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Supported by the Lennar Foundation, this transitional employment program creates pathways for individuals overcoming homelessness.
Chapman Partnership, a nonprofit organization that serves and empowers vulnerable populations, was recently honored at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Nonprofit NOVO Awards with the Innovative Excellence Award for its CP Works program. This initiative, created in partnership with The Underline, a 10-mile linear park and urban trail, and the Lennar Foundation, the charitable arm of one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, provides employment opportunities and pathways to independence for individuals who have experienced homelessness.
The NOVO Nonprofit Business Awards were presented at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Trustee Luncheon honoring organizations in Miami-Dade County that have demonstrated innovative excellence and featured entrepreneurial practices of non-profit organizations.
Launched in April 2025 by Chapman Partnership, CP Works and The Park Stewards program received its first corporate sponsor with the Lennar Foundation. The CP Works program is an innovative bridge employment program that provides opportunities for individuals who have experienced homelessness to re-enter the workforce, build independence, and prepare for permanent employment. The first employer to contract with CP Works, The Underline has created the Park Stewards program where participants gain hands-on skills in park operations and maintenance while also receiving support with housing stability and financial literacy.
“Through our partnership with The Underline, we’ve been able to create new opportunities for individuals who are rebuilding their lives, combining shelter and support with on-the-job training and stability,” said Scott Hansel, Chapman Partnership CEO. “CP Works is opening the doors to a better quality of life for our clients, and with the support and encouragement of the Lennar Foundation, this alliance is making a meaningful and lasting impact for South Florida.”
The NOVO Awards recognized CP Works for its unique ability to bring together nonprofits with different missions around a shared community goal. By creatively leveraging philanthropic funding from the Lennar Foundation, the program has scaled its impact while upskilling participants for careers in park maintenance and horticulture. At the same time, it has strengthened The Underline’s operations and provided Chapman residents with the economic support needed to thrive, demonstrating how collaboration can elevate multiple missions at once.
“This award validates the power of collaboration,” said Meg Daly, Founder and Executive Chair of Friends of The Underline. “By linking public spaces with workforce development and housing opportunities, we are creating sustainable pathways for individuals to thrive while strengthening Miami’s public spaces.”
“At the Lennar Foundation, we invest in programs that don’t just address immediate needs, but create lasting opportunities to strengthen the communities we serve,” said Marshall Ames, Chairman of the Lennar Foundation.”
The CP Works program aims to expand with new partnerships across Miami-Dade county as a key component of the Chapman Partnership “village of support,” a national model tackling homelessness.
About CP Works
CP Works is a bridge employment program that provides individuals experiencing homelessness not just a pathway to self-sufficiency. The countywide initiative is working with municipalities and private employers to create a sustainable pipeline to employment for those determined to rebuild their lives.
About Chapman Partnership
Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates the largest emergency Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds with locations in Miami and Homestead. For 30 years the nonprofit has provided a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for unhoused men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, wellness programs, employment training and placement, and assistance with securing permanent homes. Aided by generous donors and sponsors, we uplift the unhoused, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman Partnership is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at www.chapmanpartnership.org.
About The Underline
The Underline is a 10-mile linear park, urban trail, and living art destination transforming the land below Miami’s Metrorail into an iconic public space. Serving as a platform for recreation, culture, and opportunity, The Underline is redefining how public spaces support communities. Learn more at theunderline.org.
About the Lennar Foundation
Since 1954, Lennar has built over 1.5 million new homes for families across America. In an effort to continue that momentum and give back to local communities, the Lennar Foundation was created in 1989. For over 35 years, the Lennar Foundation has partnered with organizations to assist the less fortunate across three pillars: Community, Education, and Health. The Foundation receives a contribution of $1,000 per home sold to support each of these important causes. We are committed to giving back and doing the right thing for the right reasons.
