Maria Ruiz: Community Catalyst

Maria Ruiz is a mother and a lawyer, an immigrant and a community health worker, a published author, and also, a survivor of domestic violence. We are proud to say she is a recent graduate of Catalyst Miami’s Parent LeadershipTraining Institute.

Maria and her three children endured abuse throughout her 21-year marriage. When she came to Miami from Venezuela in October 2009 it was with only two of her daughters. Her oldest child had committed suicide, as Maria puts it, “to break free from domestic violence.” At that time, Maria was coming to understand that her husband’s violence was not merely an element of marital strife; it was deeply affecting her children.  This realization put her on a path to becoming an advocate and a healer in her community.

After a short time in Miami, Maria’s husband came to see her and their children. His violent behavior eventually led to a visit from the police. One of the officers encouraged Maria to get a restraining order and wrote down directions to the courthouse. The very next day Maria was on a bus headed downtown to begin the process of separating legally from her husband and becoming a resident of the United States.

In getting a divorce, Maria gave up quite a bit of money and property, but gained tranquility and liberation for her daughters. As a barista at Maxine's Restaurant and Lounge in Miami Beach, she started saving up to start her own organization, Fundación AngelMariposa, to help families affected by domestic violence heal themselves and break the cycle of violence.

As a participant in the latest class of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), Maria learned how to match her dreams with resources that could help her launch a community project, which she calls Mujer Mariposa. Through this program, women participate in support groups, attend workshops on healthy eating and take Zumba and Raiki classes. Maria believes that for children to be healthy, their mothers must also be healthy, which is why she is passionate about helping women seek therapy and support.

When Maria reflects on the journey she has taken, she doesn’t sound bitter towards her ex-husband. She comments that he still has their big house in Venezuela, but he is alone in it; he doesn’t have his family. She speaks proudly of how her daughters have learned to demand respect. Having seen such transformation in her own family, Maria is not content to rest; instead she is using the lessons she learned to help others heal.

FLTI Graudation Class of 2012

By Jill Gedeon,  AmeriCorps VISTA

Graduation-- the day that we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. After 20 week long sessions meeting one night per week, our parents, teens and children have been given the tools necessary to become strong advocates for their children, neighbors and their fellow citizens of Miami-Dade county to implement change and to inspire others to take on the same path. The graduation took place at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and the institute has graduated 12 parents, 3 children, and 5 teens.

The evening started out with some encouraging words from our CEO & Chair Daniella Levine by congratulating our graduates and in honoring Janet Pereyra the founder of F.O.F (Federation of Families) in collaborating with her in being a part of our PLTI curriculum. The atmosphere during the event was very joyful and nobody in the room could not stop smiling and congratulating one another solidifying the fact that everyone in the room made it here with the support from their fellow classmates, Catalyst Miami, Federation of Families, PLTI and The Children's Trust to make it all a reality. During the ceremony, we also honored Gina Ha, Lizabeth Vejano, Abby Asgaralli from Catalyst and other facilitators who made it possible each and every week in obtaining supplies and/or assist with facilitating the program. Before the graduation procession began, the Youth Move choir performed 3 different songs in 3 different languages: English, Spanish and Haitian Creole to reflect the common languages that are heard in Miami and represents the cultures of the parents, children and teens. 

While during the graduation procession I was happy to see all of my young adults transition into knowledgeable Youth Advocate Leaders as they grace the stage with confidence, when receiving their diploma. Even though I myself had the pleasure of being a facilitator for the second half of Soundout weekly program. It was a great feeling to see so much hope, inspiration, and collaboration.

Congratulations to the 5^th year and 7^th FLTI class of 2012!

ReServists in action: Woodie Pagan

Contributed by Islara B. Suoto, Alliance for Aging Director of Planning & Special Projects

The workshop planned for a recent Tuesday in Little Havana was to train 15 elders in safe-walking behaviors. All arrangements had been made and materials prepared: 15 Certificates of Completion were printed for each "older graduate" and 15 Safety Kits assembled as a graduation gift. The room was set up, the attendance sheet ready, curriculum module loaded on the laptop, a new light bulb in the projector, and all systems a "go."

