By: David Castrillon, Director of Development, His House Children’s Home

Every child deserves a future filled with hope, healing and opportunity. Yet for children in foster care, the trauma they have endured often leaves deep emotional wounds that require time, patience and professional care to heal. At His House Children’s Home, our mission is to provide a safe, loving environment where children and families can begin to rebuild their lives. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month and Foster Parent Appreciation Month, we recognize the vital role that emotional well-being and strong family support play in restoring hope.

A Crisis in Mental Health

Mental health challenges among children in foster care are widespread and deeply complex. Many of the children who come to His House have experienced significant trauma, loss and instability. These are factors that, without proper intervention, can impact their emotional development for years to come. Studies show that youth in foster care are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions compared to their peers.
At His House, we understand that healing is not only physical, but emotional. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive support services, including access to licensed clinicians, wellness programs and initiatives focused on restoring mental and emotional balance. By prioritizing mental health from the moment a child arrives, we create a foundation for resilience and recovery.

Supporting Families from the Start

Foster parents are crucial partners in the healing journey. At His House, we work to ensure that foster families feel supported from the very beginning of the process and beyond. We offer extensive training, ongoing education, crisis intervention support and access to experienced licensed staff to help foster parents navigate the challenges of trauma-informed care.
By equipping foster families with the tools to build nurturing, stable homes, His House empowers them to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of the children they welcome.

Promoting Wellness Through Community Initiatives

One of the ways His House promotes mental wellness is by creating spaces that encourage healthy living and emotional connection. Last year, we proudly opened Unity Grounds Park, a state-of-the-art outdoor fitness area made possible through the support of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami Program — Team 2: Lead Miami 2gether. Research shows that physical activity boosts mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing stress, which are key factors in trauma recovery. Unity Grounds Park gives children a safe, welcoming place to play, heal and simply be kids.
Additionally, we are excited about the future development of our Health and Wellness Center, this new facility will further strengthen our ability to meet the emotional and psychological needs of the children, families and staff we serve.

Amplifying Voices Through Mission Moment Mondays

Healing is powered by connection. This year, we launched Mission Moment Mondays, a podcast series I host, where we spotlight the inspiring stories and people behind His House. Through conversations with staff, supporters and advocates, we aim to build awareness about the realities our children face and highlight the transformative power of hope and community

How You Can Support Mental Health and Foster Families

Every member of the community has a role to play in supporting mental wellness and strengthening foster families. Here’s how you can make an impact:
• Participate in events like our Derby Day Fundraiser on May 17 at Gulfstream Park, where your donation directly supports mental health services for children.
• Advocate for trauma-informed care and support policies that strengthen foster care systems.
• Volunteer! Whether offering time, talent, or mentorship, volunteers play a critical role in providing stability and joy for children in care.
• Share resources and conversations about mental health and foster care within your networks.
• Consider becoming a foster parent, by learning of all the wonderful changes it can bring into your life and your family.

Beyond May: A Lifelong Commitment

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and Foster Parent Appreciation Month is just the beginning. At His House, we believe that supporting mental wellness and strengthening families must be a year-round commitment. Together, through compassion, advocacy and action, we can nurture hope and build a brighter future for every child.
For more information on how to support His House Children’s Home,
visit https://www.hhch.org.

By: David Castrillon, Director of Development, His House Children’s Home

Every child deserves a safe and loving home. Yet, for far too many children, abuse and neglect cast a shadow over their childhood, shaping their future in ways they never chose. At His House Children’s Home, our mission is to provide healing and hope to the children and families in our care.. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, advocate for vulnerable children and take action to break the cycle of abuse.

A Crisis in Our Community

Child abuse is not a distant problem—it is happening in our own communities, often behind closed doors. His House is the largest residential campus in Florida caring for children who have experienced unimaginable forms of abondment, abuse or neglect.. In South Florida, the crisis is even more severe, as the region ranks second in the nation for human trafficking cases. These statistics are alarming, but they remind us why our work is so important.

Prevention Through Awareness and Action

The most powerful tool in preventing child abuse is awareness. Recognizing the signs of abuse, whether physical, emotional or neglectful, is the first step in protecting vulnerable children. It is essential for parents, teachers, caregivers and community members to educate themselves on these warning signs and take preventative measures. Additionally, maintaining personal mental health and emotional balance is key to fostering a nurturing environment for children.

At His House, we equip our children with the support and resources they need to heal. Our on-site clinic department provides access to psychiatrists and clinicians who help children navigate their trauma. Through therapy, counseling and structured programs, we are working to break the cycle of abuse therefore creating generational change.

