Kaufman Rossin in the Community: Miami Rescue Mission

Leticia Rivero gives an update on her involvement with Miami Rescue Mission and what the organization has accomplished.

 Tell us about Miami Rescue Mission and your role with the organization.

 The Miami Rescue Mission (MRS) provides meals, shelter, and life-changing programs to in-need adults and children in our community. It was founded in 1922 to help adults obtain GEDs, assist children with their homework, offer substance abuse rehabilitation programs, mentor women, and provide employment opportunities. I am part of the Cover Girls, a group of women who help single women and women with children break the cycle of abuse, neglect and homelessness.

 The organization opened its Center for Women and Children in 1989. Since then, they have helped thousands of homeless women and children in crisis, providing them with food, clothing, shelter, love, hope, and the Word of God. The program includes classes on parenting skills, budgeting, nutrition, education, employment skills, computer literacy, conflict resolution, and decision-making. There is also a strong focus on developing a positive attitude, communication skills, dependability, honesty, and courtesy.

 What changes have you witnessed since joining MRS?

I have seen firsthand the continued efforts of MRS to provide more than just key services.  The main goal has always been to increase awareness of major issues impacting our community, and raising the necessary funds to meet those needs, especially given the increasing number of homeless individuals that turn to MRS for help.  Recently, some of the fundraising efforts have taken new form and are becoming more engaging and enriching.  Social media has also helped to increase the connection to the community, donors and volunteers.

Lian Navarro, the community development coordinator and leader of my Cover Girls chapter, is very creative in organizing fun and meaningful fundraising events to attract as many donors and volunteers as possible. Some of the signature events hosted by this chapter are Women on Fire and the Spring and Summer Fitness Events.   At Women on Fire, some of the women residents receive a makeover, walk the runway, and share how they are working to overcome their situations.  For the Spring and Summer Fitness events, Lian brings in Zumba and yoga instructors to promote healthy living as part of the journey towards independence.

In addition, MRS recently hosted the annual Bombastic Birthday Celebration. Thanks to the support of our donors, we were able to treat the residents and homeless guests to a birthday celebration. It was extra special because many of them had not celebrated a birthday for many years. Guests were welcomed by birthday decorations, special gifts, cupcakes topped with a candle, and music. Over 1,000 homeless and hungry men, women and children left feeling dignified and celebrated.

Is the organization growing? Have you been involved in any special projects?

In 2018 alone, our supporters provided 990,000 meals; there were over 9,000 volunteers and the Mission helped over 800 men and women find jobs as well as provide special programs for over 200 children.

A key goal that we have been working on is to find a more suitable space for the Miami Women & Children Center.  We have located a former church that is a much bigger space and are working with the City of Miami Gardens to obtain the necessary permits to eventually move into this facility. This will be a significant achievement, and everyone is looking forward to move-in day.

What would you say to someone considering volunteer opportunities?

I am happy to continue to help this organization, personally and with Kaufman Rossin’s support. I’ve enjoyed working with them for the past three years. I especially enjoy the collaboration among the Cover Girls chapter. Empowering women is something that I hold dear and that the firm strongly supports through our Diversity Initiative and Kaufman Rossin Empowering Women (KREW).

Everyone says to find a cause you’re passionate about, but I would add that you should also find a group of individuals who share your passion. I have developed a strong connection to the women in my chapter and I look forward to continuing working with them.  I also encourage everyone to never take their blessings for granted and think about their strengths and how they can be used to give back to those in need in our community.