35 Years of Volunteer & Community Support
Since 1985, when LaVaughn Tilton and her family began their quest to build “Hibiscus House”, wonderful community supporters and volunteers have been with us every step of the way for 35 years.
Hibiscus Children’s Center is deeply grateful to all of our volunteers and community supporters. We could not have accomplished the mission for our precious children without each and every one of YOU. Thank You for your dedication and commitment to our children and for being beacons of light for children who have been abused and now have hope for a better future.
VOLUNTEERS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE THE TIME, THEY JUST HAVE THE HEART. – Elizabeth Andrew
Since 1985, our incredible volunteers have provided over 300,000 hours of volunteer service to our organization. Volunteers help in all aspects of Hibiscus Children’s Center, here are just a few examples …
Homework & Tutoring • Mentoring • Prepare Meals • Yardwork & Clean-up • Painting • Chaperone Field Trips • Attend Special Ceremonies • Rock Babies to Sleep • Play Catch & Football • Therapy Dogs • Fundraise • Special Events • Community Awareness • Advocate for Children • Provide Necessary Items • Help Decorate Children’s Home • Provide Governance & Leadership • Guest speakers (financial literacy, life skills, career preparation) • Financial/Independent Living Mentors • Business Collaborative Partners • CULINARY component facilitator • Assist Customers in Thrift Store • Sort Donated Clothing & Items • Operate Cash Register • Much more!
“Hibiscus Children’s Center is an organization that provides housing,education,security,love,counseling and medical care to children removed from their home due to abuse, neglect etc. This organization has been steadfast since its inception 35yrs.ago with the support of the community its donors and volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to its founder LaVaughn Tipton who 35 yrs.ago said no child abused or neglected should be on the streets. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who each and everyday help keep these children safe and well cared for. I am proud to be a volunteer in this organization.”
– Diana Baker, Volunteer since 2000
“The future is in our youth and they all deserve a chance at equal opportunity.”
– Daryl Magill, Volunteer since 2014
“I consider it a privilege to serve alongside the Village staff and children. Even though it’s sad there is such an increase in the number of children in foster care, I am continually inspired by the staff, house parents, and other volunteers who work faithfully with the children!”
– Anthony Dronchi, Volunteer since 2004
“I was introduced to the Hibiscus Children’s Center to join the St. Lucie Guild about seven years ago and haven’t left since! Once I did a tour of the Hibiscus House in Jensen Beach and they opened up the big huge doors going from the office into the house itself I could feel the love and security that this place was all about. The volunteers and the help there are loving and caring and I have had communication with some of the children while in there and when they got out and also some of the parents who are reunited with their family. 35 years is certainly a long time and I hope I can continue to be a part of it myself for years to come.”
– Mike Henry, Volunteer since 2013
“These past months (during Covid-19) have been challenging to everyone, but what I have surprisingly missed the most is the time I spend at the Hibiscus Children’s Center each week. I never realized what a little bit of volunteering does for your soul and peace of spirit, but now I do! I have missed the camaraderie with the terrific staff and young adults and cannot wait till all this is behind us and I can get back to a routine that I enjoy so very much.”
– Barbara Rannazzisi, Volunteer since 2016
“I have been a volunteer tutor at the Hibiscus Children’s Village and it is such a joy to see an organization so passionate about the well-being of the children in their care. The children are warmly supported and have so much untapped potential. It is truly heart-warming to see them glow when they realize that they can succeed. It is trite to say that you can receive more than you give when you volunteer, but it is true for me. Thank you, Hibiscus.”
– Denise Way, Volunteer since 2013
I have been so fortunate to be able to work with the children by providing dance lessons and also physical fitness sessions. Exercise benefits the children in so many ways including improving self-esteem, sense of well-being and concentration which can be used in all aspects of their lives and set the foundation for success in life. I remember one child who showed particular natural ability in the area of dance ended up with a dance scholarship at a nearby dance studio, and she is doing tremendously well. As a community, we are very fortunate to have HCC available to our children and I encourage other future volunteers to offer up their time and talent to make a difference at the Center.
