Mental health is a right, not a privilege

At LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services (LSF Miami Bridge), we believe mental healthcare is not a luxury — it is a right. This Mental Health Awareness Month, weare spotlighting the urgent needs of youth across Miami-Dade County and the programs that are helping them heal, grow and thrive. We recommit ourselves to breaking the stigma, amplifying youth voices, and making sure that no young person feels invisible in their struggle.

Meeting youth where they are

At our two emergency shelters in Miami and Homestead, every youth in our care is afforded on-site mental health counseling designed to meet them exactly where they are during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma or behavioral challenges, our licensed clinicians provide a safe space to heal and grow.

“Our reach goes beyond our walls,” said Dr. Mitchell, Program Director at LSF Miami Bridge. “Through our free community-based counseling program, we provide families and youth in Miami-Dade with early access to therapeutic support—building stronger families,preventing crises, and reducing long-term mental health challenges before they escalate.”

Thechallenges Miami-Dade youth face

Youth in Miami-Dade County face a complex web of challenges that impact their mental health. Many experience high rates of poverty and housing instability, while others are exposed to community violence, abuse or neglect. Family disruption is common, often due to parental substance use, incarceration or domestic violence. For immigrant families, cultural and linguistic barriers can make accessing care even more difficult. Chronic truancy and disengagement from school further compound these issues, and in some communities, stigma around mental health discourages early help-seeking.

“Youth in Miami-Dade face a combination of high-risk factors that can severely impact their emotional well-being,” said Raquel Lumia, Clinical Director at LSF Miami Bridge. “Our job is to meet them with compassion, clinical expertise and culturally competent care that acknowledges their lived experiences.”

LSF Miami Bridge responds with trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that meets youth where they are—emotionally and geographically.

A different kind of counseling

What sets LSF Miami Bridge apart from traditional mental health providers is the way our services are embedded within a crisis shelter and family intervention context.Youth receive immediate care, even when they are in temporary or emergency housing. Our counseling model is short-term and solutions-focused, designed to stabilize immediate crises and prevent deeper system involvement, such as entry into the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

“Our services are paired with case management, which means we’re not just addressing mental health — we’re connecting families to legal aid, health care, housing and educational support,” adds Lumia. “This makes our approach more comprehensive and immediate than many outpatient clinics, which often have long waitlists or limited scopes of service.”

Prevention in action

Through our First Stop for Families and Truancy Intervention Program, youth and familiesare referred — often by schools, courts or directly — to receive community-based counseling. A comprehensive assessment is conducted to understand family dynamics, mental health needs, school issues and social risk factors. Families then receive short-term, home- or community-based counseling focused on improving communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving.

“Our goal is to prevent family breakdown and court involvement,” says Lumia. “We want to reduce risky behaviors, strengthen family communication and provide quick, coordinated support without the red tape.”

Follow-up is provided 30 and 60 days after discharge to ensure continued progress and stability.

The power of early access

Early therapeutic intervention plays a critical role in reducing long-term mental health challenges. It interrupts escalating patterns of family conflict,truancy, substance use or runaway behavior before they result in more serious consequences. It also builds resilience and coping skills in youth, reducing the severity and chronicity of anxiety, depression or trauma symptoms.

“Early access to care supports academic engagement and helps youth avoid the long-term impact of educational failure,” mentions Lumia. “It also reduces stigma by normalizing support-seeking in vulnerable families.”

Making services accessible to all

Accessibility is a cornerstone of our mission. LSF Miami Bridge provides free or grant-funded services so that cost is never a barrier. We serve youth ages 6 to 17 from across Miami-Dade, regardless of income, immigration status or insurance. Our multilingual staff and culturally competent care ensure that every family feels seen and supported.

We accept referrals from families, schools, courts, law enforcement or even self-referrals. And through our outreach programs, we proactively identify at-risk youth before they fall through service gaps.

“These services are offered at no cost because we believe no child should ever be denied help due to financial hardship,” adds Dr. Mitchell.

