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Planned Parenthood Host Time for Your Teen Educational Program on June 11, 2021.

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Planned Parenthood Host Time for Your Teen Educational Program on June 11, 2021.

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Time for Your Teen is a adult education program that aims to influence parent-child communication, promote healthy adolescent sexual development, and reduce adolescent risk-taking. By the end of the program, participants will be able to engage in lines of positive parent-child communication and increase knowledge of adolescent sexual development.

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City of Greenacres teens Completed Community Service by Creating Chew Toys for Shelter Animals

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City of Greenacres teens Completed Community Service by Creating Chew Toys for Shelter Animals

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Families First Y.E.S. Program Healing Garden  

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Families First Y.E.S. Program Healing Garden  

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The Families First Y.E.S. Program collaborated with partners in South Bay, Federation of Families to initiate a "Healing Garden".  The staff went to the Garden on Saturdays and met with the youth while they planted herbs and other vegetables and while engaging in this activity, the staff would talk to the youth and get them to open up about stories and other issues that they were dealing with at home, school and the environment. This project was extremely successful.  In March, the program had a event, "Movies in the Garden", where families were invited to the Garden and were treated to refreshments and a movie.  They hope to do more of these events and Families First will be right there to assist in anyway we can.

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Afterschool Director at For the Children Teen Center Used Prime Time’s Career Pathway and Scholarships to Jumpstart a Higher Education

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Afterschool Director at For the Children Teen Center Used Prime Time’s Career Pathway and Scholarships to Jumpstart a Higher Education

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Professional development is vital to the success of afterschool programs. Effective professional development enhances afterschool program quality by facilitating staff performance and knowledge; in addition, professional development is vital for improving student learning outcomes (Bouffard & Little, 2004; Hall & Surr, 2005; Joyce & Showers, 2002).

Afterschool director at For the Children Teen Center Latoya Taylor has worked in the out-of-school time field for four years. She enjoys working in out-of-school time field because it allows her "to be a mentor and role model to youth and she gets to see them grow and become successful."

"Through coaching and professional development training, Latoya has modeled effective leadership for her staff, youth and the community. As a quality advisor at Prime Time, we hope to give each practitioner the opportunity to grow and to ultimately provide all the support and knowledge needed so they can offer their program with afterschool youth."
- Andrea Hurtado, Quality Advisor, Prime Time Palm Beach County

Motivated to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Latoya feels this is the next step in her journey in life. Prime Time's scholarship program jump started Latoya's educational journey when she began the non-credit pathway that allowed her to complete the 40-Hour School-Age Certification, School-Age Professional Certificate and Director Credential. After completing these certifications, she moved to the credit pathway where she obtained the Youth Development College Credit Certificate and most recently, graduated with her Associate Degree in Human Services-Youth Development.

"Pursuing a higher education gives me the freedom to choose my career path, which allows me to enjoy my job with better benefits and advancement opportunities."
- Latoya Taylor, Afterschool Director, For the Children

Completing these classes opened several windows of opportunity, including promotion from group leader to her current position as a director. She was able to qualify for Prime Time's ACHIEVE Out-of-School Time Incentive Award program, which was "life changing" as it assisted her with basic needs and allowed her to obtain a new computer, which she needed for school.

Congratulations Latoya for all that you have accomplished! We are proud of the hard work and dedication that you have put toward your education and the out-of-school time field. Prime Time is excited to continue on this journey with you as you work toward completing your bachelor's degree!

References

Bouffard, S., & Little, P. M. D. (2004). Promoting quality through professional development: A framework for evaluation (Issues and Opportunities in Out-of-School Time Evaluation Brief No. 8). Cambridge, MA: Harvard Family Research Project.
Hall, G., & Surr, W. (2005). Achieve Boston: The story of a planning process for building a professional development system for the out-of-school time workforce. Wellesley, MA: National Institute on Out-of-School Time.
Joyce, B., & Showers, B. (2002). Student achievement through staff development (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

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Afterschool Director at For the Children Teen Center Used Prime Time's Career Pathway and Scholarships to Jumpstart a Higher Education - Prime Time Palm Beach County

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Professional development is vital to the success of afterschool programs. Effective professional development enhances afterschool program quality by facilitating staff performance and knowledge; in addition, professional development is vital for improving student learning outcomes (Bouffard & Little, 2004; Hall & Surr, 2005; Joyce & Showers, 2002).

