For Biandie Trente Et Un, a resident at Casa Valentina, that is the chapter he’s writing right now.

“So far, Casa Valentina has been a saving grace,” he told NBC6. “Honestly, it showed me a lot about how to be an adult, how to budget my money, how to explore career options, and how to live on my own, take care of myself, and essentially transition from undergrad into the real world.”

Trente Et Un is a University of Miami graduate and a resident at Casa Valentina, a Miami program built to catch young people at the moment the foster care system lets go. There, the curriculum doesn’t look like a classroom. It looks like life.

Valentina Barrera-Vasco is the lead program coordinator of Casa Valentina.

“It can look like picking classes because they’re all in college or some kind of vocational program, helping them weigh out their schedule with their work schedule, and then from there it can spin a million different ways,” she said of their programming.

For Trente Et Un, right now, it means something bigger.

“For B, it’s like planning law school,” Barrera-Vasco said.

Trente Et Un is studying for the LSAT, with his sights set on a law degree.

“I also want to be able to give back to students and to youth who had my similar experiences,” he said. “For example, a student may be experiencing issues with the foster care system. I can be that lawyer who’s there to help them and get their case settled in a way that’s healthy for a student.”

Last year alone, Casa Valentina reached about 800 young people through its life-skills workshops, covering everything from budgeting and job readiness to renting an apartment and asking for help without shame. But the organization says the work doesn’t scale on its own. It takes a community willing to open doors that many of these young people didn’t know existed.

For Trente Et Un, this back-to-school season isn’t about what goes into a backpack. It’s about what comes after graduation — when the degree is framed, the dorm room is empty, and the real question begins: who shows up next?

Casa Valentina says it is looking for mentors, employers and internship partners willing to show young people like Trente Et Un what’s possible. For more on how you can help, visit their website here.

This year’s toy drive is a little different as toys will not be coming directly to our station. We are asking you to donate them directly to the local chapter of Toys for Tots who serves more than one hundred thousand children in our community each year.

To donate, please purchase a new, unwrapped toy in its original packaging suitable for infants and children 0-12 years old and teens 13-18 years old. Please do not donate toys that depict violence.

Now through December 22nd you can drop off your donations at the following address:

US Marines Reserve

18650 NW 62nd Ave

Hialeah, FL 33015

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 3:30pm. Closed on weekends and holidays. There may be a POD located outside the facility where you can drop-off toys during off hours.

If you don’t have time to deliver a toy directly to Toys for Tots you can also donate the money you would have spent to buy a toy and they will handle the rest.

For ideas on how to donate click here. For more information visit Toys for Tots.

The Caravan of Joy Toy Drive has provided toys to children in need through wonderful local organizations including:

• Good Shepherd Child Development Center
• Redland Christian Migrant Association
• Sagrada Familia Child Development Center
• Hialeah Housing Authority
• Broward Children’s Center
• And more

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. It was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks. As of 2016, the Toys for Tots Program and Foundation have collected and distributed more than 512 million toys.

We thank you in advance for your generosity and encourage you to start a toy drive at your office or school in support of Toys for Tots this year.

Donate

From July 15 through September 15, you can make a donation to the Clear The Shelter Fund to support all participating shelters.

Throughout August, you can make a donation to the individual shelter or rescue of your choice. Those pages will be available beginning August 1.

Greater Good Charities, NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition want to thank you for participating in this year’s Clear The Shelters Fund!

We’re raising money for Greater Good Charities and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps.

Greater Good Charities works to help people, pets and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. To date we’ve invested over $650M in cash grants, in-kind supplies and direct programmatic support of this mission all over the world. More information here.

Find a Shelter Near You

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This year’s celebration, presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), runs from 3 PM to 11 PM and features six blocks of entertainment, including food, music, and vendor marketplaces.

Festivalgoers can enjoy over eight stages located throughout Wilton Drive. The night wraps up with the illuminating Glow Night Parade, which starts at 8 PM and presents floats, vehicles, and walking groups that light up the night in festivity. NBC6, Telemundo 51 and parent company Comcast, will participate in the parade and festival.

Pre-sale tickets are available online for $10. Tickets will be $13 at the door the day of the event. The event is cashless at all entrances, including VIP areas and lounges. A ticket is required for entry to the event by all attendees, including vendors. 

