Introducing Dr. Kaisha Thomas: Leading the Way in Mental Health at CPSFL
Community Partners of South Florida is excited to welcome Dr. Kaisha Thomas as our new Vice President of Child and Family Mental Health Services! With over 20 years of experience and a deep passion for helping others, Dr. Thomas brings exceptional leadership and expertise to this critical role.
BRIDGES at Highland Celebrates Grand Re-Opening in New Location
On November 20, 2024, BRIDGES at Highland celebrated its grand re-opening at a new location, 305 Lake Avenue, in Lake Worth Beach. The event, which drew 70 attendees, marked an important milestone in enhancing the support and services available to families in Palm Beach County.
Community Partners of South Florida Creates Opportunities for Homeownership in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County based non-profit organization Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) worked with new homeowner Teneisha Cavanaugh to purchase a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home in the historical neighborhood of Northwood.
Community Partners of South Florida Creates Opportunities for Homeownership in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County based non-profit organization Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) worked with new homeowner Teneisha Cavanaugh to purchase a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home in the historical neighborhood of Northwood.
Community Partners of South Florida Creates Opportunities for Homeownership in Palm Beach County
Safe Kids PBC to Distribute 50 Free Car Seats at the Free Car Seat Check Up Event
Safe Kids PBC, a program of Community Partners of South Florida, is hosting a free car seat check-up event for Palm Beach County families on September 21, 2024 at North Palm Beach Fire Rescue on 560 US Highway 1 in North Palm Beach between 9:00 am and noon.
Free Car Seat Check-Up Event Set
Inside Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historic sorority Kamala Harris says changed her life
Clarice Redding Louis says she’ll never forget the day she was first introduced to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. It was 2008 and she was 18 years old—a fresh high-school graduate visiting Washington, D.C. as part of an exclusive Bank of America student leadership program. Louis was one of 200 people hand-picked from across the globe for a paid summer internship, which culminated in a week-long trip to D.C. to learn about the importance of government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations working together to improve communities.
Inside Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historic sorority Kamala Harris says changed her life - Cloned
Clarice Redding Louis says she’ll never forget the day she was first introduced to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. It was 2008 and she was 18 years old—a fresh high-school graduate visiting Washington, D.C. as part of an exclusive Bank of America student leadership program. Louis was one of 200 people hand-picked from across the globe for a paid summer internship, which culminated in a week-long trip to D.C. to learn about the importance of government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations working together to improve communities.
Community Partners of South Florida CEO Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Service has been the cornerstone of Kelly Powell’s professional life for over two decades and as CEO of Community Partners of South Florida, she remains a passionate advocate of improving health and socio-economic outcomes for Palm Beach County’s children and families.
$1,000,000 Check Presentation
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick presented a check for $1 million to Community Partners of South Florida for the building and renovation of affordable multi-unit housing off of Tamarind Avenue in the Coleman Park neighborhood of West Palm Beach.
Celebrating NeighborWorks Week 2024 in Palm Beach County
Community Partners of South Florida, CPSFL, is celebrating the 45th anniversary of NeighborWorks. They will host a series of events to encourage the community to discuss ways to advance opportunities for homeownership and education.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
At CPSFL, we invest in people, places, and systems so neighborhoods and residents thrive. As a part of this mission, we are thrilled to introduce a newly renovated single-family home located in the heart of West Palm Beach. Click the image to find out how to reserve your ticket to this ribbon-cutting event!
Season of Giving: CPSFL Food Drive!
Let's donate resources to families in need this season and make a difference in our community!
November Homebuyer's Education Class
Get ready to become a certified homebuyer! Join our live Zoom Homebuyer's Education Class on November 14th and 16th from 5:30pm-8:30PM. Attend both sessions to receive your certificate, valid for one year after completion. Click the image to find out how to register!
Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) Graduation 2023
We are thrilled to acknowledge that, on Wednesday the 4th of October, CPSFL honored 30 amazing SOFI graduates! The Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) is a collaborative system of care that brings together community stakeholders to create an ecosystem that supports innovative systemic change and maximizes opportunities.
Kelly Powell Promoted to CEO
Kelly has been an integral part of the Community Partners of South Florida since 2009. Her hard work and commitment have laid the foundation for social change and paved the way for a strong growth path for CPSFL.
Moving On UP!
Community Partners of South Florida and the Lake Worth Beach Community Redevelopment Agency collaborated to acquire affordable rental apartments to transform renters into first-time homebuyers in Lake Worth Beach! The six-unit rental building from the City of Lake Worth Beach will be used to launch a unique new housing solution where residents are immediately put on the path to homeownership. Read more about how the program works!
