SMRCA is blessed with passion, clear in the eyes and words of many.   Father Charles leads a huge congregation that supports SMRCA’s objectives to fight crime and improve our quality of life each day, and every day. 

We kindly thank Father Charles and the Divine Mercy Catholic Church.  In one of our most challenged areas, they improve our neighborhood, one day at a time. In his current role for three years, he joined our neighborhood from previous experience in Miami and other parishes.  Born in Haiti, Father Charles shares his vision to “see people living together with quality in their lives, and in ways we help each other to be the best we can be”. 

SMRCA further thanks his entire congregation.  With over 2000 families, it is extremely important to our residents to support their needs.  We welcome their involvement as a team, so we can directly respond to their needs for safety, security, and quality of life. 

With this in mind, Father Charles has committed to a Crime Walk and Rally on August 2^nd, and to supporting us through membership and attendance at our SMRCA functions and monthly meetings as possible.  

Their energy, passion and compassion go beyond the power of words alone.   We look forward to the combined power of our mutual objectives with Father Charles to beautify and promote South Middle River to be the best it can possibly be.

This month’s “Volunteers of the Month”, with “attitude” are John Murray and Brian Fortier. Please let me explain…their attitude is a good thing. John and Brian were drawn to SMRCA years ago to join a revolution to improve the neighborhood. Inspired by former SMRCA President Doug Blevins, the area experienced a flurry of change.

John and Brian became pioneers. Among their many tasks, helping to deliver the SMRCA newsletter door-to-door recently are one of their favorites. For years they helped plant trees in the swales with Vivian, spread mulch with Brad and tend their lovely landscape at a street closure they adopted. John and Brian rent property and select tenants who are caring and responsible. They regularly join our SMRCA monthly meetings and (more…)

As a Fort Lauderdale native and neighborhood activist, Patricia Hankerson deserves recognition. Known by some as “Sister Pat”, she is amazing. Pat sees a need and commits to fixing it. In addition to “social action” through her Mount Olive Baptist Church, she is a “mover and a shaker” and promotes change. Pat is the Founder of “People Helping People Outreach” and for more than 12 years has helped the homeless with HIV and AIDS in our community.

Pat and this program provide housing, furniture, food and clothing to the people suffering from this virus and disease. She connects people who want to help with those in need. Pat also volunteers and is deeply committed to the American Heart Association fundraising, and has “heart issues” in her family and her own health. Pat’s warmth and concern for others may have made her heart a bit “tired” at times, but she touches and helps others.

For many years Pat has been the Clerk at Broward Voter Precinct R037, First Church of God at 1242 N. Andrews Ave. She advocates voter registration and asks every South Middle River resident to register and vote. Pat shares “voting is a tremendous privilege and one we must use and protect.” If you need to restore or inquire about your voting status, please contact the Broward Elections Office at 954-357-7050. Pat adds “you are an army of one to help a neighbor that has a need and is less fortunate that yourself”. Thanks Pat. You are a “giver” and your gifts make South Middle River a better place to live.

It reads like the plot of a movie. Twenty-five years ago, Dean and Andre met at the Burger King drive-thru window, and fifteen years later are still partners. In 2004 Dean and Andre bought an affordable house in South Middle River. To quote Dean and Andre “little did we know, we bought the drug house on the corner with the big tree that hid the gamblers that never slept!”.

They nearly had to ask permission to park in their own driveway, the crowd of drug dealers was so heavy. Yet, as weeks went by they met other SMRCA pioneers and before they knew it they were planting trees with Vivian “The Tree Lady” Dempsey. (more…)

Those of us who have lived and worked in South Middle River are fortunate if we have had the opportunity to meet one of our most dedicated and hard-working volunteers, P.J. Espinal. PJ and her tenacity have become well known and respected by many, and there is no question that she has delivered results to help South Middle River in many different areas, as she is very passionate about many different things. As a past Board member and Officer of SMRCA, she has contributed by attending a weekly schedule of meetings to make sure that our interests are heard. (more…)