Greener Roofing & Solar Donates $30,000 Roof to Be Strong International, Expanding Impact for 16,000 Families
Local leaders, residents, and partners gather to mark milestone investment, strengthening safe spaces for families
Be Strong International (BSI) welcomed community leaders, partners, and supporters on April 10 to celebrate a $30,000 roof donation from Greener Roofing & Solar, a critical investment that strengthens the organization’s ability to serve more than 16,000 families annually across South Florida. The newly completed roof at BSI’s Palmetto Bay headquarters ensures a safe, stable environment for delivering life-changing relationship and youth development programs.
The celebration brought together local officials, business leaders, and community advocates in a shared commitment to advancing strong, healthy communities. By addressing a vital infrastructure need, the roof installation allows Be Strong International to focus resources on expanding its Heart Skills® programs, which equip youth and families with tools for healthy decision-making, communication, and long-term relationship success. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the organization’s mission and witness the power of community partnership.
About Greener Roofing & Solar
Greener Roofing & Solar is a family-owned company based in Palmetto Bay and a trusted leader in the South Florida community. Rooted in integrity and quality, the company provides roofing and solar solutions designed to protect homes, enhance energy efficiency, and provide homeowners with long-lasting peace of mind. Founded by Maycol Delgado, Greener Roofing & Solar is dedicated to both outstanding craftsmanship and meaningful local impact. This commitment is personal; having grown up in a lower-income environment, Maycol understands the importance of providing resources and support to those in need. This perspective continues to drive the company’s mission today.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Community Newspapers for highlighting this milestone and helping share our story with the community.
To read the full article, visit:
https://communitynewspapers.com/palmetto-bay-news/greener-roofing-solar-donates-30000-roof-to-be-strong-international-expanding-impact-for-16000-families/
Be Strong International (BSI) is honored to announce a transformative two-year grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, a philanthropic leader dedicated to improving education, health, and community well-being. This extraordinary investment serves as a powerful affirmation of BSI’s mission to strengthen families and empower individuals with the Heart Skills® needed to build healthier relationships.
“This grant represents hope, stability, and possibility for so many families who are yearning for connection,” said Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer of Be Strong International. “Strengthening relationships strengthens communities. When couples thrive, children thrive, and the entire family system has a better chance to break cycles of stress and instability. We are deeply grateful to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for believing in the work we do and the lives we touch every day.”
The DeLuca Foundation’s support will sustain and expand Marriage Matters, one of BSI’s most impactful relationship-strengthening programs. Grounded in compassion, communication, and emotional wellness, Marriage Matters provides a fun and engaging, multisession curriculum for couples seeking greater understanding, harmony, and connection.
The program goes far beyond traditional skills training. It helps couples build healthier communication patterns, strengthen mutual respect and emotional regulation, reconnect with one another after periods of stress or disconnection, and develop long-term habits that support a stable, nurturing home environment. Offered in both English and Spanish, Marriage Matters intentionally serves low to moderate-income families and couples facing significant life stressors. Thanks to this grant, BSI will be able to serve over 200 couples over two years, providing not only workshops but also coaching, partner referrals, and access to wraparound services such as financial coaching and mental health support. to moderate-income families and couples facing significant life stressors. Thanks to this grant, BSI will be able to serve
In addition to supporting the Marriage Matters program, a significant portion of the grant will allow BSI to establish its first Fundraising Department, a long-awaited step toward organizational sustainability. This new department will focus on strengthening donor gifts and increasing donor visibility, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Miami, FL — Be Strong International is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernesto M. Diaz to its Board of Directors. Ernesto brings more than a decade of professional experience, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to community service that will further strengthen the organization’s mission to build stronger families and communities.
Ernesto is a Principal in Kaufman Rossin’s Tax Services Advisory Group, where he advises domestic and international clients on tax planning and compliance matters. His expertise includes tax structuring for U.S. real estate investments by foreign investors, as well as strategic tax planning for family-owned businesses and high-net-worth individuals. His professional background spans multiple industries, including professional services, real estate, hospitality, and distribution.
Prior to joining Kaufman Rossin, Ernesto served as a Tax Managing Director, leading and mentoring professional teams while delivering tax, accounting, and consulting services. He advised clients on complex domestic, international, state, and local tax matters and worked closely with audit, risk advisory, and cost segregation teams to provide comprehensive solutions. His experience also includes estate and trust planning.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ernesto is actively engaged in the business and nonprofit community. He is a member of Business Network International (BNI) and a graduate of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami program. He has contributed to the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) Emerging Leaders Program and supports several charitable organizations, including Be Strong International and the Baptist Health Young Philanthropists.
Ernesto is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida and holds memberships with both the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He earned his Bachelor of Accounting and Master of Accounting degrees from Florida International University.
