About Us

Our Story

Location: Chuluota, Florida, just minutes from the University of Central Florida.

LaShai House

Since its founding in 2014, LaShai House has been dedicated to providing compassionate, life-changing care to girls in the community. With a focus on fostering positive behavioral changes, LaShai House creates an environment that encourages growth, self-discovery, and a brighter outlook for the future.

The LaShai House is a nurturing home dedicated to supporting young girls aged 8-17 who face significant challenges, as well as providing a transitional program for young women aged 18-21 aging out of foster care. Our mission is to empower these individuals by offering the stability, support, and resources essential for their personal growth and future success.

At The LaShai House, we provide :

A safe and secure environment for young girls and women in need.
Access to educational resources and guidance to foster academic and career success.
Counseling and mental health services to support emotional well-being.
Life skills training and mentorship to prepare them for independence and adulthood.

We believe that with the right guidance and resources, these young individuals can overcome adversity and emerge as empowered, confident members of our community.

LaShai House is not only committed to supporting youth but also takes an active leadership role in advocating for meaningful change and reform within the youth and family care system. Through applied research and advocacy, the organization aims to drive improvements in practices and outcomes that can have a lasting, positive impact on children and their families.

Leadership.

Jonathan McGriff

CEO and Co-founder

Jonathan McGriff is a retired police officer with over 30 years of experience working with youth across Central Florida. Throughout his career, Jonathan has dedicated himself to coaching, mentoring, and encouraging young people. Before founding LaShai House, Jonathan and his wife, Tawana, spent more than a decade working as house parents in a group home, supporting and guiding young women. For the past 10 years, Jonathan has focused on expanding LaShai House, a place where he continues to have a profound impact on the lives of youth in need.

Tawana McGriff

COO and Co-founder

Tawana McGriff has a deep commitment to serving foster children, having worked alongside her husband, Jonathan, in a group home for children with behavioral challenges for over a decade. Prior to her work in youth care, Tawana had a successful career in the banking industry. Her dedication to helping young people overcome adversity is at the heart of her work at LaShai House, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organization’s operations run smoothly.