When Ava (name changed for privacy) was 8 years old, she came to the Tilton Famly Children’s Center after being removed from her parents due to abuse and neglect. The Hibiscus team of caregivers immediately assured Ava that she was safe and that she was not alone. Over time, Ava began to feel more secure and learned to trust the staff and volunteers. The Hibiscus Mental Health Counselor provided therapy to help Ava heal, feel more confident and learn to cope with the trauma she endured. After leaving Hibiscus, Ava was placed in foster homes for several years.
Ava returned years later to the Hibiscus Village. She felt hopeless and alone. The years of moving from foster home to foster home and the difficult circumstances that surrounded her family had taken its toll on her. The Village staff never gave up on Ava. They persistently worked with Ava to help her realize how valuable she was and that she had the potential for a better future. Slowly, Ava began to come around and envision the life she wanted to have. She concentrated on school and was involved in sports and several other activities. Her determination and resilience to get her life back on track was evident in her willingness to work hard in school and with her therapist who provided Ava with tools to handle her anger and hurt appropriately. She participated in the Career Pathways Program which assists teens in preparing for the future through career training and preparation. When Ava turned 18 and was ready to leave the Village, she was equipped with the life skills, career knowledge and resources she needed to succeed and was enrolled in college. Ava shared, “I don’t know what I would have done without Hibiscus. I would not have made it here and on the road to a productive life”.
Hibiscus has served thousands of children like Ava who were traumatized but found a safe haven that continues today to promote growth, foster learning, create a sanctuary culture, facilitate healing and provide the resources and skills for successful transition into adulthood.
Over 35 years ago, Hibiscus Founder LaVaughn Tilton was deeply affected by the lack of safe placements for abused children removed from their homes. Over three decades later, more than 3,000 abused, abandoned and neglected children have received safe haven at the Tilton Family Children’s Center in Jensen Beach and Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach. Our children arrive at Hibiscus scared and traumatized. Every day, they are welcomed by caring staff and volunteers and have received over 425,000 nights of safety. Children are provided critical services including mental health, educational, medical, trauma-informed care, career training and hope for a brighter future.
If you would like more information about how you can get involved and help children, please contact Michelle King, CDO, at 561-452-5791 or via email at mking@hcc4kids.org.
