Paula's Place
Indian River County, Florida

Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and seen

Paula's Place is a Christ-centered ministry in Indian River County, coming alongside vulnerable children and the families who care for them.

Our mission

Guided by the love of Jesus Christ, Paula's Place walks alongside vulnerable children in Indian River County and the families caring for them. We care for the whole child, physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual, so every child can heal, grow, and build a brighter future.

Our story

Born from a mother's love

Paula's Place began with a mother's love and a mother's grief. It is named for [her daughter's name], and it exists because of her. Out of a loss no parent should carry, we felt a clear calling: to make sure other children know what it is to be safe, loved, and seen.

This ministry is how we carry her memory forward. Every child we serve is served in her name, and in the belief that God can bring light out of the deepest dark. This is our why. Thank you for being part of it.

To personalize: Geneva to confirm how she wants her daughter's name and story told, and choose a photo she is comfortable sharing. We will only ever use her own photos, never stock images.
Our approach

Starting where we can do the most good today

Rather than a building, we are beginning as a support ministry: coming alongside foster, kinship, and crisis-affected families in Indian River County with practical, hands-on help. That means respite for tired caregivers, mentoring for children who need a steady adult, and the everyday things a child needs to feel settled, from a bed made up to school supplies ready on the first day.

Our long-term vision is a family-style home where children can heal and grow, built the right way and at the right time. We believe children belong in families, so we build around families first. As we grow, every step will meet a child's whole life: physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual.

The whole child

Caring for every part of a child's life

Physical

Safe shelter, healthy meals, and the basics every child needs to feel settled and cared for.

Emotional

Patient, loving support that helps children heal from hurt and learn to trust again.

Educational

Encouragement in school and beyond, so each child can reach their God-given potential.

Spiritual

Rooted in the love of Jesus Christ, we nurture faith, hope, and a sense of belonging.

What we believe

Faith at the center

Paula's Place is a Christ-centered ministry. We believe every child is made in the image of God and is worthy of safety, dignity, and love. We believe healing happens in relationship, that families should be strengthened and kept together whenever it is safe to do so, and that the local church is called to care for the vulnerable among us.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
Ways to give

Help a child feel safe and loved

Your gift helps a child in Indian River County right now, and helps us build toward the home we envision. If we are between milestones on our 501(c)(3), we will always tell you exactly what that means for your gift.

Give once

A one-time gift meets an immediate need for a child or a family caring for one.

Founding monthly partner

Become one of our first monthly partners. A recurring gift is the most powerful way to help, because it lets us plan ahead for the families who count on us.

In-kind and wish list

Sometimes the need is a car seat, a backpack, or a full pantry. We will post what is needed each season.

You can also give in honor or in memory of someone you love, and we will gladly dedicate your gift to their name. Many employers match charitable gifts, so ask yours about doubling your impact.

Online giving is being set up now and will open here soon, once our donation account and 501(c)(3) status are in place. In the meantime, please reach out through our contact section to give or to ask how.
Get involved

This ministry runs on people who show up

Volunteer

Help with drives, deliveries, events, and everyday support for local families.

Mentor

Be a steady, caring presence for a child who needs one. Training and screening provided.

Partner church

Bring your congregation alongside a local family in need.

Pray with us

Sign up to receive specific ways to pray for the children and families we serve.

Transparency

Where we are, honestly

Paula's Place is a new ministry, and we are building it the right way. Our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is in progress. Until that is granted, we will be clear about what your gift can and cannot be treated as, and we will not overstate who we are.

As soon as we can, we will publish our board, our financials, and our progress here, and we will list Paula's Place on the public charity databases donors trust. Honesty is part of the ministry.

Our promises to you

Board and leadership: we will introduce our board here, each with their name, role, and why this ministry matters to them, once those members are confirmed.
FAQ

Common questions

Is Paula's Place a children's home right now?

Not yet. We are starting as a support ministry for children and families, and a family-style home is our long-term vision. Housing children in Florida requires a state license, which we are building toward carefully.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

We will confirm this here based on our 501(c)(3) status. Our application is in progress, and we will state clearly what your gift can be treated as today.

How can I help today?

Give, volunteer, mentor, bring your church alongside a family, or pray with us.

Where do you serve?

Indian River County, Florida.

Contact

Reach out to Paula's Place

We would love to hear from you, whether you want to help, need help, or just want to learn more.

Email: [contact email coming soon]

Serving Indian River County, Florida.