Treasure Coast abused and neglected children desperately in need of help have not been earmarked for stimulus funding, have not received bailout money and will not receive bonuses or golden parachutes as they are removed from their homes. Families in crisis situations that negatively impact the well being of their children who are not eligible for Social Security benefits will not participate in stimulus funding as well.

According to Jack Connolly,member of the Hibiscus Children's Center Foundation Board, "The number of families in crisis situations needing help from Hibiscus has never been higher. More and more children are being emotionally, mentally and physically impacted by their parents' stress. Homelessness is at an all time high. Child abuse and neglect is up. And government funding of social service programs has been slashed."

Mr. Connolly continues "the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February. This economic recovery bill provides for a one-time payment this month of $250 to Social Security beneficiaries. This is a mini-windfall for seniors whose income is limited to monthly Social Security payments. But for those of us still working or with other sources of income, this one-time payment will do little to enhance our standard of living. It can, though, help assure the continuation of the life-changing services and programs for abused and neglected children and at-risk families that are now more than ever so desperately needed in our community. We are asking each and every Social Security recipient that can afford to do so to donate the amount of their stimulus check to Hibiscus Children's Center."

Hibiscus Children's Center provides Treasure Coast children and families with a continuum of programs and services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect (Support for Families in Crisis); reunite families (Hibiscus H.O.P.E.); recruit, train and provide support for Foster Families; provide therapy and counseling for at-risk children and families and those ravaged by abuse (Hibiscus Mental Health Services); and, shelter and give loving professional care to children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect (Hibiscus Children's Shelter and Hibiscus Children's Village).

Donations may be mailed to Hibiscus Children's Center, 7410 U.S. Highway 1, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 or made online at www.HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.