By Isabella Berman
United Means of Broward County honored a powerhouse group of volunteers final month throughout its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, spotlighting the folks and companions who’re serving to change lives throughout the county.
Greater than 100 neighborhood members gathered to have fun the on a regular basis heroes behind impactful packages like Challenge EmPOWER, Neighborhood Partnership Faculty, Select Peace Cease Violence, ReadingPals, and the Household Stability Program.
The morning opened with remarks from Maria Hernandez, Chief Program Officer, and a keynote by Eric Chisem, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Broward County Public Faculties. Their message was clear; actual change begins with individuals who present up and that’s precisely what volunteers do.
“These volunteers present what it actually means to care about your neighborhood,” mentioned Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Means of Broward County. “Their dedication helps create a greater, extra linked Broward.”
Amongst these acknowledged have been the Metropolis of Fort Lauderdale Police Division and Metropolis of Lauderhill Police Division for his or her involvement with Challenge EmPOWER, which uplifts youth via mentorship and management. Different honorees included literacy champions Richard Kaufman and Melissa Chaney from ReadingPals, and neighborhood peace advocates Kadeen Thomas and Yolaine Exantus with Select Peace Cease Violence.
From studying with college students to offering household assist, the honorees share one factor in widespread, their dedication to exhibiting up for others.
For readers, this isn’t nearly breakfast, it’s a reminder that actual change is going on near house, and stemmed from individuals who care. Whether or not it’s a police division mentoring teenagers or a retired instructor serving to children learn, the occasion was a big celebration of what’s attainable when a neighborhood comes collectively.
