Dear Neighbor:

Welcome
September 2009 - No. 35
Dear Neighbor:
This month's issue of Cause An Effect is packed with good news and inspiring stories. A young man is able to
continue on his path to success, and Amanda Blake is responding to treatment. A brand new solar roof is donated
to a brother and sister who have dedicated their lives to helping others and a group of foster kids get to crawl
around on some monster trucks. There's also valuable information for you on how to survive today's real estate
market. So, read on and pay it forward to your friends and family.
Lynne Cameron
Executive Director
Neighbors 4 Neighbors
In Your Community: College Bound
CBS 4 is in the community, with a story about a teenager
setting quite the example for everyone in South Florida.
Jean-Luc Kreitner, 18, was raised in a single parent home
and at times, they struggled to make it. The 18 year old is
now on a path to success thanks to so many people who
have given him what they can to help him live out his
dream.
Kreitner better get used to folding his own laundry because
he is off to college. "I was excited my mind was blown,"
said Kreitner as he folded laundry in his room at his home in
Davie where he lives with his mother and younger brother.
The young man graduated Thomas Aquinas with a 4.5 Grade point average and a good attitude.
The acceptance into Northwestern University means a lot to him.
"It means I worked pretty hard to get here. I am excited to start a new life in Illinois," said
Kreitner who then had to think about paying for school and all the expenses that went along
with living hundreds of miles away from home in a colder climate.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors has donated some money to Jean-Luc Kreitner for incidentals once he is
at Northwestern University. American Airlines has donated his trip home for the holidays. The
Promenade at Coconut Creek has given him a $250 dollar gift certificate to buy some warm
clothes for the Chicago winters. To see the story, click here.
A Journey Of Hope: An Update About Amanda Blake
On August 6th, The Wasie Foundation and the Jessica June
Children's Cancer Foundation held a fundraiser for Amanda
Blake, a 15-year-old South Florida girl who suffers from
osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. The goal of the
event was to help the family pay for their household bills,
since single dad David Blake was forced to leave his job to
care for his daughter. The community, including Broward
Sheriff Al Lamberti, rallied behind the Blake's to raise funds
in excess of $13,500.
Thus far, a portion of the funds have been used to cover
the Blake's rent and all their utilities for the month of
August ($2,300). Without the fundraiser, the Blake's would have faced eviction and having their
electricity and phone shut off.
Additionally, and most importantly, the funds took Amanda and her Dad to M.D. Anderson
Children's Hospital, Houston on a journey of hope. Originally, the doctor at Miami Children's
Hospital had told David Blake that Amanda was terminal. TWF and JJCCF found the most
recognized doctor in Osteosarcoma (rare bone cancer) research, Dr. Pete Anderson, and Amanda
was on her way Sunday, August 16th to see him. Jen Klaassens, from The Wasie Foundation,
traveled to Houston with Amanda and her father, and assisted them during the entire trip.
The journey of hope to Houston proved to give Amanda a glimmer of encouraging
news. Amanda has eight tumors on her right lung and four tumors on her left. That news did
not stop Amanda from hearing the news she really wanted to hear, which was that she could go
back to school on August 24th. She will receive outpatient chemotherapy every Friday for two
hours, which began last week with three cycles of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel. In approximately
nine weeks, her lungs will be scanned to determine a date for the much needed lung
surgery. After surgery, Amanda will continue to take chemo orally for one year and every two to
three months chest scans will be needed for two years.
Dr. Anderson said with persistence and patience and following the aggressive game plan there
is hope, but it will be a three to five year battle. Amanda has a long battle ahead, but her
future looks promising with lots of hope! Everything Dr. Anderson had to say was encouraging.
This little girl is remarkable. When told by her father that the reason they were in Houston was
because she was labeled terminal Amanda said, "Dad I am not going anywhere and we need to
go back to school shopping!"
Volunteers Receive Help After Years Of Volunteering
Esther and Lamar Beard are a brother and sister team that
has been giving back to South Florida for years. It's
something they learned from their parents.
"Our parents made it affirmative to be nice to people you're not gonna be given a lot of stuff because you're a
friend but just be a friend to everyone," explained Esther.
It's their volunteer work with the Miami-Dade Police
Department that's truly inspiring. Together they've donated
more than four thousand hours of service in the past 15
years. And after so many years of giving back, some folks
in the community started to realize that it was the Beards who were in need of some helping
hands.
"When I found out they needed help that's when I made phone calls to all of the retired
officers, and people showed up to help," said Miami-Dade police Sgt. Jennifer Resko.
Another thing the officers and community volunteers did was bring in new beds which is
something Esther hadn't had for years.
"She hasn't slept in her bed in years. She's been sleeping in a chair because her old bed had
metal sticking out of it and cut her ankle, so she wouldn't sleep in it," said Sgt. Resko.
