Safe Harbor Shelter at the Children’s Home Society ribbon cutting (left to right): Mark Freeman, President BallenIsles Charities Foundation; Jody Passov, Vice President BallenIsles Charities Foundation; Sabrina Barnes, CHS Regional Executive Director; and Lauren Fuentes, CHS Vice President Child & Family Well-Being.

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (November 13, 2023) – Members of the BallenIsles Charities Foundation, made up of members and residents of BallenIsles Country Club, recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the new BallenIsles Wing at Safe Harbor Shelter, located inside the Children’s Home Society of Florida. The Foundation awarded a $72,000 grant for the purpose of remodeling an unused wing at the Shelter, adding 12 additional beds for youth ages 10-17.

“This is the only Shelter in Palm Beach County for runaways living on the street. We knew we had to step-up and not turn our backs on kids who are at risk of trafficking and often resort to selling drugs or stealing to survive,” said BallenIsles Charities Foundation Vice President and Grants Committee Chair Jody Passov.

At Safe Harbor, homeless youth who are in the midst of a crisis find immediate safety, counseling and basic necessities. During their temporary stay with the Children’s Home Society, the Shelter works with families to access support, therapy and other local resources that can help youth address the crises they are experiencing. Following discharge, Safe Harbor staff will support the re-united family for up to 180 days to insure a smooth and successful transition.

In March, the BallenIsles Charities Foundation announced 53 financial grants and four Impact Grants totaling a record $1,236,000. Each applicant organization is thoroughly vetted and must demonstrate sound financial and management practices while their proposed program must meet a critical community need. The record funds raised are a credit to the generosity of BallenIsles residents, local businesses and corporate sponsors, contributions from volunteers, as well as BallenIsles club management and the community association.