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Created Easter Cards for the Children's Hospital

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Created Easter Cards for the Children's Hospital

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Career Bound Middle/High School members participated in creating Easter Cards for the Children’s Hospital at the Max, Wellington and Marjorie Boys and Girls Club sites in March.

Artisha Jackson (Youth of the Year Candidate for the Max M. Fisher): “It’s always great when we can do something to give back to our community.

Elizabeth Shelby (Youth of the Year Candidate for the Neil S. Hirsch): “ I love making cards to help others.”

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Career Bound Virtual College Tour!

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Career Bound Virtual College Tour!

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The Career Bound Team hosted the College Tour at multiple BGC sites providing entertainment, raffles, and catered food. Teen members from each site gained incite about Florida Colleges and trades they can pursue in the future.

Valerie Williamson, Max. M. Fisher: “I liked this activity and would do it more often.”

Lariya Ward, Max M. Fisher: “At first I didn’t want to go to college when I graduated, but when I learned more about it now I do.”

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The American Association of Caregiving Youth 

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The American Association of Caregiving Youth 

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A program for those children acting as caregivers.

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Arkeria Prophet couldn't help but giggle as she played basketball with her younger brothers in their Riviera Beach driveway."Pass it!" the 14-year-old said to 13-year-old Moses and 11-year-old Markeng.The time the three have to play together is limited, though.Because all three children spend much of their time caring for their youngest sister, 6-year-old Aniyah."I'll get her food, make sure she goes to sleep," Arkeria said. "And I'll play with her sometimes."Aniyah is severely disabled.She has a chromosomal disease that makes her unable to walk or talk.She needs constant care.The children's mother, Caprida Sirmans, balances two jobs with the constant trips to doctors for Aniyah."(The other children) pretty much watch her. They'll feed her. They'll do her hair. They play with her," Sirmans said.But far more important than losing playtime, caring for Aniyah also takes the other children away from their schoolwork, especially during the pandemic.The children used to get a break just by going to school.But learning virtually, there is no break."It takes about 30-something minutes to feed her when I can be in class," Arkeria said."I like taking care of her," said Markeng. "But when it comes to school, it's just a big distraction."That's where a group called the American Association of Caregiving Youth comes in.The nonprofit is based in Boca Raton and is currently serving 432 caregiving children in Palm Beach County alone."It takes some of the stress away from the children so that they are able to learn better," said Connie Sikowski, the founder of AACY.AACY offers pretty much everything: Tutoring, counseling, mentors.They even provide financial support for the families.And they plan activities that allow the children to just be children."These children lose a piece of their childhood," Sikowski said. "And it's just so important for them to have time to have fun.""They help a lot," Sirmans said. "They help me so much, with finances and everything. Without that group, there's no telling where we'd be at."The pandemic has forced AACY to cancel most of their fundraising efforts over the last year.If you'd like to help, you can go to American Association of Caregiving Youth - Home (aacy.org)

Arkeria Prophet couldn't help but giggle as she played basketball with her younger brothers in their Riviera Beach driveway.

"Pass it!" the 14-year-old said to 13-year-old Moses and 11-year-old Markeng.

The time the three have to play together is limited, though.

Because all three children spend much of their time caring for their youngest sister, 6-year-old Aniyah.

"I'll get her food, make sure she goes to sleep," Arkeria said. "And I'll play with her sometimes."

Aniyah is severely disabled.

She has a chromosomal disease that makes her unable to walk or talk.

She needs constant care.

The children's mother, Caprida Sirmans, balances two jobs with the constant trips to doctors for Aniyah.

"(The other children) pretty much watch her. They'll feed her. They'll do her hair. They play with her," Sirmans said.

But far more important than losing playtime, caring for Aniyah also takes the other children away from their schoolwork, especially during the pandemic.

The children used to get a break just by going to school.

But learning virtually, there is no break.

"It takes about 30-something minutes to feed her when I can be in class," Arkeria said.

"I like taking care of her," said Markeng. "But when it comes to school, it's just a big distraction."

That's where a group called the American Association of Caregiving Youth comes in.

The nonprofit is based in Boca Raton and is currently serving 432 caregiving children in Palm Beach County alone.

"It takes some of the stress away from the children so that they are able to learn better," said Connie Sikowski, the founder of AACY.

