Branches provides opportunities for working poor families to help them and their children become better educated and more financially stable in the long-term.
Branches was established in 1973 as the urban and social justice agency of what is now the South East District of the United Methodist Church. Up until 1999, Branches focused on grassroots organizing, advocacy and working with community members who were disadvantaged and/or experiencing social injustice. During this period, Branches focused resources in the areas of social crisis, immigration, housing, hospice care and hurricane relief, among others.
Since 2000, Branches has embarked on developing and implementing programs that address the root causes of poverty and address immediate and critical needs. Today, Branches’ menu of services provides a continuum of support to community members to empower them to pursue life changing opportunities.
What sets Branches apart is the social impact and value we create in people’s lives and in the communities we serve by utilizing coaching and empowerment, which are long-term in nature and is holistic in scope.
The Mission
The mission of Branches, Inc. is “to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial stability services in partnership with our communities.”
Branches provides opportunities for working poor families to help them and their children become better educated and more financially stable in the long-term. Our program areas that serve children and youth focus on student achievement, and our Achieve programs focus on financial stability services for families and individuals.
Our current programs include the following: Grow Program, preparing elementary students for lifelong success through enrichment of their minds, bodies and hearts; Climb Program, for middle and high school students focusing on development; OASIS Spring Break Camp, providing academic tutoring and retreats; and the Climb to College & Career programs, which prepare students with skills and behaviors necessary for post-secondary success.
What Would You Do with $5,000 and a Day of Service?
Branches would like to build a Gaga Ball Pit, which is an active outdoor game loved by all our children and youth, at its North Miami site We would also like to replace a few fences with some white picket fences as well as add blinds to our Fellowship Hall space, where our kids do homework, watch movies, play games and more.