If you plan to attend, consider using public transportation or a rideshare service. Parking in Wilton Manors ranges from $10 to $30. City lots, including Hagen Lot and metered spaces, will charge a rate of $20. For rideshare drop-off locations and additional parking information, visit the Stonewall Pride website here.

NBC6 and Telemundo 51 are proud sponsors. Stop by our booth to say hello and take a picture in our photo booth. Be sure to catch our vehicle and walking group in the Glow Night Parade.

We hope to see you on Saturday, June 14th. To purchase tickets and for more details, visit www.StonewallPride.lgbt.

Watch special moments from the festival in the Miami Beach Pride special on the NBC6 streaming channel on Sunday, April 6 at 3:30 p.m

Looking for a family friendly event, look no further than the 3rd Annual Pride Family Picnic at Pride Park. This free event offers families a day of fun with games, arts and crafts, kids face painting, a “Bluey” Meet-n-Greet, and bounce houses, plus three food trucks, dog adoptions, booths and a newly added farmer’s market. The event runs from 10AM-4PM. Stop by the NBC6 and Telemundo 51 booth to say hi. We’d love to meet you.

Festival and parade weekend kicks of with the Mad Hatter’s VIP Tea Party on Friday, April 4 at Lummus Park beginning at 7PM and continues on Saturday at Noon with the free Pride festival on the beach at Lummus Park offering hundreds of vendors and three stages of live entertainment. The party continues on Sunday with the Miami Beach Pride Parade at Noon along Ocean Drive followed by day two of the festival. See Festival line-up below. NBC6 and Telemundo 51 are proud sponsors of the event.

To learn more about Miami Beach Pride click here.

The competitive grant challenge, now in its seventh year, provides unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits that provide vital support to South Florida-area communities in the categories of youth education and empowerment, next-generation storytellers, and community engagement. The 2024 application period for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits began March 19 and concluded April 19.

“NBC6 and Telemundo 51 are proud to recognize the outstanding work of eight local non-profit organizations with our Local Impact Grants program,” said Jorge Carballo, President and General Manager of NBC 6 and Telemundo 51. “These organizations will use the grants to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities in South Florida which will essentially help build stronger communities.”

The 2024 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants are providing $2.5 million in funds to nonprofits serving one of NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ 11 U.S. markets, which are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and Hartford, Conn. Founded in 2018, NBCUniversal’s grant program has now provided $18.5 million to 546 nonprofits.

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants recipients in the South Florida Market area are: 

Buddy System MIA – $55,000

Buddy System is a community oriented nonprofit improving food security across Miami-Dade County. Their Food Access program is a multifaceted approach that creates innovative ways to engage the community and empower neighbors to support neighbors, beginning with access to free, healthy food. Their reach relies on a network of 75 local community partnerships and over 1,400 local volunteers with the ultimate goal of creating lasting change by addressing local issues, by the community, for the community.

The Home Team- Miami – $30,000

The Home Team has provided free inclusive after-school programming in partnership with K-12th grade schools and community centers in Miami-Dade that primarily serve Title 1 students from diverse backgrounds, with the commitment and goals for access to Academic Support, Sports, Literacy, STEM, Arts, Post-Secondary Planning, Mentoring, Social, Emotional and Cognitive Learning & Discussion and Anti-Bullying.

ICU baby, Inc. – $15,000

ICU Baby’s Volunteer Program leverages the goodwill and available time of volunteers to provide the ‘people power’ required to support families with a baby in the NICU. The program is structured so that community members can choose 1 of 6 volunteer opportunities to ‘give back’ and help families in a way that aligns with their goals for volunteerism. ICU baby’s vision is to transform the NICU experience so that parents feel more empowered, babies feel more nurtured, families feel more connected, and communities offer more support.

La Mesa Boricua de Florida – $30,000

La Mesa Boricua de Florida is a strategic movement to strengthen the power and well-being of Puerto Ricans everywhere. Through political representation, economic empowerment, and cultural affirmation their grassroots movement unites and develops leaders, builds capacity and maximizes their power to advance social justice.

