Brief History of The Gabriel House, Inc.

It all started in 1991 with a mission outreach in the volatile country of Haiti. Anne Ravish was there to help Nadage, a blind child with congenital cataracts. Her trip turned into a nightmare of violence. However, in the midst of the coup, her vision of a home for abandoned and medically needy children filled her every moment. That vision became The Gabriel House.

After twenty years of service to abandoned and medically needy children on a local, national and international level, many, many, children have been able to call The Gabriel House their home. Ten children have been adopted here in Lee County from The Gabriel House. The volunteer staff has helped in emergency situations by caring for local and out of state children while permanent placement arrangements were completed. Several children with parents in prison have also been helped. It is a community mission and a serious out reach mission which gives The Gabriel House the opportunity to respond to those specific community needs.

The Mission is to provide a loving and supportive home atmosphere for children who have been abandoned, neglected physically, emotionally and medically. This residential home focuses on children from birth to six years old. It is geared to help children reach their very highest level of independence and functioning.

There are goals necessary to fulfill the mission. We call it “Rescue the Children’s Mission,” fulfilled by a vision to care for, feed, clothe, house, educate and find quality medical care for the children, literally in many cases, rescued from abandonment and death. The vision encompasses special care so the children are not placed in state health or mental facilities for the rest of their lives. They receive guidance, love and attention needed to empower them to live a full life and become contributing members in our society. They become an investment in our future through the nurturing care and positive direction given them by the volunteer Gabriel staff.

The Gabriel House is accredited by the State of Florida, through Florida Statute 409.176. It is a credit to all the folks who have through the years volunteered their time and have faithfully prayed and financially supported the Gabriel House ministry and precious children. On behalf of these special “kids,” we Thank You!

FAQ

What kind of children are in the home?
Children with Progeria Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, Deafness, Blindness, Autism, Polio, Rett Syndrome, post TB, severe burns, orthopedic problems, medical problems requiring surgery, crack cocaine addiction, cerebral palsy, open heart surgery and the list goes on!

Who has legal custody of these children?
A permanent or temporary custody agreement with parents, legal guardians or a court order will be necessary for admission. In the absence or death of parents, legal guardians and in a genuine emergency, a child may be admitted with the provision that legal guardianship will be granted to The Gabriel House by a court order.