Breaking horizons for youth at Main St. Playhouse

Community By Robert Coppel, Artistic Dir. of Main St. Playhouse Tuesday, March 31, 2015

"You are not alone" is the motto of The Miami-Dade County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (MDCFAPA). This is a nonprofit organization sanctioned by The Department of Children and Families and the State of Florida that serves more than nine agencies representing foster and adoptive youth.

The motto is proven in the MDCFAPA’s planned activities such as attending The Main Street Player's preview performances at the Main Street Playhouse, located at 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes. It has become tradition for the organization to be part of the audience along with the Miami Rescue Mission. Without a doubt, they make up one of the most enthusiastic and appreciative audiences during the run of the show. It is our honor to have them as guests at the playhouse.

The President of the group, Shamelle Jenkins, is a youth advocate representing and serving the youth in foster/kinship and adoptive care for more than 28 years. She believes the group's visits to The Main Street Playhouse are "an impetus to broadening the horizon of its' youth and leads to untapped talent being discovered.”

For 35 years, MDCFAPA has served youth in congregate care, a safe harbor complete with harmony, love and peace. 

"Life is a ship,” said Jenkins. “You have to jump in the ship, grab the oars, steer it, cheer, laugh and cry through the journey and bring someone else with you to share and care along the way. Keep it moving as you steer through life with one hand extended to help someone else to sail.”

These words of wisdom speak loudly to The Main Street Players as our mission is to take audiences on an unforgettable journey by reminding them "you are not alone. We are in this together."