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A
Message from the Executive Director
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Dr. J.C. De La Torre, CEO/Executive Director |
From a very early age, I realized that everyone needs a helping hand
from time to time. A hand that would turn the key to the door of
hopes, opportunities and the future. Some of us are fortunate to
have had parents, relatives or friends open that door for us.
Others…need a helping hand.
As the Executive Director of Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors) it is
my privilege to serve the needy children and families of our
community of Miami-Dade County. It is an awesome responsibility to
keep on opening doors that would allow them to enhance their quality
of life so that they, in turn can keep on opening doors to others.
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As the CEO I manage and oversee all of our programs and make sure
that everything we do adheres to the highest standards of
excellence. As a human being I congratulate the staff, the
counselors, the volunteers and our supporters that work so hard for
our clients; they are responsible for making Abriendo Puertas such a
great organization!
Thank you from the bottom of my
heart! Let’s keep on opening doors!
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A
Message from the Operations/Office Manager
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Since I came to Abriendo
Puertas a year and a half ago, my life has been filled with
challenges, responsibilities and many memories. It is
certainly a challenge to manage, on a daily bases, the people
and operations of the agency to insure maximum results. My
responsibilities extend far beyond my job description.
Although we are truly a team at Abriendo Puertas, I feel a
personal responsibility every time I see a child or a needy
family in our center seeking the help they need to improve the
quality of their life and I say to myself “If it’s going to
be, it’s up to me”. |
Mrs. Rosy Alvarez,
Operations/Office Manager |
Undoubtedly the memories are my strongest driving force and my
biggest rewarding experience. As an immigrant and a mother I know
what a center like Abriendo Puertas mean for the children and
families of our community. The children benefit from being in a safe
and secure environment where they get the help they need to become
“all they can be” as well as the mental attitude necessary to become
winners in life. Their families are given the tools they need to get
ahead and improve the quality of their lives as they travel the road
towards their “American Dream”. How I wished my family and I would
have had that opportunity when we came to this country.
Abriendo Puertas is not my job. It is my humble privilege to be a
part of an organization that “builds bridges” between a difficult
and hopeless past and a bright and reachable future. I thank every
employee, volunteer and supporter that makes it possible.
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A Message
from the Program Coordinator -
Child and Youth Development
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Ms. Maria
Alonso,
Program Coordinator-Child and Youth Development |
For me, Abriendo Puertas is much more than an after school
center. While we do provide many of the conventional
activities expected from an after school program, and others
that are slightly less conventional, we offer our children so
much more.
The majority of our participants come from low-income,
single-parent homes. This means they are at risk for
gang-related activities and higher dropout rates, among other
things. Abriendo Puertas and its staff provide these children
with a safe haven from the harsh realities of living in the
communities we serve. |
The
staff at Abriendo Puertas goes above and beyond the call of duty
everyday not only to assist in the academic success and achievement
of our participants, but also play a role in raising their
self-esteem and build a strong character to face the real world.
We strive to be positive role models for our children in the hope
that we may play a small part in molding their lives in a positive
fashion. In the long run, attending an after school program, which
provides encouragement and support, may mean the difference between
a future college graduate and a high school drop out.
Heading this program isn’t merely a job; I view it as a fulfilling
career choice, that although it requires great dedication and hard
work, allows me the opportunity to make a positive contribution to
the life of each child at our program, as well as, society as a
whole.
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From
The Manager of Adult Programs
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Ms. Vanessa D'Oliveira,
Manager of Adult Programs |
I came to Miami almost eleven years ago to pursue a
College career. I've been in the non-profit world for
almost a decade. Being a Social Worker and part of
Abriendo Puertas' staff has changed my entire view of
Miami.
I've been working at Abriendo Puertas as the Adult
Center/Neighborhood Coordinator and Children of Inmates'
Program Manager. I have a privilege and joy to supervise
these both programs. The Adult Center activities vary
from vocational classes, focus groups, health fairs,
trainings and community events. Just recently, Abriendo
Puertas joined the Children of Inmates Network and we
are in the process of implementing the care center for
the Mid County population. |
Much of my job, also involves fundraising, volunteer and staff
supervision, which I really love it. I'm very dedicated to the cause
and services that Abriendo Puertas provides to the community.
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A
Message from the Volunteers and
Civic Engagement Coordinator
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Since arriving from my native Puerto Rico 15 years ago I
have dedicated my life to serve the community of Little
Havana. The passion for my work and the tireless efforts
shown are certainly a source of joy and pride in what I
have been able to accomplish.
My affiliation with Abriendo Puertas dates back to 1995 as a member of the
founding Board of Directors. Three years later, I joined
the staff of the organization as a Volunteers
Coordinator. Since then, I have coordinated the intake
of new families, the food stamps program and USDA food
distribution program. It has been a challenge and a joy
to see the organization developed thru different stages,
learn about cultural diversity and getting to know the
families we served all this years. |
Mrs. Flor D. Morales,
Coordinator of Family Support Services |
I feel honored to represent Abriendo Puertas and to continue doing my
part so we can keep on growing as an agency and as a community.
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