AACY offers pretty much everything: Tutoring, counseling, mentors.

They even provide financial support for the families.

And they plan activities that allow the children to just be children.

"These children lose a piece of their childhood," Sikowski said. "And it's just so important for them to have time to have fun."

"They help a lot," Sirmans said. "They help me so much, with finances and everything. Without that group, there's no telling where we'd be at."

The pandemic has forced AACY to cancel most of their fundraising efforts over the last year.

If you'd like to help, you can go to American Association of Caregiving Youth - Home (aacy.org)

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Local group helps children also serving as caregivers

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Arkeria Prophet couldn't help but giggle as she played basketball with her younger brothers in their Riviera Beach driveway."Pass it!" the 14-year-old said to 13-year-old Moses and 11-year-old Markeng.The time the three have to play together is limited, though.Because all three children spend much of their time caring for their youngest sister, 6-year-old Aniyah."I'll get her food, make sure she goes to sleep," Arkeria said.

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Mentor/Mentee pair recently celebrated 50 years of friendship

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Mentor/Mentee pair recently celebrated 50 years of friendship

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"A local "big brother" was reunited with a boy he befriended 50 years ago Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens. The mentorship program Big Brothers, Big Sisters brought them together in 1971. Their friendship has continued to grow throughout the years." - Shayne Wright, WPBF 25 News

Click on article below to read more.

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A local "big brother" was reunited with a boy he befriended 50 years ago Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens. The mentorship program Big Brothers, Big Sisters brought them together in 1971. Their friendship has continued to grow throughout the years. "The first place we went was an A&W Root Beer stand," Jim Martz said. Martz, who was 26 at the time, was paired with Andrew Hope who was then 9 years old. Hope said, "I grew up without a father, so Jim became my father figure and the male image in my life." Hope's mother had just recently passed away. Since then, it's been 50 years of a beautiful bond with countless memories. "We went to the Olympics in 1976," Hope said. "We went camping. It poured on our tent. That was a nightmare but still an experience." Martz didn't just mentor and move on. He's been to all of Hope's graduations throughout his education. Hope also chose Martz to be the best man at his wedding. Martz said, "I think my role was to open doors for him and see what direction he wanted to go and which doors he wanted to walk through." Their bond and friendship are still just as strong today. "Just be there. That's the main thing. I look back on all our years. Just being there is so important," Martz said.Hope is now a chiropractor and has his own practice. His very first patient was his "big brother."

A local "big brother" was reunited with a boy he befriended 50 years ago Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens. The mentorship program Big Brothers, Big Sisters brought them together in 1971. Their friendship has continued to grow throughout the years.

"The first place we went was an A&W Root Beer stand," Jim Martz said.

Martz, who was 26 at the time, was paired with Andrew Hope who was then 9 years old.

Hope said, "I grew up without a father, so Jim became my father figure and the male image in my life."

Hope's mother had just recently passed away. Since then, it's been 50 years of a beautiful bond with countless memories.

"We went to the Olympics in 1976," Hope said. "We went camping. It poured on our tent. That was a nightmare but still an experience."

Martz didn't just mentor and move on. He's been to all of Hope's graduations throughout his education. Hope also chose Martz to be the best man at his wedding.

Martz said, "I think my role was to open doors for him and see what direction he wanted to go and which doors he wanted to walk through."

Their bond and friendship are still just as strong today.

"Just be there. That's the main thing. I look back on all our years. Just being there is so important," Martz said.

Hope is now a chiropractor and has his own practice. His very first patient was his "big brother."

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Mentorship program "brothers" celebrate 50 years of friendship

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A local "big brother" was reunited with a boy he befriended 50 years ago Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens. The mentorship program Big Brothers, Big Sisters brought them together in 1971. Their friendship has continued to grow throughout the years. "The first place we went was an A&W Root Beer stand," Jim Martz said.

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2021 Palm Beach County Youth of the Year Anajiah Graham

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2021 Palm Beach County Youth of the Year Anajiah Graham

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On February 19, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County held their seventh annual Youth of the Year dinner at Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa. Among the judges for the Youth of the Year was Palm Beach County Youth Services Director Tammy K. Fields.

Congratulations Anajiah Graham from the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center of Belle Glade who was named the 2021 Palm Beach County Youth of the Year.

