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When a community comes together with a clear purpose, the impact can reach far beyond a single afternoon.
That is the goal behind the Teen Summit & Family Fun Day, hosted by Pain 2 Purpose in partnership with Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle and former Columbus explorer Elijah Roberts, set for Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Demps Park, located at 11350 SW 216 Street in South Dade.
The free, family-friendly event is designed to provide meaningful resources and honest conversations focused on teen mental health, while still offering the kind of activities that bring families out together—bounce houses, live performances, free food, free haircuts, and interactive programming throughout the afternoon
At the heart of the event is Pain 2 Purpose, a nonprofit organization founded by Shanda Roberts, whose personal journey shaped the organization’s mission. A survivor of domestic violence, Roberts has been open about how abuse began when she was just 15 years old, leaving long-lasting emotional scars. It wasn’t until she began sharing her story, she says, that healing truly started. That realization led her to create Pain 2 Purpose—turning personal pain into a mission of support and prevention for others
Today, Pain 2 Purpose focuses on encouraging and empowering women who have experienced domestic violence, while also working proactively with teens. The organization believes that reaching young people during their dating years can help prevent cycles of abuse before they begin, reducing the number of future victims and strengthening families and communities in the long term
That mission will be front and center during the Teen Summit portion of the day, which includes guided discussions geared specifically toward teenagers. Topics will include dating violence, suicide prevention, depression, bullying, and the pressures of social media, all addressed in an age-appropriate, supportive environment
Elijah Roberts’ involvement adds another layer of visibility and credibility to the effort. The Miami native and Tampa Bay Buccaneers starter has supported his mother’s vision since childhood and continues to use his NFL platform to advocate for Pain 2 Purpose. He has previously highlighted the organization through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative, wearing custom purple cleats featuring the nonprofit’s logo, and has spoken publicly about the importance of mental health awareness and prevention
Organizers emphasize that the event is not just about education, but access. Everything—from food to activities to resources—is provided free of charge, removing barriers that often prevent families from attending community programs.
The Teen Summit & Family Fun Day is supported through sponsorships and community partnerships, with all funds raised going directly toward covering event costs and supporting the ongoing work of Pain 2 Purpose, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
For more information about the event or Pain 2 Purpose, visit pain2purpose76.org.
