CHI would not be where it is today without the passion and commitment of our employees. Our staff is made up of more than 700 employees, represented by 30 different cultures. They are the heart and soul of CHI and play an integral role in pushing our fundraising initiatives forward.
In September 2020, we launched the Caring Society to honor CHI employees who participate in our annual Employee Giving Program. This program provides philanthropic support to priority needs, such as the Children Crisis Center, which will be the first free-standing facility for children with behavioral health issues in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Since its launch, the Caring Society has raised $62,000 for the center.
“The Children’s Crisis Center is very important because it will provide up to an additional 20 inpatient beds for Miami-Dade and Monroe County,” said Jeremy D. Radziewicz, Chief Financial Officer and member of the Caring Society. “Its location is ideal to serve this region and will help keep children and families closer to their homes and therefore improve the continuity of care, which is critical for full recovery.”
Several CHI employees, like Jeremy, proudly give out of their own pockets to ensure the Children’s Crisis Center becomes a reality. For some, the motivation to donate stemmed from their personal connection to the center.
“Last year, we saw the rate of suicide increase especially in adolescents,” said Patricia Philippe, Director of Education and Infection Control. “One of my close friend’s son fell into this statistic. Her son, a wonderful and smart young man who wanted to be a physician like his parents, for some reason saw no solution to whatever he thought was a problem and committed suicide at the age of 17. Another aspect of having a children’s crisis center will be that parents and family members will be better educated to notice the signs of when a child is in distress, and I know the CCC will help save many lives.”
“Since I started working here, I had a strong connection with the crisis unit. I remember the first time I visited, I saw a young child that was no more than 9 years old being escorted by a Miami-Dade police officer,” said Ronald McFarlane, Food and Beverage Manager. “Since then, I knew I wanted to help these children who are so vulnerable. I know that with my donation, I am helping to build a better future for our children.”
Caring Society members also noted that the Children’s Crisis Center will not only address an urgent need within our community but make a profound impact in dismantling the stigma behind mental health.
“I believe the Children’s Crisis Center will remove barriers, address taboos, and promote mental health. It will be as important as primary health care,” said Eunice Hines, Director Migrant Health and Outreach. “The center is even more important now as our children face far more pressures than we did growing up. This center is an asset to their development.”
Due to the significant contributions of CHI employees, donors, and community support, the Children’s Crisis Center is expected to open in early 2022.
