Baptist Health South Florida employees always jump on the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, having sponsored 24 homes in more than 20 years. Recently, Baptist Health employees of diverse backgrounds joined forces for a special Day of Service: Caring for Our Community to help revitalize and improve homes for low-income families.
“We ended up having 55 Baptist Health South Florida employees and family members who worked hard for five hours. The volunteers were split up among five homes,” said Arlenna Williams, assistant vice president of Baptist Hospital of Miami and Immediate past chair of the Habitat for Humanity Miami board of directors.
Williams added that the Baptist crew did exterior painting (including prep) on four homes. The organization also sponsored the home of one of its employees, Terrie Ulmer, for which the crew handled landscaping in the front and back yard (including removing debris, laying grass, and planting trees and flowers).
Baptist Health South Florida conducted an informal program prior to the revitalization project’s start. Akeem Brutus of Commissioner Audrey Edmonson’s Office was there to network with the new homeowners in Liberty City (Commissioner Edmonson’s district). Additionally, Baptist Health’s chaplain, Rick Morrow, gave a moving invocation and Arlenna Williams, provided opening remarks. Not only were Baptist Health employees assisting with revitalization projects in Liberty City, but they also had 13 other concurrent service projects going on from Homestead to Broward.
“At Baptist Health, we believe that every man, woman and child should have a place to call home — regardless of their race or background or economic standing,” said Ricardo Forbes, chief diversity officer for Baptist Health South Florida.“Baptist Health always has and will remain committed to providing hospitality to every nationality.”
Baptist Health has been active with Habitat of Humanity for over 20 years, having sponsored a total of 24 homes. This year, the organization sponsored three homes. Baptist Health also has had 227 employees volunteer for a total of 1,362 hours, resulting in the completion of one home and the support of several others.
Baptist Health South Florida is a faithbased organization that believes caring is sharing. Composed of seven hospitals and more than a score of outpatient facilities, Baptist Health is visited by more than a million patients annually.
For more information, visit online et www.baptisthealth.net
