HomeMy WebLinkAboutMiami River of Life 3Niami's liver of Life
iami's River of Life began its journey as a dream — it became a reality when Min.
George E. Ellis, Jr. stepped out on faith and incorporated the vision God had given
him on July 28, 1993. There was then and still is today an urgency in our homes, our
communities, and in the State of Florida to help children who seem to be at risk of
heading in the wrong direction. Miami's River of Life has remained dedicated to
changing the plight of the children and families of our communities by helping them to
press forward toward a better and brighter future. This comes at a great price, but with
many rewards as we instill love, hope, good health, leadership and purpose in the heart
sand minds of the youth and families we serve. Our primary goal is to provide spiritual
enrichment to each youth so that they may become independent moral agents for
change in their communities. It is a fact that the majority of youth we severe have
"broken spirits" do a lack of love, which has led to a life of hopelessness, a dysfunctional
family environment, homelessness and repeated involvement in the court system (in
and out of the system). We believe we have the essential components to rebuild the
broken and scattered lives of the youth and families we serve by building a cornerstone
of hope and love in life of every individual we serve. Our programs are designed to
adequately train participants to live a meaning life in their communities without further
involvement in the Criminal Justice System.
Our VISION "Creating Hope for Many through Love and Charity"
Our MISSION To empower the youth and families of our communities
with a renewed outlook on life
Current Programs & Services
"In the Flow" Dade Group Treatment Home
(FL-DJJ: 1996 — Current)
10 -bed Low Risk Residential Treatment Program located in the Redland area of Miami -
Dade County; serving all males whose ages range from 10 —15 years old.
Current Programs & Services (cont.)
"In the Flow" Transitional/Independent Living Program
(FL DJJ: 2000 - Current)
Miami's River of Life currently has the only DJJ funded Transitional/Independent Living
program in the State of Florida, due in part to the state budget cuts after 9/11. This
Residential Independent Transitional (16 bed) program located in Miami -Dade County
serves males and females whose ages range from 16 to 21 years old. The program's
mission is to provide services that encompass the "whole man and/or woman" by
cultivating, rejuvenating the physical, mental, spiritual aspects of each individual. We
also work to reduce and hopefully prevent Juvenile delinquency. The program also
provides information and training to the youth and their families to encourage and
ensure positive growth and accountability; which will result in a healthier youth and
thereby a safer community.
"In the Flow" Respite Program
(FL DJJ: 1994 — Current)
Miami's River of Life has been fortunate to go from a 7 to 10 bed residential respite
program in Miami -Dade County. We serve males as well as females between the ages
of 12 to 18 years old, who is in need of temporary shelter care. The average stay for a
referred juvenile is 1- 30 days, which is predicated upon the circumstances surrounding
his/her individual case.
A Blast from the Past
(Past Achievements)
Home Detention Program
(FL DJJ- Miami -Dade County March — August 2002)
Miami's River of Life managed the continuation of home detention and other services
formerly provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in Miami -Dade County.
These services included face-to-face collateral, and electronic monitoring and
supervision. Due to the September 11 attack, Miami's River of Life was award the
contract from Miami -Dade County to operate the program. As a result we were able to
rehired ninety percent of the employees that were laid off due to the untimely event of
9/11.
A Blast from the Past (cont.)
(Past Achievements)
Emergency Shelter Program
(FL DCF: 2001 — 2002)
12 -bed emergency shelter program in Miami -Dade County for dependent children
assigned by the Florida Department of Children & Families: serving male whose ages
range from 12 — 18 years old.
Non -Secure Detention Program
(FL DJJ: 1993-2000)
Transitional Living Program
(FL DJJ: July 2000 — June 2001)
Family Group Home
(FL DJJ: 1993 —1996)
Foster Care Recruitment
(FL DCF: 1994)
Provide recruitment for Human Resource Services (H.R.S.) in Miami -Dade County after
the destruction of Hurricane Andrew.
Miami's River of Life is extremely excited about the road we have traveled thus far and
is enthusiastic to find out what the future holds for us. Several years ago we were but a
dream. Today we stand fastened into a foundation of hope, love and charity, committed
to sponsoring programs that instill the hearts and minds of the youth and families we
serve spiritual, awareness, love, unity, hope, purpose, education and faith.