Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) Graduation 2023

Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) Graduation 2023

By Lynda Charles

Our Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) honored 30 program graduates and their families on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at a wonderful event hosted by Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL). SOFI is a collaborative system of care focused on families with children between the ages of 0-18 years. Individuals interested in joining SOFI must commit to climbing the economic ladder, participating in training courses, and accessing or retaining better employment.

At the event, our talented SOFI Team and CPSFL Senior Leadership members were joined by three valued community stakeholders: Dr. James E. Green, Annetta Jenkins, and Minoka Nugent. Our SOFI stakeholders work together to maximize opportunities and create an ecosystem that supports innovative change, ultimately leading to increased economic mobility for low-income families.

After a delicious dinner, we were inspired by client testimonies of their experiences on the SOFI journey, followed by the awards presentation.

Graduate Claudine Ellis said that over the past two years, SOFI broadened her horizons, expanded her knowledge, and helped her develop valuable skills for her personal and professional life, such as receiving her GED and enrolling as a full-time student at Palm Beach State College working towards a degree in nursing.

“Your commitment to cultivating a culture of empathy, compassion, and enlightenment has created a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages personal development and supports the pursuit of dreams,” said Ellis.

Graduates Shelia Velaquez and Tranesha Hightower both entered the SOFI program in 2021. Each was able to obtain housing for their families and continue to remain employed.

Ava Fuller started the SOFI program a year ago, and in addition to securing an apartment for her family, she’s employed with the Palm Beach County School Board and Publix.

“I’m looking forward to owning my own home and enrolling in college soon,” said Fuller.

Julyssa Pierre-Louis was referred to SOFI due to her homeless situation and is now working and has her own apartment. “I’m grateful for the SOFI program, which helped me get back on track,” said Pierre-Louis.

The success stories are numerous. Graduates Marian Robertson, Yanick Colas, and Michka Taylor -- who each participated in SOFI for the past three years -- are now all first-time homeowners. Graduate Sheana Brown completed her bachelor’s degree at DeVry University and now works for the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Graduate Kemarian Robertson joined SOFI and increased her income from a new mom working at Taco Bell to a Training Manager at Humana in a year and a half. Graduate Jalicia Anderson entered SOFI jobless and homeless; she has been in her home for a year and has maintained her increased income as a housing technician at Gulfstream Goodwill Industries.

As you can see, our staff is incredibly proud to support our graduates' hard work and dedication as they reach their homeownership goals, even in the face of certain limitations. SOFI participants are the most resilient and creative group of people I know. I congratulate them on being willing to absorb all the training and coaching we provide with the hope of changing their own lives.

Palm Beach County Housing Services is hosting a SOFI Quarterly Workshop Orientation on October 19, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please call Coryati Campbell at 561.841.3500 ext. 1002, or email ccampbell@cpsfl.org to register.

For information on our housing services, visit https://www.cpsfl.org/housing-services. Feel free to email me, Lynda Charles, Vice President of Housing Services, at lcharles@cpsfl.org or call 561.841.3500 ext. 1014 if you have additional questions.