Non-profit Dedicated to Helping Traumatized Children Celebrates Milestone

EverForward marks 45 years of supporting kids in the Tampa Bay area with expanded services and community partnerships.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:23am

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An out-of-focus, dreamlike photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of several children playing together in a sunlit outdoor setting, conveying a sense of warmth, safety, and optimism.EverForward's trauma-informed programs and community partnerships are helping children in the Tampa Bay area overcome the effects of abuse and neglect, offering them a brighter path forward.St. Petersburg Today

EverForward, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who have experienced trauma, celebrated a major milestone this week with a ribbon-cutting and open house event in St. Petersburg, Florida. The organization, formerly known as Carlton Manor, has been serving the Tampa Bay community for over 45 years and is now increasing its focus on trauma-informed care, mental health services, and community partnerships to better support the nearly 150 children it currently serves.

Why it matters

Child abuse and neglect have long-lasting impacts on young lives, and organizations like EverForward play a crucial role in providing stability, therapy, and enrichment opportunities to help break the cycle of trauma. By expanding its services and raising awareness, EverForward aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children in the Tampa Bay region.

The details

EverForward operates three residential group homes where children live and receive individual and group therapy, as well as enrichment activities like music production and art classes. The organization has also partnered with Fostering Hearts Florida to help provide educational support and resources for children in the foster care system. EverForward's leadership says they've seen positive results, with fewer police interventions and Baker Act incidents involving the children they serve.

  • EverForward has been serving the Tampa Bay community for over 45 years.
  • The organization held a celebratory ribbon-cutting and open house event on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

EverForward

A non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who have experienced trauma build healthier life trajectories. Formerly known as Carlton Manor, the organization has been serving the Tampa Bay area for over 45 years.

Tonya Ruble-Richter

The President and CEO of EverForward, who spoke about the organization's focus on trauma-informed care and its positive impact on the children it serves.

Fostering Hearts Florida

A non-profit organization that partners with EverForward to provide educational support and resources for children in the foster care system.

Katy Rey

The founder and president of Fostering Hearts Florida, who discussed the importance of providing stability and empowerment for children in foster care.

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What they’re saying

“People need to know what abuse is, how prevalent it is, and what we can do to build strengths and stop that cycle.”

— Tonya Ruble-Richter, President and CEO of EverForward

“Being moved so often, it's very hard to catch up in school systems, so having those extra resources and feeling uplifted, also feeling empowered that they are smart, they are capable, and they are worth everything that they want.”

— Katy Rey, Founder and President of Fostering Hearts Florida

What’s next

EverForward plans to continue expanding its trauma-informed services and community partnerships to reach more children in need throughout the Tampa Bay region.

The takeaway

By providing stability, therapy, and enrichment opportunities, organizations like EverForward are making a tangible difference in the lives of children who have experienced trauma, helping them build healthier futures and break the cycle of abuse and neglect.