Community Outreach (Case Management)

The Community Outreach program at Change Me Foundation is dedicated to providing essential services and support to individuals and families in need, ensuring that no one is left behind. This program focuses on outreach activities aimed at assisting those who may face barriers in accessing vital resources such as food, shelter, financial assistance, and social services. By partnering with community organizations, we aim to create a comprehensive network of support to uplift the most vulnerable members of our community.

Key Program Components:

• Needs Assessment and Referrals: Our dedicated team of case managers conducts thorough needs assessments to identify the specific challenges faced by individuals and families. Based on these assessments, we provide personalized referrals to essential resources, such as food banks, homeless shelters, financial aid programs, and social service agencies.
• Resource Coordination: We work closely with community organizations, local government agencies, and service providers to coordinate resources and ensure a holistic approach to addressing the needs of our clients. By streamlining access to services, we aim to make the process more efficient and effective for those seeking assistance.
• Advocacy and Support: The Community Outreach program serves as an advocate for individuals and families, empowering them to navigate complex systems and overcome barriers they may encounter. Our case managers provide ongoing support, guidance, and advocacy to help clients access the services they need and to address any challenges they may face along the way.
• Education and Awareness: We believe in the power of education and awareness to empower individuals to make informed decisions and improve their overall well-being. Through workshops, informational sessions, and community events, we provide education on topics such as financial literacy, housing rights, and accessing healthcare, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the system successfully.
• Collaboration with Community Partners: Change Me Foundation actively collaborates with local community organizations, non-profits, and government agencies to enhance the impact of our outreach efforts. By forging strong partnerships, we leverage resources, expertise, and networks to maximize our reach and ensure comprehensive support for those in need.

Health & Wellness

The Health & Wellness program at Change Me Foundation is designed to address the health challenges faced by individuals and families living below the poverty level. Through a combination of educational workshops and health awareness classes, we strive to improve health literacy, promote healthy behaviors, and empower participants to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Key Program Components:

• Workshops: We offer a variety of interactive workshops covering topics such as nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, chronic disease management, and preventive care. These workshops provide practical knowledge and skills to help participants adopt healthy lifestyle choices.
• Health Awareness Classes: Our health awareness classes focus on specific health issues, such as heart awareness, diabetes awareness, and other prevalent health concerns within the community. These classes aim to increase awareness, educate participants about signs and symptoms, and emphasize the importance of early detection and management.
• Nutritional Education: Recognizing the impact of healthy eating on overall well-being, we provide educational sessions on nutrition and offer guidance on making nutritious food choices. We address common challenges related to accessing affordable, healthy food and provide practical strategies to overcome them.

Advocacy

The Advocacy program at Change Me Foundation aims to empower individuals affected by poverty to become effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Through comprehensive training and support, we equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to speak up, defend their rights, and promote positive change.

Key Program Components:

• Advocacy Training: We provide training sessions that cover various aspects of advocacy, including understanding one's rights, effective communication strategies, navigating systems and processes, and leveraging community resources. Participants learn how to confidently articulate their needs, express concerns, and advocate for change at individual and systemic levels.
• Education and Awareness: We raise awareness about social issues, policies, and systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities. Through educational workshops and awareness campaigns, we aim to inform participants and the wider community about the importance of advocacy and the power of collective action.
• Support and Resources: We offer ongoing support, resources, and tools to help participants in their advocacy efforts. This includes access to information, networking opportunities, mentorship, and guidance on building alliances and partnerships within the community.

Mental Health Support Groups

The Mental Health Support Groups program at Change Me Foundation provides a safe and supportive community where individuals facing mental health challenges can come together to share their experiences, find understanding, and learn coping strategies. These non-professional-led support groups create a sense of belonging and foster emotional well-being among participants.

