Bridge to Hope WOC

The Make A House A Home Program improves the quality of life for low to moderate income residents by providing nutritious food, hygiene products, clothing, and household essentials. In 2022 we served over 5,000 households. The FreshFARMacy Food Pantry serves 8,000-10,000 individuals each month. Our pantry focuses on fresh food, and organic options to support food security and optimal health benefits for our clients. We use multiple touch points and methods of service delivery to create a larger food security safety net. Touch points include by appointment up to once per week in at our main location, receiving services at a drive through neighborhood hub monthly, receiving a home delivery by a case manager or through DoorDash up to twice per month, and/or participating in a combination of service access offerings. Our individualized services demonstrate our understanding that one size does not fit all and allows us to provide tailored services to families that often don't fit into status quo programs. Our nutrient dense focused offerings are paired with free health screening services, nutritious recipes, food tastings, and other resources that support the pillars of food security and improve long term health outcomes. Anti-prison Pipeline Youth Development Program: The rate at which youth are moved from the juvenile justice system to adult in incarceration is so high that the term "school to prison pipeline" was coined to describe the impact policies created in the 1980's and 1990's was disproportionately impacting low-income high school students and young adults. The anti-prison pipeline creates social change through tech-education and life skills for under-served/under-resourced youth at risk, or currently in the juvenile justice system by providing them with personal development tools and skill development in current technology that prepares them for successful careers in technology and/or prepares them for higher education and entrepreneurship. Youth are able to earn badges and certifications in basic computer skills, coding, Microsoft Office, Google, IT security, and other high demand careers in computer science. This program reduces the likelihood of criminal activity in communities with high risk and reduces recidivism for incarcerated youth by giving them a pathway to employment and self-sufficiency. Project e-QUALity: Empowering Digital Inclusion and Literacy: In an age where the internet has become a fundamental tool for education, work, and daily life, a significant digital divide persists for low wage earners. With over 20% of local resident disconnected from the internet, Miami holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second least-connected large city in the United States. This connectivity gap severely hinders the ability of low to moderate-income households to perform essential tasks such as completing school work, banking, job applications, and training. As eloquently stated by FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, "The cost of digital exclusion is high and growing every day. It's time to bridge the digital divide so that everyone can afford to have an internet connection, no matter who they are or where they live." In response to this pressing issue, we launched a comprehensive initiative to bring no-cost broadband internet service, free devices, digital skills training, and career opportunities in technology to Miami-Dade County and beyond. This groundbreaking effort aims to level the playing field and promote digital equity and inclusions by providing essential resources to those who need them the most. By addressing the digital divide head-on, we can significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of residents and support economic mobility. When all members of the community have access to digital tools and resources, they gain the power to thrive in a technology-driven world, the community as a whole becomes a more inclusive, prosperous, and innovative community. Digital navigation was provided for 3000 households to determine and connect to free internet services and devices. Completion of learning modules led to 600