64 JUNE 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition COMMUNITY NEWS Following a remarkable tenure of leadership and service, Sheila Smith is retiring as CEO of 211 Broward, leaving behind a lasting legacy of expanding access to critical crisis intervention and human services for the Broward community. 211 Broward, Broward County’s 24-hour, comprehensive helpline connecting residents with crisis intervention and human services, is proud to announce the appointment of Shea S. Spencer as its new Chief Executive Officer. Shea brings more than 20 years of distinguished nonprofit leadership, fundraising expertise, and deep community commitment to advance 211 Broward’s mission of ensuring no one faces a crisis alone. Most recently CEO of the YWCA of Palm Beach County, Spencer increased the organization’s operating budget by 75%, raised $1.7 million for homelessness programs, and secured funding to support underserved communities during the pandemic. Previously, Spencer spent nearly 10 years at United Way of Broward County managing a fundraising portfolio exceeding $2.4 million. She holds a business degree from Florida Atlantic University and has received multiple community leadership honors. “It is an incredible honor to join 211 Broward,” Spencer said. “Our goal is to ensure that no one in Broward County has to navigate a crisis alone.” For more information, visit 211-broward.org 211 Broward Announces New Chief Executive Officer Shea S. Spencer, CEO, 211 Broward The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has announced the election of Dr. Susan Michael as Chairwoman of its International Board of Trustees, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the world’s largest and most influential pro-Israel Christian organizations. Founded in Jerusalem in 1980, the ICEJ has official branches and representatives in over 90 nations, and Christian supporters drawn from more than 185 nations worldwide. The organization is known for its humanitarian aid projects, advocacy for Israel, educational initiatives, and support for Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel). Based in the United States, Dr. Michael serves as president of the Christian Embassy’s USA Branch and has been involved with the organization since its founding 46 years ago. Over these decades, she has become a prominent and respected Evangelical voice supporting Israel and combating antisemitism in both the US and globally. “At a time of rising antisemitism and growing challenges facing Israel, the role of building strong relationships between Christians and Jews has never been more important,” Michael noted. “For more than four decades, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has stood with Israel and the Jewish people from our headquarters in Jerusalem. It is an honor to help lead that mission in this next season.” To learn more, visit icejusa.org Dr. Susan Michael Elected Chair of ICEJ Board of Trustees YMCA of South Florida recently hosted a Little Builders Fun Fest for children and families at the site of the future Holiday Park YMCA Family Center and Broward Health Emergency Room in Fort Lauderdale. Kids had a unique opportunity to step onto the construction site where they shoveled and moved dirt, sat in the driver’s seat of construction equipment, built buildings and more. Kids received a hard hat, construction vest and a Little Builder Certificate. They also had a chance to sign and put their handprint on a steel beam that will be a part of the new YMCA. Little Builders Fun Fest was presented by Gulf – ANF Joint Venture and participating partners included City of Fort Lauderdale, Nicklaus Children’s Health System and Broward Health. The Holiday Park YMCA Family Center and Broward Health Emergency Room in Fort Lauderdale is currently under construction. According to YMCA of South Florida CEO and President Sheryl Woods, “This event gave children a chance to explore, create and imagine while helping families connect with the incredible impact this new YMCA Family Center and Broward Health Emergency Room will have on the community.” For additional information and updates, please visit ymcasouthflorida.org/location/ho liday-park-ymca. Fun Fest Held at Site of YMCA Family Center and Broward Health ER (photo credit: AutoNation): Dr. Susan Michael YMCA of South Florida CEO and President Sheryl Woods and Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen Little Builders constructing a Mega Bloks building Credit: YMCA of South Florida Credit: YMCA of South Florida
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