DIRECTOR'S NOTE:

Greetings everyone! Since I last wrote in this space in May, we have seen incredible things happen. With each new person who has joined our family of volunteers, I feel the humble challenge to expand our reaches and do more for the homeless youth in Miami.

Luckily, our team of leaders is growing too. I am so fortunate to share StandUp For Kid's mission with people like Hugh Sloan, who underscores our potential to do huge things; with Keesha Effs who said so eloquently as the Director of Advocacy that we must do all we can "to increase the visibility of youth homelessness without increasing the vulnerability of homeless youth"; and with several other leaders who I'll introduce to you in the weeks to come. More good people are needed as we take on new goals, so if you are interested, please contact me.

In June, I spent a few days in our nation's capitol learning to advocate with our elected congress men and women on core issues of poverty around the world. The largest take-home message is that we all have the ability to access our politicians and speak to them - in person - about issues that effect us and those that effect the disenfranchised who've lost their own voices.

Speaking with a friend today, we discussed that just about everyone sympathizes with the plight of homeless youth, but yet only a small handful feels that there is something they can do about it. Simply said, there IS something each of us can do. It begins with reaching and saying you want to get involved. Upcoming meetings are listed to the left. Please email me directly if you are interested in getting involved, have any questions, or would like to inquire about donations.

I mentioned before that StandUp For Kids inspires me every day - in the stories of kids that find ways to survive, in the volunteers that show up three nights in a row to support our efforts, and in those that reach deeper within themselves to give. Read the stories below to see what else has been inspiring.

In peace,
Eddy Ameen

HIP-HOP SHOW BRINGS 17 ACTS TOGETHER FOR HOMELESS YOUTH

Cynic, the new voice of hip-hop in South Florida, approached us a few months ago with the idea of putting on a benefit show for StandUp For Kids. Fast forward to June 29 at Club Bluster in Hollywood, where 17 acts, and special appearances by Smitty, Jose Tapia from the Real World Key West, American Idol finalist Tiffany Miranda, and many others came out in force to perform in Hip+Hop Helps, an amazing charity concert that drew in more than 170 people and many needed donations. You can view more pictures, and read articles in the New Times and the Sun Sentinel.

Director of Advocacy, Keesha Effs (l) is joined by a friend at Hip+Hop Helps

As of today, we've gone on outreach the past four out of five weeks. We still have more ground to cover, more neighborhoods to learn, and more creative ways to connect with kids at-risk.... but we are committed to getting out there week in and week out to deliver food and hygiene, and more importantly to make connections with youth...telling them we care, and proving it! If you have suggestions for neighborhoods to cover, please let us know.

FOUNDER RICK KOCA PAYS US A VISIT

Rick Koca, the founder of the national StandUp For Kids program, was in town sharing his wisdom with Fort Lauderdale and our chapter the week of June 29th. Rick attended the concert, oriented and captivated new volunteers, and trained many of us in invaluable hands-on outreach principles. Rick's style and conviction is one of a kind and he makes it possible to carry out this work to save lives.

A DAY IN SERVICE

Joined by our volunteers, 19 SEPA Synod teens and mentors visited StandUp For Kids Miami on July 5th. Hailing from Pennsylvania, this group came to Florida for several days of service, and chose to lend us their support. In a supermarket sweep, they helped us purchase food for our outreach kits, and assembled over 300 hygiene and food kits. Next, they created a beautiful mural to hang in our future outreach center and hung flyers around downtown while participating in a practice outreach walk. We appreciate their huge boost of support. View the slideshow below:

GET READY FOR NOVEMBER

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and we are planning a weekend of major events. From music to the arts to a family day, everyone will have a chance to participate. We are now identifying sponsors and need every hand on deck to bring this cause the attention it deserves.

YOUTHNOISE

Do you want to read more about youth homelessness and care to get involved with a web community of people with inspiration and great ideas? Check out Youth Noise.

DONATE ONLINE

Make a donation to STANDUP FOR KIDS and help us make a difference in the lives of kids who believe that no one cares about them! We DO care and we need your help to keep showing these young people that they make a difference in our lives. Click the link below and indicate “MIAMI CHAPTER” under the space for “designation”. $20 a month will help us feed ten kids! Click here!

THE SEARCH IS ON: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We are an all volunteer program, so for us to be there for our homeless kids, we need your help! If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved e-mail us: miami@standupforkids.org

START A DON'T RUN AWAY CLUB IN YOUR SCHOOL

We are looking for teachers and students to serve as resources to students who are contemplating running away. Email us for more information.

WE SHARE in the problem of up to 3000 homeless kids in Miami-Dade county...but we also share in the solution!

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