Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach is pleased to announce a $40,000 annual grant from the Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) to support the Samaritan Center Children’s Program for the 2026–2027 grant year. The CSAC operates under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida.
Located in Vero Beach, the Samaritan Center provides transitional housing and comprehensive support to families experiencing homelessness. The Children’s Program focuses on helping children overcome the challenges associated with housing instability, including educational disruption, emotional distress and limited access to essential resources.
Funding from CSAC will support the Children’s Coordinator, who meets weekly with children ages 4–17 to provide age-appropriate activities focused on health and safety, character development and other areas of personal growth. The Coordinator also works with parents to monitor children’s academic progress and connect families with tutoring and other educational resources when needed.
The program expects to serve approximately 40 children during the year and will work to strengthen family protective factors, including parental resilience, social connections, and knowledge of parenting and child development.
“Catholic Charities is grateful to the Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee for its continued investment in the children and families served at the Samaritan Center,” said Renee Bireley, Development Manager for the Samaritan Center. “This support helps us provide children with the stability, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The $40,000 award represents a meaningful investment in helping children and families move from crisis toward greater stability and independence. Catholic Charities is grateful for the Committee's partnership and commitment to building a healthy community for children and families.
