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News Archive
SUMMER 2008 NEWS
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
OUTREACH IS BACK
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.
MAJOR GOALS FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2008:
- Fill essential leadership positions and make a family amongst volunteers
- Perform outreach 1-2 times every week
- Compile directory of community resources to take to the streets
- Build partnerships with local organizations to provide services to homeless kids
- Establish a bigger presence on Miami's college campuses
- Make StandUp For Kids known through posters and flyers throughout the town
- Hold a blow-out series of events during November's National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- Speak at two or more schools with our “Don't Run Away” prevention message
HUGE HELP FROM LOCAL 5TH GRADER
StandUp For Kids was humbled in May when a fifth grader named Lindsie started a cell phone drive at her school. We will use these phones to help homeless kids stay protected in emergencies, and recycle the rest for funds to boost our operating budget. A huge thanks to Lindsie, her school, and her family. Read what she had to say:
With her box of phones, Lindsie accepts an award from StandUp's volunteer coordinator, Lucy Ruiz, in May 2008
"My name is Lindsie Lima and I am in the 5th grade at Frank C. Martin. At the beginning of the year I had to choose a project where I was able to help an organization and get involved. I chose to do my topic on Homeless Teens in America and work with Stand Up For Kids. I participated in their cell phone collection. I am proud to say I was able to collect over 35 cell phones and accessories. I have learned so much by doing this project and hope that this contribution will make a difference."
JFK MIDDLE SCHOOL RALLIES FOR AN ENORMOUS DONATION
Two volunteers from StandUp For Kids went in March to collect items from a donation drive organized by teachers and students at JFK Middle School in North Miami Beach. What a success it turned out to be! Over 20 large boxes were collected and students graciously filed down the halls to load up our cars. Students donated everything from sneakers to clothing to bars of soap for homeless and street kids in their community. The Miami Herald featured the story. We love to see an entire school community rally together to make such an impact. We'll put these items to good use! On behalf of the youth we serve, THANK YOU!
KINDERGARDENERS FOR OUR CAUSE
Five and six year old students at Le Petite Papillon Montessori School, in Miami Beach, led by teacher Kelly Zeid, led a major fundraising effort and presented over $2,500 in cash for StandUp For Kids over the 2007 holiday season. This money will help to buy much needed supplies and increase awareness of our organization to youths in need. We are also seeking input and ideas from these students about how they think we can make the biggest impact with their kind and generous donation.
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
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