Mission Possible: The Good News Program

Today, we explore art as a force for empathy and change with Brian Peterson, a nationally recognized muralist and founder of Faces of Santa Ana. His powerful portraits honor people experiencing homelessness, turning creativity into dignity, connection, and hope — proving compassion can transform communities.

Welcome to the first episode of The Voices of The Caring Place! Hosted by Tony Villasuso, this episode features Victoria Mallette discussing homelessness in South Florida and highlights Scott’s inspiring testimony — a graduate who turned his life around through hope and support. Visit CaringPlace.org/merch to help transform lives.

Luis Riano of MER_LLC. They serve various companies and businesses in the city (www.mertechnology.com). He met Lian Navarro at a meeting at Amazon where she presented The Caring Place's work for the community. His company began making monthly donations. —Azucena Flores, Accounting Manager for Amazon Local Goods. Through her relationship with Luis Riano, she has helped Amazon support The Caring Place by providing pro bono logistics and donating transportation routes for food banks.

Mitchell Haller, a staff member at The Caring Place. Thirteen years ago, he was homeless and addicted to drugs. He tried various programs without much success. He came to The Caring Place, where he graduated and began an internship in food service. Eventually he was offered a position, which he has held for nine years. — Roger Kellet (HomeRun Team) leads a group of men who dedicate their time to affirming the clients at BOC.

Marianna Niero of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native wildlife while educating communities on conservation. They provide expert care for injured, sick, and orphaned animals in Miami. – Janice Spann-Givens of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority helps struggling women and families.

Judge Corey Cawthon, Ryan Coute & Angela Blaine. On the occasion of the first anniversary of Community Court, Keith Cavanaugh interviews these three leaders about what Community Court is and how we can understand this type of partnership with the City of Hollywood. – Janice Spann-Givens of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority helps struggling women and families.

Judge Corey Cawthon, Ryan Coute & Angela Blaine. On the occasion of the first anniversary of Community Court, Keith Cavanaugh interviews these three leaders about what Community Court is and how we can understand this type of partnership with the City of Hollywood. – Dr. Vera M. Stevens, of the Stevens Health and Nutritional Center, is organizing a free event to help women who have been abused by domestic violence.

Lisa & Clara Custodio. Lisa started volunteering at a very young age. She wanted to do it at least once a month with her children. Clara, who is in high school, likes volunteering because she feels she is making a difference in someone's life. At Christmas they organize a TOY DRIVE for the children. Claudette Sernius, she painted a mural at Broward campus and she will also do an art exhibition creating awareness about human trafficking.

Ydania Peralta. HIS HANDS AND FEET, INC is dedicated to uplifting the community through services and support. We focus on vulnerable groups to empower the community and drive positive change. Our goal is to build strong partnerships within the community to create lasting, meaningful improvements. — Frances Sabag, MIY offers events throughout the year. From community outreach events that help local non-for profits & local causes to workshops, gallery events, markets, and virtual classes online.

George Velasquez, TheShredForce.com. They are a data management company specializing in documents. They do everything from file collection, scanning and digitalizing, document storage and document shredding. They brought their state-of-the-art trucks to The Caring Place to provide shredding services. — Ayanna Brooks, Ayanna Haven Foundation, a foundation which helps people who have lost a loved one.

Britnee Murphy. An avid reader, she took the initiative to collect books for the education center. Michael Pozo, a graduate of The Caring Place. He was homeless and ill for three years. He found the Mission where his life was saved. He had been involved in drugs since the age of 16. After joining the program, he went back to school to relearn how to read and write. He also learnt computer skills. After graduating, he got his life back on track. He is now a volunteer and donor.

Naty & Liz founders of Share like sisters. They are two sisters currently studying at a high school who decided to serve in our facilities, so they started a hygiene campaign and brought a team of young people to serve in the kitchen. They were inspired by The Caring Place. — Roger Kellet (HomeRun Team) leads a group of men who dedicate their time to affirming the clients at BOC.

Ricardo Simillien founder of Front Line Worship Group. They are a group of people who love God and have a desire to use their gifts to serve and impact the cities. They recently helped with the Night of Joy event organized by TCP. From time to time they visit our center to worship with the residents. — Britnee Murphy. An avid reader, she took the initiative to collect books for the education center.

PJ is the founder of PJ Helping Hands. He has been giving back to the community for a long time, as his birthday is on Christmas Day, his family and a friend go to his house a day early to cook and then drive around looking for homeless people to give them a hot meal. And when he found out about The Caring Place, he started donating to them. They organize events in Miami Beach.

