COCONUT GROVE CARES, INC
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Mission Statement
Coconut Grove Cares (CGC) is a not for profit organization dedicated to building a better community for the children and families in Village West Coconut Grove. Founded 69 years ago by Elizabeth Virrick and Father Theodore Gibson, CGC responds to the changing needs of the community through educational programs, social services and outreach initiatives that take place at The Barnyard Community Center. The Barnyard offers free After-School and Summer Programs for children ages 5-12, and provides a much needed safe haven for neighborhood children. Over 200 children benefit from the Barnyard’s programs, which focus on education, arts, cultural enrichment, literacy, fitness, and parental engagement. Families of these children rely on the Barnyard for vital social and legal services referrals, housing assistance, job searching, and family counseling.
About This Cause
COCONUT GROVE CARES, INC. THE BARNYARD COMMUNITY CENTER “The story of Coconut Grove Cares is part of the history of this community” Founder, Elizabeth Virrick Coconut Grove Cares (CGC) is a not for profit organization dedicated to building a better community for the children and families in West Coconut Grove. Founded 69 years ago by Elizabeth Virrick and Father Theodore Gibson, CGC responds to the changing needs of the community through educational programs, social services and outreach initiatives. The agency now known as Coconut Grove Cares was founded in 1948 as the Coconut Grove Citizens Committee for Slum Clearance by Elizabeth Virrick and Father Theodor Gibson. Mrs. Virrick and Father Gibson struggled against social and economic inequities in the West Coconut Grove Community. In 69 years, the agency evolved from its original “slum clearance” mission, to civil rights work and community development in the ‘50s and ‘60s, to boxing programs, community health and outreach in the’70s, to ex-offender training, counseling and youth programs in the ‘80s, to its present educational programs for children at the Barnyard Community Center. The Barnyard Community Center • 200 children and families served • 132 student and adult volunteers • After School Program (ages 5-12) • Summer Program (ages 5-13) • Operating hours: Office hours 10am-6pm After School 2pm to 6pm- Summer Camp 8am-6pm • All programs and services are free of charge to children and families Services provided for neighborhood children at The Barnyard • Daily homework assistance • Reading and math tutoring -Including specialized instruction for children reading below grade level • Visual and performing arts program provided by Arts4learning and funded by The Jonathan D. Lewis Foundation • Violin, Viola and Cello Lessons provided by University of Miami Frost Music School’s ShalalaMusicReach. • Black History and neighborhood heritage activities focusing on the Bahamian/Caribbean heritage of the historic West Grove. • Individual Counseling for children and parents provided by a Psychologist from The Children’s Survival Network • Conflict Resolution classes: non-violent problem solving using the Peace Education Foundation curriculum. • Computer training and online reading and math tutoring. • Strong Roots Parenting and Caregiver Program provided by the University of Miami • The Kulula Project provided by the University of Miami teaches children to succeed, achieve and accomplish. • Great Expectations Program conducted by Martha Clinton teaches children that they should expect great things from themselves • Barnyard Children’s Art Collective: Under the leadership of Artist Lynne Gelfman, a group of children create art to share with friends of the Barnyard and to beautify the neighborhood and the community. • Fitness and nutrition: supervised outdoor activities and healthy snacks. • Fieldtrips: Twice weekly summer field trips include: Children’s Museum, Biscayne Nature Center, Metro Zoo, Fairchild Tropical Garden, Fantasy Theater, Science Museum and Planetarium, Historical Museum of South Florida, Venetian Pool, PAMM TY Park, Castaway Island Water Park, Crandon Park. Special Programs • 6 week Nature Programs at The Kampong Botanical Garden • Hygiene and Health workshops Adult services • Financial literacy workshops • Social service referrals: CGC is a partner in collaborative efforts with other agencies to provide comprehensive services to at-risk children and their families (i.e., jobs, counseling, health insurance, family clinics) • Outreach for new programs • Voter Registration Assistance • Free use of computers, Internet and fax • Free use of household tools (rakes, saws, clippers, shovels, etc.) Volunteer program CGC has a strong volunteer network including schools, universities, corporations and local businesses.