Between new beds and bathrooms, what the Beards really needed was a new roof. So the
officers, that they work so hard to help, made a call to Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and Neighbors
contacted Advanced Roofing.
"It needed a new roof, and for them to have a house and not have the money to fix it is hard,"
said Rob Kornahrens, President of Advanced Roofing.
The new roof is not just any roof, it's solar powered, and will take the Beard's electric bill down
to nothing. It's the Beard's are very excited about, "It's awesome, just awesome," said Esther.
The Beard's are still in need of two A/C wall units and a water heater, if you'd like to help out
this family that's dedicated their lives to helping our community, give Neighbors 4 Neighbors a
call at (305) 597-4404 or visit: neighbors4neighbors.org. To see the story, click here.
Deserving Kids Have A Monster Of A Time
A group of deserving kids got a chance to see a monster
truck show this weekend at the Bank Atlantic Center. It
was a night they will remember forever. Francisco Nelson
was among the 50 children at the show, who was getting
a behind the scenes look at Monster Jam. Attending the
program is a unique opportunity for Nelson, 20, who is
transitioning out of foster care.
"How do you explain that to people. You try not to,
especially when you are around the school friends who
may react a certain way. Sometimes you keep it to
yourself. It's your private life," said Francisco Nelson.
Raised by his god parents, Nelson met his mother when he was 11 years old. He went to live
with her, but things didn't work out. "A year later, we transitioned to something different. We
went different ways. I divorced my mother," Nelson told CBS4's Jorge Estevez.
Francisco owes the tour to Neighbors 4 Neighbors who connected Monster Jam with Child Net,
the lead foster care agency in Broward County. "This was a great opportunity for them to be
kids and for a minute or two, and forget the circumstances of life that they find themselves in,"
said Emilio Benitez, President and C.E.O. of Childnet.
And it was a night full of death defying stunts. "Cars, trucks, and stunts, everything is going to
be exciting. I am lucky to be here," said Nelson. To see the story, click here.
The United We Serve Volunteer Fair
The Adrienne Arsht Center along with V will be hosting the UNITED WE SERVE VOLUNTEER Fair.
Fair attendees will be invited to explore different volunteer options and interests at the
recruitment tables, will enjoy performances of festive drums and horns of Bahamian junkanoo
music, will attend tours of the Center and will also be offered a variety of seminars, each
specific to the President's initiative as well as V.
Friday, September 11, 12 PM TO 6 PM
ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Honorable Carlos Alvarez, Mayor of Miami-Dade County
SPECIAL GUESTS
Florida Marlins Street Team and an appearance by Billy the Marlin
PERFORMANCES
Bahamas Junkanoo Revue of Miami and Spam Allstars
FREE TOURS
1:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM in English and Spanish
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
[email protected]
4 Your Money
The Neighbors 4 Neighbors phone banks have long been a lifeline
for those in need during hurricane season, but over the past year,
we expanded our phone bank topics to reflect the economic
challenges facing South Florida.
Foreclosure prevention, taxes, financial advice, credit counseling
and employment are just a few of the issues that our phone
banks addressed. In 2009 we've already provided free, one on
one counseling for 6,500 callers. Neighbors 4 Neighbors and the
CBS 4 Your Money team continue to bring you phone banks, a
valuable - free - resource to help answer all of your financial questions every Monday night from
5pm-6:30pm. For the latest Neighbors 4 Neighbors phone bank topics and information, tune
into CBS4 every Monday, or give us a call at 305-597-4404.
10 Tips To Survive Today's Florida Real Estate Market
Buying and selling Florida short sales, foreclosures,
and REOs (Real Estate Owned) are not for the faint
of heart says foreclosure defense lawyer Roy
Oppenheim. He regularly shares his insight with the
media and now offers a Florida real estate workshop
targeted at homeowners and real estate
professionals looking for trusted legal direction in
today's murky waters of real estate buying, selling
and investing.
What:
Free Real Estate Buying and Selling
Workshop
Who:
When:
Where:
Cost:
RSVP:
Homeowners and Realtors
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
2500 Weston Rd Ste 404, Weston, FL 33331
Free with advanced registration
To register email: [email protected] or call 954.384.6114.
The workshop will be split into three strategy segments: buying Florida real estate, defending
Florida foreclosures, and investors looking for opportunities. Attendees will leave with
Oppenheim's Top 10 Tips to Survive in Today's Florida Real Estate Market.
For example: In a recent article in the Daily Business Review about the Florida Supreme Court's
foreclosure task force Oppenheim commended the task force for recommending mandatory
mediation.
"One of the big problems that borrowers have had is getting in touch with an intelligent human
being who has authority at the bank," Oppenheim commented in the article. "Most of the time
you're dealing with people just pushing paper."
