In the aftermath of last month’s historic flooding in Broward County, our community came together to help those who experienced devastating loss. Broward Cares, a collaboration between Community Foundation of Broward, United Way of Broward County and Jewish Federation of Broward County, was quickly activated to fundraise and support nonprofits that were either impacted or on the frontlines providing support for flood victims. Recognizing that my husband created his foundation to “meet the ever-changing needs of the community,” we responded with a $100,000 emergency grant to Broward Cares. The Jim Moran Foundation distributed additional flood recovery grants of almost $250,000 to further support the area's recovery. To all of our partners, their staff and volunteers who step in and make a difference in times of crisis and every day, thank you!
Many families work tirelessly but still struggle to make ends meet, let alone afford essential furniture. Since 2012, Sweet Dream Makers has been changing lives literally overnight by providing brand new beds and bedding to children and their caregivers. Pictured above, Enashia (age 9) shared, “My bed is so comfy! I love the colors and now I don’t have to sleep on a frumpy old air mattress.” Her brother Zachariah (age 8) exclaimed, “How did you know I love Spiderman?! I like to get home from school and just sit in my bed.” Meanwhile, Jeremiah (age 2) squealed and jumped with joy when he saw his Paw Patrol bedding set.
Following the flood, Sweet Dream Makers immediately responded and continues to be ready to help families as they move back home. The organization generally distributes more than 500 beds per month across Palm Beach and Broward counties, ensuring every child they serve has a special bed of their own.
For seniors in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and memory care centers in Broward County, visits from specially trained and certified therapy animals deliver more than just smiles. Through Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.), activities as simple as petting, brushing, walking, or snuggling with four-legged friends relieve stress, provide individual purpose, promote socialization and improve the overall well-being of seniors.
A resident of an assisted living facility served by C.A.T. summed up the positive impact of the program by saying, "Today I wasn't feeling so great, but they knocked on my door and said the dogs are coming. So here I am, and this is the best medicine anyone could give me."
Project Prepare, a program of Daniel Kids, provides comprehensive homeless services for youth and young adults in Duval County, including case management, transitional housing, counseling and job placement.
Endaiza, pictured above, entered foster care at the age of 14 when her mother passed away. She eventually dropped out of school and experienced homelessness for several years. After learning about Project Prepare, Endaiza reached out to Daniel Kids for help and received safe housing, counseling, GED tutoring, job readiness skills training and more. She began working part-time while earning her GED. Through an event at Daniel Kids, she met with Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) staff who assisted her with the college application and financial aid forms. With perseverance and hard work, Endaiza was accepted to FSCJ for Fall 2023 and plans to “pay it forward” by studying social work to one day help struggling youth as Daniel Kids has done for her.
The Jim Moran Foundation awards grants throughout the year. Nearly $6 million has been funded so far in 2023 with a busy summer ahead. If your organization would like to apply for funding, we recommend reading our Grant Making Guidelines for information about our current funding focuses and application process.