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Pahokee High School Student Spotlight- Jerome West

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Pahokee High School Student Spotlight- Jerome West

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Jerome West, a senior at Pahokee High School, has been in the Communities in Schools Program for three years, and has maintained a high GPA throughout his time in the program. Jerome has progressed in his academics, attendance, and conduct. He is a true success story, model student, great basketball player, and a joy to work with. Jarome plans to further his education by pursuing post-secondary education in the fall.

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Girl Time at Serenity Tea House and Café

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Girl Time at Serenity Tea House and Café

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Reframe Program- Urban Youth Impact

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Youth Services and ERM Team Up to Provide Outdoor Learning Opportunities for Youth

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Youth Services and ERM Team Up to Provide Outdoor Learning Opportunities for Youth

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The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department (YSD) and Environmental Resources Management (ERM) work in partnership to offer young people opportunities to visit county natural areas and engage in activities such as hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and learning about the plants and animals that live there. This collaboration began three years ago with the Tri-City Trailblazers and Green Futures, a student summer internship program. Both programs are continually evolving to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for youth.  For more information, click link down below.

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Reframe Program students participating in UYI Virtual 5K

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Reframe Program students participating in UYI Virtual 5K

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Urban Youth Impact-Love, equip and empower inner-city youth to fulfill their God-given purpose.

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Second Teen Saturday Hosted by Achievement Centers for Children & Families

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Second Teen Saturday Hosted by Achievement Centers for Children & Families

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"On 2/6/21 we had 27 teens sign-in for programming." -Michael G. Gulley, Jr.

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Family Literacy Night held on December 10th

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The Student ACES workforce development program exposes students to well-paying jobs in the solar industry that do not require a college degree.

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Mark Sochacki, Vice President/ Project Executive, Moss Construction, presents a $105,000 donation to Student ACES founder Buck Martinez at the organization's center in Belle Glade.

Moss Foundation helps build career opportunities for economically disadvantaged students with $105K donation to Student ACES' solar workforce development program

Boca Raton, FL - High school students, many from Palm Beach County's most economically depressed neighborhoods, are one-step closer to career-launching, skilled trade jobs in Florida's expanding solar industry, thanks to a $105,000 donation from the Moss Foundation to Student ACES' solar workforce development program. The check presentation took place on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Student ACES Center, 915 S. Main Street in Belle Glade.

"We are excited to support Student ACES and this important initiative," said Chad Moss, president of the Moss Foundation. "There are tremendous career opportunities in this specialized field of construction, and we want to provide students who are considering this path the experiences they need to understand their options and the tools to achieve their career goals."

The Student ACES workforce development program exposes students to well-paying jobs in the solar industry that do not require a college degree. Students will also visit some of the nine Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) solar energy centers that Moss Construction is helping to build throughout the state. The students will learn firsthand about career opportunities from individuals working in the solar industry. The program also offers workshops that focus on character education, financial literacy, safety and time management. The students also will learn how to write a resume, complete a job application, and practice interviewing skills.

"Student ACES helps students seize the many opportunities that await them, whether that's going to college, entering the workforce or a combination of both," said Krissy Webb, executive director of Student ACES. "Our unique programs build character and integrity. Students gain a strong foundation that they can draw on throughout their lives to overcome the various challenges they will encounter no matter what road they choose."

Florida continues to rank among the top states for solar jobs led by FPL's unprecedented solar expansion - installing 30 million more solar panels by 2030 - one of the largest in the country. FPL is a longtime supporter and sponsor of Student ACES and is an integral partner in the workforce development program. Members of FPL's solar team mentor the students at the Belle Glade center, and several of the students have been hired directly by FPL or Moss Construction.

