The Cygnet House Project

The Junior League of Central & North Brevard (JLCNB) has elected to build Cygnet House a group foster care home. The JLCNB, seeks to enhance the life experience of children who have been placed into the state custody of the FL State, Department of Children and Families, District VII., because of abuse, neglect or abandonment by building Cygnet House Group Foster Care Home.

Presently, there are 300 children in foster care in Brevard County, sixteen of which are sibling groups of 2, four sibling groups of 3, and five sibling groups of 4 or more that are placed in separate placements. Most homes will not accept the older siblings therefore, they are placed in a separate location. Often times they are placed out of county which makes it even more difficult for sibling visitation. The JLCNB proposes to keep siblings together and Brevard County children in Brevard County.

Cygnet House will provide a healthy, consistent nurturing foster home for children ages 6 - 14 to heal, learn and grow while keeping them connected to their community, schools, friends and family. Key aspects of this project will be:
• To maintain sibling unity.
• To build a healthy, safe and sustainable home for children that are neglected, abused, and abandoned.
• A home where they can stay for as long as they need.
• To create a family atmosphere which embraces the children and will inspire them throughout their lives by developing programs and experiences that will educate and address all aspects of these children’s lives. Thereby, allow them to become strong, productive healthy members of society.

The JLCNB has acquire land in the Central Brevard area, through a donation of 3 acres, from The Viera Company. Cygnet House will be a “Green Build” 7000 sq. ft. and cost approximately $150.00 per square foot. We are convinced that by building Cygnet House “Green” it will create a healthy balanced environment inside and out for the children that reside there. Green or sustainable buildings are more energy efficient, have better indoor air quality and have a reduced overall impact on the environment. This healthier way of building will reduce exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals found in building materials and furnishings, which all have been proven to lead to respiratory illness in children causing allergies and asthma. The long term cost savings on energy, water, and maintenance has also made this a wise decision. The savings will be 30% to 50% more than that of a traditionally built home, the monies saved would be much better spent on the children and their needs.

The Brevard Branch of the Central Florida Chapter of the US Green Build Council has selected Cygnet House to be their "Legacy Project," this sponsorship is assisting us by providing a Team of Experts that are facilitating this project from the Conceptual Design, Construction, through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification of this much needed home. Building a LEED Certified home is to create a new standard for a clean, healthy, sustainable, economical, and environmentally friendly group home for displaced children. Cygnet House will be the first LEED Certified group foster care home in the U.S.

The JLCNB is now kicking off the $1,050,000.00 Nest Building Campaign. There are several different levels that individuals will be able to give towards the Cygnet House project. Several of the rooms have already been pledged by JLCNB members, and many in-kind donations have been made.

The Junior League of Central & North Brevard is a 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit Corporation. We would happily accept your tax-deductible donation at any giving level. Contributions can be donated by a corporation or individual(s) by cash or check made out to JLCNB at:

JLCNB
ATTN: Cygnet House
240 Parnell St.
Merritt Island, Fl 32953

Please contact Linda Molica, Cygnet House Chairman for additional gift giving levels, additional information or questions at 321/453-5718.