The trainer for the workshop, a ReServist named Woodie Pagan, called my cell phone the night before the Little Havana event. "Hi. Guess how many participants are coming to the workshop tomorrow?" he asked. "Oh, the 15 we planned for," I responded. 

"Nope," he continued, "there will be more than 300 elders at the workshop in the Little Havana Activity & Nutrition Center!"  

I gasped, caught my breath and said, "Woodie, do you want to do this?" He quickly responded, "Yes."

I asked him, "Can you do this?" He replied with a simple, "Yeah, sure, no problem."

That, in essence, is Woodie Pagan--lawyer, ex-New York Traffic Court Judge, former high school football coach, college baseball and football player, HUD developer--and now, in his encore career through ReServe, a Project Specialist for the Alliance for Aging. There is nothing too big or too small for this exceptional person to tackle when he commits and believes in what he is doing.

Woodie is proving to be an invaluable employee who has embraced the opportunity to make our diverse elders throughout Miami-Dade County safer. His inimitable and friendly style makes everyone around him feel at ease, and his approachability transfers into the community as he trains hundreds of older people how to be more careful about walking on the streets of Miami. His experience base includes years of diplomacy, a teaching background, practical understanding of nonprofit operation and programs, and a keen legal mind. More importantly, though, this ReServist exemplifies how the "right fit" between a person and a job--no matter what stage of life--can revitalize and invigorate both.

To learn more about ReServe Miami, please visit www.reserveinc.org.

The Supreme Court Healthcare Decision: What Does it Mean for Florida?

Contributed by Greg Mallowe, Florida CHAIN
On June 28, the two-year legal challenge brought by Florida and 25 other states to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reached its dramatic conclusion with a (split) decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In two sentences, what did the Court decide?
They upheld the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) as constitutional*. So the ACA is the law of the land and is fully in effect.

Why the asterisk (*) though?
  The Court did identify one problem related to the Medicaid expansion component of the ACA that would make most Americans up to 138 percent of the poverty level Medicaid-eligible as of 2014. Because the expansion is such a significant change to the Medicaid program, the Court said, it would be unconstitutional for the feds to enforce an older Medicaid law that would have allowed withholding of all federal funds for a State's existing Medicaid program if it refused to expand. Bottom line: Florida can't beforced to expand Medicaid (but see below).

When Governor Scott stated his intent not to do anything to comply with the ACA, what was he talking about?
Although it seems unlikely that the Governor has any immediate plans to change his practice of rejecting all ACA-related funding and taking no action to implement the law, he was mainly referring to two main ACA components. First, he said Florida would likely: 1) not expand Medicaid, and 2) not launch a Florida-based Health Insurance Exchange where Floridians could find and buy quality, affordable coverage - with assistance available to households up to 400% of the poverty level to ensure affordable coverage.

Was the Governor specifically threatening to break the law or ignore federal authority?
Although the Governor appears ready to break his pledge to implement the law if upheld by the Supreme Court, so far he has not discussed anything that would be illegal. Here's why:
1) As a result of the Supreme Court's decision, Florida could reject Medicaid expansion without fear of losing federal funding for its current Medicaid program. So such a decision would be legal, but extremely foolish. Medicaid expansion would provide desperately-needed coverage for a million very low-income Floridians, while bringing in almost ten federal dollars for every State dollar invested in the next decade.
2) If Florida did nothing to set up its own "state-based" Exchange, Floridians would still have access to a "federally facilitated" exchange. That wouldn't necessarily mean that the federal government would run the whole thing. The Exchange could take the form of a federal-state partnership, where the state would perform some function and the feds perform others.

Who will make the financial decision about what to do and by when?
If the State plans any involvement in the initial operation of an Exchange - either on its own or as part of a federal-state partnership - it would need to tell the feds in writing and submit a detailed plan by November 16. The Exchange must be ready to perform a wide array of complex functions by next fall, and Florida is still at "square one." Significant federal involvement seems inevitable. The Legislature will have a say, but unless there is a special session, their input may come too late, at least for Round 1. As for Medicaid expansion, the Legislature could decide that question next spring, but that really doesn't allow enough time to prepare, even if the feds determine eligibility.