The 53-page report starts off by describing the Florida foreclosure crisis and recession as a
massive traffic jam during rush hour, in a thunderstorm during hurricane evacuation with a lane
closed due to construction.
"Today you need a tough set of armor to fight the battles whether you are buying or selling
Florida real estate," said Oppenheim, who has represented buyers and sellers through bust and
boom markets for the past 20 years. "The red tape and unchartered territory makes this a
brutal market for everyone from the court systems to the lenders to the homeowners."
The Oppenheim Law workshop provides insight for homeowners on their options during real
estate troubles including: foreclosure defense, Florida mortgage modification, deed-in-lieu, short
sale advice, bankruptcy, deficiency judgments, and counterclaims against the banks.
Hurricane Preparedness Information
Hurricane season is here and we want to make sure you
have your plan in place. Neighbors 4 Neighbors has
outlined a few hurricane preparation tips to help you get
ready.
First, we urge you to gather the family and
neighborhood together to have an informal
discussion of your resources and vulnerabilities.
Find out who has special equipment like chain saws,
gas grills and generators. Who might need some
assistance with shutters, food or debris removal.
After a storm, neighborhoods become our central
gathering places for meals and information. Having a Neighborhood Plan can make life a
whole lot easier.
Next, go over your Family Plan. Know who is going to do what and make sure you put
all-important papers in a grab and go box. Take photos of rooms and special items you
may need to show the insurance company, and back up all documents on your computer.
Anyone with special needs should click here, to register right now with the Miami Dade,
Broward, or Monroe County Office of Emergency Management.
Now for the critters in your life. There are shelters that accept dogs and cats, but you
need to register in advance. Click here, to register.
Finally, for those of you who can help or need some help with all of this, both Volunteer Broward
and Hands On Miami have programs that match volunteers with vulnerable citizens for hurricane
preparedness and recovery.
Miami Seaquarium Gives Back
In these times of budget cutbacks,
reduced corporate funding and
dwindling donations for our
community's charitable organization's,
Miami Seaquarium has a way to help.
'Miami Seaquarium Gives Back'
offers local charities the opportunity to
generate additional funds at the same
time give your supporters a discount to one of South Florida's favorite attractions. Click here,
to get your 20% off coupon.
'Miami Seaquarium Gives Back' is looking for local not-for-profit organization partners to
participate in this special program. Organizations will have the opportunity to offer their donors,
members and friends a specially marked coupon for 20% off regular admission to the Miami
Seaquarium. For each admission, Miami Seaquarium will donate $5 to the participating
organization. If your organization would like to participate, click here, to get the form or call
305-365-2525.
South Florida Family Day
Welcome to South Florida's 2009 Family Day! Join us on
Monday, September 28, 2009 to celebrate the importance
of family meal times and keeping children drug-free.
Research clearly demonstrates that the more often kids eat
dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke,
drink or use other drugs. Whether you're cooking a
gourmet meal, ordering take-out or eating on the go, rest
assured that what your kids really want during dinnertime is YOU! The South Florida Coalition
Alliance is facilitating over 20 events slated to take place the week of September 21st thru
September 28th where families can get involved, enjoy a free family meal and learn more about
maximizing the chances that your children will remain drug-free. For information on the days of
the events, location and other details, please log onto: Neighbors 4 Neighbors. To read more
about Family Day, please visit: www.casafamilyday.org. For information about keeping your kids
drug-free, please visit: www.stopalcoholabuse.gov.
Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk And Expo
Saturday, October 10, 2009
At the Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheatre
16501 NE 16th Ave., North Miami Beach, Florida 33162
Registration: 7:15 AM - 2 Mile Walk Start: 9:00 AM
Pre-registration:
$20 donation by September 25th
Onsite Registration: $25.00 donation
All Star registration:
$35.00 donation - Kids Walk Free!
(Donations are not required for participation at the event, as all are welcomed to participate at the event)
REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A WALK-A-THON KIT/GIFT BAG.
ALL STAR REGISTRATION WILL INCLUDE A WALK-A-THON KIT/GIFT BAG, ONE TICKET TO THE MIAMI HEAT VS.
NEW YORK KNICKS OPENING NIGHT GAME OCTOBER 28TH, EARLY ENTRY
PROGRAM TO WATCH THE PLAYERS WARM-UP AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOOT ONE FOUL SHOT
"LIVE" ON THE MIAMI HEAT COURT FOLLOWING THE GAME.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT, BURNIE THE MIAMI HEAT MASCOT, FOOD, REFRESHMENTS
AND SPECIAL GUESTS AT EVENT
Your support will help us to provide education, counseling, social services, and resources to empower the victims
and their children.
