WECARE MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of WeCare of South Dade, Inc. is to promote and advocate for the well-being of the South Dade community by addressing its critical issues and concerns through the collaborative efforts of WeCare members.
ABOUT WECARE
WeCare began as a community-organizing model developed by public school and law enforcement leaders in the mid-1980s. Of the seven chapters initiated countywide, the Homestead/Florida City Chapter is the only one still active. It was designed to bring together representatives from local social service agencies in an effort to network and share information.
Today, WeCare has more than 100 active members that include social service providers, educators, businesses, ministers, and residents. Our members represent every aspect of human service - health, education, emergency shelter and assistance, childhood development, entrepreneur training, domestic abuse, farm worker aid and assistance, elder care, and many more.
WeCare aims to engage broad sectors of the community to increase the availability and quality of services to the area; identify and advocate ways to improve/maintain equitability of services; promote communication between groups; and disseminate information that will benefit the community.
The coalition is currently working to identify, mobilize and coordinate resources in the community to provide primary prevention and early intervention services to strengthen families and communities, improve health outcomes and promote school success for children and youth, and promote safe and supportive communities.
WeCare holds its coalition meeting the first Thursday of every month at 9:00 am.. During the monthly meetings, providers share information about upcoming events, available and needed community resources, community issues, opportunities for collaboration, and needs within their organization. A newsletter with funding opportunities, report from the monthly meeting, upcoming events, and announcements is distributed monthly to partners. Weekly updates about funding opportunities are also sent to partners. . Brochures and directories are distributed regularly at community events, meetings and through local agencies.
WeCare organizes Action Teams around gaps and issues identified by residents and WeCare partners. Teams develop strategic plans to address community needs. The Mental Health Action Team was formed in 2002 to address the inadequacies of mental health services in Homestead/Florida City. The Utilities Action Team works with the City of Homestead to provide emergency financial assistance to low income customers who are facing disconnection of their utility service. The Action Teams meet monthly.
WeCare disseminates outreach materials to community residents, service providers, and businesses to increase awareness of available resources and upcoming events and activities. We advertise through Homestead Energy Services. Our directory and brochure are distributed through the offices of partner agencies and at local meetings and events. WeCare also coordinates at least three community education events each year. Events are designed to address issues identified by residents and/or service providers e.g. how to improve conditions of local schools.
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