History

Dashes

The Dream began when …

Local businessman, Bill Mahoney, dreamt of building a place where siblings could grow up together; a place where children would feel safe and loved; and a place where children in foster care would know they matter. Bill shared his dream with other community-minded individuals and in 1996, Children’s Harbor was established. Today, Children’s Harbor impacts over 775 at-risk children and their families across our continuum of care.

1996

Children's Harbor was Founded

Founded by a group of volunteers, Children's Harbor was officially established as a nonprofit child welfare organization.

Children's Harbor begins offering in-home counseling to families in crisis throughout Broward County.

1999

30 Year Lease

The City of Pembroke Pines gave Children's Harbor a 30 year lease for an 8 acre campus.

2004

Our First Residential Home Opened

Our first residential home opened to serve 5 pregnant or parenting teens in foster care.

2006

Launched On-Site Therapeutic Clinic, 2nd Residential Home, & New Playground

Children's Harbor launched our on-site therapeutic clinic and began offering trauma-focused individual and group therapy to every child within our residential program.

Our second residential home opened to serve 12 siblings in foster care.

The playground was built with over 300 volunteers in one day. 

2008

3rd House was Built

Our third house was built serving 12 additional siblings.

2011

New Basketball Court, Academic Skills Program, & 1st Luncheon

Celebrated our first free-throw on our brand-new basketball court!

Children's Harbor began providing an Academic & Life Skills Program to children on campus.

The first annual luncheon was held.

2012

Pavilion Added to the Campus

A pavilion, equipped with a grill and fans, was added to the campus.

2013

1st Annual Gala & Field Improvements

The 1st annual Harbor Lights Gala was held to raise funds.

Our field was sodded and soccer goals were installed.

2014

1st Annual Academic Achievement Event

The 1st Annual Academic Achievement Event took place to celebrate our children's success in school.

2015

Awarded Federal Grant & Began CARE Treatment Model

Awarded a 5 years, 5 million dollar federal grant to provide services to former foster care youth.

Began the implementation of the care treatment model.

2016

Opened 2nd Maternity Home, Office Expansion, and Launched New Programs

Opened a 2nd maternity home for 4 pregnant/parenting teens.

Expansion to 1st satellite office.

Launched Grounded for Life, a weekly academic mentoring program for foster teens throughout Broward County.

Opened Brown's Harbor, a housing program for foster youth ages 18-23.