Be Strong International is honored to welcome Ernesto M. Diaz to its Board of Directors and looks forward to the leadership, expertise, and passion he brings in support of the organization’s continued growth and impact.
Be Strong International (BSI) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Mental Well-being grant by the Florida Blue Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to promote emotional wellness and healthy relationships across South Florida.
This competitive grant program recognizes nonprofits making measurable impacts on mental health. BSI’s award of $400,000 will support a multi-year initiative to expand the reach of its innovative Social Yaks card game. The accompanying training program is designed to foster connectedness, empathy, and emotional resilience among youth, families, and older adults. Through this funding, BSI will:
•Serve 4,000 adolescents, their families, and older adults in high-need communities across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
•Train 1,500 public school teachers, counselors, and mental health professionals, particularly in under-resourced schools on the use of Social Yaks to enhance classroom engagement and emotional support.
•Host community workshops and awareness events to address isolation, loneliness, and depression through the power of social empathy and connection.
“This moment is a true milestone for us. The generous support from the Florida Blue Foundation has left us absolutely elated,” said Michelle Shirley, CEO & Chief Heart Officer of Be Strong International. “We envision a future where our Heart Skills® framework will be woven into the fabric of every school and community, contributing to eradicating the loneliness and isolation our community is feeling. Through the application of Social Yaks, our latest tool, we aspire to foster environments where adolescents and their families reignite a shared commitment to connect in more meaningful ways while strengthening family bonding time.”
This is the first time Be Strong International has been awarded funding from the Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of GuideWell, a not-for-profit mutual holding company committed to advancing health care and community well-being.
“We are proud to support nonprofit organizations like Be Strong International, who share our commitment to improving mental well-being for families across the state,” said Susan Towler, executive director of Florida Blue Foundation. “By providing support and resources, we can help amplify their work, ensuring more individuals and families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.”
At Be Strong International, we take great pride in recognizing the dedication and hard work of our team members. This year, we are honored to celebrate a significant milestone—five years of service—for several outstanding employees. Their unwavering commitment to our mission has played a vital role in strengthening families and communities.
Celebrating Five Years of Service
Reaching a five-year milestone is a testament to perseverance, passion, and dedication. We extend our deepest gratitude to Emmanuel Ovalle, Rodlin Gelin, Juan Camargo, Carlos Villacis, and Everson Joseph for reaching this incredible achievement. Each of them has consistently excelled in their roles, demonstrating outstanding leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. Whether managing projects, providing support to families, or contributing to our overall mission, their hard work and dedication have made a significant impact on our organization. They continue to inspire us all with their passion for making a difference, and we look forward to many more years of shared success.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we celebrate these milestones, we extend our sincerest appreciation to all our team members who continue to embody the spirit of Be Strong International. Your dedication and service are the foundation of our success, and we are honored to have you as part of our team.
Congratulations to Emmanuel, Rodlin, Juan, Carlos, and Everson on their well-deserved recognition! We look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and shared success together.
[foogallery id=”307848″]
Be Strong International is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone for our team member, Carlos Andres Villacis, who has been appointed as a Board Member for Chamber South! This achievement highlights an exciting new chapter for both Carlos and Be Strong International as we continue to strengthen our ties with the vibrant South Florida community. 🏆
The announcement of Carlos’ appointment took place at the Chamber South Luncheon: “New Year Resolutions: Health, Wealth & Nutrition,” the first luncheon of 2025. The event brought together influential leaders and stakeholders from the South Florida region, marking a powerful start to the new year. Carlos was joined by seven other incoming Board Members as they were officially welcomed to the Chamber South leadership team. 🌟
Be Strong International is a proud member of Chamber South, a dynamic regional chamber of commerce dedicated to serving the communities of South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, and Kendall. Chamber South provides invaluable resources, networking opportunities, advocacy, and professional development for local businesses. By fostering collaboration and community engagement, the organization plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and innovation across the region.
Carlos’ involvement with Chamber South strengthens Be Strong International’s connection to the local business community, helping us build partnerships that advance our mission of empowering individuals and families. Together with Chamber South, we are committed to creating a stronger, healthier South Florida community through collaboration and shared purpose.
As we celebrate this exciting milestone, Be Strong International looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Congratulations, Carlos, on your appointment to the Chamber South Board! 🙌
Check out our Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE2ijQntVFg/?img_index=1
We’re thrilled to announce a significant and heartfelt milestone in our journey: “Be Strong Way” is now officially on the map! This incredible moment serves as a landmark not just in our community but in our organization’s mission to empower, educate, and uplift families and young people throughout Miami-Dade County.
