Community Partners
Our Work
Most people in the Miami community know of JLM through our work with survivors of domestic violence, the homeless, and women and children at risk. Our flagship project, Inn Transition, is a long-term transitional housing shelter for families run via public-private partnerships with Miami-Dade County. In addition, JLM has provided assistance to children diagnosed with learning disabilities through our Therapy Dogs program and signature Done in a Day projects.
It is less widely known that JLM also offers community partnerships to deserving nonprofits in Greater Miami Dade. By providing volunteers and funding for community grants and projects, we can join with partner organizations to improve the wellbeing of those most in need. JLM is excited to announce that our 2024-2025 Community Partnership Application will be available in October 2023.
Making a Greater Impact
In our role as a grantor of funds, JLM holds a yearly event to engage with potential community partners. Traditionally, JLM has provided regular volunteers and up to $10K in funding to support one or two community projects serving at-risk women and children. During the past year, the League’s reach broadened with the return of its community grant program which awarded $216K in grants to area 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
While our event typically centers on opportunities for partnership with JLM, we recognized that community needs shifted dramatically in the face of the pandemic. Our all-volunteer force quickly pivoted to focus on building stronger community ties with other nonprofits in Miami-Dade. During busy days spent on grant writing and operational programming, we understand that nonprofit staff might not set aside time to debrief and share success stories. JLM will continue to use this collaborative event to allow local organizations to communicate freely and find synchronicities in their work to maximize impact.
JLM Acts As A Community Connector
“Connectivity is unity of understanding of joint effort towards a common cause for the good of all.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
Our event gave other nonprofits an opportunity to commiserate and connect in ways they had previously not been able to do. We were thrilled to see representatives attend on behalf of newer and smaller nonprofits, and JLM was glad to step in as connector on important issues in our community. We connected seemingly disparate organizational needs by giving the nonprofits a place to voice their needs.
Additionally, because of JLM’s own robust membership, we had several opportunities for follow up. Our members work with other 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and sit on other nonprofit boards, which has created the opportunity to network and make those groups aware of each other as well.
A Way Forward, Together
Building on the vibrancy of our nonprofit community and the wonderful response to this event, JLM is looking forward to hosting another Community Collaboration Breakfast on Oct. 12, 2023. We are always seeking increased connectivity in our community, and continue to forge new relationships with partners and other organizations. Please reach out to ProgramDevelopment@jlmiami.