The Stoops Family Foundation Grand Cottage on the new Sylvester Family Foundation North campus was dedicated with a ribbon cutting on November 1. The 12,867 square-foot home in West Palm Beach will give twelve boys who have been abused or abandoned, a safe, spacious, and welcoming environment to call home.
The children that HomeSafe serves have experienced unimaginable abuse or neglect and suffer from behavioral and emotional issues that stem from their trauma. For over 40 years, HomeSafe has been a safe place for these children. With the opening of the Stoops Family Foundation Grand Cottage, we are one step closer to giving all our children new homes that are intentionally designed to decrease their anxiety and promote healing. A critical component necessary for healing is the creation of not only safe spaces, but also healing spaces—private rooms where each child has personal safety and a retreat zone, as well as public spaces designed for social interaction and therapy. It is important for each child to have their own bedroom and bathroom, which provide both privacy and a sense of control. A place where they can reflect and deal with their emotions as they work through their trauma. HomeSafe is grateful to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller for providing the bedroom furnishings.
The Schmidt Family Foundation Education Wing includes the Nancy and Gene Beard Music Room with new musical instruments donated by Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain and his wife Rebecca. The fitness center, furnished by BallenIsles Charities Foundation, was designed to support our children’s physical and mental wellness, and to help manage their stress. The Tarra Enterprises, Inc. Computer Lab offers a quiet space for our children to complete their homework and meet with their tutors. The Gols Foundation Resident Meeting Room and Terri and David Layman Reception Area will provide staff with the spaces that they need to meet with and care for our kids. The cottage also includes a large kitchen, gaming area, and dining and family rooms to promote socialization and a sense of community.
The event honored guests Aggie and Jeff Stoops of the Stoops Family Foundation, as well as Jayne Malfitano, Laura Sylvester, and Jena Smith of the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation, for their generous investment in this project. HomeSafe also shared our appreciation for all of our Guardian Society donors who have helped us transform hundreds of lives over the years.
In her remarks, Nicole, a 22-year old graduate of HomeSafe’s residential program and current resident at the Bernstein Independent Living Program at Pond Place, summed up what HomeSafe means to her.
“Your donations are helping children you will never meet. If you want to know where your dollars go, if you want to truly understand their impact, look at me. I am a product of HomeSafe, of the wonderful people that work here, and of all of you.”
Do you want to help change a life today?
