News

Hibiscus Children Return to School After a Great Summer!

Summer break is a time of excitement for children everywhere and the kids at Hibiscus Children’s Center are no exception! After a summer filled with fun activities, the kids have returned to school energized and ready to embrace the new year. Hibiscus provides a safe haven and life-changing services to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Tilton Family Children's Shelter in Jensen Beach serves children from birth to age 12, and older children when they are part of a sibling group. Many of these children arrive with significant educational gaps, facing challenges that make it hard to succeed in school. That’s why education and literacy programs are critical. They provide the tools children need to overcome obstacles and create a foundation for future success.

One of the standout programs at Hibiscus is the Literacy Program, which encourages a love for reading and helps build essential educational skills. Last year, Hibiscus children in grades K-3 showed a remarkable 75% improvement in sight word recognition and reading fluency.  Liam (name changed) is an eight-year-old boy who came to Hibiscus after experiencing severe trauma and abuse. He had not been allowed to attend school.  He should have been in 3rd grade but had no academic background and was unable to read.  One of the first things Hibiscus staff did was to enroll him in school. 

With the help of a dedicated tutor and school assistance, Liam began his journey toward reading and learning. His excitement to learn has grown steadily, and once he grasped the basics of letters and sounds, his progress accelerated. Today, Liam can read sight words and simple sentences—a testament to the power of Hibiscus’ staff, volunteers and teachers. Liam’s transformation is one of many success stories that Hibiscus witnesses every day.

In addition to educational support, Hibiscus Children’s Center is committed to creating a sense of normalcy for the children in its care. This includes ensuring they experience the simple joys of childhood, such as attending summer camp. “Camp Hibiscus” is a key part of their healing process, offering fun-filled days of adventure and creativity. Outings to water parks, theme parks, bowling alleys, and movie theaters are balanced with arts and crafts, games, and imaginative play. Through these activities, Hibiscus helps children find moments of joy and healing while building the resilience they need for the future.

Thank you for your support for Liam and the many other children in Hibiscus’ care who need these critical services.  Please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org to learn more.