Gabriela Otero, co-president of the National Junior Honor Society chapter at American Heritage in Broward. They were looking for service opportunities as "community service" is one of their pillars. They came across The Caring Place, saw the Mission Hope Hygiene Drive and decided to get involved by collecting items at various locations. — Maria Cabral, is a nurse who is involved in helping the residents of The Caring Place at the Broward Outreach Centers.

Thoughts of the purpose of Christmas. Marilyn Brummitt and Lian Navarro talk about the coming of the Baby Jesus into the world, the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives and the real meaning of Christmas.

PJ is the founder of PJ Helping Hands. He has been giving back to the community for a long time, as his birthday is on Christmas Day, his family and friends go to his house a day early to cook and then drive around looking for homeless people to give them a hot meal. And when he found out about The Caring Place, he started donating to them. He organizes events in Miami Beach. — Maria Cabral, is a nurse who is involved in helping the residents of The Caring Place at the Broward Outreach Centers.

Patricia McPhoy, a member of the TCP team, talks about the Thanksgiving event that took place in Broward. — Katelyn Whitehurst, owner of Red Hot Vintage. Since opening her vintage clothing store, Katelyn has been receiving donations of clothing and was looking for a local organization to donate to. A relative who collaborates with TCP told her that Broward Outreach Centers does great work with the homeless, so Katelyn contacted BOC and has been taking donations there ever since.

Dr. Yamilca Gomez from Florida Virtual School (Flvs.net). She brought resources to the families in our Broward centers. It is a fully accredited statewide public school district that offers 193 courses. They also offer a full-time school for those students who need to earn a high school diploma. — Roxanne Rowles from A house with heart. They provide affordable, safe, and clean shared housing for people with credit problems, evictions, criminal records, or low incomes to secure safe housing

Rob Collins of HOPE, Inc. We fight housing discrimination to ensure your civil rights. Our agency is the only full-service non-profit fair housing agency servicing Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. We tell people about their rights. And this help is free. — Lavaeda Bell, a long-time volunteer and supporter of The Caring Place. She is a former victim of domestic violence who made a commitment to help others in her situation.

Gabriela Otero, co-president of the National Junior Honor Society chapter at American Heritage in Broward. They were looking for service opportunities as "community service" is one of their pillars. They came across The Caring Place, saw the Mission Hope Hygiene Drive and decided to get involved by collecting items at various locations. — Edeline Severe, The SEED School of Miami. It’s a tuition-free school. Their students live at the school from Sunday through Friday. SEED reaches beyond the traditional school day and teaches students to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, to be ready for college, and to develop character for lifelong success.

Dr Demetrice Morrison, founder of a non-profit organization that was set up in the aftermath of a hurricane. She learned that her neighbor had no food, so they started collecting food in different areas. They set up temporary shelters for children, and on Friday afternoons, before the children left school, they began to discreetly pack healthy, non-perishable food in a backpack so that they would have enough to eat over the weekend. — Jose Soto from State Farm talks about the toy and clothing drive they organize to give back to the community. At the same time, they encourage not only employees, but also customers and the general public to organizing various drives or collecting monetary donations.

Jose Soto from State Farm talks about the toy and clothing drive they organize to give back to the community. At the same time, they encourage not only employees, but also customers and the general public to give back to the community by organizing various drives or collecting monetary donations. — Joe Pinto of Rethink Food, gets food from restaurants, eliminating food waste and providing quality food for our residents and homeless guests.

Jocelyn Noya Quintana from the Miami Foundation. Their goal is to create a community where everyone can thrive, where people feel empowered and want to make a difference. Whatever problem the community faces, they want to be part of the solution, working with leaders, non-profits, businesses and governments in our cities to collaborate. — Edward William of New Beginning Community Outreach a non-profit organization geared to help feed the homeless and needy and help veterans find homes.

Jennifer Wescott from Meals on Wheels. They serve elderly neighbors by providing nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks right in their homes, delivered by more than 300 volunteers. — Michael Pozo, a graduate of The Caring Place. He was homeless and ill for three years. He found the Mission where his life was saved. He had been involved in drugs since the age of 16. After joining the program, he went back to school to relearn how to read and write. He also learnt computer skills. After graduating, he got his life back on track. He is now a volunteer and donor.

Luis Riano of MER_LLC In operation since 2020. They serve various companies and businesses in the city (www.mertechnology.com). He met Lian Navarro at a meeting at Amazon where she presented The Caring Place's work for the community. After that meeting, he spoke with several business owners to organize a monthly hygiene donation drive. — Nelson Ferron ELS Home Services, supporters to the events and daily activities of The Caring Place. As a company, they provided non-specialized home health services to the elderly and disabled.

Jocelyn Noya Quintana from the Miami Foundation. Their goal is to create a community where everyone can thrive, where people feel empowered and want to make a difference. Whatever problem the community faces, they want to be part of the solution, working with leaders, non-profits, businesses and governments in our cities to collaborate. — Tico Casamayor & Matthew Casamayor of AC Graphic have been our print providers for many years. They decided to add digital marketing & website design to their classic print service.

