Superstars in Business Winner: Children's Beach House

Nurturing Potential, Transforming Communities

BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL | PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

IN THE HEART OF LEWES, Delaware, stands a beacon of hope, support, and one of this year’s Superstars in Business winners: the Children’s Beach House (CBH). Founded in 1936, CBH has been a steadfast ally for the underprivileged, nurturing the potential of children and youth, and catalyzing a positive ripple effect across communities. At the core of this nonprofit lies a mission that goes beyond service responsibility—to improve the lives of children, youth, families, and communities by helping them to identify, understand, and utilize their own strengths.

For nearly a century, CBH has helped its community through a variety of programs, building safe, supportive environments and long-term relationships for children and families along the way. “Typically, these are the children who are left behind and not included in activities with their peers, and who are all too often misunderstood, even by many of the adults in their lives.” explains Executive Director Richard Garrett.

For nearly a century, CBH has helped its community through a variety of programs, building safe, supportive environments and long-term relationships for children and families along the way.

The CBH offers two youth-serving programs, one of which is the Margaret H. Rollins Child Development Center (CDC). This program focuses on preschool learners identified with speech or language delays and/or hearing impairments. Through a blend of individualized instruction and lower student-to-staff ratios, the CDC equips these children with essential academic foundations and emotional skills, setting the stage for a successful educational journey. Garrett adds, “Every family enrolled is also assigned a family engagement coordinator who works directly with the families and school professionals to build additional safety and support.”

Another engaging program is CBH’s Youth Development Program, which provides ongoing and year-round support to children ages seven to 18 who: live in the state of Delaware; have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to address speech, language or hearing delay or disability; and come from under-resourced families (or are children from under-resourced families who are attending school in Milton) During the summer season, camp programs also offer a chance to enjoy the sun, sand, fresh air, exercise, and friendship at the Delaware Bay-side facility. By engaging with the children and families, CBH offers exciting opportunities and activities that may otherwise be inaccessible.

CBH separates itself from the competition through its comprehensive approach. Unlike traditional service providers, the organization doesn’t just touch the lives of children, it envelops entire families and communities by creating a long-term partnership. The organization commits itself to serving and supporting whole families through high school graduation.

Additionally, the Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in CBH’s success. “They are a very highly engaged group of professionals who generously give their time, talent, and treasure,” says Garrett. Their unwavering dedication and innovative financial planning have not only ensured the organization’s sustainability but also paved the way for exciting expansions.

Volunteers are another integral part of the nonprofit’s operations. After completing the required training, volunteers are welcome to choose which area they would like to assist with; program, camp, event, administrative, and facilities volunteers all work to engage Delaware’s youth. Volunteers are supported by the program supervisors and these personal relationships engender trust and commitment. For CBH, volunteer loyalty is at an all-time high and the organization truly thrives on the generosity of individuals, organizations, and volunteers who contribute their time, resources, and love to ensure that every child’s experience is unforgettable.

The Children’s Beach House stands as a testament to the enduring powers of compassion, inclusion, and the natural beauty of the beach. It has transformed lives, one seaside smile at a time, and continues to do so today. As CBH forges ahead, crafting cherished memories and fostering personal growth in the children it serves, it embodies the idea that every child—regardless of their abilities—deserves a chance to experience the sheer wonder of the beach.