Pensacola, Fla. (February 28, 2023) – Teens living in two Lakeview Center foster care group homes will soon have new furniture to make their stays more comfortable thanks to a donation from Central Church Pensacola Beach. The faith-based partner gifted $15,000 to make the improvement possible. 

Lakeview Center is an affiliate of LifeView Group. Arcadia Place and Cabot Heights group homes serve teens in the foster care system. Many of them have experienced abuse or neglect and struggle with mental health issues. Specialized caregivers support the children’s recovery, health and well-being. They take steps to help prepare them live in a family setting or an independent environment. Some teens stay in the homes longer than two years before aging out of the foster care system. 

Leaders are grateful for Donation from Central Church Pensacola Beach

“Teens living in our homes represent some of the most vulnerable children we serve,” said Shawn Salamida, president of Lakeview Center. “Teenagers who age out of foster care are at increased risk for poor outcomes. Potential examples include homelessness, unemployment, teenage pregnancy, dropping out of school. Supporting these teens can greatly impact the trajectory of their lives. Our goal in working with partners like Central Church is to transform these houses into homes. All kids want to know is that they matter and someone cares about their well-being. As a community, we can wrap our arms around these youth and provide the supportive home environment they deserve.” 

The Central Church Pensacola Beach community rallied around Lakeview Center group homes starting with their “Hope for Kids Christmas Campaign.” Their support will go towards new furniture for the common areas and bedrooms of the two group homes. 

“Creating an environment of care begins with basic aesthetics,” said Scott Smales, director of children’s residential treatment for Lakeview Center. “This donation from Central Church Pensacola Beach provides an opportunity to add more comfort and normalcy for our children who have experienced so much trauma and loss in their young lives.” 

Learn more about children’s services at Lakeview Center.