New H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Every Area of Relationships Thrive) Family Strengthening Program provides parents, couples, and families with resources to improve stability and build better communities
By Fran Folic
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl — Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering youth development, family strengthening, and community empowerment services to underserved populations, has launched its H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Every Area of Relationships Thrive) Family Strengthening Program in Broward and Palm Beach counties. This new five-year initiative, funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, will help adults and couples strengthen relationships, improve parenting, and build family stability through workshops, personalized support, and services including childcare, transportation, and counseling.
“Relationships are hard. Community-Based Connections is dedicated to easing the strain of difficult family dynamics – to help families rebuild, reconnect, and grow together. Our H.E.A.R.T. Program aims to create stronger dads, stronger moms and stronger families that will thrive, evolve, and build a better community,” said Mikelange Olbel, CEO of Community-Based Connections, Inc. “Through targeted workshops and a couples retreat conference we are providing meaningful, consistent support to create a foundation for long-term parenting success.”
All families in Broward and Palm Beach counties are eligible, including single parents (fathers and mothers), co-parenting partners, married or unmarried couples, expectant parents, and adults seeking to strengthen relationships, communication, or family dynamics. There are no income restrictions, and participants may self-refer or be referred by partner agencies.
Participants in the H.E.A.R.T. program will receive:
Relationship & Parenting Workshops (curriculum-based, at least 12 hours)
Individualized Case Management and Goal Planning
Wraparound support: childcare, transportation, mental health counseling
An annual couples retreat and family-building events
Job and career advancement support, in partnership with local organizations
Support with co-parenting, communication, and conflict resolution
For more than 16 years, CBCI has developed proven models of care to strengthen families in Broward County. The nonprofit organization recently celebrated the opening of its Riviera Beach office (3100 Broadway Avenue) in January and held its first successful Fathers and Family Day at in March at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, celebrating father figures and uniting the community with activities, giveaways and opportunities to connect with local resources and support services.
For more information about the H.E.A.R.T. Family Strengthening Program or to register, call (954) 643-6298, email getconnected@communitybasedconnections.com or visit www.communitybasedconnections.com.
About Community-Based Connections, Inc.
Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI) is a nonprofit human services organization with more than 16 years of expertise in delivering youth development advocacy and family resilience strengthening programs, plus health and community empowerment initiatives to underserved populations in Broward County. CBCI was founded upon the belief that service providers who have natural ties to the community are in the best position to help improve the odds of youth and family success. The CBCI mission is to expand the options available to children – from cradle to college – that promote their social and academic growth, equipping them with the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in adulthood. CBCI programs services that engage, encourage and motivate include the Young Believers Program, Family Strengthening Program, S.M.A.R.T. Team, New Day Diversion, and the Early Achievers Program. For more information, visit communitybasedconnections.com.