Mira USA Inc – $25,000

Mira-USA’s mission is to empower the immigrant community, enabling them to actively participate in local activities and develop a profound understanding of their societal contribution. They strive to foster social development in middle- and low-income areas through community workshops and actions, cultivating vibrant communities. The organization provides immigration assistance programs, financial education programs, disaster responsiveness, and youth leadership programs.

South Florida Center for Percussive Arts, Inc. – $17,272

South Florida Center for Percussive Arts was founded in 2013 to create new and enhance existing opportunities to study, perform, and enjoy music through percussion. Along with educational programs from classical to world percussion, the organization helps make music accessible to the community through presentations, workshops, and performances.

Voices for Children of Broward County – $30,000

Voices for Children of Broward County (Voices) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children in foster care across Broward County, ensuring they have the resources and programs they need for health, education, and social well-being.

Youth Environmental Alliance Inc. – $25,000

Youth Environmental Alliance works on two key activities: 1) community engagement programs that focus on eco-action and 2) education and STEAM enrichment through environmental science and conservation education programs to youth and adults.

For more information on the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants, visit localimpactgrants.com and the Spanish-language becasdeimpactolocal.com, and follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants. 

Since its inception in 2015, NBC6 and Telemundo 51’s local Clear The Shelters campaigns have helped thousands of pets find new homes. Nationally, more than one million pets have been adopted over nine Clear The Shelters campaigns.

Many local shelters are at or over capacity and the need for animal adoptions is great. We really need your help.

Below is a list of the participating shelters in our area. Click on the links to visit their websites, browse for a new pet, find out how the adoption process works, whether they accept walk-ins or are by appointment only, and any other pertinent information. This is the first step in your journey to becoming a parent to an animal in need.

BROWARD

Abandoned Pet Rescue

1137 Northeast 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33304

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption

2400 Southwest 42nd Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312

Noah’s Rescue

Call: (754) 252-0877 Email: noahsrescueinc@gmail.com

Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation

8736 West Commercial Blvd, Lauderhill, 33351

MIAMI-DADE

Finding Pasha

Call: 863-CAT-LIFE (863-228-8965) Email: contact@findingpasha.com

Miami-Dade County Animal Services Pet Adoption & Protection Center

3599 Northwest 79th Avenue, Doral 33122

Call: 311 or (305) 468-5900

Miami Animal Rescue

Info Line (TEXT ONLY): 305-877-2880

The Humane Society of Greater Miami

16101 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

Call: 305-696-0800

The Cat Network

Call: (305) 255-3482 Email: info@thecatnetwork.org

MONROE

Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Key West Shelter (305) 294-4857

Marathon Shelter (305) 743-4800

MarrVelous Pet Rescues

Call: (305) 453-1315

PALM BEACH

Adopt-A-Cat Foundation

3110 45th Street, Suite E, West Palm Beach, 33407

Kibblez of Love Pet Food Bank & Rescue

Call: (561) 271-5890

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control

7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach 33411

Call: (561) 233-1200

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

3100/3200 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 33409

Call: (561) 686-3663

Tri-County Animal Rescue

121287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, 33433

Virtual pet adoptions are also returning for the sixth consecutive campaign through WeRescue. The WeRescue app enables users to browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size and other factors, submit their adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters through the app.

Clear The Shelters was inspired by a 2014 North Texas pet adoption event hosted by NBC 5/KXAS and Telemundo 39/KXTX and dozens of area shelters that resulted in the most adopted pets in one day for North Texas.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• Twitter: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access more information and apply for NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants at localimpactgrants.com and the Spanish-language site becasdeimpactolocal.com from March 11, through April 11. The grant categories are youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement. The grant winners will be announced later this year. 

Organizations interested in learning more about this year’s grant program can register here to join an informational session on March 18 at 1 p.m. ET.

“We are excited to continue our support for local nonprofits through the Local Impact Grants program,” said Jorge Carballo, President and General Manager of NBC6 and Telemundo 51. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to empowering communities and encouraging positive change.”

Key grant eligibility requirements: 

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s headquarters and/or the program for which the organization is applying must be located in a participating market;
• Entity must service the market they operate from;
• Organization’s total expenses must be between $100,000 and $1,000,000; and
• Nonprofit must help to resolve everyday community issues in any of the three grant categories.