"FPL proudly supports organizations such as Student ACES that break down barriers to opportunities for students, especially in the STEM field; after all, these young men and women are the state's future leaders and it's critical they have the tools to thrive," said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. "We commend Moss for making such an important investment in these students' futures."
About Moss Foundation, Inc.: Moss Foundation, Inc. is a 501(C)3 organization dedicated to assisting non-profit organizations and communities throughout the nation under the leadership of President Chad Moss. Created by Moss & Associates, a national privately held construction firm headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the foundation prides itself in giving back to the community and enhancing its surrounding areas. About Student ACES, Inc. (ACE):Student ACES, Inc. is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students excel academically and personally. The organization creates an educational environment that prepares high school students and athletes while giving them the tools to be leaders and contribute to the community. Founded by father-daughter team Buck Martinez and Krissy Web in 2013 with 32 students, it has now served over 37,500 students. About Florida Power & Light Company (FPL):FPL is the largest energy company in the U.S. as measured by retail electricity produced and sold. The company serves more than 5.6 million customer accounts supporting more than 11 million residents across Florida with clean, reliable and affordable electricity. FPL operates one of the cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2020 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Excellence Award, presented by PA Consulting, for the fifth time in the last six years. The company was recognized in 2020 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Escalent for the seventh consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, and has been ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune's 2020 list of "World's Most Admired Companies." NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.GulfPower.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

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Moss Foundation Helps Build Solar Career Opportunities For Belle Glade Students - Boca Raton's Most Reliable News Source

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Moss Foundation helps build career opportunities for economically disadvantaged students with $105K donation to Student ACES' solar workforce development program Boca Raton, FL - High school students, many from Palm Beach County's most economically depressed neighborhoods, are one-step closer to career-launching, skilled trade jobs in Florida's expanding solar industry, thanks to a $105,000 donation from the Moss Foundation to Student ACES' solar workforce development program.

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Turn Up Your Impact. Mentor!
#NationalMentoringMonth

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"Our shift to virtual learning for the pandemic has given us the opportunity to boost our students' digital literacy skills."  - Megan Richards Bob

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Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, Inc.

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Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, Inc.

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Zachary just moved to Florida full time in August from New Jersey and has been working with Connections since then. He came down in February last year and interviewed for the position and has adjusted and adapted, like all of us, to his position in the Covid world. The nutrition food of the month videos are shared Monday mornings with every class in the school- students from ages 3-22.  Zachary then discusses the fun facts in each live nutrition class throughout the week and asks questions to the students.

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The Arc Palm Beach County- Empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities

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The Arc Palm Beach County- Empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities

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Arc Stand Up Members Send Letters of Positivity to Clients

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The Milagro Center in Delray Beach wants to use its new Community Art Garden to help create more "milagros," or miracles in Spanish, for economically-challenged youth.

When you walk through the gates to the open space between the center's two buildings, what was once some gravel, rocks and grass is now a bright, green space from the ground up, even on the walls.

Barbara Stark, Milagro Center's president and CEO, said she couldn't be more proud of the positive impact the center has had on the underprivileged area of The SET in Delray Beach.

"Many families live in this little community in Delray," she said. "And they don't venture out. Most of them don't have cars, they use public transportation, and that's how they get by. So, we're committed to our community, and also to exposing the community to art and also giving our community members the opportunity to showcase their art."

The SET, which includes the neighborhoods west of Swinton Avenue to Interstate 95 along Atlantic Avenue, has more challenges than many in South Florida. There is a history of drugs and crime that has existed for decades because of the nature of the economic segregation that was established early in the 20th century.

"We're located in the most underserved neighborhoods in Delray Beach," Stark said. "It has the highest poverty level in South Palm Beach County. Because of that, children who are being raised in that community are much higher at risk for school failure. And we all know that poverty and school success are inversely related.

"The center has been serving Delray Beach for over 23 years and we have never changed our mission or our passion for helping the underserved children and youth achieve success," she said.

Stark said public schools have been cutting arts and music programs to help them focus on the basics so that the schools can meet the standards for statewide testing. The cut to arts funding is one of the reasons that Milagro Center created its new art space.

"There are so many studies that show that art and music and creative expression actually works hand in hand with academics," she said. "We are very artistic and creative. We do dance, from ballet to hip hop. We do all kinds of art, sculpture, painting, and digital art.

"Also, because we have the advantage of being in Delray, we have many, many local artists who volunteer their time and teach art classes to our kids. So, our kids are really learning art from professionals."

One of the center's strengths is its smaller group of youth on which to focus.

"We only serve about 130 children and teens," Stark said. "So the effect that we have on each child is very deep and very meaningful."

Before the art garden came into existence, Stark and her team saw so much creative potential among the students at the center. But they didn't have a way to make use of it.

"We have a lot of talented people in this community, including a lot of artists and performers. But they haven't had any access to exhibit or any access to perform," she said.

