Touching Miami with Love: An Overtown Anchoring Organization Inspires, Educates, Empowers

In this series, OCYC highlights organizations that positively impact the residents in our Overtown Community. The inspiration behind Touching Miami with Love is a deep-rooted vision of community empowerment, guided by faith and a heart for service.

What is the inspiration behind your organization?

Touching Miami with Love (TML) was birthed from a deep-rooted vision of community empowerment, guided by faith and a heart for service. Our inspiration stems from the desire to create spaces where academic, social-emotional, spiritual, and economic growth can take root and flourish in underserved communities. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive and fulfill their potential, no matter their circumstances. By addressing the barriers that often hold marginalized populations back, we seek to uplift individuals and families, fostering resilience and building a foundation for long-term growth and transformation.

Who benefits from your organization and how?

At TML, we proudly serve a diverse range of community members, from youth to adults and families. Our programs provide academic support, literacy and digital literacy training, personal development, civic engagement, and job readiness skills. Children benefit from our afterschool and summer programs, while adults gain essential skills through literacy and vocational training. Families are supported through initiatives like FAST, which empower parents and create stronger, more nurturing home environments.

For individuals who have become disconnected from school or have been involved in the justice system, we offer tailored support to help them get back on track—whether through obtaining a GED or high school diploma, trade certification, or securing employment. In partnership with local organizations, we also provide trauma response services, addressing the social, emotional, and economic challenges of our community with a comprehensive, holistic approach.

Why does Overtown need your organization?

Like many urban neighborhoods, Overtown faces systemic challenges stemming from historical disenfranchisement, poverty, and limited access to resources. TML bridges these divides by offering programs that foster education, strengthen family stability, and create economic opportunities. Our holistic approach addresses the unique needs of Overtown residents, helping them to break cycles of poverty and build pathways toward sustainable futures. By providing safe spaces for learning and growth, TML contributes to the revitalization of the community.

What message do you have for Overtown’s children and youth?

To the children and youth of Overtown: You are the heart of our beloved community and the future of its legacy. At TML, we believe in your gifts, talents, and abilities, and we are here to support you as you grow into leaders, visionaries, and architects of positive change. We encourage you to embrace your uniqueness, be courageous in the face of challenges, stand boldly in your faith, and never diminish your brilliance for anyone. Your voice matters, and your dreams are worth pursuing.

What do you want the residents of Overtown to know about your organization?

TML is deeply committed to the well-being and success of Overtown’s residents. We are not just a service provider; we are your partners in creating a brighter future for your families and your community. Our programs are designed to meet your needs, and we are here to listen, learn, and work together to ensure the best outcomes for everyone involved. We believe that when we lift one, we lift all, and we are honored to serve in this journey of empowerment.

What do you want non-Overtown residents to know about your organization?

To those outside of Overtown, TML is a model of how faith-based, community-driven organizations can effect meaningful change. Our work demonstrates the power of localized, culturally informed approaches to education, empowerment, and economic development. We invite you to explore Overtown's rich history and potential as we build a future rooted in trust, relationships, and shared goals.

How do you select participants?

TML employs an inclusive, community-centered approach to participant selection, ensuring that our programs are accessible to all residents of Overtown, regardless of their socioeconomic status or access to resources. While we strive to accommodate every individual who seeks our services, our participants are often referred through local schools, community-based organizations, and word of mouth. Our primary focus is on identifying and engaging individuals and families who are most in need of support, particularly those with limited access to educational, social, and economic opportunities. This approach reflects TML's commitment to equity and empowerment, fostering a more resilient and thriving community.

What challenge(s) do you see for your organization’s success?

One of the key challenges TML faces is sustainable funding. While the need for our programs is great, securing consistent financial support to maintain and expand services is a constant challenge. Additionally, navigating the complexities of systemic inequities in education, employment, and health requires ongoing adaptability and innovation. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to creating solutions that are community-driven and impactful.

What’s your favorite part about your organization?

The favorite part of TML is witnessing the transformation in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Whether it’s a student gaining confidence through academic success, a parent becoming more empowered to advocate for their child, or an adult achieving literacy and new career prospects, the moments of triumph are what inspire us. These successes remind us that change is possible and that our work has a lasting impact.

If you could have lunch with any person from Overtown, past or present, who would it be and why?

If we could have lunch with anyone from Overtown, past or present, it would be Mr. Dana Albert Dorsey, Overtown’s first African-American millionaire and a pillar of the community. TML’s youth programs are housed in the Dorsey Memorial Library, making this choice especially meaningful. His legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and economic empowerment aligns closely with TML’s mission. We would love to hear his insights on how we can continue investing in Overtown’s future, building wealth, and creating opportunities for generations to come.

Where do you see your organization in 3 years, 5 years?

In three years, TML will have significantly broadened its reach, offering enhanced academic programs and vocational training initiatives that empower individuals to achieve greater educational and economic outcomes. We will also have completed our 100-unit affordable housing project in West Homestead and, with optimism begun our housing project in Overtown, providing stable residency and fostering community well-being.

In five years, TML aspires to be recognized as a national model for community-driven empowerment, distinguished by sustainable partnerships that ensure long-term social and economic impact. Our organization will continue to serve as a pivotal institution in Overtown, supporting its residents as they take active leadership in driving meaningful and lasting change within their community.