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant categories include:

1. Youth Education & Empowerment: In-school and community-based programs that equip youth with the tools they need to succeed, including STEM/ STEAM education and youth entrepreneurship.
2. Next Generation Storytellers: Programs that develop pathways for emerging talent and youth voices to explore careers in communications, arts, news, sports and entertainment
3. Community Engagement: Programs that help foster community unity by enabling individuals to engage with and volunteer in their regions.

The 2025 NBCU Local Impact Grants will deliver a total of $2.5 million in unrestricted funds across the 11 U.S. markets served by NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations. Founded in 2018, NBCUniversal’s grant program has provided $18.5 million to 546 organizations, including the 76 nonprofits awarded $2.5 million last year.

The NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets are New York (WNBC, WNJU), Los Angeles (KNBC, KVEA), Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS), Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI), Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS, KXTX), Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC), Boston (WBTS, WNEU), San Francisco  (KNTV, KSTS), Miami (WTVJ, WSCV), San Diego (KNSD, KUAN) and Hartford, Conn. (WVIT, WRDM).

For the ninth year, the competitive grant challenge is awarding unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in South Florida. Applications were accepted in three categories: youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement. The 2026 application window for 501(c)(3) nonprofits was March 24 through April 24.

“Our local nonprofits are doing extraordinary work every day to strengthen and uplift our South Florida communities,” said Jorge Carballo, President and General Manager of NBC6 and Telemundo 51. “Through the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants, we’re proud to invest in organizations that are creating opportunities, inspiring the next generation and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve.”

The 2026 competitive grant challenge will award $2.5 million in unrestricted funds to eligible nonprofits located in and servicing one of the 11 NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets across the United States, which are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and Hartford, Conn. Founded in 2018, NBCUniversal’s grant program has now provided $24.3 million to 695 nonprofits.

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants recipients in the South Florida area are:    

Childrens Voice Chorus D/B/A Vocal Youth Miami – $40,000

Vocal Youth Miami empowers young people in Miami with artistic and life skills through experiences in vocal music.

“We are deeply grateful to NBC 6, Telemundo 51, and NBCUniversal for this extraordinary investment in Vocal Youth Miami. This $40,000 grant will help us provide high-quality vocal music experiences to more than 600 young people across Miami-Dade County, bringing students from different schools, neighborhoods, and backgrounds together to discover their voices. Through music, they build confidence, develop as artists and leaders, form meaningful connections, and experience the powerful sense of belonging that comes from creating something beautiful together.”

— Jamie Sutta, Founder and CEO, Vocal Youth Miami

Code/Art – $16,818.18

Through art-infused programs grounded in creativity and social good, Code/Art expands access to computer science for all K–12 students and puts them on a path toward future tech studies and careers.

“We are incredibly grateful to NBCUniversal, NBC 6 and Telemundo 51 for investing in Code/Art and the students we serve. These critical funds will allow us to bring more hands-on creative coding workshops directly into schools across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, reaching students who may not otherwise have access to this kind of opportunity. The Local Impact Grant helps us give more students an early, positive introduction to computer science and empowers them to see themselves as creators and future leaders in tech.”                                                                                                                  

— Lisa Hauser, Founder & CEO, Code/Art

Dream In Green Inc – $16,818.18                                                                                                     

Dream in Green’s mission is to empower individuals, especially youth, to lead in the response to environmental challenges facing South Florida. They assist a broad range of organizations, including schools, households, local governments, and businesses, to reduce their environmental footprint.

“It is an honor to be recognized for the work that Dream in Green has been doing in our community. We appreciate the support to continue working with local schools, educators, and students and empower then to become leaders in environmental sustainability and true stewards of our planet.”                       

— Barbara Martinez-Guerrero, Executive Director, Dream In Green

Health in the Hood Inc – $40,000                                                                                                     

Health in the Hood is dedicated to bridging the gap between food-insecure communities and fresh, healthy food through urban gardening, free food distribution, and empowering wellness workshops. Our mission is to create sustainable, vibrant neighborhoods where access to nutritious food and wellness education transforms lives, fosters community pride, and breaks generational cycles of disease.

