Companies team up with Alonzo Mourning to deliver meals to those in need in Overtown
Every day and especially now in the ongoing pandemic, thousands of people in South Florida struggle to provide food for themselves and their families.
On May 29, many showed up in deep gratitude, to pick up food at Gibson Park in front of Overtown Youth Center where NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning and representatives from BluGlacier, DeliverLean and OYC helped pass out the 425 meals.
So far, DeliverLean and BluGlacier have put together and donated 2,000 meals using fresh Chilean salmon for those in need.
“At BluGlacier we are deeply committed to feeding our community, especially those that need it most,” Evelyn Torres, CMO of BluGlacier, said.
“We partnered with Deliver Lean Cares because of their dedication to our neighbors that need it most. Now more than ever our neighbors need us, and our nutritious salmon is a healthy protein choice for families.
“2020 hasn’t been an easy year for anyone and we want to remain dedicated to delivering a superior wellness product and feed as many families as possible during these trying times,” Torres said.
Although some businesses are starting to reopen in South Florida, thousands of people are still severely affected economically and have food insecurity. You can help. Visit https://feedingsouthflorida.org/ and https://overtownyouth.org/donate/
Uplifting News vlog launched
On March 30, Miss Broward County 2020 Cairo Eubanks and her 13-year-old sister and entrepreneur, Sudan Eubanks, launched their Uplifting News vlog to help bring the world inspiring news in “bite size.”
Uplifting News provides positive news and content from around the world “that is not pandemic-centered to provide hope and happiness into homes while we wait for the pandemic to be contained.” The news vlogs include daily quotes, affirmations and uplifting news headlines.
The sisters will host a livestream at 9 a.m., June 10 with special guest Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier. Watch it at https://www.facebook.com/watch/upliftingnews2020 where you can also see their library of inspiring news vlogcasts. Uplifting News is filmed live at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday.
New learning program started
Many children ready to start kindergarten have found themselves at home without an option in these crucial months before they begin school. To make sure they are prepared, Miami-Dade Head Start is partnering with Waterford.org to provide the Waterford Upstart Summer Learning Path.
The program seeks to support the students and families who have been affected by COVID-19 either through personal economic hardship or due to the indefinite closure of many PreK and Head Start options.
“COVID-19 has exposed vast disparities regarding the availability of developmentally appropriate learning materials in low-income communities, as well as access to technology for children under five years of age,” said Riestra-Quintero, Assistant Director of Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department.
Parents will receive weekly calls from a personal coach to keep the family on track. And through Waterford Mentor, families will also receive push notifications letting them know what their child is learning and ways they can continue that engagement offline. More at Waterford.org.
Law firm donates N95 masks
The Ward Law Group stepped up earlier this month to find and purchase more than 1,000 N95 masks to donate to the Miami-Dade County Police Department.
Representatives of the Miami Lakes firm, which represents victims of car accidents and works very closely with the police department, said they found this to be an appropriate way to show their appreciation in these challenging times. The firm also provided lunch at the mask donation May 12 in Doral.
Free tech camp for disadvantaged students
Thanks to a $1.5 million investment from CareerSource South Florida that will be used to create live online technology bootcamps beginning June 15, young adults, ages 15-24 and living in underserved areas of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, can have a chance to learn new skills.
CareerSource and other community organizations are partnering with TechHire.Miami in the six-week live, virtual program open for enrollment to 1,000 students looking to get training in a variety of skills from gaming to coding. Students will earn up to $500 for attending the program. Classes run through Aug. 14.
Participants completing the program will receive a $300 stipend, with an additional $200 stipend upon passing the certification exam and obtaining a credential.
“We are creating a tech revolution,” Rick Beasley, Executive Director, CareerSource South Florida, said. “Whether you are facing school closure or looking for a great summer experience, the Virtual TechHire Summer Bootcamps are a perfect way to boost tech skills and provide a wonderful opportunity for participants to receive targeted training in the IT Industry.” Visit www.techhire.miami.
If you have news for this column, write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com.