"We realized that we could transform the yard between our Junior Teen Center and our Teen Center into a community art space. So we wrote a proposal for it, and we were fortunate to be awarded the grant," she said.

The team at Milagro brainstormed the idea that space in between their buildings might be the perfect spot for an art garden.

"We actually transformed what is the side yard between these two buildings," Stark said. "We had a vision that it would be an outdoor sculpture garden, and then behind our two centers we have two wooden stages where we built a deck that serves as a stage."

The idea was to have an exhibit in the art garden, and then have a dancer on one of the stages and a band on the other stage.

"We can do these events several times a year, and engage the community and give them access to art and also launch some people's art and performance abilities," she said.

Student profile: Mildred Lux

Mildred Lux started at the Milagro Center when she was 5. Thirteen years later, she has grown to love the center and its people. While she always has enjoyed art, she found many other opportunities during her time there.

"When I first started at Milagro, I was doing a lot of artwork," she said. "I'm not a tremendous artist, but I still do artwork occasionally.

"In recent years, I've been helping Barbara at the center with a whole bunch of human resources projects like filing, paperwork and a lot of different things," she said. "Actually, I am focusing on HR for after high school. I'm getting a lot of experience at Milagro as an HR assistant, and it's something that I will use in my future career."

When it comes to the staff and students, Lux doesn't hold back her feelings.

"The Milagro Center has been like a second family to me," she said. "We're a mixed culture of different people, and we get to meet a whole bunch of different people that we actually get to connect with. I've stayed connected with people I met here when I was 5."

Career direction is a big part of what the Milagro Center does for Lux.

"One of the biggest highlights was the learning opportunity for me," she said. "Milagro set me on a career path. And there are other kids here now who are getting a lot of learning opportunities for their future career path as well."

A basic function the center offers in the neighborhood is being a desirable place for kids to be.

"The Milagro Center has a high value for any parent who wants to see their kid grow," Lux said. "But it's also a place where kids stay out of trouble. That's one thing that I feel is very valuable because we have so many teenagers in the neighborhood who get into trouble or teenagers who have bad influences around them.

"Here, we focus on kids making better choices. We put them in programs, and we even have classes where they can entertain themselves, to keep them out of trouble."

Student profile: Elvanise Louis-Juste

Elvanise Louis-Juste has been a student at the Milagro Center since sixth grade. That was four years ago.

"My older brother brought me here," she said. "Milagro is very welcoming. It's stunning to see how much they care about the kids who come here."

The arts are important to Louis-Juste, so she said she feels that the center has been supportive in that direction.

"If the students are interested in art, if they're interested in singing, Milagro helps them embrace that talent," she said. "They helped me to grow my love for singing, and I appreciate them so much because, without them, I don't think that I would be where I am.

"There are a lot of kids here who are shy in the beginning, and now they love to do art, they love to sing, and they love to draw. It's a captivating thing to see. That's why I still attend here because the staff is amazing."

Louis-Juste also sees the benefit of the center for the whole neighborhood.

"I think when people pass by here, and they see a group of teens working in the art garden, it brings the community together, and it brings in other teens," she said. "You can invite friends to come and to join, and I just think it's a beautiful thing to have within the community.

"It's a place where kids and teens can come and interact with each other and interact with people that can help them and help the future. So I think it's a real landmark for the community."

The Milagro Center, 695 Auburn Ave., was founded in 1997 by several visionary leaders motivated by the desire for community service, centered on providing arts experiences to the economically-challenged neighborhood children. Its programs have grown to focus on empowering at-risk youth and their families.

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Milagro Center builds art garden for at-risk youth

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The Milagro Center in Delray Beach wants to use its new Community Art Garden to help create more "milagros," or miracles in Spanish, for economically-challenged youth. When you walk through the gates to the open space between the center's two buildings, what was once some gravel, rocks and grass is now a bright, green space from the ground up, even on the walls.

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City of Greenacres Youth Council Workshop

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City of Greenacres Youth Council Workshop

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Achievement Centers for Children & Families

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Achievement Centers for Children & Families

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Employability Skills Program launching as an accompaniment to the high school peer mentoring program

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Home Play Therapy Tool Kits customized for each client

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Urban League of Palm Beach County Nulites volunteered at a food distribution event before the holidays. 

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Urban League of Palm Beach County Nulites volunteered at a food distribution event before the holidays. 