“We are grateful to NBC 6, Telemundo 51, and the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation for this investment in our community. It means our gardens stay planted, our distributions stay on schedule, and more neighbors can get their hands in the soil alongside us.”                                                         

— Rochel Chakoff, Co- Executive Director, Health in the Hood

Joshua’s Heart Foundation Inc – $50,000                                                                                    

Joshua’s Heart is dedicated to the fight against global hunger and poverty. JHF is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit, youth-run organization, which empowers needy people to improve their quality of life by providing necessities like groceries and personal items. JHF also effectively engages and educates youth on committing to fight hunger and poverty on a global basis.

“For over 21 years, Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF) has been fighting hunger one family at a time, powered by the energy and leadership of young people who believe no one in their community should go without a meal. This grant from NBCUniversal will help us continue providing nutritious food to thousands of families across South Florida while developing the next generation of compassionate leaders. We are honored and grateful for this support.”                                                                           

— Claudia McLean, Executive Director, Joshua’s Heart Foundation

Miami EdTech Inc – $30,000                                                                                                                           

Miami EdTech is a registered 501(c)(3) education technology non-profit organization on a mission to address the biggest challenges we face in education through innovation and technology.

“We believe talent is everywhere, but access to high-quality STEM opportunities is not always equal. Thanks to NBC6 and Telemundo 51, STEM in Motion will give more Miami-Dade students the opportunity to build, experiment, and solve problems using the technologies shaping our world, and to envision themselves as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”                                                         

— Carlos Vazquez, M.S.Ed, MIT, Founder, President and CEO, Miami |EdTech

Ranger Good Works – $16,818.18                                                                                                  

Ranger Good Work’s mission is to uplift school communities by providing hands-on support, strategic resources, and community-driven funding.

“At Ranger Good Works, we believe a child’s circumstances should never define their possibilities. We are grateful to NBC 6 and Telemundo 51 for recognizing our work and investing in the children and school communities we serve. As we welcome four additional schools into the Ranger Good Works family, this support will help us build on our commitment to meeting essential needs, expanding learning opportunities, and helping students imagine what is possible for their futures.”                          

— Victoria Ranger Nunez, President & Founder, Ranger Good Works

Take Stock in Children of Broward County – $16,818.18                                                                  

The mission of Take Stock in Children of Broward County is to break the cycle of poverty for academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education.

“We are deeply grateful to NBC6, Telemundo 51, and the NBCUniversal Foundation for this incredible support. This grant will help us keep showing up for South Florida’s students, providing the mentors and college coaching they need to believe a different future is possible.”                                                         

 — Amanda Frey, Executive Director

NBC6 and Telemundo 51 will continue to spotlight these organizations in the coming weeks and months.

For more information on the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants, visit localimpactgrants.com and the Spanish-language becasdeimpactolocal.com, and follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.

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“Nowadays, it’s kind of hard looking for a job and housing and stuff. And I feel like this place teaches you life lessons that you can actually learn from and use in the future,” said a 20-year-old woman who is currently benefiting from the resources provided by Saints House and Propelling Into Triumph.

This organization is led by Shavon Saint Preux, who was in foster care herself. Today, she hopes to be the engine that propels students into success through workshops, mentoring sessions, and a place to call home.

“I was a teen mom. I was an orphan. I was an illegal immigrant when I first came to this country. And I still pushed through. And that’s the story that I use every day, working with the youth that I work with,” said Preux, who has already changed dozens of lives, like Adri Matias’, whom she inspired to go to college.

“Having a mentor is something that could take your life from the most depressing times to absolutely turning a 180 and putting you on the trajectory that you need to go to,” said Matias, who today serves as a peer mentor to help others start a career too.

“Being from the foster care system, I knew that once I got out, I was going to have so many odds stacked against me,” Matias said. “And I personally just wanted to help other youth get into college because there’s such a stigma within the foster care system that going to college is impossible, when it’s not. It’s actually very feasible. I’m doing business administration.”

And her story has echoed and impacted others, like these two young adults who see a future in their education.

“So I want to be that one nurse who can try and fix every solution… As long as I try to help people and I see that it’s working, I’ll be proud. I will just be in love with my life,” said the 20-year-old.

Another member of the program, an 18-year-old who currently lives in one of Saint Preux’s homes with his toddler, said that he is getting his GED to then start his license to become a plumber.

