FORT PIERCE — Theresa Garbarino-May knows that working for a nonprofit organization isn’t easy; when it’s an organization dealing with child abuse, it’s even more difficult. But CASTLE is fortunate to have many staff members who truly love what they do and their loyalty proves it.

“This is very difficult and sometimes emotional work,” Garbarino-May, executive director for CASTLE, said. “But we are so lucky to have many staff members that have been here for more than 5 years. Not many organizations our size can say that.”

CASTLE has about 80 employees in four counties, and more than a dozen have been there for more than 5 years.

The employees honored with service awards for 5 years of service included Antoinette Bucknor, Scott Hinson, Brenda Pickerill, Daniel Bin, Erica Reed, Gerda Presmy, Jenene McFadden, Michele Lewis, Michelle Wagner, Pati Scottaline, Susan Solis and Valencia Newsome.

Doug Borrie, assistant executive director was honored for 10 years of service and Garbarino-May herself was honored for 25 years of service to the organization.

For more information about CASTLE, it’s programs and services, call Teresa Chandler at CASTLE, (772) 465-6011, extension 238 or e-mail her at tchandler@castletc.org.

About CASTLE

CASTLE is a Florida nonprofit agency offering parenting education via in-home counseling, monitored visitations, and classes for first time parents, parents going through a divorce and children experiencing confusion due to divorce. CASTLE serves the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee counties including Stuart, Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, with a mission to improve the quality of family life and prevent child abuse and neglect while teaching parents to love, nurture and discipline their children safely.

CASTLE is a United Way partner organization and is supported by the area Children's Services Councils. CASTLE facilities are located in St. Lucie County (772-465-6011), Martin County (772-781-4510) and Indian River County (772-567-5700). You can also visit www.castletc.org.