February 26, 2026 Vero Beach - Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach is proud to share that the Samaritan Center Transitional Housing Program has been recognized with a 2026 Golden Impact Award by the Indian River County Children's Services Advisory Committee.
This distinguished recognition honors programs that demonstrate measurable, positive outcomes for children and families in Indian River County — and Samaritan Center is deeply honored to be among them.
Supporting Children Beyond Shelter
While Samaritan Center provides safe transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness, its impact on children extends far beyond a roof overhead.
Through the Samaritan Center Children’s Program, approximately 40 children each year receive structured, research-based support designed to reduce childhood adversity and strengthen resilience.
Children ages 4–17 meet weekly with a full-time Children’s Coordinator for age-appropriate lessons in:
- Health, safety, and self-care
- Character development and life skills
- Self-esteem building activities
- Academic monitoring and support
When academic challenges are identified, tutors are engaged, homework assistance is provided five days per week, and school attendance is closely monitored to ensure educational stability. The program also provides on-site mental health counseling for children and parents to address the trauma and stress associated with homelessness.
The outcomes speak volumes. In the previous fiscal year:
- 100% of participating children demonstrated measurable growth in self-esteem.
- 89% showed improvement in academic performance.
These results reflect not only stability, but transformation.
A Community Impact Worth Celebrating
The Golden Impact Award affirms that addressing childhood adversity requires more than temporary shelter — it requires intentional, holistic investment in the well-being of children and their families.
By combining housing stability with academic support, mental health counseling, mentorship, and parent engagement, Samaritan Center is helping children regain confidence, improve school performance, and build the foundation for long-term success.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Indian River County Children's Services Advisory Committee for this recognition and for their ongoing commitment to nurturing families and strengthening our community.
Most importantly, we celebrate the resilient children and families who walk through our doors with courage and determination. This award belongs to them.
Together, we continue creating hope — one child, one family, one future at a time.