“We have a girls’ and boys’ home, and they are paired with success coaches to connect them to resources that they need… We have housed over 30 individuals and 10 children, because we also accept youth aging out of foster care who have children aging out of foster care,” Preux said.

Florida is currently the second state with the most children in the foster care system, over 20,000, according to the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Without the help of organizations like this one, they would most likely be on their own.

Knowing this, NBC6 and Telemundo 51 awarded them $75,000 this year to support their mission. With this money, they will finish the construction of a new home before the end of the year to continue reaching young adults.

“We do our homework, and we do fun stuff like experiments,” said fifth-grader Jose Perez.

His classmate, Genesis Guity, had something to add: “Science is fun. It is not boring. They might tell you it’s boring, but it is not boring.”

While STEM education is at the center of their mission, Dibia Dream is changing students’ lives far beyond academics.

“I first started coming here because my mom was late to pick me up, and all the other programs were full,” Perez said.

Third-grader Ariana Sanchez added, “Sometimes my parents feel like they don’t want to help me. Here, they get to help me.”

Their teacher, Fatner Bleisz, shared that many students don’t have access to computers or the internet at home.

“Most of the kids are living here. They are from low-income families. They have nobody at home to help them with their homework,” Bleisz said.

But the support goes even further.

“Sometimes my mom has no food. They have food,” Sanchez said.

The after-school program ensures students have meals and the support they need to keep learning, especially when home isn’t always the easiest place to return to.

“One student told me his father was killed. He has to walk home… Mom, Dad, nobody is there. A neighbor takes care of him,” Bleisz said. “We are like their mom and their dad. Without us, I don’t know how they would be able to make it.”

This program’s mission is fueled by passion, and by grants like the one provided by NBC6 and Telemundo 51, which awarded Dibia Dream nearly $25,000. Bleisz emphasized that this support is instrumental, ensuring students have the tools they need to learn while still having fun.

Dibia Academy, the after-school program, is already operating in six additional schools:

• Arcola Lake Elementary
• George Washington Carver Elementary
• Carrie P. Meek/Westview K-8 Center
• Frank C. Martin K-8 Center
• Homestead Middle School
• Touching Miami with Love

The team behind this initiative hopes to reach even more children. To learn how you can support their mission, visit the Dibia Dream website.

“We are gonna have a treasure hunt starting on Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. We are gonna give out gold coins,” said Hernan Urrutia, a numismatist at Stack’s Bowers Retail.

The company is celebrating its 90th anniversary and is inviting the public to take part in this special event at the end of October. The announcement comes at a time when gold prices have reached record highs.

“A year ago, an ounce of gold was about $2,800, and now it’s a little bit above $4,000. So it’s a huge difference,” numismatist Andres Felipe Cortazar said.

Both Cortazar and Urrutia explain that the surge in gold’s value is largely driven by economic uncertainty.

“Pretty much inflation. That’s what we got in the world. We see the value of the dollar going down,” Urrutia said.

“The geopolitical situation makes investors go towards assets that are physical,” Cortazar said. They also pointed out that these factors are tied to global instability, partly fueled by high levels of government debt, the federal shutdown, and international conflicts.

Cortazar says that since gold is a tangible asset, investors “feel like they can be confident about investing in it.”

Urrutia expanded on that idea, explaining that gold can easily be exchanged for “euros, for pounds, whichever currency you want to trade it for later on. And also a bunch of banks are buying as well.”

The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the value of the dollar against six major currencies, shows that since the beginning of the year, its value has dropped by about 7%, while gold continues to climb.

If you’re looking for a chance to get your hands on this valuable asset, the treasure hunt will take place from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. Clues will be posted on Stack’s Bowers Retail’s social media pages.

“Our work is based on mental health and wellness,” said founder Ruban Roberts.

It has programs like Teen Talk Sessions that provide a safe space for young people to discuss mental health, resilience, and decision-making. 

“My background as a family therapist was what really helped me see the need for something like this,” Roberts explained. “These services that we provide—the yoga, mindfulness training, nutrition, skincare, arts and photography, etiquette, and conflict resolution—those are basic life skills that these kids can use to help them.”

The organization, founded in South Florida in 2021, works not only with young people but also with the elderly, partnering with more than 20 agencies to strengthen the community.