Voting Just Got Easier with TurboVote!

Written by Jennifer Villaroel, Catalyst Miami Summer Intern

In 1790, the United States voting law only permitted white adult property-owning males to cast their to vote. Today however, thanks to the tireless efforts of trailblazers of
the past who fought for increased suffrage, all American citizens over 18 years old may vote regardless their race, color or gender. The work is not yet done however to make sure all voices can be be heard. For example, thousands of African-Americans and Latinos who are eligible to vote are underrepresented in local and national elections every year. Additionally, new Florida laws make it harder for community-based organizations to register people to vote.


One way Catalyst Miami is trying to tackle the problem of voter disenfranchisement is by promoting “TurboVote,” a free and easy-to-use technology that allows users to register to vote online, as well as sign up for election reminders, so you never miss an election! 
We believe that promoting and facilitating the use of TurboVote within our community can create change, and we hope you will help us spread the word to increase the number of voters in Florida. Together we can build a more democratic nation.

President Obama Proposes New Home Refinancing Program

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen in on this month's White House conference call that addressed home mortgage refinancing. The purpose of this call was to spread the word about President Obama's new proposal to enact three streamline home refinancing programs: Responsible Owner Refinancing Act, Expanding Refinancing Opportunities Act, and Rebuilding Equity Act. Americans who bought houses before the financial crisis and are locked in at high interest rates will benefit from these streamline refinancing programs because it cuts through the red tape that is attached to modifying mortgages and help home owners make affordable payments. Individuals who are not behind on their mortgage payments but have been unable to get traditional refinancing because the value of their home has declined, individuals may be eligible to refinance their own loan through MHA's Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Click here for a more detailed eligibility criteria.

Why streamline refinancing?

Individuals may be eligible to refinance through the
Home Affordable Refinance Program

Increased competition amongst lending services will give borrowers better deals and lower fees on their loans. In addition, the programs allow automatic appraisal that will remove the additional cost of manual appraisal. The Rebuilding Equity Act will also offer aid to families whose loans are underwater-- the mortgage is higher than the value of the house. Short term loans allow people to recover from their loans quicker. Lower monthly payments mean lower foreclosure rates, helping property values in your community. 

The conference ended with a question and answer segment where several realtors from South Florida called in to make their enquiries. Overall, my first experience with a White House conference call was a positive one-- however, I left the conversation still feeling confused about the specificities each program would provide within President Obama's proposal. Let's hope that the U.S. Senate will quickly add this to their calender and considers this proposal with the attention it deserves. I believe there should be a greater effort to keep an open dialogue between the administration and the American public and explain the proposal in easy to understand terms. On the same token, Americans who think they might be eligible for home refinancing should proactively educate themselves on the various programs to see which one suits their financial situation the closest. Home loan refinancing is a tedious and complex process that effects many Americans and I think it's a matter of public concern that should be addressed sooner rather than later. 

Community catalysts connecting for good

By Kimberly Fong

Dina Weinstein, a Parent Leadership Training Institute graduate, remembers a time during her childhood when majority of kids from her Massachusetts neighborhood walked or biked to school. Fast forward to Miami-Dade County in 2012 where the roads are heavily trafficked with cars and the streets are less pedestrian-friendly. Florida has one of the highest numbers of injuries and fatalities due to children being hit by cars. Most parents cite safety issues as one of the primary reasons they are reluctant to allow their children to walk to school. The desire to change this reality inspired Dina to initiate a Bike and Walk to School Day that advocates alternative transportation for children going to and from school as her final project for PLTI.

"I didn't like the expectation put on parents to drive their kids everywhere," Dina said. The valet style pick up and drop off system at her children's school felt very "isolating" in comparison to her experience interacting with neighbors who were also walking their children to school. Dina started the Bike and Walk to School Day at her children's school, Temple Beth Am Day School. The event had a great turn out and since then Temple Beth Am has hosted three more Bike and Walk to School Days centered on the themes of safety, active lifestyle--inspired by Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" program--and Birthday of the Trees, a Jewish celebration of nature. Although these events have been successful, Dina is eager to transform the Bike and School Days beyond one-day celebrations into an ongoing movement.

