Press Releases
AT&T and Compudopt Provide 100 Laptops to Branches to Help Families and Entrepreneurs Access Technology
May 16, 2023
Branches received 100 laptops thanks to AT&T and Compudopt, and distributed them to pre-registered individuals on Friday, May 12th from 4:30pm-6:30pm at Branches located at 11500 NW 12th Ave, Miami 33168. 50 laptops were for Branches’ Grow & Climb families, whose children are served daily through after-school enrichment and youth development services. The other 50 laptops were for some of Branches’ Micro-Business Program participants; small-business owners who will greatly benefit from a laptop which can be solely used for business purposes.
Branches Celebrates 50 Years at its Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala
April 24, 2023
On Saturday, April 29th at 6:30pm, Branches, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities to families and their children, will celebrate its Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction at the J.W. Marriott Marquis Miami. This year’s Gala will celebrate Branches’ 50th Anniversary under neon lights and attendees will have the opportunity to play various games like Mario Kart, corn hole, ping pong, foosball, and more with their guests as well as Branches youth. This year’s Gala is made possible thanks to Philanthropic Chairs Trish and Dan Bell, Gala Chairs Karla and Scott Richey, and MC Ron Magill of Zoo Miami. Trish and Dan Bell have also committed to a generous $ for $ Matching Grant for all gifts made to the evening’s appeal. In addition, Branches will be honoring Ana VeigaMilton and Cecil Milton of The José Milton Foundation with the 2023 Trish and Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award.
Branches Unveils New Logo Honoring Trish & Dan Bell and Celebrating 50 Years
February 14, 2023
Branches is incredibly proud to reveal its new logo featuring the addition of “Trish & Dan Bell Family Empowerment Centers”. In addition, this is the organization’s 50th Anniversary which will be reflected on the logo throughout 2023.
Trish and Dan Bell have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of children and families across our community. As part of their philanthropic leadership, they have been supporting Branches for the past 19 years by donating nearly $9 million to date. Their transformational support has helped Branches expand programming, build organizational capacity, build and upgrade two new facilities and improve the overall quality of services. In 2004, Branches was a small nonprofit serving dozens of students at one site and supporting small business development. With the incredible support of the Bells, Branches now serves over 15,000 individuals annually including 450 students each day at all three of its sites plus 48 college students, as well as the thousands of individuals who receive financial wellness services including personal financial coaching, free tax prep, small business support, Thanksgiving meals and much more.
Branches’ GAME ON Gala Raises a Record $550,000
May 2, 2022
On Saturday, April 30th, 2022 at 6:30pm, Branches, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities to families and their children, celebrated its 19th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction at the J.W. Marriott Marquis Miami. This year’s Gala theme was GAME ON! where attendees had the opportunity to play various games like Mario Kart, corn hole, foosball, dominoes and more with their guests as well as Branches youth. It was a fantastic night of fun and games!
Branches & City National Bank Team Up to Support Black, and Minority Women Owned Businesses in South Florida with the Launch of SPARK for Entrepreneurial Equity
March 31, 2022
Branches is partnering with City National Bank of Florida (CNB) to launch a new program – SPARK for Entrepreneurial Equity. SPARK, an acronym for Supporting Progress, Access, Relationships & Knowledge, will assist business owners in building new relationships, accessing education, and unlocking the tools and resources necessary for entrepreneurial success. Branches is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering families and businesses through education and financial wellness services. Underwritten by CNB, SPARK becomes the bank’s latest ESG initiative focused on addressing inequality in underserved communities, with a focus on Black- and minority women-led entrepreneurship.
Branches Leads VITA Free Tax Prep Coalition, Miami Tax Pros, for Miami-Dade County
March 16, 2022
Branches is proud to once again have been selected by the IRS to lead Miami-Dade County’s VITA free tax prep program through the local coalition known as Miami Tax Pros. This Saturday, March 19th is Super Tax Saturday and the event will take place from 9:30am to 2pm at Hispanic Branch Library located at 1398 SW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33135. To file your taxes on this day, you must make an appointment online. Please click here for all event details.
Branches to Partner with FIU and SBA to Support Local Businesses
February 11, 2022
Branches is proud to be partnering with Florida International University which has received a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program. The funds are earmarked for improving underserved entrepreneurs’ access to government programs that provide assistance in launching a new venture, growing a business or managing unexpected business interruptions. The Miami-Dade Business Navigator Virtual Launch Event is February 15, 2022.
Branches’ Gala is Back and It’s GAME ON!
February 10, 2022
On Saturday, April 30th, 2022 at 6:30pm, Branches, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities to families and their children, will celebrate its 19th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction at the J.W. Marriott Marquis Miami. This year’s Gala theme is GAME ON! where attendees will have the opportunity to play various games like Mario Kart, corn hole, foosball, dominoes and more with their guests as well as Branches youth. It will be a fabulous night of fun and games that is not to be missed.
Branches to manage Community ID Program after Miami-Dade County approves Launch
February 3, 2022
Branches is proud to share that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has approved Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s plan to launch a Community ID program in Miami-Dade County. Branches will run the Community ID program in Miami-Dade County which will be modeled after similar programs in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Branches’ 21st Annual Thanksgiving to Deliver nearly 5,000 Meals to Families in Need
October 29, 2021
On November 25th, 2021, Thanksgiving morning, Branches plans to cook, package and deliver nearly 5,000 hot meals to needy individuals and families from 6 different sites throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This is the largest meal delivery effort in Florida on Thanksgiving Day.