On this special day, we were joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham, who both delivered words of encouragement and support that truly resonated with all in attendance. It was also an honor to have our very own CEO and Chief Heart Officer, Michelle Shirley, lead the celebration with her inspiring vision and steadfast dedication. Each of these leaders, along with all who came out to support, helped make this event unforgettable and affirming.
The unveiling of “Be Strong Way” stands as a vibrant symbol of our commitment to strengthening families, building healthy relationships, and fostering resilience in our community. This street name is more than a marker on the map; it embodies the heart and soul of our work at Be Strong International. It’s a reminder that each day, with every workshop, conversation, and outreach event, we are collectively taking steps forward—empowering individuals and transforming lives.
Thank you to everyone who shared this moment with us, and to all our supporters who believe in our mission. Here’s to many more steps forward and continued impact as we keep walking down Be Strong Way, paving paths of empowerment and positive change!
Check more pictures here: https://www.bestrongintl.org/events/gallery/
Checklist by Michelle Shirley – A new school year starts soon in South Florida, and if your family is like mine, you’re rushing from store to website and back again, armed with lists of supplies and clothing your child will need to be physically and intellectually ready to learn on that first day.
There’s one more back-to-school list to check off so you can answer a critical question: Is your child socially and emotionally ready?
Social and emotional readiness has always been important for setting children up for success. But today, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic’s school closures, it’s more important than ever for parents to ask themselves the question.
A child or adolescent who is ready for the social and emotional demands of school will enter the classroom with confidence (although a few butterflies are perfectly normal). They are willing and able to listen to their teacher and participate in a positive, non-disruptive way. They’ll have good social skills to get along with classmates, make friends and express their emotions appropriately.
Two years after Florida schools reopened to full in-person learning, many children still are coping with the effects of the pandemic, which cut them off from the critical social support of friends, teachers and coaches. Many students fell behind academically as they — and their parents and teachers — struggled to quickly figure out how to use remote-learning technology.
The National Institutes of Health has identified numerous mental health problems related to COVID in youth, including anxiety, stress, depression, panic, irritation, impulsivity, sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder and even suicidal behavior.
The Florida Association of Children’s Hospitals reports, “What began as a public health emergency turned into a mental-health crisis. The duration of the pandemic, isolation from friends and family, effects of parental stress and economic hardship and loss of loved ones take their toll on children’s mental health.”
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a similar warning in December 2021: “The pandemic era’s unfathomable number of deaths, pervasive sense of fear, economic instability and forced physical distancing from loved ones, friends and communities have exacerbated the unprecedented stresses young people already faced.”
It’s normal to regret leaving behind the glory days of summer vacation to return to school, but not so that it interferes with performing in school or connecting with peers. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you sense your child is experiencing anxiety, depression or another serious mental-health condition that keeps them from enjoying school. You can also help them adjust to a new school year with some positive approaches:
▪ Help them build a positive mindset.
In the weeks before school starts, look for opportunities to talk about the positive things that school brings: new experiences, new friends, new things to learn. Be careful not to overwhelm them, especially if they tend to worry about the future.
Now is also the time to set a routine for sleep, meals and work. Don’t suddenly spring an early bedtime on children the night before school starts.
▪ Play “What if?”
Ask them to imagine some scenarios they’re afraid of; strategize handling them successfully. What if the teacher asks me a question, and I don’t know the answer? What if someone picks on me? What if I lose my lunch money? End the game by helping them visualize a positive experience. What if everyone loves me and I have a terrific first day?
▪ Be there after their first day.
Do your best to be available when they get home, or soon after, on their first day. If you can’t be there in person, plan to call or text them. Ask how their day went, but don’t push for an answer. Expect them to say it was “fine,” go off on their own and come to you a few hours later to tell you everything.
▪ Help them connect with others.
Encourage your child to join after-school clubs, sports or community organizations where they can develop the social skills they missed if they were learning from home during the pandemic. Children learn their most important social skills by watching and interacting with their peers, and the more contact they have in fun, relaxed settings, the more successful they’ll be in class.
Michelle Shirley is CEO and Chief Heart Officer ® of Be Strong International, a Miami-based non-profit organization, which provides South Florida youth and families, healthy-relationship education.
Thank you to the Miami Herald for publishing this incredibly valuable Op-Ed.
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article277907503.html#storylink=cpy
Be Strong International has been awarded with Community Fund Grant from the Town of Cutler Bay
The award will fund interactive workshops using the Social Yaks to promote social empathy and to bring the Cutler Bay community together.
Miami, FL, June 14, 2023 – Be Strong International, an award-winning non-profit serving South Florida families for more than 30 years, has been selected as a recipient of the Community Fund Microgrant granted by the generosity of the Town of Cutler Bay with the aim to bridge the gap between community members from different backgrounds as well as with stakeholders.
