COMMUNITY BASED CARE AGENCIES FACE TOUGH 2012 SESSION
COMMUNITY BASED CARE AGENCIES FACE TOUGH 2012 SESSION By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 15, 2011…..As the 2012 session
We believe that all children have the right to food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, property and personal privacy.
Florida’s laws, policies and practices respect, prioritize and protect children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems.
COMMUNITY BASED CARE AGENCIES FACE TOUGH 2012 SESSION By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 15, 2011…..As the 2012 session
October 24, 2011 – Damien Smith, 18, was in foster care in South Florida for several years. He aged out of foster care this fall
SENATE LOOKING AT DJJ PROBE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MED USE By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Oct. 19, 2011…..The Department of
October 19, 2011 MIAMI (AP) — Federal lawmakers said during a national town hall meeting Wednesday that they are working to help foster children succeed
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Oct. 14, 2011……A Senate committee, angered by the juxtaposition of children’s deaths with swelling pay for those overseeing their care, has ordered
Associated Press Oct. 5: Dee Saint Franc, 21, of Providence, R.I., stands for a portrait in front of family photos in her home. Saint Franc
October 1 – Research has shown that Florida’s grand experiment of the ’90s to prosecute younger and younger kids as adults — sparked by
September 15, 2011 – “Upbeat” isn’t usually the word one associates with the Florida Department of Children & Families. Given the state agency’s past, high-profile
September 14, 2011 – South Florida foster care kids struggle in tough job market – Sun Sentinel Tamarra Lestage was 13 when she ran away from
September 15th – A 16-year-old girl running away from an abusive home met a man at a payphone in Detroit who promised her a better
September 2011 by Gabrielle Davis Former foster youth Ashtavia Maddox gave a powerful charge to 45 children’s legal services attorneys gathered September 15-16 in Orlando.
September 1, 2011 Severely impacted by dire economic times, The Florida Bar Foundation is considering seeking loans to be able to provide stable funding to
FYS Communications & Marketing Chair
(Miami)
Hi everyone!
My name is Mel and I’m 23. In the community support space, I’m known for strong communication, crisis navigation, and the ability to build trust with participants from diverse backgrounds. I consistently hold close partnerships with care coordinators, advocates, and local organizations to provide comprehensive and high-quality support.
I specialize in creating structured tools such as educational guides, clear documentation, and life-skills resources that help youth better understand their needs, boundaries, and options.
Alongside my advocacy work, I have become an accomplished creative whose work spans digital design, visual content development, and storytelling. I design flyers, presentations, and multimedia pieces that bring clarity, culture, and visual impact to youth programming, community initiatives, and local events. My creative eye allows me to transform information into accessible and engaging visuals that resonate authentically with the communities I serve.
I am proud to be a member of the 2025-26 Statewide Board as and lend my skills to Florida Youth SHINE in support of my peers and bringing changed for youth with homeless and foster care experience.