MAKE ALL DONATIONS PAYABLE TO SAFESPACE FOUNDATION DV AWARENESS FUND, 16901 NE 19TH AVE, NORTH
MIAMI BEACH, FL 33162. REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE N MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT LOBBY
(16901 NE 19 AVE) & AT THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY HALL (17011 NE 19 AVE). FOR MORE INFO OR TO
REQUEST A REGISTRATION FORM AND/OR TEAM PACKET BY MAIL/EMAIL, PLEASE CONTACT RENEE DARDEN AT (305) 9482940. FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION, GO TO WWW.SAFESPACEFOUNDATION.COM. THANK YOU.
DV Awareness Walk-a-thon Benefiting
MORE: Register online at: www.safespacefoundation.org or pick up registration forms from the
North Miami Beach Police Department.
A Ray Of Light For The Unemployed
In light of the current economic crisis and the
ever-increasing number of layoffs every month,
Modest Needs.org has launched an exciting new
"Bridge Grant." opportunity. Newly unemployed
people are invited to apply for short-term financial
assistance as a way to ensure that they survive
those very precarious first 90 days of joblessness.
Click here, to find out more information.
News 4 You
If you would like to see the stories we've been working on with CBS4 and MY33, click here.
Want to keep friends and family members out of town informed with the latest South Florida
happenings? Guess what, now you can, just go to: CBS4 for all the latest. CBS4 is always on.
Helping Hands
Legal Helpline Need some free legal advice, but don't know where to turn? The Dade County
Bar Association is offering a monthly toll-free legal helpline. Read details here.
Miami-ReUseIt Network Your trash could be someone else's treasure! Find out how.
Help is only a phone call away for a Neighbor in a crisis!
Miami-Dade 3-1-1
Switchboard of Miami 305-358-1640
Broward County Commission 954-831-4000
2-1-1 First Call for Help of Broward
Community Partnership For Homeless Needs Your Help
Community Partnership for Homeless (CPHI) is a
not-for-profit corporation that aids men, women
and children in transitioning off the streets by
providing not only food and shelter, but
comprehensive case management, healthcare,
daycare, job training and other assistance from a
variety of social service agencies.
The shelter houses an average of 200 children at
any given time. Most arrive with nothing but a few clothes and personal items. Community
Partnership for Homeless needs school uniforms, supplies, socks and underwear.
To make a donation go to: cbs4.com/hope
Please visit the Community Partnership for Homeless website for more information
The Wish List
The following organizations are looking for the item below:
Wishes
Contacts
Guardian Aid Litem
Volunteers to advocate for our
children in need
Iris Ardon
Angel's Pediatric Heart House
Infant clothing size newborn to 24
months (new unused), layettes,
nursing bottles, pacifiers, bibs
Sonia Perez
Possible Dream Foundation
Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom
Remodel, Vanities, Furniture, Kitchen
Tables, Appliances, Mattresses,Bunk
Beds, Beds
Renae Geraldi
Organizations
Have you made a connection through our eNewsletter? We would love your feedback. Please e-mail Lynne
Cameron and let her know your results. We would like to post some of the Cause An Effect connections on
future eNewsletters.
SUPPORT N4N
The Neighbors 4 Neighbors Family Fund helps families with anything from emergency food to making a dream
come true. Your support can change a family's life
Volunteer Organizations
There's nothing more rewarding than volunteering!
Miami-Dade
Hands on Miami
American Red Cross
Broward
Volunteer Broward
Lynne Cameron
Executive Director
[email protected]
Lakeshia Crist
Editor-in-Chief CAE
[email protected]
Neighbors 4 Neighbors
c/o WFOR-TV CBS4
8900 NW 18th Terrace
Miami, FL 33172
Tel: (305) 597-4404
(305) 593-0244 TTY
Neighbors 4 Neighbors is a non-profit organization 501 (c) 3 originally created by CBS4 in 1992 in the aftermath of
Hurricane Andrew. As South Florida recovered, CBS4 made a commitment to make Neighbors an integral part of its
community service program. Using the power of television to reach people who want to help and by forging relationships
with important community and business leaders, Neighbors has evolved into a valuable resource for individuals and families
in our community facing critical needs.
Our Supporters
Board of Directors
Muriel Sommers, President
Julie Carbon, Vice President
Bill Forshee, Treasurer
Donald Butler, Secretary
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation
Heineken USA Incorporated
Forshee & Lockwood, CPA
Rachlin LLP
Directors
Susan Bleemer
Ronald L. Book
William Fauerbach
Melissa Gracey
Jen Klaassens
Chuck Malkus
Roymi Membiela
Dennis Weddington
Dr. Mary Louise Cole-Wood
Catering the Event
Ronald L. Book, P.A.
Publix Supermarkets
BankUnited
The Wasie Foundation
Malkus Communications Group
Roymi Membiela & Associates
Dodd Printers, Inc.
Bay Point Schools
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