Dina has encountered a number of issues in building this movement. Parent advocates are challenged by having to navigate through Miami's multiple levels of power, bouncing back and forth, and not being sure whom they should speak to. In addition, the roads in Miami belong to 35 governments--municipalities, counties, state or federal--which amplifies the obstacles and idiosyncrasies. Bike lanes, pedestrian cross walks, road crossing martials, and reduced speed limits are a few of the incentives needed for families to bike or walk to school.

Navigating systems and networking to create change are two of the skills PLTI participants build throughout the 22-week program. Dina graduated from the program in 2009 and has continued to fight for bike and pedestrian safety. She recently won a grant in collaboration with the Green Mobility Network to implement a safe routes to school program. We are so proud of Dina and know she is well on her way to making serious change happen in Miami!

Interns for Impact: Teachers are vital to our Country’s success

Contributed by Stéphanie Maître

My reaction and thoughts on President Obamas video urging Congress to take action and put teachers back to work in classrooms. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog

Over the past few years the Country's economic status has not reached a stable point where the states and the federal government will not have to make as many cuts as they have been. With the constant need to find money where there is non, cuts are being made, specifically in education. With education as the best predictor of success, it is disheartening to see tens of thousands of teachers that are now unemployed. Laying off teachers increase class sizes, taking personal attention away from students that need it, and the students in turn fall behind. A study found that a good teacher can increase a class income by 250,000 dollars. With such knowledge state and federal governments should put more value in the role that teachers play in the United States. Education is vital to our country's economic growth and development. An increase in the amount of educated individuals will increase the amount of industries in the U.S swell as the amount of middle class Americans who are occupying new jobs in new industries. Our state and federal governments need to realize the important role teacher’s play in our Country's future. 

President Obama Promises Change for Illegal Immigrants

Written by Jennifer Villarroel

Catalyst Miami Summer Intern

"We are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea—the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. That’s why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here…The future is ours to win. But to get there, we cannot stand still." --President Barack Obama

About a week ago, President Barack Obama addressed a hot issue for many living illegally within the United States today. According to his executive order many young people will have an opportunity to apply for a temporary legal status for a two year period with the chance of renewal. According to current information those eligible under the deferred action with be granted a work permit, driver’s license, and a social security card. However, this act is not a pathway for U.S. residency or citizenship status. 

So who qualifies? All applicants must have:

1. Come to the United States under the age of sixteen;
2. Continuously resided in the United States for at least five years before June 15, 2012 and still present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
3. Currently be in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
4. Not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
5. Not be above the age of thirty.
   

The United States Citizenship and Immigrations services  website requests all eligible individuals to wait 60 days (since June 15th) in order to allow a specific application process to be formulated. All applications received before the 60 days will be rejected. Although specific details are yet to be determined the following link can help answer questions on some general concerns.

Florida’s New Voting Law Makes It Harder To Vote

League and Catalyst 

launch voter registration drive, 

"we're back!"

Catalyst Miami has launched the Florida Nonprofit Voter Rights Campaign to create easy access and voter education to support the upcoming election. Under new Florida voting laws, now being appealed and temporarily set aside, organizations are no longer allowed to register eligible voters unless they follow complex and demanding rules with steep penalties. In response, Catalyst Miami has partnered with TurboVote, a new program funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. It allows individuals with access to a computer, email address and cellular phone to self-register and receive assistance with voter registration, early voting and absentee voting. Helping to support nonprofit groups registering people to vote is extremely important, since certain groups in American society, according to Census data, register more frequently through voting drives sponsored by such organizations. Unfortunately, one new requirement is that voters present government-issued photo identification before voting, making it harder for them to vote by requiring that they first make a trip to a major government agency. Another requirement is that voter registration papers be submitted to the government within 48 hours (as opposed to the old rule, which required submission with 10 days). In addition, the new law also cuts short the early voting period and makes it more difficult for voters to update their new addresses at the polls. 


Catalyst will prepare materials on voter referenda (pros and cons with background information in user-friendly versions) and voter scorecards on key topics of interest to nonprofits and their constituents (specifically health, education and economic opportunity). CM is looking to bridge the voters' rights campaign with Its Imagine Miami series. Click here for more information.