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Charlie
 Thirteen years ago Charlie was homeless, addicted to alcohol and heroin, and living on the streets of Key West. Then Charlie found St. Luke’s.
At the time of his admission, Charlie was confined to a wheelchair. His chronic substance abuse had caused neuropathy in his legs and physicians said he might never walk again. Medical and psychiatric treatment paved the way for his journey to recovery. His recovery inspired a new respect for himself and fellow addicts.
Today, Charlie is in recovery, walking without ambulatory aids, and thriving. The frail, hollow man who once lived on the streets, is a robust, healthy, advocate who is a blessing to everyone he meets. Charlie works full time as Site Manager at St. Luke’s! He brings balance to the professional approach of therapists by exposing the real struggle, and ensuring that the real person in each consumer is served. He is an inspiration to all who seek the road of recovery.
“… It’s a day-to-day struggle, but I am blessed and grateful to have made it to St. Luke’s,” Charlie says.
Mary
 Depressed and lonely after losing her husband, Mary cried all day, stopped eating, and clung to her bed. One decision
changed everything. Mary decided to attend Wilton Manors Adult Day Care Center.
“I don’t think I’d still be living if it wasn’t for this place,” she says. “They saved my life!”
Ten years later Mary looks forward to playing bingo, doing arts and crafts, and socializing with her friends every day. She enjoys the nutritious meals too. Staff members hold a special place in her heart.
“It’s like a whole new world opened up for me. When I go home, I feel good because I’ve been with people all day. I hope I can keep coming for ten more years. I LOVE this place!”
Expansion of South Dade Child Care Center
 Long waiting lists and a critical shortage of affordable child care were a fact of life for low-income families in Homestead, Naranja, and Leisure City. Things improved dramatically when South Dade Child Care Center received a grant from the Ocean Reef Foundation.
The addition of four new handicap-accessible classrooms, a large resource room, and a children’s library have enriched the learning environment and increased the capacity of the Center. Today 24 infants and toddlers, 238 preschool children, and 15 children,who attend after-school care, come to the center each day.
South Dade Child Care Center provides comprehensive services to children and their families. On-site case managers help parents to access community resources so their families can thrive.
Every child deserves a first class education, especially those whose families cannot afford it.
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