The award of $2,500 will be allocated to create several sessions of in-person interactions using Social Yaks, the innovative card game created by Be Strong International to promote connection, and social empathy. Be Strong International seeks to bring to the table community members from diverse ages, ethnicities, income levels, backgrounds, and other demographics, encouraging healthy dialogue amongst them. The nonprofit organization intends to serve local schools including Cutler Bay High School, Cutler Bay Middle School and Mater Academy, as well as key institutions. These game sessions will be open to all community from all backgrounds.
“We are thrilled and grateful to receive the incredible support from the Town of Cutler Bay, who recognizes us as key partners to help make our community better.” Said Juan Camargo, Special Projects & Outreach Liaison at Be Strong International. “By using the Social Yaks card game during these sessions, people get to know each other and develop a deep sense of understanding and connection. This recognition not only validates the importance of our work with young people and their families, but it also provides financial assistance to expand this program in South Dade”, concluded Camargo.
For more information and updates, follow Be Strong International on social media @bestrongintl or through the website https://bestrongintl.org
To donate, please visit https://bestrongintl.org/donate/
###
About Be Strong International
Be Strong International is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides holistic educational services and resources to families in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, helping individuals and families achieve relationship breakthroughs. Founded in 1992 by Mrs. Althea McMillan, a retired Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher, it is now led by Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer. Be Strong International’s Heart Skills® programs teach families how to make better decisions about relationships, money, work and family life. In addition, Be Strong International partners with other institutions to offer events that will directly help the communities it serves, such as food drives and back-to-school supply drives. Known for its transformational workplace culture, Be Strong International has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work by the South Florida Business Journal.
Be Strong International
Representing leading South Florida business and community groups, the appointees will help grow the non-profit organization and extend its reach to help South Florida families.
Miami, FL (June 8, 2023) – Be Strong International, an award-winning non-profit serving South Florida families for more than 30 years, has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors. New members Brittnie Bassant, Allan German and Mayra Vivacqua will help support Be Strong International’s mission of providing education programs that strengthen families in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The nine-member board is dedicated to overseeing one of South Florida’s rising nonprofit organizations. Like the current members, the new appointees bring expertise and resources from influential South Florida organizations:
Brittnie Bassant, President and CEO of ChamberSOUTH
Bassant champions small businesses and community pillars for the community’s overall economic development. She is a member of the Miami Dade Beacon Council Board of Directors, the UCF Miami Alumni Club Board of Directors, the United Way Miami’s Women United and Young Leaders, the Miami Women Who Rock’s Founders Circle and Young Philanthropists & Professionals and the Young Everglades Patrons.
Allan German, Director of Business Development at Rizen
German has spent more than 35 years working with top healthcare, education, and corporate clients to embrace and use technology to its fullest potential. German joined Rizen’s team in 2021, bringing his expertise and strategic planning talent to clients, and has been a pioneering voice in the adoption of document digitization, data protection and audiovisual collaboration.
Mayra Vivacqua, Senior Vice President of Digital Consumer Solutions, Mastercard Latin America
Vivacqua leads Mastercard Latin America’s Consumer Digital Products and Tokenization and Network Solutions divisions. Prior to that, she led the marketing practice of MasterCard Data & Services in Latin America, where she supported financial institutions, fintechs and merchants with strategic, data-driven, and measurable solutions focused on the consumer lifecycle.
“We’re proud to welcome these accomplished professionals to our Board of Directors,” said Lisa Greer, President of Be Strong’s Board of Directors. “They bring a remarkable set of skills and a history of caring for the community, and the entire Board is excited about working with them.”
“This is a critical time for Be Strong and the families we help,” said Michelle Shirley, CEO for Be Strong International. “We are thrilled to have such a well-qualified board helping us to meet the ever-growing needs they struggle with.”
For more information and updates on its programs, follow Be Strong International on social media @bestrongintl or through the website https://bestrongintl.org.
###
About Be Strong International
Be Strong International is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides holistic educational services and resources to families in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, bringing them from brokenness to wholeness by helping them develop healthy relationships and positive life skills. Founded in 1992 by Mrs. Althea McMillan, a retired Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher, it is now led by Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer. Be Strong International’s Heart Skillstm programs teach families how to make better decisions about relationships, money, work, and family life. In addition, Be Strong International partners with other institutions to offer events that will directly help the communities it serves, such as food drives and back-to-school supply drives. Known for its transformational workplace culture, Be Strong International has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work by the South Florida Business Journal.
New Board Members:
Brittnie Bassant
Allan German
Mayra Vivacqua
To know more about Be Strong International’s Board of Directors, click here: Board of Directors – Be Strong International (bestrongintl.org)