Children’s Trust invests in innovation for a more-equitable future for Miami-Dade families | Opinion
Miami-Dade’s unique challenges require unique solutions and may need an innovative approach. That’s why The Children’s Trust invests in forward-thinking projects that test new ideas to address community needs in unique and innovative ways.
The Trust’s Innovation Fund invests in ideas and organizations that look at longstanding challenges with a fresh perspective, supporting initiatives that have never been tried in our community and that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for children and families.
Through our 2020 Innovation Fund solicitation, we supported several initiatives covering the gamut of unique projects. One example is Miami Bus Stop Stories, a theater program that provides children a first-hand look through a first-person virtual exploration tour of the rich diversity and history of different neighborhoods, such as Liberty City, Little Haiti, and Coconut Grove.
Another project builds understanding between different groups by inviting them to the same dining table. “Be Strong at the Table” brought members and leaders of a variety of communities to sit, eat a meal together and, most important, start a dialogue about their concerns and needs. That is a simple, yet essential, way to build social empathy, understanding and closeness. The dinner dialogue was recorded, and a documentary and tool kit will be available early next year to further spread the solutions.
We know mental-health services and supports are critical to a thriving community, but simply talking about mental health is still taboo in some communities. One of our Innovation Fund programs send literal boxes of joy to families to support mental wellness to bring that family together to talk about the issue in a relaxed, and even enjoyable, manner. Through the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation’s BoxJoy initiative, families engage in fun activities together and learn coping mechanisms and other skills, followed by meeting with mental-health professionals. More than 80 families have participated in the program, and it is expected to expand next year.
These are just a few examples of projects The Trust’s Innovation Fund has sparked. There are more, and even more are needed. That is why in February 2022, we will open the Innovation Fund for new applications. As much as we now know that these programs can and have worked to address social justice, racial equity issues and others, we also know there is more work to do together.
Learn more about the Innovation Fund at TheChildrensTrust.org/Grants. Let’s create innovative solutions for an even better future in Miami-Dade.
James Haj is president and CEO of The Children’s Trust.
