IMPACT
Transition Program
- 100% of young adults have been free of runaway events
- 100% of young adults have been free of criminal activity
- 100% of young adults were employed or attending school at the end of the fiscal year
- 100% of youth exited our program with a stable mentor or supportive individual
- 67% exited our program to a stable location
- Young adults report an average of 90% satisfaction with the program
Under 18 Program
- Youth report an average of 98% satisfaction with the program
- 100% of youth attended nurture groups and life skills groups each week
- 92% of youth attended school over 80% of the time
- 83% of youth made progress on individualized goals
Organization
- Over 150 volunteer hours were donated to Anchor House in 2023-2024
- 100% of our licensing and accreditation standards were met
WHO WE ARE
RESTORING HOPE, CHANGING LIVES FOR OVER 50 YEARS
Anchor House Ministries is a faith-based organization serving youth in crisis in Central Florida. Founded in 1974, we provide care for young people referred to us by the state, many of whom have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It is difficult for many of these youth to find a placement and receive the care they need. Anchor House is one of the few facilities in the Polk County area that provides youth in crisis with hope. We work alongside them to provide life skills training, education support, counseling, and hands-on experiences to prepare them for the future.
HOW WE SERVE
Residential CARE Program (UNDER 18)
The first way we serve is through providing residential care for youth ages 12 to 17 who are in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. These youth often face unique and complex challenges, including aggressive or defiant behaviors, emotional disturbances, problematic sexual behaviors, self-harm, and chronic runaway behaviors. Through a Trauma-Informed Treatment model, we focus on creating a safe and supportive environment that addresses their needs while promoting healing and growth. Each child receives individualized attention, ensuring they have the resources and guidance necessary to work toward stability and recovery.
Our vision is rooted in restoring hope and, when possible, reuniting families. To achieve this, we provide in-house therapy services led by a full-time Licensed Mental Health Counselor and train our Direct Care Staff in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) techniques. This evidence-based approach equips our staff to engage effectively with the youth in their care, fostering trust and healthy connections. At Anchor House, we believe in offering the least restrictive treatment options to help each child grow emotionally, physically, and spiritually, empowering them to move confidently toward a brighter future.
Transition Program (18+)
Our second way of service is for youth aging out of the foster care system. Many are left without guidance, often ending up in homeless shelters or unstable living situations. Studies show that nearly half of foster youth in the United States will be incarcerated within two years of turning eighteen. To break this cycle, Anchor House has developed a transitional living program that bridges the gap between care and independence.
We currently operate four transitional homes, providing a structured and supportive environment for young adults as they navigate adulthood. When they enter the program, only 14% have completed high school or earned a GED. Within one year, over 92% have achieved this milestone, and within two years, half have enrolled in college. This program, which launched nine years ago, continues to demonstrate life-changing outcomes, offering young people the tools and support they need to thrive independently.
For more information, please reach out to transition@anchor-house.org or click the link below.
Workforce Development Program
Our Workforce Development Program is designed to help our youth in the Residential and Transition program identify their interests and passions, develop employability skills, and gain real-world work experience. This will prepare them to meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow.
Our Residential program clients may participate in paid internships at our main campus. These internships provide valuable on-the-job training in a variety of areas, such as automotive work, cooking, maintenance, and office work. This is a great way for our young people to learn new skills and start preparing for their future careers in a familiar environment: their home!
Our Transition program clients meet with the Job Coach monthly to discuss employment goals and brush up on skills. This program allows our youth to intern and work at various locations, including our main campus.
