Sitting down with Stacey Kostevicki, the Director of Gulf Coast Kids House, she shared insights into the organization's mission and the various year-round events that support their cause. Serving as a safe haven and children’s advocacy center, Gulf Coast Kids House brings together professionals and resources required for the intervention, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases, all within one child-friendly facility. Additionally, they offer mental health counseling for both child victims and their families.
At GCKH kids feel safe and heard. It is not the goal of any agency to remove the child from the home. They remove the threat of the aggressor and provide safety planning for the families. In Florida, adults are legally required to report if you suspect child abuse through the Department of Children & Families. According to Kostevicki, "hardly ever" does a child leave the center upset, as the trained staff skillfully guide them through the process using play and other supportive methods.
With its continued positive impact, GCKH has been able to expand its building, as well as create and provide mental health and prevention education programs. A recovery group was also started for adults who suffered from childhood abuse and never received help. When asked how the children respond to the services or what they have said that has stuck with her, she mentioned “A little girl was skipping through the lobby one night, and said “This is the best day of my life!””
For 2025 GCKH hopes to have broken ground on their Therapy Garden. There is also an effort to champion mental health here. A mental health task force operates to separate adults and children within the Baker Act. Pensacola Police Department has also been actively training their officers over time to better handle mental health incidents.
April is child abuse prevention month. In observance of it and in celebration of its 20th anniversary, they had a Roaring 20s event and have something similar is in the works for the coming year. There is also the Brunch & Bubbles event every year at Portofino that just occurred in October, as well as a Dragon Boat Race and Steak Cook Off, both in partnership with local groups.
When asked about how the community can be more involved, Stacey provided a quick list:
•Take the free training at knowchildabuse.org. It’s 40 minutes and good for adults and high school age kids.
•GCKH takes new and gently used clothing items. Clear out closets with your child and put things aside for the organization.
•Lemonade stands with the littlest of kids with proceeds supporting GCKH.
•If you see bullying at school, be an upstander, not a bystander.
For more information on how you can help: gulfcoastkidshouse.org
Report Abuse: 1-800-96ABUSE
When asked how the children respond to the services or what they have said that has stuck with her, she mentioned “A little girl was skipping through the lobby one night, and said “This is the best day of my life!””