– Naomi Newton, Volunteer since 2017
“I believe that if you have been fortunate in this society it is imperative that you share that good fortune with others. I cannot think of a group of people more deserving than the residents of Hibiscus Children’s Village. The Village focuses solely on the residents. It provides them with structure, role models, safety and a sense of self worth to help them navigate their teen years. I support HCC so these children don’t have to walk alone.”
– Jim Mitchell, Volunteer since 2015
Donations including: Backpacks • School Supplies • Personal Protective Equipment • Goodies & Holiday Treats • Arts & Crafts Supplies • Clothing & Shoes • Computers • Board Games • Toys & Play Items • Costumes • Christmas & Birthday gifts • Party Decorations • In-Kind Services including: Maintenance • Painting & Repairs • Lawn Service • Salon Hair & Nails • Limo Rides for youth • Sailing Lessons • Horseback Riding/Equine Therapy • Tickets to Plays, Movies & Musical Shows • Contributions & Legacy Gifts • Much more!
A few of our Supporters share their hearts …
“Frank and I are happy to be a part of Hibiscus – helping children in need to build a better life – Congrats!”
– Frank & Millie Savastano
“The Village at Hibiscus Children’s Center is an outstanding example of what can be done by dedicated people. I am so honored to be a part of this extraordinary organization”
– Helen Robertson
“Through my job, I get to help many people in the Vero Beach area. One of the highlights of my job is talking to and working with the kids at Hibiscus Village teaching Financial Literacy.”
– Joshua Lau, Personal Banker Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
“Hibiscus means hope. Hope for today. Hope for tomorrow. Hope for children to live without fear and with joy in their hearts so that their childhood years will lead them and mold them into successful members of their families and communities. Hope that someday these children will also deliver hope and a smile to others. The children of Hibiscus are blessed by many people who have followed the leadership, vision, and mission of LaVaughn Tilton. The US Sailing Center of Martin County receives joy every time one of these children smile, giggle and express cheer for being on a sailboat. The Sailing Center loves sailing, but even more we love using sailing to help fulfill the mission of Hibiscus Children’s’ Center.”
– Alan Jenkinson, Executive Director, US SAILING Center- Martin County
“As we think what all of you do at Hibiscus Children’s Center is absolutely amazing! Helping our children first hand, giving them a safe place to stay and taking care of them, and making them feel special day in and day out is absolutely incredible! So much love and passion goes behind this to better the lives of local children within our community. Keeping them busy and engaged with their homework, giving them responsibilities, creating friendships and bonds, feeding them and giving them all necessary tools and resources to succeed in life. The list goes on and on, Hibiscus Children’s Center is certainly a safe haven to many and a blessing to the Community. Happy 35th Birthday/Anniversary! So much to celebrate and be thankful for! Thank you for all you do!”
– Rocking Horse Foundation
“The United Way of Okeechobee greatly values our partnership with Hibiscus Children’s Center. We would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers for how hard they all work every day to provide such high quality, effective programs to so many children in crisis in the community.”
– United Way of Lee, Henry, Glades & Okeechobee Counties
“We are very grateful that we are able to partner with Hibiscus Children’s Center and provide internship and first employment opportunities for their teens. We take pride in knowing that we are helping to guide them into the future. It is a pleasure working with you and your staff. Happy 35th Anniversary!”
– Mickey Barham, Owner, Penny Hill Subs
“We enjoy always dropping items off to our friends at HCC. If you’re able to help with their mission, please contact them as they are truly saving our youth one young person at a time!”
– TeamSuccess Enterprises, Inc.
“We just dropped off a new frying pan that was needed for the boy’s house at Hibiscus Children’s Center! We love giving there!”
“Always happy to bake and deliver cupcakes for Little Birthday Angels for the amazing kids at Hibiscus Children’s Center”!
– Love to Serve, Inc.