to live independently. All residents receive guidance on life skills and problem-solving abilities needed to succeed as adults. For contact information, click here.
Specialized Adolescent Center Programs, Miami
Provides a therapeutic program for 24 severely emotionally disturbed youth, ages 12 to 17 years, who need a more intensive level of therapy. House parents trained to understand their special needs work with these youth whose emotional problems have made these youth unable to live successfully in other foster homes. For contact information, click here.
Hacienda Girls Ranch, Melbourne
Home to 45 girls, ages 10 to 17 years, who live in residential-style homes on a 25-acre campus that includes a swimming pool and basketball court. An independent living program that focuses on life skills, employment, and problem-solving prepares older girls to live on their own. For contact information, click here.
Terry/Chambers Group Care, Jacksonville
Two residences provide homes for 20 children, ages 3 to 12 years, with day treatment, and mental health services provided by a team of CHS professionals. For contact information, click here.
Buckner Manor, Jacksonville
Provides a home for teen girls, offering an environment for therapeutic treatment of victimization and trauma. This group care facility also includes an independent living aspect for youth working toward self-sufficiency. For contact information, click here.
Promise House, Jacksonville
Provides a home for young mothers (ages 16-23) in the foster care system who have a child under 18 months. The young mothers receive special skill training to prepare them for parenthood and independence. For contact information, click here.
Destiny House, Deland
House parents help eight girls, ages 13 to 17 years, learn skills needed for a healthy, independent life. Development includes educational and recreational activities, and professional counseling. For contact information, click here.
Brian's House, Deland
Promotes a sense of belonging for eight boys, ages 13 to 17 years, with house parents helping each to develop education or vocation plans and learn life skills. Professional counseling supports future self-sufficiency. For contact information, click here.
Girls Group Home, Vero Beach
Moving into a newly constructed home, girls ages 12 to 18 years benefit from individual and group counseling, learn life skills, enjoy recreational activities and work closely with staff on their individual plans. For contact information, click here.
