The grant will help restore funding for programs that are suffering from nearly $1 million in loss of funding.

FORT PIERCE, FL – AUGUST, 2011 – CASTLE, a local child abuse education and prevention organization, recently received a $100,000 grant from the PNC-Harbor Foundation.

Mike Brown, Sr., President of the PNC Harbor Federal Foundation Board of Directors said, “Quite frankly, it just felt right to make an impact on CASTLE’s programs as this contribution will affect a great number of families and children in our community.”  “It was a tough decision to give so much to one charity when there are so may other good causes in the community, but we have a long standing relationship with this organization.  The Foundation and its predecessor, Harbor Federal, has been a loyal contributor of CASTLE for 30 plus years, with bake sales, chili cook-off booths, parades, volunteers and more.” 

CASTLE has lost close to a million dollars in funding this year due to government cuts so the money comes at a perfect time.  “This money is a blessing for our families; some of those whom would not have gotten services will now benefit, including in-home visits through Safe Families, Divorce Support services will start again with the beginning of school through the High Hopes program and re-instatement of supervised visits will occur through the Valued Visits program,” said Theresa Garbarino May, Executive Director of CASTLE. “CASTLE is truly grateful for the tremendous support that we have received from the foundation. This gift will change lives for local children throughout the Treasure Coast immediately and throughout the year. We also hope this will encourage other corporations to step up like PNC-Harbor Federal has for so many years.” 

CASTLE, the Child Abuse Services, Training and Life Enrichment organization on the Treasure Coast, relies on various funding to operate its many programs. But sponsorship by local businesses is critical to CASTLE’s ongoing success. Although CASTLE receives funding from federal, state and local government agencies, United Way, Exchange Club, and fundraising, community donations are necessary to bring State and Federal funding to the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee. For the next fiscal year the CASTLE must raise over $600,000 to secure government funding. 

For more information about CASTLE, it’s programs and services, or to become a CASTLE sponsor, call Chris Robertson at CASTLE (772) 465-6011, extension 236 or e-mail him at crobertson@castletc.org.

About CASTLE

CASTLE is a Florida non-profit 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 them on-line at www.castletc.org.