Key Program Components:

• ​Safe and Supportive Environment: We create a welcoming and non-judgmental space where individuals can openly express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns without fear of stigma or discrimination. Facilitators ensure that participants feel respected, heard, and supported throughout the support group sessions.
• Peer Connection and Shared Experiences: Participants have the opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar mental health challenges. By sharing their struggles, successes, and coping strategies, they find comfort, validation, and a sense of community, knowing they are not alone in their journey.
• Coping Skills and Education: Support group sessions include discussions on various coping skills and self-care techniques to help participants manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being. Topics may include stress management, mindfulness, healthy communication, and self-advocacy.
• Resource Referrals: We provide information and referrals to relevant mental health resources, such as counseling services, treatment centers, and community support programs. Participants are empowered with knowledge and access to additional support beyond the support group sessions.

Education

The Education program at Change Me Foundation offers comprehensive training and educational opportunities to both professional and community members. We recognize that education extends beyond traditional classroom settings and encompasses a wide range of knowledge and skills gained from various experiences. Our program aims to provide mental health awareness and education in key areas such as advocacy, substance abuse, health and wellness, healthy eating habits, and home ownership.

Key Program Components:

• Mental Health Awareness Education: We provide training and workshops to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, including common mental health conditions, signs and symptoms, and available support resources. Participants learn to recognize mental health challenges and develop strategies to promote mental well-being.
• Advocacy Training: Our program offers training on effective advocacy, empowering participants to become effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Topics covered may include advocacy strategies, navigating systems and policies, and amplifying the voices of marginalized populations.
• Substance Abuse Education: Participants gain knowledge about substance abuse, addiction, and recovery. The training focuses on prevention strategies, early intervention, and support for individuals and families affected by substance abuse. Participants also learn about available treatment options and community resources.
• Health and Wellness Workshops: We conduct workshops on various aspects of health and wellness, including stress management, self-care, healthy lifestyle choices, and building resilience. Participants acquire practical skills and knowledge to enhance their overall well-being.
• Healthy Eating Habits: Our program includes educational sessions on healthy eating habits, nutrition, and the importance of a balanced diet. Participants learn about healthy food choices, meal planning, and the relationship between diet and overall health.
• Home Ownership Education: We provide resources and workshops to educate participants about the process of home ownership, including financial literacy, mortgage options, home buying steps, and maintenance. The training aims to empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable homeownership.

Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) Academy

In Collaboration with The City of Deerfield Beach Teen Center

Background: The lack of access to quality STEM resources and experiences in high-poverty schools put students at a disadvantage and limits their prospects for rewarding STEM careers. Teen Center participants from Deerfield Beach Middle and Deerfield High School, which receive Title 1 funding, also need access to quality STEM programming. This is evident from the low math scores in the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). To address this issue, Change Me Foundation Inc proposes to implement a S.T.E.A.M. Academy in collaboration with The City of Deerfield Beach Teen Center.

Program/Project Description:
DFB S.T.E.A.M. Academy Goals and Objectives:

Goal: Encourage diverse students to pursue STEAM careers

• Objective: Provide project-based pedagogy to promote interest in STEAM.
• Objective: Showcase real-life implications of STEAM.

Goal: Promote the learning of STEAM concepts and methodologies

• Objective: Expose students to various STEAM fields and methodologies.
• Objective: Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

The S.T.E.A.M. Academy will be a six-module component integrated into the after-school program for teens aged 13-18. Each module will cover a different field of STEAM and engage participants in project-based science activities. Local scientists and engineers will interact with the students, providing real-world perspectives. The program aims to increase interest in STEAM disciplines, expose teens to career pathways, and prepare them for post-secondary education.

"Walk In My Shoes Children Mental Health Awareness 5K & Community Resource Fair"

The "Walk In My Shoes Children Mental Health Awareness 5K & Community Resource Fair" is an event organized by Change Me Foundation Inc. as part of their commitment to raising awareness and reducing stigma around children's mental health. This event, held in observance of Children's Mental Health Awareness Month, aims to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by young individuals and their families in accessing mental health services. The event includes a 5K run as a symbolic gesture of walking in the shoes of those affected by mental health issues, along with a community resource fair where participants can access information and support from various organizations and service providers. Through this event, Change Me Foundation seeks to foster understanding, provide resources, and promote positive mental health for children and their families.