Jorge Velázquez, from The Shred Force. It's a data management company. It collects files, scans and digitalizing them and then provides shredding services. — Michael Pozo, a graduate of The Caring Place. He was homeless and ill for three years. He found the Mission where his life was saved. He had been involved in drugs since the age of 16. After joining the program, he went back to school to relearn how to read and write. He also learnt computer skills. After graduating, he got his life back on track. He is now a volunteer and donor.

Nelson Ferron ELS Home Services, supporters to the events and daily activities of The Caring Place. He was inspired by exercising his faith with the idea of helping the community. He raised the awareness of his team. As a company, they provided non-specialized home health services to the elderly and disabled. — Nathalie, donor and supporter. She heard about TCP when she had a flat tire in front of the Broward Centre. Since then, she always brings donations to the Broward Centre.

Luis Riano of MER_LLC In operation since 2020. They serve various companies and businesses in the city (www.mertechnology.com). He met Lian Navarro at a meeting at Amazon where she presented The Caring Place's work for the community. After that meeting, he spoke with several business owners to organize a monthly hygiene donation drive. — Edward William of New Beginning Community Outreach a non-profit organization geared to help feed the homeless and needy and help veterans find homes.

Amaury Genao of Turner Construction Company - South Florida office. This is an old company that started in New York in 1902 and expanded to Florida in 1926. They cover all three counties with offices in Miramar. They also have offices in Tampa and Orlando for a total of 46 offices in the U.S. and 26 overseas. They have built many buildings in Miami, and one of the newest is in Aventura, which looks like an inverted pyramid. They were Gold Sponsors for the Back to School campaign at the Caring Place. — Angela Gittens also supported the back to school drive event.

Amaury Genao of Turner Construction Company - South Florida office. This is an old company that started in New York in 1902 and expanded to Florida in 1926. They cover all three counties with offices in Miramar. They also have offices in Tampa and Orlando for a total of 46 offices in the U.S. and 26 overseas. They have built many buildings in Miami, and one of the newest is in Aventura, which looks like an inverted pyramid. They were Gold Sponsors for the Back to School campaign at the Caring Place.

Rob Collins of HOPE, Inc. We fight housing discrimination to ensure your civil rights. Our agency is the only full-service non-profit fair housing agency servicing Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. We tell people about their rights. And this help is free. — Randall White, New Beginning Community Outreach. They help veterans, families, the homeless, and children by providing meals - they have an emergency food program for every need!

Melissa Robertson, of “Your Insurance Attorney”. They organized an amazing back to school drive with their team. They have been doing this for the past 3 years because they are so impressed with The Caring Place's commitment to the South FL community. Because of their support, The Caring Place has helped over 600 families. "Your Insurance Lawyer” is a nationwide law firm specializing in multiple practice areas including property and casualty claims, housing claims, personal injury, immigration, probate and more.

Angela Bankston of Beyond Beauty group. She prepared amazing meals for the residents and homeless guests of the Broward Outreach Centers because she wanted to give them a different experience and make them happier. She also uses her business to help people find their vision in life, especially those who are struggling. She plans to be part of a school for girls. — Marcias Jones assists investors and business owners with their commercial financing needs.

Tania Andre of The Mavuno Project. This Project aims to raise awareness & prevention on Human Trafficking & Sexual Abuse via Mission Trips to dis-enfranchised communities internationally and locally. We also share a message of Hope that will set the captive free. We have a safe house in Honduras equipped to take 12 girls that have been removed from human trafficking and sexual abusive situations; a place of refuge, restoration and redemption. It’s called: “AMANacer”.

Angela Bankston of Beyond Beauty group. She prepared amazing meals for the residents and homeless guests of the Broward Outreach Centers because she wanted to give them a different experience and make them happier. She also uses her business to help people find their vision in life, especially those who are struggling. She plans to be part of a school for girls. — Marcias Jones assists investors and business owners with their commercial financing needs.

Edeline Severe, The SEED School of Miami. Our students live at the school from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. Using the gift of time that comes with a 24-hour program, SEED reaches beyond the traditional school day and teaches students to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, to be ready for college, and to develop essential character traits for lifelong success—perseverance, self-confidence, and self-discipline. It’s a tuition-free school. — Edeline Severe, The SEED School of Miamiassists investors and business owners with their commercial financing needs. & Marcia Jones assists investors and business owners with their commercial financing needs.

