19 Oct Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc.

Posted at 21:20h in 2025, Gulf Coast Kid's House, Health & Wellness, Nonprofit by

gulf coast kid’s house

Grant Year: 2025 | Focus Area: Health & Wellness| Grant Amount: $103,500 Grant Status: In progress

Gulf Coast Kid’s House (GCKH) was established in 2004 to serve Escambia County with a mission to end child abuse and heal families through collaborative intervention, family support and prevention education. By providing multidisciplinary direct services in a singular location, GCKH forms a more collaborative response to child abuse cases, improving case outcomes, and minimizing trauma to the children and families served. With over 8,000 reports of abuse each year, a prevention program was initiated in 2006 to educate the community to recognize, report and prevent child abuse. In 2017, GCKH received the Child Protection Team contract from the Department of Health to provide forensic medical exams and interviews in the four child advocacy centers in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. GCKH has continued to review research on the long-term effects of child abuse and neglect, evaluate and implement necessary changes to provide exemplary care for the clients including hiring two mental health therapists, purchasing land with plans to build The Healing House, a 10,000 square foot facility and the Therapeutic Garden dedicated to the treatment of childhood trauma, abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation. 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Following child abuse, there is a high volume of complex and emotional trauma presenting as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem/worth, trust issues, behavioral problems, cognitive and academic challenges, suicidal ideations and self-harm. If unaddressed, child abuse can cause long-term impacts in every area of a person’s life and well-being. GCKH proposes to build an IMPACT 100 Therapeutic (Therapy) Garden, located adjacent to The Healing House for the children and families who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse in Escambia County. Gardens are incredibly soothing for people whose nervous systems are on high alert from trauma. The sights, smells and sounds of a well-designed garden will help to calm these emotional experiences. The garden brings them back to the present moment in a gentle way. Also, gardens offer children and families ways to control their environment, after so many have felt out of control. IMPACT 100 funds will be used for plant materials, concrete walkways and fountain wall, fencing, site prep, and irrigation. This garden can become a lasting symbol of healing and hope in Escambia County. 

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

In Escambia County, one in nine children is listed as a possible victim in a child abuse report, ranking among the top ten in Florida for abuse per capita. In communities like this, the need for healing spaces is urgent. The Therapy Garden will help thousands of families and children who have been exposed to and impacted by child abuse, and adults who are recovering from child sexual abuse. Additionally, this garden is available to staff and volunteers who participate in the treatment process of these families and children, as an alternative locale for visits or sessions. The Therapy Garden will play a critical part in restoring the mental health of children, families, and adults impacted by child abuse. With education and intervention, the number of child abuse experiences may decrease. Families and children will learn to process trauma, develop skills, build trust, and improve behavioral outcomes with this additional restorative intervention, The Therapeutic Garden. 

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