Watercrest St. Lucie West Donates Bus to Support Children in Crisis

The initiative began when Bobi Kruemberg, executive director of the St. Lucie West facility and a board member for United Against Child Trafficking, identified an urgent local demand for a mobile rescue unit. After the senior living community acquired a new vehicle, the organization opted to donate the existing bus to support the nonprofit’s intervention efforts. CEO Marc Vorkapich noted the donation aligns with the firm's broader commitment to community-focused service.

Transforming the bus into a child-friendly space requires an estimated $50,000 in materials. Local residents and businesses have already begun contributing to the effort, including a craftsman who donated $15,000 worth of exterior labor. Inside, the bus will swap clinical seating for cozy furnishings, blankets, and toys. Residents at the Watercrest facility are actively participating in the project, crafting handmade items and donating gifts intended to offer children a sense of safety and reassurance during traumatic transitions.