Congratulations to Stacey Saez for being named Hope for Miami’s 2022 Most Valuable Player! She were featured in our Team Member Spotlight in November and when it came time to choose this year’s MVP, a lot of her co-workers had great things to say about her!
Let’s start by mentioning once again the program you serve with and your activities.
"I am part of the Family Connections program where we serve Miami-Dade County Public school students and their families. Since COVID began, there has been a trend of student truancy or absences from the public school system. Our program exists to provide resources to families whose children are exhibiting challenging truant behavior. What we have found is that many of these families are experiencing crisis situations that affect their children’s school attendance. By connecting the family to resources, we have seen changes and more stability that helps the student in school.”
Tell us some of the things you enjoy and appreciate most about being on the Hope for Miami team.
“I can truly say it is the best work environment I’ve been in! Hope for Miami is made up of great people who are passionate about changing our community. Day in and day out, they exhibit their dedication and golden hearts.”
Is there any particular event you were part of or person you helped serve this year that stands out in your mind, in terms of “impact?”
“Within the last year, our city has seen a surge in homelessness. Our Project Director, Chandra Preston, came up with a great idea to help the homeless families we serve. We began what was called Hope Project during the Christmas season. The project consisted of collecting toiletries and baby supplies like diapers & wipes for our homeless and low-income families. It has been a huge success and families are greatly benefiting from donations.”
What are a couple of helpful work and/or life-related lessons you’ve learned this past year? How have they helped your HFM endeavors and life flourish?
“The first thing that comes to mind is Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Life is tough. When life gets tough, it is really tempting to give up…. To give up on your convictions, priorities, and dreams. Within this past year, I’ve learned that not giving up has it’s the reward. If you stay the course, despite weariness, you will get to your goal. We just need to trust God’s timing.”
Thanks Stacey for your heart for our team, those we serve, and for all you do as part of the HFM family. And once again, congratulations on being named our 2022 MVP.