Making A Lasting Impact On Those In Need In South Florida

“Community-Based Connections is indebted to our many funders, partners and sponsors including FPL and The GEO Foundation,” said Mikelange Olbel, President and CEO of Community Based Connections, Inc. “It is an honor to recognize them along with a number of dedicated individuals at our annual event which shines the spotlight on those who make an impact on so many lives in our community.”

FPL is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than six million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. It is committed to making a positive difference in our communities through its FPL Care To Share program. Founded in 1994, the program helps individuals and families who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, such as sudden illness, unexpected unemployment, or another emergency or personal crisis, keep their lights on when they need it most. Each year, the program helps thousands of families by providing emergency bill payment assistance to eligible customers in need. Contributions are distributed to the community through a network of NonProfit Human-Service Agencies.

The GEO Group Foundation supports charities, schools, community organizations, and higher learning for students across the country. One of The GEO Group Foundation’s main goals is to help deserving students within its local communities achieve their education and career goals through higher education scholarships. This charitable group is revered for making Charitable Grants to NonProfit Organizations, schools, and public entities to help them meet their philanthropic goals and public purposes.

This year’s honorees join a prestigious roster of past individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on those in need in South Florida. These include Tim Curtin, Memorial Healthcare System; Rosalyn Frazier, Broward Community & Family Health Centers; Kathy Salerno, Broward Health; Ken Walters, Community Care Plan; Anna Fusco, Broward Teachers Union; Kenneth Jones, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital; Sandy Michael McDonald, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development; Jasmin D. Shirley, Broward Health Regional Planning Council; Dion Smith, Children’s Services Council of Broward and Khalil Zeinieh, community advocate.

In the last year, CBCI served nearly 4,000 people and almost 2,000 families, provided over nearly 15,000 hours of in-home case management and support services to keep families intact and conducted 68 fatherhood group session meetings to improve fathers’ relationships with their children and help them secure employment. Additionally, the organization expanded services to Palm Beach County with an office in Riviera Beach.

Proceeds from the event will benefit CBCI’s Awesome Dads Awesome Men (A.D.A.M.) fatherhood mentoring program, The Beacon of HOPE-Intact Family Navigation Program, Family Strengthening Program, and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring safety plans, as well as its vital initiatives such as Early Achievers at Markham Elementary, Young Believers, Club Elevate, Haven and Healing Space.

The evening of celebration will include a cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner with an open bar, live musical entertainment, dancing and the impactful awards ceremony, which includes the presentation of the branded green blazers. Tickets are $150 per person; a table is $2,500. To attend, please reserve seats at: https://communitybasedconnections.com/green-blazer-awards/.

Community-Based Connections, Inc.’s Fifth Annual Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration is sponsored by FPL, Kirk Brown, Homes, Inc., Pompano Beach Hosing Authority, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, GPR | Goodman Public Relations and The Spritz Group.

About Community-Based Connections, Inc.

Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI) is a NonProfit Human Services Organization with more than 16 years of expertise in delivering youth development advocacy and family resilience strengthening programs, plus health and community empowerment initiatives to underserved populations in Broward County. CBCI was founded upon the belief that service providers who have natural ties to the community are in the best position to help improve the odds of youth and family success. The CBCI mission is to expand the options available to children – from cradle to college - that promote their social and academic growth, equipping them with the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in adulthood. CBCI programs services that engage, encourage and motivate include the Young Believers Program, Family Strengthening Program, S.M.A.R.T. Team, New Day Diversion, and the Early Achievers Program. For more information about programs in Broward and Palm Beach counties, visit: https://communitybasedconnections.com.