“I’m very grateful for this award,” Roberts said. “This is something that we were really not expecting. We applied, but we’re very honored, the whole team.”

Since 2018, NBC6, Telemundo 51, and Comcast Universal have provided more than $1.7 million to 58 nonprofits through the Local Impact Grants program, offering unrestricted funds to nonprofits making a difference in South Florida. This year’s grants focused on three categories: Youth Education and Empowerment, Next Generation Storytellers, and Community Engagement.

“You know, the funding cuts that are happening on the federal, state, and local levels have deeply impacted most nonprofit organizations,” Roberts said. “This funding will help fill some of that gap.”

Now, with this nearly $30,000 boost, Amplify Community Resources hopes to further its mission by helping cover services because it believes transforming lives builds stronger communities.

“We’re doing great work,” Roberts said. “And as you can see by the recognition, you guys at NBC6 are doing great work too. For NBC6 to say, ‘Let’s recognize those folks who are making an impact in our community, and let’s give them not only recognition but also a monetary award,’ I think you’re ahead of the learning curve.”

Amplify Community Resources is in good company. This year alone, $2.5 million is being distributed across 11 U.S. markets where NBC and Telemundo-owned stations serve their communities.

Click here to search and donate to a school or teacher of your choice.

Click here if you are a teacher and would like to submit a project to be funded through DonorsChoose.

From October 6 through October 17, we will be highlighting local classroom projects on-air and online from DonorsChoose.org.

DonorsChoose is a platform where teachers can submit project requests for the opportunity to have them funded by the community. Requests can include school supplies, tech, food, hygiene essentials, or any items selected by teachers to help meet their students’ needs.

Featured Projects:

Solving Math Problems, One Supply at a Time, Mr. Balaj, Grades 6-8, Dr. H W Mack W Little River K-8, Miami: Your donation will provide his math students new calculators, colorful supplies and comfy seating to boost their focus and spark their love for math.

From Wonder to Discovery: 5th Grade Science Matters!, Mrs. Vargas, Grade 5, Miramar Elementary School, Miramar: Your donation will provide lab coats and goggles to protect her young scientists and heating plates and beakers to conduct their experiments.

Poetry in Action, Mrs. Acevedo, Grades 3-5, Winston Park Elementary School, Coconut Creek: Your donation will provide a reliable printer to publish her students’ writing and poetry.

Headphones for Literacy Success, Ms. Brown, Grades 6-8, Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School, Miami: Your donation will provide reliable headphones so her students can access their reading programs and improve their reading skills.

Laptops for Limitless Learning, Ms. Bain, Grades 3-5, Morningside K-8 Academy, Miami: Your donation will provide laptops to help give her students the chance to research, write and create projects that show their voices and talents while giving them equal access to tools many of their peers enjoy.

Modeling Life: DNA to Protein with Hands-On Science Kits, Mr. Franco, Grades 6-8, Aventura Waterways K-8 Center, Aventura: Your donation will give his students hands-on DNA and protein modeling kits so they can build, visualize, and explore the processes of replication, transcription, and translation in a way that makes biology come alive.

Hydration = Elevation: Keeping Our Athletes Fueled, Ms. Louis, Grades 6-8, Jose De Diego Middle School, Miami: Your donations will help give her students one hydration tank to provide large-capacity, portable access to water during practices and competitions.

Blast Off Into Learning: Supplies for Future Astronauts, Mrs. Cuesta, Grades 6-8, South Dade Middle School, Homestead: Your donation will give her students essential school supplies and interactive solar system models to stay engaged, organized, and inspired as they explore the wonders of space together.

Enhancing STEM Instruction with a Computer Charging Cart, Mrs. Fernandez, Grades 3-5, North Lauderdale Elementary School, North Lauderdale: Your donation will provide her students with a computer charging cart that will help her Title I students stay engaged in STEM by ensuring their laptops are always charged, secure, and ready for learning.

Science Squad, Ms. Oliver, Grades 3-5, Pembroke Pines Elementary School, Pembroke Pines: Your donation will provide 75 STEM lab items to support experimental learning.

Native Garden and Habitat, Mr. Valdes, Grades 9-12, Cutler Bay Senior High School, Cutler Bay: Your donation will provide the environmental club with a labeling system for the native plants in the school garden they created and birdhouses to create an educational bat habitat on the school’s campus.