Natalie O’Hara Promoted to Chief Financial Officer
Community Partners of South Florida has promoted Natalie O’Hara to Chief Financial Officer. O’Hara, formerly the organization’s Director of Financial Services, has a strong history of providing financial oversight and strategic leadership in various capacities within the nonprofit sector.
Families Explore the Arts Together
Thank you to the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County for sharing AIMBY Family Saturdays with our BRIDGES families this year. The Arts In My Backyard program is an arts-exposure program designed for families with children to create, connect and discover the arts together! In addition to boosting neural development and fine motor skills, art allows children to process their world and safely process their emotions.
School-Based Mental Health
A partnership with Palm Beach County School District will continue through the Behavioral-Mental Health Services for Students initiative for the upcoming academic school year. Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) employees serve as co-located Mental Health Professionals and support students in twelve public schools across Palm Beach County. Students may receive twelve sessions at no cost to families.
Goal Getter
Community Partners of South Florida is committed to ensuring every family in Palm Beach County has an affordable place to live and the resources they need to thrive. The Securing Our Future Initiative is working with residents to make their dreams a reality through hard work, community connections and the encouragement of a supportive network.
Annual NeighborWorks Week Celebration
During 2023 NeighborWorks Week, Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) and other NeighborWorks network organizations nationwide celebrate community achievements and how they are working together to improve lives and empower communities for success. Read more about the annual volunteer-led beautification project.
One Point Can Change A Life
Wraparound Services Case Manager Anthony Sommer worked with Nasir and his mother Shirley for two years – moment by moment, connection by connection, point by point – until they were able to reach a place where the family could thrive.
2023 Annual Housing Fair
Community Partners of South Florida teamed up with the Riviera Beach Community Development Corporation to host the Annual Housing Fair at the Riviera Beach Marina Event Center on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
LYNDA’S BLOG: The Riviera Beach Homebuyers Club Housing Fair
I’m pleased to announce that our annual housing fair, hosted by Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) and the Riviera Beach Community Development Corporation (RBCDC), will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The indoor and outdoor event will be held at The Riviera Beach Marina from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Partners of South Florida Was an Ingredient of This Budding Chef’s Success
“CPSFL has so many support systems,” said Tyler. “If you are struggling with anything at all, they have someone to help you with work, transportation, food, mental health, and housing.”
Community Health Center Will Increase Access to Health and Social Services in Riviera Beach
Community Partners of South Florida is proud to be a partner in the Riviera Beach Health Initiative alongside FoundCare, the Health Council of Southeast Florida as well as the American Heart Association (Palm Beach County). Informed by significant quantitative and qualitative data, the Riviera Beach Health Initiative is a multi-pronged strategy to improve the health of residents by building the capacity of and increasing the residents’ access to health and social services.
Florida Blue Foundation Will Invest In CPSFL Mental and Behavioral Health Clinicians and Interns
Community Partners of South Florida will receive an investment of $300,000 over three years from the Florida Blue Foundation. The grant will support training and development for mental health professionals and interns at the Riviera Beach-based nonprofit. “Community Partners of South Florida was selected based on their documented expertise and experience in the delivery of mental well-being services for families, children, individuals and communities,” said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation. “With this grant we can help ensure these programs will continue to broaden and enhance mental health services at a time when communities need them the most.”
Creating Opportunities To Dream
The ability to choose - the neighborhood you live in, where your children go to school, how you earn a living - is crucial to living the life you imagine for yourself and your family. Community Partners of South Florida believes in the ideal of client voice, client choice and understands that when resident voices are elevated and empowered - goals are accomplished and dreams are realized.
We Wish You Many Blessings
My name is Drayton and I am a single Dad who works hard to put food on the table and to make the world as happy as possible. I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and my experience with Community Partners of South Florida. My journey began about a year after I became a single father. Unfortunately, I lost my fiancé to a heart attack due to complications during pregnancy in 2020. I watched her take her last breath in my arms as I was trying to apply CPR and save her. When the paramedics arrived, they told me she had no pulse and announced her passing later that night at JFK hospital.
SOFI Has Been a Lifesaver for Me and My Family
Buying a home is a complicated and involved process. That’s why Community Partners of South Florida is committed to standing with our clients every step of the way just as we did with Marian Robertson. Marian enrolled in the Securing Our Futures Initiative seeking to raise her credit score and create a sustainable budget.
Accomplishing Goals and Movin’ On Up
Sheana became involved in the Securing Our Future Initiative two years ago. Now, after much dedication, she is accomplishing her "bucket list" goals one by one! From raising her credit score to paying for her bachelor’s degree to saving money to purchase her own home, she has been busy making her dreams a reality.
