Children in Crisis, Inc.

Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing home for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected in Florida’s 1st Judicial Circuit, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties. Our mission is to keep brothers and sisters together, support their healing, and help them thrive in a stable family environment. Founded in 2003, CIC created The Children’s Neighborhood, the only facility of its kind in Northwest Florida. This ten-acre campus provides a continuum of care that includes an Emergency Shelter, five family foster homes, the Opportunity Home for young adults transitioning to independence, the Kids Clubhouse for tutoring and mentorship, and the King Whitmire Therapy Building for counseling and trauma services. Together, these resources meet the immediate and long-term needs of children in foster care. Since opening, CIC has welcomed more than 1,127 children and provided over 175,653 safe nights of shelter. In 2024 alone, we conducted wellness checks for 45 children, provided dental care for 51, and ensured that 18 received vision exams and glasses. Beyond these essentials, we prepare young adults for independence, two of whom recently entered the military as officers after receiving life skills training at CIC. Through the dedication of our staff, foster parents, volunteers, and partners, CIC continues to fill a critical gap in the child welfare system, offering not only safety today but also hope and opportunity for tomorrow!

Children in Crisis (CIC) provides a safe, nurturing environment for children in Florida’s 1st Judicial Circuit (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties) who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. We are the only emergency shelter in Circuit 1 and serve as a critical lifeline for children in crisis situations, offering stability during some of the most difficult moments in their young lives. At our 10-acre Children’s Neighborhood, CIC operates an emergency shelter, five family foster homes, and the Opportunity Home for young adults transitioning out of foster care. We are committed to keeping brothers and sisters together whenever possible, helping children maintain vital family bonds while receiving the care, guidance, and stability they deserve. Beyond housing, we provide wraparound services to support each child’s physical, emotional, and academic needs. This includes access to therapy, medical and dental care, tutoring, mentoring, and life-skills development programs. Our Kids Clubhouse and community partnerships further ensure children have opportunities to thrive, heal from trauma, and prepare for a brighter future.