Take What You Need!, Ms. Gutierrez, Grades 9-12, Miami Senior High School, Miami: Your donation will provide a storage area where her students can access essential school supplies, snacks, and hygiene products. This simple space can make a big difference in helping them feel prepared, confident, and cared for every day.

Fuel Their Learning, Feed Their Future, Dr. Davis, Grades 9-12, Miami Carol City Senior High School, Miami Gardens: Your donation will help ensure that her students won’t have to learn on an empty stomach, giving them the energy and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

Projecting Success, Ms. Young, Grades 9-12, Henry D. Perry Education Center, Miramar: Your donation will provide a classroom projector that will make lessons more engaging, interactive and easier to understand.

Mini Printer, Maximum Imagination, Ms. Gutierrez, Grades 6-8, Campbell Drive K-8 Center, Homestead: Your donation will provide mini 3D printers so her students can explore new technologies while getting the chance to design, print and experiment with 3D projects.

Comfortable Reading Seats / Brain Breaks, Ms. Schendera, Grades 3-5 , Big Pine Academy, Big Pine Key: Your donation will give her energetic students flexible seating and wiggle options to help them focus. 

FULFILLED!!!Stock the Shelves of Our Positive Behavior Store, Mrs. Hill, Pre-K-2, Poinciana Elementary School, Key West: Her entire school participates in a positive behavior program and she needs to stock the shelves of their positive behavior store with incentives/rewards for the students.

There are hundreds of South Florida teacher projects listed on DonorsChoose. We can only highlight a small number of them. While we hope you’ll support our featured classrooms, you can also search for a school, teacher or project of your choosing.

For the eighth year, the competitive grant challenge is awarding unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in South Florida. Applications were accepted in three categories: youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement. The 2025 application window for 501(c)(3) nonprofits was March 11 through April 11.

“NBC6 and Telemundo 51 are proud to support these six outstanding non-profit organizations through our Local Impact Grants program,” said Jorge Carballo, President and General Manager of NBC 6 and Telemundo 51. “Each one is making a real and lasting impact in areas that matter deeply — mental health, literacy, environmental stewardship, support for foster youth, STEM and STEAM education, and access to housing. Their dedication and innovation inspire us, and we’re honored to play a small part in helping them continue their vital work in our communities.”

The 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants are providing $2.5 million in funds to nonprofits serving one of NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ 11 U.S. markets, which are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, San Diego and Hartford, Conn. Founded in 2018, NBCUniversal’s grant program has now provided $21 million to 615 nonprofits.

NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants recipients in the South Florida area are: 

Amplify Community Resources– $29,454

Amplify Community Resources provides youth dialogue sessions focusing on mental health, resilience, and decision-making in safe community spaces. Funding supports staffing, facilitator training, and expansion of the Teen Talk Dialogue Sessions across South Florida.

Clean Miami Beach Inc– $34,454

Clean Miami Beach engages justice-involved individuals in community beautification and restoration projects to promote pride, healing, and reentry. They combine volunteerism with environmental care, partnering with courts, schools, and municipalities to clean and improve public spaces.

Dibia Dream Inc– $24,454

Dibia DREAM helps kids in their community by teaching them important life skills through fun programs like sports, science, and learning activities. Their goal is to help kids do well in school, stay healthy, and build confidence.

Propelling Into Triumph– $75,000

PIT supports foster youth aging out of care with housing, life coaching, and education programs to build independence. Funding will expand coaching and peer mentorship programs that equip youth with skills and resources for adult success.

Rebuilding Together Broward County Inc– $14,456

Rebuilding Together Broward County brings volunteers, businesses, and community groups together to fix homes for people in need. They help make neighborhoods safer and nicer by painting, landscaping, and doing repairs, especially for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Uplift Literacy– $49,454

Uplift Literacy supports early literacy through volunteer-led reading sessions, family engagement, and book distributions in their local communities. Funds will enhance program reach, volunteer recruitment, training, and delivery of summer literacy materials to prevent learning loss.

For more information on the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants, visit localimpactgrants.com and the Spanish-language becasdeimpactolocal.com, and follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.

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