Going the Extra Mile
As a result of medical complications outside of her control, Elizabeth missed several car seat installation appointments with the Safe Kids Palm Beach County team. Possessing a deep commitment to providing safety education to parents, our injury prevention team members went the extra mile to help a new mother in need.
Parents are Reading, Writing and Raising the Bar for Their Families
Health. Achievement. Income. Self-esteem. Every important social issue is impacted by low literacy. When individuals learn how to read, write, do basic math and use computers, they have the power to lower their health care costs, lift themselves out of poverty, find and keep sustainable employment and ultimately change their lives. Learn how one BRIDGES member is helping other adults achieve their goals.
Reunited After Six Years: Dion and Elijah’s Story
Incarcerated for a non-violent offense since her son was six months old, Dion knew that she had a lot of time to make up for now that she was a free woman. She had missed the first six years of her son’s life, a critical time for bonding and child development and Dion knew she needed parenting support. She reached out to Community Partners of South Florida in the hopes of finding resources to strengthen her family.
How Do You Help A Whole Community?
Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) is the trusted leader in comprehensive community development – investing in people, places, and systems so neighborhoods and residents thrive. We use an intentional approach aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities.
Update from the CEO
CPSFL is committed to finding creative solutions to our housing challenges and to partnering with other organizations to find solutions. The $200 million housing bond on the ballot in November is certainly a step in the right direction, but will not solve a problem that has so many complex variables. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep people in their homes, build new affordable inventory, and prepare those who desire homeownership to purchase when homes become available.
Kemarion's Journey
As a new single mom, Kemarion knew she needed to earn more in order to secure a brighter future for her young family. She heard about the Securing Our Future Initiative at CPSFL through her mom and got connected with our team. Kemarion's journey is one that inspires us to stay positive even when life throws us a curveball. Sometimes just reaching out for a little support is all you need to get to where you want to be!
Securing Our Future: Economic Mobility Summit
We are dedicated to building pathways for upward mobility for families experiencing poverty. As a partner in the Securing Our Future Initiative, CPSFL invites you to join area leaders and local families at the first annual Economic Mobility Summit: Securing Our Future that will take place on September 28, 2022 at the Convention Center.
Nonprofit Professional of the Year Nominee - Heather DeStefano
Nonprofit work, especially in the mental health field, is less a job and more a calling. Now, the need is greater than ever and Community Partners of South Florida’s Director of Clinical Services Heather DeStefano is dedicated to answering that call and serving the needs of PBC residents.
2022 Summer Reading Program
Community Partners of South Florida's Development Committee worked with BRIDGES at Highland for their 2022 Summer Reading Program.
I See You. I Hear You. You Matter - Mentor Lorraine Petrozza
Lorraine Petrozza, or Miss Lorraine as she is affectionately known, has been changing the odds for Palm Beach County youth for the last 13 years by volunteering as a mentor for Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL). This extraordinary volunteer continues to demonstrate her dedication to our community by showing her mentees in Lake Worth - “I see you. I hear you. You matter.”
Announcing Our New Lake Worth/Boynton Beach Homebuyers' Club
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our third Homebuyers' Club, which will be 100% on Zoom!
Leadership Update from Scott Hansel, CEO
Health equity means every person has the chance to achieve their best health. Health equity is a large part of the CPSFL comprehensive community development vision to revitalize neighborhoods by focusing on three critical areas: Health – Housing – Community.
Counseling & Support for PBC Students
Community Partners of South Florida provides mental health services to Palm Beach County schools under the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act passed by the Florida Legislature in 2018. Funded in part by the Jim Moran Foundation, CPSFL has 10 therapists embedded in 11 schools from Boca Raton to Jupiter to Belle Glade. “We provide one-on-one counseling and support to any student who needs it,” said Dalad Srisuppak, CPSFL’s Director of School Programs. “Our counselors create a safe space for the students so they know they can come in and talk to us.”
Staff Reflections on the No Wrong Door Approach
Over the course of our 36-year history, thousands of Palm Beach County residents have walked through the doors of Community Partners of South Florida. Whether they are the doors to our BRIDGES hubs, our therapy offices or the doors to a family’s first home, we firmly believe that when it comes to connecting residents with the services and supports they need to thrive, all are welcome and there are no wrong doors.
Mid Year Impact Update
Partnering with individuals and supporting them as they reach their personal goals and set their families up for a strong future is what we're all about. Read client success stories and check out the impact snapshot.
MENTORS MAKE AN IMPACT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
Mentoring links children with caring adults who are committed to their social and emotional development. The goal of the mentoring program is to build protective factors, foster a sense of connectedness, and support social-emotional learning through a supportive, positive adult mentor/mentee relationship.