Our History:

1997: Professionals recognized the need for a unified system, conducted workshops to discuss improvement in the child abuse intervention and prevention system.

1998: Established Non-Profit Corporation. 

1999: Community Board and Tax Exempt (501(c) 3) status established.

2000: Executive Director Patsy Hudson hired and office established. 

2001: Capital Campaign initiated. 

2002: Purchased future home of Gulf Coast Kid’s House at 3401 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola.

2003: Renovated Building to accommodate agencies involved in prevention, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse. 

2004: Grand opening of Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc.  During 2004 GCKH provided approximately 2000 services to children who were victims of abuse.

2005: Founding Executive Director, Patsy Hudson, retires and the board hired Vickie Horton as the Executive Director.  During 2005 GCKH provided approximately 2500 services to children who were victims of abuse.

2006: Child Abuse Prevention Task Force implemented, with 16 community volunteers who were tasked with determining how to implement GCKH Child Abuse Prevention Program.  Four programs were adopted to provide community education on matters of child abuse; Safety NET (No Easy Target) Kids, a program endorsed by Code Amber, to teach children how to protect themselves; and Stewards of Children a program which teaches adults about child sexual abuse and places the responsibility of protecting children on the shoulders of adults. LSF Florida added a PT counselor to their team. Facilitators were trained in December and classes scheduled.  GCKH provided approximately 3200 services to children who were victims of abuse. 

2007: The first Prevention Education programs were taught in Escambia County.