On Thursday, November 23rd, The Miami Rescue Mission (MRM) | Broward Outreach Centers (BOC) — known as the Caring Place for 96 years — served nearly 3,000 traditional Thanksgiving dinners with all the fixings during the Great Thanksgiving Banquet held in Miami, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach. There was music, health care, haircuts, and special activities for the kids. A delicious Thanksgiving meal was served by over 500 volunteers — turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and a variety of other tasty treats.
A special shout out to James Safilian and the Elegant Family - sons Luke and Hudson are amazing for their sponsorship and getting so many others involved with the Great Thanksgiving Banquet.
In addition to the meal; over 9,000 articles of clothing were given out, plus “Hope Tote” bags filled with hygiene products and other necessary items were given to all guests. Most importantly, over 70 men and women decided to get off the streets and enter one of the life-changing programs.
“ I love this street outreach. Everybody is so happy to be here, including myself. I would not have had a Thanksgiving meal if this outreach was not here. ”
Jimmy, Hollywood guest.
“ Broward Outreach Center in Pompano is helping my whole family at the Family Center. We had been evicted and had no funds or place to go. My husband and our 3 children came here with only a few belongings. This banquet is just wonderful. We thought it would just be another day and look at all the volunteers who came to help us. It makes my family feel so special. We know when we leave this place that our lives will be back on track. ”
Tamara, Pompano Guest
“ This is a day when people who have a little more than others can give back and help someone in need reset their lives and build a better future. ”
Ron Book, Miami-Dade Homeless Trust - Chairman of the Board
The Great Thanksgiving Banquet was a truly wonderful time for the community to band together and remind the homeless and people who are struggling that they are not forgotten or alone this holiday season.
“ All this is done to share the love of God and the compassion of our community to our neighbors. Men, women, and children who are struggling, need encouragment, and a hand up. The Thanksgiving meal was awesome, but more importanly, men, women, and children were loved on and left the banquet with a little more hope for a brighter future. ”
Rev. Ronald Brummitt President
The Miami Campus has served the homeless and needy since 1922. The administration offices, Center for Men, Center for Women and Children, Jeffrey A. Tew Education Center, Community Activity Center-which provides out of school and summer programs for children, Food Warehouse, Health Clinic, and Thrift Stores are located in a three block area off NW 1st Ave. and NW 20th Street. The Centers offer emergency and residential programs. An additional building houses 78 men and has a conference center. The combined Centers provide 390 beds for residential and emergency services.
The Hollywood Campus was opened in 1997 after serving the homeless and needy of Broward beginning in 1992. It was the first center in Broward to offer comprehensive programs for the homeless. The Hollywood Campus has 128 beds for residential programs and 18 emergency beds to serve men, women, and children. It is located at the corner of Scott Street and Old Dixie Highway, near Sheridan Street.
The Pompano Beach Campus was opened in 2002 and has 200 beds for residential programs and 20 emergency beds to serve men, women, and children. The campus is located in the northern part of Broward County near Copans Road. Men, women, and children are served as well as a special program to engage the chronic homeless.
“ I had a such a great time at the Thanksgiving Banquet. I really didn't have anything to provide for my children. This really helps and my kids had a great day. I did not feel alone and know that people do care. ”
Belinda, Thanksgiving Banquet Guest