INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The Association of Florida Colleges, Indian River State College Chapter presented tote bags made by members for clients of the Children’s Home Society of Florida Youth Transition Center, which is located on the Vero Beach Campus.
The organization is a component of the agency’s Transitional Living Program.
The tote bags contain fun items and information about Indian River State College for clients living at the Youth Transition Center in Vero Beach. Twenty Association of Florida Colleges members from the IRSC Chapter participated in the projects.
The AFC members who organized and participated in the project used fabrics donated to IRSC’s Interior Design Program by interior designers who participate in organizing and staging the annual Children’s Home Society Designer Showcase House in Martin County.
The Showcase House raises funds to support the Youth Transition Center and other CHS programs. Interior Design students and AFC members assist the designers in the Showcase House by hosting rooms.
The next Designer Showcase House is planned for November 2012 at the historical Captain Sewell’s homestead, which was recently moved to Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach.
The Transitional Living Program provides aftercare services for youth who “age out” of the foster care system on their 18th birthday. Case management services, as well as life skills training and temporary housing, are provided to youth ages 18-23 in order to promote independence and prevent homelessness.
“Residents of the Youth Transition Center will be thrilled to receive these wonderful gifts,” explained Jan Swink-Huffert, Executive Director of Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Division. “We are most grateful for these innovative donations from the IRSC Chapter and for the many dedicated interior designers and volunteers that provide such a strong network of support for the young adults that participate in the Transitional Living Program.”
The Treasure Coast Division is also accepting donations for the 2011 Holiday Gift Drive for Transitional Living Program clients and children in foster care. Those wishing to make a monetary donation may do so at any Seacoast National Bank location on the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County.
For more information about drop-off locations for the gift drive, contact Michelle King, Director of Development at (772) 344-4020 or michelle.king@chsfl.org.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida programs are developed to break the cycle of child abuse and provide children and young adults with the opportunity to be safe, healthy and prepared for life.
For more information visit chsfl.org or call (772) 344-4020.