Edeline Severe, The SEED School of Miami. Our students live at the school from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. Using the gift of time that comes with a 24-hour program, SEED reaches beyond the traditional school day and teaches students to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, to be ready for college, and to develop essential character traits for lifelong success—perseverance, self-confidence, and self-discipline. It’s a tuition-free school. — Marcia Jones assists investors and business owners with their commercial financing needs.

Christopher Simmonds, principal of Care Elementary School. When the school opened in 2015, the statistics weren't very good as it's in Overtown, where many children aren't considered proficient readers. Nine years later, 75 percent of students across the school are reading at or above grade level, and 88 percent are reading at or above grade level in math. He attributes this to great teachers and parents. This school operates in one of The Caring Place facilities. — Marcias Jones assists investors and business owners with their commercial financing needs.

Guy Edson has supported the mission since 1996. In 2003, he began teaching personal management and life skills classes to the residents. This was a wake-up call for him and he began looking for ways to do more for the homeless community. When the HomeRun team was formed, he decided to get involved to get closer to the residents. Today, he is one of the leaders of the HomeRun team. – Dr. Vera M. Stevens, of the Stevens Health and Nutritional Center, is organizing a free event to help women who have been abused by domestic violence.

Jennifer Urmaza, a dedicated supporter with her time, talent, and treasure, first discovered The Caring Place while searching for an organization that gives back to the community. She consistently finds time to volunteer, becoming an ambassador for the organization by bringing her daughter and others to volunteer as well. Notably, she has been a strong supporter of the Mother's Day event, further demonstrating her commitment to the cause.

Anthony Durden: Our Mission is to Share rewarding community services, experiences and fellowship opportunities. To provide Hope for all persons by giving them Empowerment through a variety of community service needs, with special emphasis on education and mentoring to help better lives and communities. We work to provide services to the people in the community according to their need. Some of those services are: providing school clothes, uniforms, supplies, etc. to parents that need them. Mentoring ex-offender youth 13-18 to help prevent juvenile truancy, feeding the homeless and much, much more. "If You Have a Need, We'll Try And Help You In Deed"!

Catiana Altidor: Entrepreneur, transformational coach and speaker. She visited our Broward Centers to speak to women. There she had a powerful experience speaking to women who had once been where she was. In the past, she went through a divorce and lost everything. But in the midst of these difficulties, she understood that God was calling her. That was the beginning of speaking to women. — Pastor Noel Williams, supporter and volunteer at The Caring Place. She has a program called Beautiful Ashes that is geared toward helping women and girls in need.

Rodolfo Davalos, Supporter, Ambassador, Volunteer and Donor. He is a financial analyst. He believes in what the Bible says: “Whatever you did for one of the least […] you did it for me.” That's why he loves caring for those in need and giving back to the community, especially through The Caring Place. — Jena McClure, founder of Kindness Couture. Started in 2019. Collects underwear for the homeless and needy. Her vision is: "To restore dignity to the homeless by providing them with basic things like underwear."

Doretha Nichson, a supporter and longtime advocate for women and children. She volunteers with The Caring Place's CoverGirls group, which helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence by not only providing what they need, but also connecting with them. She remains involved with many other organizations. — Rob Collins of HOPE, Inc. We fight housing discrimination to ensure your civil rights. Our agency is the only full-service non-profit fair housing agency servicing Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. We tell people about their rights. And this help is free.

Roger Kellett, Supporter, Volunteer and HomeRun Team Leader. After retiring, he wanted to do something to help others and when he heard the Mission Possible radio program on WIOD, he decided to volunteer to help clients with hands-on instruction. — Roxana Tumbaco, Tax Advisor at CornerStone, Supporter of the Mother's Day initiative at the Miami and Broward campuses during May Mother's Month.

Hermes Yanes, Chaplain and Case Manager at The Caring Place, talks about his life, how he got involved with the mission, and his experiences with people coming off the streets. — Bob Champagne, a staff member at The Caring Place, talks about how he came to the Mission, how it saved his life and how he became a staff member.

Javaras Thomas of Javaras Thomas Investments. He is a long-time donor who has organized toy drives at various venues such as gyms and collected a large amount of toys to donate to The Caring Place at Broward Outreach Centers. He also gives back to the community with his investment expertise. — Victoria McKnight: Organizes community events and distributes purses full of toiletries to homeless women. She brought 20 set to The Caring Place. In July she will host a "Summer Burning" event, burning old diaries, journals or anything that holds any painful past.

Javaras Thomas of Javaras Thomas Investments. He is a long-time donor who has organized toy drives at various venues such as gyms and collected a large amount of toys to donate to The Caring Place at Broward Outreach Centers. He also gives back to the community with his investment expertise. — Victoria McKnight: Organizes community events and distributes purses full of toiletries to homeless women. She brought 20 set to The Caring Place. In July she will host a "Summer Burning" event, burning old diaries, journals or anything that holds any painful past.