16 JULY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition COMMUNITY NEWS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (BBBSB) has reached a major milestone in expanding youth mentorship opportunities throughout South Florida after receiving official district-wide partnership approval from Broward County Public Schools. With the endorsement of The School Board of Broward County and Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, BBBSB will now be able to expand mentoring opportunities across all schools within the district, removing previous barriers that limited access at certain campuses. The landmark multi-year partnership will remain in effect through October 31, 2029. “This partnership represents a transformative moment for the youth of Broward County,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “With the support of Broward County Public Schools, we can expand access to mentorship and ensure more students have positive role models helping guide them toward brighter futures. Our mission aligns naturally with the district’s commitment to empowering students and helping them achieve success.” Through school-based mentoring, students are paired with trusted mentors who provide encouragement, guidance and consistent support in environments where young people already spend much of their time learning and developing. Research continues to demonstrate the positive impact mentorship can have on confidence, attendance, academics and long-term outcomes for youth. The district will support the partnership through ongoing collaboration and data sharing, including attendance records, report cards and student outcome surveys to help track program success. To become a mentor or learn more about the organization’s programs, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County Big Brothers Big Sisters Expands Mentorship Opportunities for Students David Greenberger, Malena Mendez, Marlene Williams, Lania Rittenhouse, Jennifer Becker and Michael Velazquez, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County board members and executive staff The Community Foundation of Broward’s second annual Mayors Philanthropic Forum brought together more than 50 local leaders to discuss how collaboration and charitable giving shape a brighter future for residents across Broward County. On May 20, the Community Foundation hosted this special gathering of mayors, city administrators, philanthropists and more for a luncheon and engaging discussion about the role of philanthropy in building stronger, more vibrant communities. The forums aim to bring leaders together annually to find new ways to work together to tackle Broward County’s biggest issues and create a positive impact for all residents. “You know your cities. You know what your communities need,” Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson said to the city leaders at the forum. “Our role is to be a partner, to bring resources, research and relationships. Thank you for helping us build a stronger Broward together.” Broward County Mayors and other local leaders in attendance discussed shaping the Community Foundation of Broward's philanthropic strategy for Broward's cities, including how resources and partnerships can be deployed to address community needs. Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward partners with families, individuals and organizations to create personalized charitable funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 590 charitable funds represent $330 million in assets, distributing more than $215 million in grants over the past 40 years. For more information, please visit cfbroward.org. Mayors Philanthropic Forum Highlights Impact, Opportunity of Local Philanthropy Kennie Hobbs Jr Lauderhill City Manager, Jonathan Allen, Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Sean Henderson Lauderhill Deputy City Manager, Trevor Fried CFB Board Member Rita Case, president, CEO and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, has received the 2026 Broward County Police Benevolent Association’s (BCPBA) Humanitarian of the Year Award. She is the first woman to receive this award. An ardent supporter of education initiatives, Case also announced during the ceremony a $28,000 donation to The HOPE Fund, which was established in 1998 to assist members and families facing hardships during times of crisis and personal tragedy. The HOPE Fund awards the Sergeant Christopher Reyka Scholarship Award annually to a child of a Broward County PBA member. Case will fund a $1,000 scholarship moving forward. “Rita Case represents the very best of what it means to serve a community. Her compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others has touched countless lives throughout South Florida,” said Rod Skirvin, president of the BCPBA. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for our law enforcement officers. These men and women in uniform show up when we need them, patrol our neighborhoods, protect our businesses, attend community events and provide assistance to members and their families when they need it most. I tip my hat in gratitude and admiration for their bravery,” said Case. Previous winners of the BCPBA Humanitarian Award were Ron Book and Ron Bergeron. Rita Case Named Humanitarian of the Year Broward County PBA Secretary Elaine Seedig, Rick Case Automotive Group president, CEO and owner Rita Case; Broward County PBA President Rod Skirvin; and Broward County PBA Vice President Paul Sada
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