EverForward is doing some incredibly heavy lifting for the Tampa Bay community. Transitioning from a traditional model to a specialized, trauma-informed approach is a huge shift that clearly pays off in the long run.
Formerly known as Carlton Manor, EverForward is a non-profit that has served the Tampa Bay Area for over 45 years.
They specialize in helping children—95% of whom have experienced abuse or neglect—rewrite their life trajectories through trauma-informed care.
They operate three group homes where children receive 24/7 support.
Each home features full-time, on-site therapists providing both individual and group sessions.
Beyond therapy, the organization offers “enrichments” such as music production and art classes to foster creativity and healing.
Partnering with Fostering Hearts Florida, they provide educational resources to help foster children catch up in school despite frequent moves.
The organization’s shift toward stability and empowerment is yielding tangible results.
Reduced Crisis: A noticeable decrease in “Baker Acts” (involuntary mental health examinations) and behavioral issues.
Community Safety: Local law enforcement reports significantly less police involvement and fewer calls related to the children in their care.
By replacing chaos with stability and “focused, trauma-informed care,” EverForward is successfully breaking the cycle of abuse and helping children recognize their own worth and potential.