Nearly 200 supporters of Children’s Harbor gathered to celebrate the agency’s 20th anniversary and honor the agency’s founders. After two decades of serving children in foster care, Children’s Harbor recognized its principal founder Bill Mahoney as well as Karla Nickell, Charlie Dodge, Tom Godart and Randy Rogers, all of whom were instrumental in making it happen.
The event featured past and present accomplishments as well as a vision for the future and highlighted the many changes that have taken place over the years.
Two decades after it began, Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited nonprofit agency that provides nurturing, family group homes for 24 siblings and 11 pregnant/parenting teens in the foster care system on a beautiful eight acre campus in Pembroke Pines. Children’s Harbor also helps prevent child abuse through the Family Strengthening Program, in which each year, 200 families across Broward County receive in-home counseling to improve parenting and communication skills.
“These kids come from truly difficult circumstances. All the hard work and time and resources Children’s Harbor puts in to prepare them for a better future—that is the evidence of our success. We couldn’t be prouder,” said founder Bill Mahoney.
The agency recently expanded its capacity and launched several new programs which have enhanced the experience and the success of the children who live there.
“There is so much energy and vitality here,” said board chair Sherry Stein. “I see children who are happier than they’ve ever been and realizing more of their potential. We’ve seen a tremendous growth of programs in such a short time, including an expansion for more pregnant and parenting teens, a five million dollar, five-year federal grant for children aging out of foster care, a community education grant for foster children in the community and more.”
Benefactors Ashley Brown and her husband Ed, who is CEO of Patron Liquors, recently pledged $1 million to expand services with housing for youth who have aged out of foster care, at a site previously administered by the City of Pembroke Pines. Now called Brown’s Harbor, the new campus will house more than 40 youth and provide a range of services.
“We are so excited by the opportunity to help these young people achieve their goals and dreams,” said Ashley. “With no family and no place to go when they leave foster care at age 18, these kids are 100 percent on their own. We want them to know they matter and give them opportunities they won’t get elsewhere.”
Honored guests included Florida State Representatives Richard Stark, Linda Seagall from Rep. Katie Edwards’ office, Broward County Clerk of Courts Howard Forman and his wife Clerk of Courts-Elect Brenda Forman and Broward County Commissioner-Elect Nan Rich.
The children performed a song during the luncheon and then when the event was over, proudly gave tours of their homes.
About Children’s Harbor
Established in 1996, Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited nonprofit agency with a mission to provide a safe harbor and support to at risk children, youth, and families-keeping brothers and sisters together, strengthening families, and guiding youth towards independence.
Children’s Harbor provides nurturing, family group homes for 24 siblings and 11 pregnant/parenting teens in the foster care system on our beautiful 8 acre campus in Pembroke Pines. These loving homes allow brothers and sisters and teen mothers and their babies to stay together during a turbulent time in their young lives. Children’s Harbor also helps prevent child abuse through our Family Strengthening Program. Each year, 200 families across Broward County receive in-home counseling to improve parenting and communication skills. Visit Childrensharbor.org to learn more.
