Building Connections, Building Character

August 2023 Newsletter

That's a Wrap on 2023

Summer Camp !

Through our summer camps, we provided a safe and successful seven-week education and enjoyment for the young people under our care. Our team played a commendable role in captivating our elementary, middle, and high school students through programming and activities that

foster positive youth development.

For some of our staff, it was their first experience with GA Summer Camp.


"My favorite part of the summer was the simple small day-to-day interactions, and seeing the youth gradually open up and feel more comfortable being goofy and expressing their passions and personal interests. That kinda stuff is so rewarding to me."



Andres M., SUPPORT Community Health Worker


"Summer Camp was an absolutely refreshing experience.

Every day my staff and I challenged ourselves to ensure that we 

provide a fun and safe place for our campers."


Muriel S., GPS Site Coordinator


As the sun sets on another unforgettable summer at our camps, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to all the staff, volunteers, and partners who helped make it all possible. Your dedication and hard work helped shape the experiences and memories our youth will cherish forever.


We can't wait to see you all next year for another

summer filled with adventure, friendship, and growth.

Click to see our 2023 Summer Camp Photo Gallery

On July 27th and 28th, the camps culminated with the K-5 End of Summer Bash and the Middle and High School End of Summer Bash, respectively. It was amazing seeing campers enjoy themselves and, in the case of our middle and high schoolers, express their understanding of the content of the various evidence-based curricula through visual and expressive arts. 


Click to see our End of Summer Bash Photo Gallery

Partner Highlights


We would like to express gratitude to CHEN- Community Health Empowerment Network, for serving as our

HIV/STI testing partner.

We also thank the Black AIDS Advisory Group (BAAG) for collaborating with us to serve the communities of Broward County for National HIV Awareness Testing Day.

GA Program Spotlight: COS-CVAC

Fostering youth resilience through GA's comprehensive program for America’s youngest victims

of the addiction crisis. 

In the middle of the addiction problem that America is experiencing, GA’s focus on uplifting vulnerable youth remains a priority. Our Circle of Strength-Child Victims of the Addiction Crisis (COS-CVAC) program provides crucial therapeutic services and wraparound support to young victims of crime. Due to the rise in substance abuse and its dramatic effect on children and families, COS-CVAC brings in-home trauma-focused services for these children and youth who have endured the consequences of substance abuse and the opioid crisis in Miami-Dade County.


COS-CVAC is an incredibly important program, especially in underserved communities, as research shows that areas with lower economic opportunity are disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis. With a proven gap in services for these victims, COS-CVAC brings in-home trauma-focused therapy provided by qualified therapists, along with case management services and family support. Its prevention, intervention, and treatment services are offered in English, Creole, and Spanish.

 

The essence of COS-CVAC lies in its holistic approach, providing a range of services that address the unique needs of young victims aged 4-18, as well as their families. Services are tailored to provide emotional, psychological, and practical support that helps victims cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.

 

The program effectively connects families with resources such as detox or information and coordination of residential treatment and empowers the young survivors we've been privileged to assist. COS-CVAC also sparks important conversations with youth through psychoeducation that sheds light on the correlation between trauma and substance abuse, as we believe that to teach is to empower. Participants have cited improvements in their emotional well-being and increased resilience.

 

COS-CVAC provides a foundation for recovery and enhances the overall quality of life for the youth and their families. By providing therapeutic and wraparound services at no cost, the program equips people with the tools to overcome traumatic experiences and embrace a brighter, more promising future.


In the battle against the addiction crisis, endorsing initiatives of this caliber is an important step toward nurturing a more compassionate society that fosters growth and resilience.


If you’re interested in knowing more or know of someone who could benefit from these transformative services, we encourage you to reach out to Elaine Mieses, COS-CVAC Program Manager at emieses@myga.org

GA is proud to partner with KidCare

to support accessing quality health care. 

Did You Know:

Your child may qualify for low-cost health and

dental insurance with Florida KidCare?


A healthy student is ultimately a better learner – and with such a strong connection between health and academic performance, it’s important to know which healthcare options are available for your children before they head back to school.

 

Florida KidCare includes free, subsidized, and competitively priced options based on family income and household size. Families who do not qualify for free or subsidized coverage may purchase a competitively priced plan.

 

With NO application fee and year-round open enrollment, the time to apply is always now. Your family’s information is never shared outside of Florida KidCare.

 

Learn more and apply at floridakidcare.org or give them a call at

1-888-540-KIDS (5437).




August Events

Click on any event for more info

Aug 4thBelle Glade Back to School Drive



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