Raising Awareness: A Community Effort

Throughout April, His House will host initiatives to raise awareness and engage the community in child abuse prevention efforts. One of our key events is a Pinwheel Ceremony on April 3, symbolizing hope and resilience for children affected by abuse by planting a sea of 1,500 blue pinwheels. Additionally, we are launching a new podcast, Mission Moment Mondays at His House, airing live on Facebook and Instagram. This 5 to 10minute segment will provide insight into the realities these children face and highlight how the community can support our mission.

Providing Stability and Normalcy

Beyond awareness, His House is dedicated to creating a sense of normalcy for the children in our care. Our Kids Keeper Program allows individuals to contribute monthly to fund first-time experiences for our children—whether it’s attending a field trip, receiving a birthday gift or enjoying a simple day at the park. These moments, often taken for granted, are transformative for children who have known only instability. The program also provides wellness kits for therapists to use in identifying and addressing trauma, helping children engage more effectively in their healing process.

The Power of Education in Breaking the Cycle

Education plays a pivotal role in preventing child abuse and helping survivors reclaim their futures. Children who experience abuse often struggle with depression, making it difficult to focus in school or hold down a job, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and vulnerability. His House offers programs that prepare children for independent living, teaching essential skills such as financial literacy, career readiness, health and nutrition and personal development. Addressing trauma early ensures that children have the tools they need to build a stable and successful future.

How You Can Help

Preventing child abuse requires collective action. Here’s how individuals and organizations can make a difference:
· Become a Kids Keeper: 100% of your monthly contributions will provide meaningful experiences that foster healing and joy.
· Volunteer: Many workplaces offer community service budgets, consider organizing a volunteer day at His House.
· Raise Awareness: Share resources, educate yourself and others, and speak up when you see signs of abuse. If you see something, say something!

Beyond April: A Lifelong Commitment

Child abuse prevention does not end when April does. This is an ongoing battle that requires year-round commitment. By supporting His House, whether through financial contributions, volunteering or advocacy, you can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment.

At His House, we believe in the power of transformation. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse, one child at a time.

For more information on how to support His House Children’s Home, visit https://www.hhch.org.

By: David Castrillon, Director of Development, His House Children’s Home

At His House Children’s Home, every child who walks through our doors carries a story, often marked by hardship, loss and uncertainty. Many have endured neglect, abandonment or abuse, leaving them feeling alone in their struggles. But here, they find more than just a safe place. They find healing, stability, and hope.

As a faith-based organization, our mission is deeply rooted in leading by example through Christ’s teachings. While we welcome children of all backgrounds and beliefs, Lent holds special meaning for us. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. It’s a season that mirrors the journey many of our children are on.

Walking Alongside the Broken

Lent, the 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter, reminds us of Jesus’ time in the wilderness. He was alone, tested, and preparing for His mission. In many ways, the children at His House are facing their own challenges, often feeling abandoned and questioning why they have had to endure so much pain.

Our role is to remind them that they are not alone. Just as Christ walked alongside those who were hurting, we walk alongside our children, offering love, care, and guidance. Through mentorship, counseling, and spiritual encouragement, we help them see that their past does not define them. Their struggles are just one chapter in their story, and they have the strength to rise above them.

Living Out the Mission of His House

Throughout the season of Lent, we encourage both our children and staff to reflect on their personal journeys and grow in faith. Prayer plays a vital role in daily life at His House, with opportunities for children to engage in Bible study, youth groups and moments of gratitude before meals. A Bible is present in every home, serving as a reminder of the hope that faith can provide.

For our staff, morning prayer is available for those who choose to participate, fostering a spirit of unity and purpose. We are also in the process of creating a dedicated prayer space, a “war room,” where children can leave personal prayers and petitions, knowing they are being lifted up by those who care for them.

Lent as a Call to Serve

Lent is not only a time for reflection but also for action. At His House, we believe that true faith is demonstrated through service. This year, we are inviting the community to take part in meaningful acts of giving. On March 6, we will host a Pastor’s Luncheon, bringing together faith leaders from across South Florida to learn about our mission and explore ways their congregations can support vulnerable children.

We also encourage those observing Lent to consider replacing personal sacrifices, whether fasting from a favorite treat or social media, with acts of kindness. Volunteering, fostering, or simply spreading awareness of the needs of children in foster care can make a lasting impact.

A Season of Hope

Ultimately, our hope for this Lenten season is that every child at His House will come to understand that they are deeply loved. Many struggle with faith, wondering how a loving God could allow them to experience pain. We remind them that God meets them where they are, walking with them through their challenges. He does not promise a life without hardship, but He promises they will never be alone.

As we journey through Lent and into Easter, we pray that one day, our children will look back and see how they made it through. His House was there to support them, just as Christ supports us all.