How often do you see this in Overtown?

Today we launched the Roots in the City Farmers Market, which sells fresh, local, organic produce. We are open Wednesdays (while the growing season lasts) from 1 to 4 p.m. at the corner of NW 2 Ave. and 10 St. We accept cash and SNAP (food stamps). But wait, there's more! If you make a purchase with SNAP, we will double your money! This project is made possible by Wholesome Wave, the Knight Foundation, Michael's Genuine, Roots in the City and Jo Anne and Michael Bander. This is an initiative of the Prosperity Campaign, HSC's outreach arm.

Allegory of the Mountain: The Story of HSC

An allegorical journey into the inner workings of the Human Services Coalition.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this production DO NOT represent those of the executive team and board of directors. This video was produced by two of our most promising young employees who sometimes let their imaginations take them to places most people simply are not prepared to encounter. So be warned, and enjoy the ride....

Learn how to start a farmers market

Sharon Yeago, President of the Farmers Market Coalition, will be in Miami to attend the dedication of the new Roots in the City Farmers Market in a couple weeks and will be available to meet with interested parties on Thursday, April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Human Services Coalition, 1900 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 200. Sharon, who is an experienced market manager herself, can help you develop a plan to start and operate a successful farmers market.

For more information, please call Sharon at 386-454-3950.

Blueprint for education released--check it out

Obama's blueprint for education reform was released this weekend, and he will present his plan to Congress Monday.

Community organizations speak with one voice on Jackson emergency

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release—March 12, 2010

Community organizations speak with one voice on Jackson emergency
Human Services Coalition and Miami Workers Center will announce guiding principles

The Human Services Coalition (HSC) and the Miami Workers Center (MWC) will convene a gathering of local leaders to showcase the need for more community input in solving the Jackson Health System crisis. On March 17 at 11 a.m., the two organizations will present a set of principles they believe should guide the Miami-Dade community in responding to Jackson’s financial emergency. This event will take place at HSC, 1900 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 200.

”We are asking other health care providers and leaders in Miami-Dade County to sign onto our principles,” said HSC President Daniella Levine.

Residents who have received care at Jackson will be present to share their stories, which demonstrate what an indispensable asset the hospital is to Miami-Dade.

Levine and MWC Executive Director Gihan Perera will call upon other hospitals in the community to fill some of the gaps left by a struggling Jackson.

Contact:

Daniella Levine
President, Human Services Coalition

Daniellal@hscdade.org

Strategy session to fight budget cuts

Last Thursday, more than 80 people came to HSC to attend a community forum with county budget officials and discuss last year's budget cuts and the budget for next year. After narrowly avoiding complete elimination from the budget last fall through a quick organizing effort, community organizations are ready to collaborate early on to stop the county from further diminishing their funding. It was awesome to see the interest of so many different organization in the room: from the Girl Scouts to Belafonte Tacolcy to the guardianship program. The meeting set the groundwork for a powerful coalition to come together this summer. I'm confident the county commissioners will hear our message loud and clear: no more cuts for community-based organizations!

Activist workshop hosted by Environment Florida

Environment Florida and the Public Interest Network will provide free activist training at University of Miami March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteer recruitment, coalition building and planning a news conference will be covered. RSVP to get specific directions.

HSC Pres honored for leadership

I'm going to talk about HSC President Daniella Levine (above, left) winning the M. Athalie Range Leadership Award from Belafonte Tacolcy Center (BTC) on Saturday, but first can we talk about how cute those kids at the dinner were? Hearing the participants of BTC's literacy program, the Freedom School, sing, "Something Inside So Strong" was enough to make anyone empty their pockets and become a Tacolcy Angel. "We like to say we're an oasis in a desert," BTC CEO Alison Austin told the Herald. "Our focus is to provide access to our children, access to computers, access to hope, access to everything they need.'' Don't forget access to microphones; those kids are talented!
But I digress. Levine, as I said, received the award named after community organizer extraordinaire M. Athalie Range. Range, Levine recounted in her acceptance speech, once got garbage pickup increased in Liberty City by organizing community members to dump trash on Commissioners' desks. That is a woman to emulate, Levine said. Read about Levine's own impressive career.