CAREER PATHWAYS TO INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
The Village: 40-bed group home facility that opened its doors in May, 2004 to provide a safe haven for abused youth. The Village consists of a campus center, outdoor activity/basketball area and eight homes – six residences, a Career Pathways Center featuring Graphic Design & Culinary components, and an Academic Achievement Center.
Youth: Youth, ages 12 to 17, are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect and/or abandonment by the State. Youth are placed at the Village for a few days, months, or sometimes, even years. Many youth will “age out of the system” with us at age 18.
Career Pathways Overview: Youth, ages 12 – 17, participate in life skill development and career preparation training. Youth are engaged in community based internships with local businesses and agencies.
The Program: Participating youth receive a career and interest assessment to provide an understanding of talents, interests, personality and skills in order to establish compatible future work areas and fields of interest. All youth attend seminars on a variety of career and independent living topics, attend weekly focus groups, and are provided with an opportunity to participate in three different work experiences: job shadowing, internship, and/or part-time employment lasting one to three weeks. In addition, participants are provided with an opportunity to open a bank account and learn how to manage it.
Educational Services: Teens are provided with the support, structure and guidance they need to receive a high school diploma or GED to help build the foundation for a strong future. The Hibiscus Children’s Center Educational Liaison works directly with the Indian River County schools to assist youth in working through educational challenges and monitors their progress.
GED Services: Youth are provided GED Services if they do not wish to receive their diploma through traditional public school. The program encourages youth who have dropped out of public school to receive their GED, virtual school diploma or an alternative diploma.
Graphic Design Impact Center: On-site career development business line that will expand youth’s horizons and help them help themselves through graphic design and technical skills needed for employment and adulthood. Learn more about GDIC here.
C.U.L.I.N.A.R.Y.: The C.U.L.I.N.A.R.Y. component (Cooking Up Life skills, Intellect, and Nutrition for Ambitious & Resilient Youth) at the Village is an extension of the Career Pathways Program and helps to teach youth marketable skills. Through the culinary education, youth will receive training to gain food handling and service certifications. Teens will be involved in all aspects of menu and food handling preparation, dietary requirements, food ordering, budgeting, inventory control, and other culinary activities. Activities are designed to reinforce critical thinking, problem solving, build self-esteem, and identify continuing education options to support the skills needed to attain internships and employment. “Hands on” kitchen training will identify and address life skills that are essential to ensure that youth are able to positively transition into society by pursuing higher education and securing gainful employment. Thank you to The Tides for partnering with us on this exciting new initiative for youth.
For more information, please contact Geoff Madore at (772) 299-6011, ext. 152 or via email: gmadore@hcc4kids.org
Thank you to our Partners:
Indian River Impact 100 generously provided a grant to launch the Career Pathways Program in 2011 and Graphic Design Impact Center in 2017.
At Hibiscus, we do more than help kids dream; we empower them to build the lives they imagine—filled with stability, success and endless possibilities.
Last year, over 70 students participated in the program.
100% improved career related skills.
91% of students improved the percentage of assignments completed during the school year.
353 tutoring sessions were held and no summer school was required.
95% of youth improved school attendance.
98% were promoted to next grade level.
Hibiscus Helps to Change Harper’s Life
Harper is a 14-year-old youth who lived at Hibiscus Village and was recently adopted. Her story is an amazing testament to the staff and volunteers at Hibiscus. When Harper arrived at the Village, she was nonverbal and only communicated using a white board and marker. With the encouragement and tireless efforts of the Hibiscus therapist, staff and volunteers, she improved significantly. Harper also participated in the Graphic Design Impact Center. She achieved success in school and was sociable. Everyone was excited when she was placed in a pre-adoptive home which became her forever family! Harper recently came back to the Village to thank staff who had such a positive impact on her life and share that she will soon be graduating high school. We are proud of Harper’s accomplishments.
Harper’s story is a daily reminder that with the right support, every child can heal, grow and reach their full potential.