A COLD NIGHT, WARM HEARTS: CADENA VOLUNTEERS IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI

We recently had the opportunity to visit individuals experiencing houslessness in Downtown Miami on a particularly cold night. That evening, we shared warm meals, hot drinks, hygiene kits, blankets, human connection, and conversation. One of the most meaningful outcomes of the night was helping two individuals transition from the streets into shelters.

One of them shared the story of his arrival in the United States from Cuba in the year 2000, expressed how moved he was to see young people striving to make a better world, and spoke about the health challenges he has faced following a cancer diagnosis.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fundación Hermanos de la Calle, whose incredible work made it possible to help individuals leave the streets and begin a new chapter. We are also deeply thankful to Burger King for once again donating 150 warm meals, making this outreach possible.

And to all of our donors and volunteers, thank you. Your support continues to bring hand in hand help to those who need it most.

 

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION: A STUDENT-LED MENSTRUAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Through CADENA’s Empowerment Through Menstruation program, Dana Shiro, President of the Cadena Club at Scheck Hillel Community School, led an initiative focused on menstrual health and sexual and reproductive education.

As part of this project, Dana facilitated a workshop for eighth-grade students at her school, where participants learned about menstruation and created handmade reusable sanitary pads.

The next phase of the project will take place in a vulnerable community, where Dana and the CADENA team will lead the same educational workshop, distribute kits for making reusable sanitary pads, and deliver the pads created by the students, extending their impact beyond the classroom.

Dana carried out this initiative as a Gilinski Ambassador, a distinction awarded through the Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to their school and community.