Pathways To Prosperity

This year we hosted our Inaugural Haitian Heritage Festival at the Sara Sims Park in Boynton Beach. We had over 800 people in attendance and received recognition from Palm Beach County Commissioners, City of Boynton Beach Council Members and State Senator Bobby Powell. Participants were able to engage with over 25 local agencies that provide services and there was 11 food vendors and fun activities for all ages. There was also giveaways and 200 participants received gift cards.We partnered with local businesses and hosted a Christmas Holiday in the Park. We were able to provide over 350 families with 1200 toys including bicycles, skateboards, helmets, scooters, etc. for the children in their families. Additionally, each family was able to leave with a professional photo with Santa.We hosted a Thanksgiving Giveaway and we gave out over 400 Food Baskets with Turkeys and all the trimmings. Additionally, families were provided with Gift Cards to local grocery stores.Through our Economic Mobility program, Circles Palm Beach County, we had 225 families transition from incomes below the federal poverty level to self-sufficiency. Six (6) families purchased homes, 119 families increased their assets, 179 families reduced their debt and increased their credit scores and 6 families started their own businesses. These families are now serving in their respective communities by volunteering at local agencies and churches, attending City government meetings and encouraging others to get involved.We partnered with a local fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Foundation, and the City of Boynton Beach which provided funding through their Community Development Block Grant Funds. This partnership allowed us to leverage the $49,000 received from the City and provide over $175,000 of home repairs and beautification to homes owned by senior citizens in the City that had code violations because they could not afford the repairs. We were able to provide this service to 12 homes in the community. Omega Psi Phi Foundation volunteered over 2000 hours to complete this work.Through our Healthier Boynton Beach (HBB) initiative which is focused on partnering with community leaders and local organizations to host activities and events that focus on health and wellness and access to resources for Family Caregivers, we hosted our 7th Annual Caregivers Luncheon. We had 145 participants in attendance and 22 sponsors. The event was held at Benvenuto Restaurant and hosted by Rod- Z, who entertain the caregivers with his comedy songs and dancing. Music and sounds were provided by the J Sharp Band and they were entertaining and enjoyable. Eleven vendors were present to provide resources and information to caregivers.HBB partnered with the City of Boynton Beach on the month long Lets Move: Commit to Change Physical Activity challenge. The county-wide initiative took place in during the month of March with a focus to increase physical activity and encourage better nutrition and healthy behaviors. Boynton Beach residents were invited to join the HBB and City of Boynton Beach Lets Move team by committing to at least 30 minutes of activity each day. From all across Palm Beach County, HBB was one of many teams to participate in the March 1- 31st 2023 campaign, logging 172,270 minutes of walking, running, Zumba dancing and a variety of virtual activities to take charge of their health.We hosted three (3) Mental Health First Aid trainings to over 60 community providers and residents. They became better equipped to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges; how to offer initial support, and guide individuals towards appropriate resources and professional help. The training empowered the community providers and residents to respond effectively to mental health crises.