Children’s Harbor Hosts Cap & Gown Ceremony at Broward College

Children’s Harbor hosted its 5th Annual Academic Achievement Awards recently at the Performing and Cultural Arts Center, Broward College Judson A. Samuels South Campus to recognize the academic accomplishments of children in foster care.

The 37 students who crossed the stage call Children’s Harbor ‘home.’ They were celebrated for their accomplishments this year, whether they graduated from high school or simply conquered fourth grade long division. Sponsored by attorney Jordan Richards, PLLC, the event highlighted students’ successes with a ceremonial cap and gown procession.

ChildNet President and CEO Larry Rein presented the students with diplomas and Vice President of Ambulatory and Community Services at Memorial Healthcare Systems and ChildNet board chair Melida Akiti delivered the keynote challenge. Graduates and guests also enjoyed a special musical performance by Emmy-nominated songwriter and recording artist Alexander Star.

“Our Academic Achievement Awards event is such a special time as we highlight the outstanding children of Children’s Harbor,” said Tiffani Dhooge, COO. “We are so proud of all of their accomplishments and can’t thank our community partners, board members and donors enough for their incredible support in helping our kids reach their potential.”

Children’s Harbor maintains a strong educational focus through itsAcademic & Life Skills Program. Children enter the foster care system lagging behind in school due to sporadic attendance, changes in placement and trauma in the home. TheAcademic & Life Skills Program, funded by the Jim Moran Foundation, sets children on a structured path toward academic success and self-sufficiency. This year, 100% of the children residing at Children’s Harbor have been promoted to the next grade, a tremendous accomplishment for these vulnerable children.

 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.

On our main campus in Pembroke Pines, Children’s Harbor provides nurturing, family group homes for 24 siblings and 12 pregnant/parenting teens in the foster care system with therapeutic, academic, and life skills services to improve the lives of children, youth, and families across Broward County. And on the Howard C. Forman Campus, an extraordinary collaboration between Children’s Harbor, benefactors Ashley and Ed Brown and their nonprofit, Selfless Love Foundation, ChildNet, and the City of Pembroke Pines, has created Brown’s Harbor, a supportive housing program for former foster youth, ages 18 – 23. Visit Childrensharbor.org to learn more.

Tamia

ChildNet President and CEO Larry Rein Larry Rein & Jewel

ChildNet President and CEO Larry Rein and Children’s Harbor COO Tiffani Dhooge

Shanira , Destiny, & Shanell

Jordan Richards, Shanira & Jewel

Children’s Harbor Board Members Dawn Quaranta, Sherry Stein and Paul Smith