Girls exiting foster care gain continued stability at Catheirne House in Auburndale

AUBURNDALE (FOX 13) - Anchor House is opening a new facility for girls who are aging out of the foster care system.

Right now, experts say they are usually forced out on their own even though they are not prepared to take care of themselves.

Anchor House, based in Auburndale, has helped boys in this situation in the past, but now they are expanding.

The new home for girls in South Lakeland is called Catherine House, named after the woman who donated $260,000 to buy the place and make repairs.

“One of the things we hope to do is provide a family environment to meet so the emotional needs, the educational needs, and the vocational needs of the woman coming in,” said Executive Director Dr. Joe Davis.

Catherine House will house up to five young women at a time. They will be supervised by two house parents.

Counselors will work with the girls to prepare them for life as an adult.

Many times the girls have a history of being bounced from one home to another. Catherine House will hopefully give them the stability they need to succeed throughout life.

Davis says although work on the Catherine House is progressing, he still needs more than $30,000 for new kitchen counters, paint, and a fire suppression system.

Catherine House is scheduled to open mid-December.