How the community can help

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite our community to take action. Share our mission on social media, at school meetings and in community events. Refer families to our programs. Volunteer your time or services. Advocate for funding and policies that sustain and expand prevention programs for at-risk youth.Organize donation drives for clothing, hygiene products and school supplies. Attend or sponsor events that amplify the message of early intervention and prevention.

“Mental health support is not a luxury—it is a necessity. I encourage our community partners, stakeholders, and families to continue advocating for early access to care,reducing stigma, and ensuring every young person knows they are not alone,” says Dr. Mitchell.

About LSF Miami Bridge

LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services is the only emergency youth shelter in Miami-Dade County serving children ages 10 to17. We provide community counseling, family reunification, crisis intervention and local outreach to develop strong confident youth reaching their full potential. For additional information, please visit www.miamibridge.org.

About LSF

LSF is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Floridians. We do this by reducing the suicide and drug addiction rate, giving families in crisis the support they need to persevere, and making sure those in poverty get the education they need to close the achievement gap. Learn more by visiting, https://www.lsfnet.org/.

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ChildAbuse Prevention Begins with Presence

By: Dr. Toshiba Mitchell, Program Director, LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services

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At LSF Miami Bridge, we firmly adhere to the belief that children are one of our greatest gifts. They are the future of our community. Therefore, every child deserves a childhood filled with safety, love, and opportunity. Unfortunately for too many children, that future is threatened by abuse and neglect—often hidden behind closed doors and veiled in silence.

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April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a time when as a community and a nation, presence is critical. Collectively our efforts are needed to shine a light on this disturbing and heartbreaking issue. At LSF Miami Bridge, our mission is dedicated to protecting, empowering, and uplifting youth—every single day.

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As a lifelong advocate for children, this cause holds deep personal and professional meaning for me. The safety and well-being of young people is not just part of my job, it’s in my heart. Every statistic represents a child who deserves to be heard, a life filled with potential, and a future that must be safeguarded.

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Abuse, especially sexual abuse, thrives in secrecy and shame. That’s why awareness matters. It can open the door for difficult conversations, equip adults with the ability to recognize signs of abuse, and most importantly, empower children to understand that their voice matters.

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Let’s be clear: the numbers are alarming. According to the National Children’s Alliance, nearly 700,000 children are abused or neglected each year in the United States.

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In 2024, Florida had 24,918 confirmed child abuse victims, with the majority being female (14,728). In 2022 (the latest reviewed data), 471 child fatalities were reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Behind every number is a child who needs someone to speak up, step in, and stand by them.

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At LSF Miami Bridge, we don’t just provide shelter—we offer sanctuary. Through trauma-informed care, prevention education, and holistic family services, we help young people move from surviving to thriving. Our approach focuses on the following key areas:

1. Emergency Youth Shelters
Our Miami-based campuses are safe havens for youth in crisis. Whether they are escaping abuse, facing homelessness, or enduring family conflict, we provide immediate safety, compassionate care, and access to resources that stabilize their lives.

2. Trauma-Informed Counseling and Support
Healing begins with understanding. Our clinical team offers mental health support tailored

to the unique needs of each child, helping them process trauma, build resilience, and restore trust in themselves and others.

3. Prevention and Outreach Prevention isn’t just possible—it’s essential.

Our outreach programs in schools and communities are designed to educate young people and caregivers on healthy relationships, boundaries, and how to seek help when needed.

4. Family Reunification and Stabilization

When it is safe and appropriate, we work to reunite youth with their families through mediation, parenting education and support services. Strengthening families reduces the risk of future abuse and fosters healthier environments for children to grow.

5. Community Engagement and Advocacy

Lasting change takes all of us. We partner with schools, civic leaders, law enforcement, and fellow community organizations to build a culture that prioritizes the well-being of every child. Through training, awareness campaigns, and community dialogues, we empower others to be protectors and advocates.

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How You Can Help

Child abuse prevention requires all of us. This April, and every day, I invite you to:

· Learn the signs of abuse and neglect

· Listen to children with compassion and belief

· Speak up when something doesn’t feel right

· Support organizations like ours that work daily to protect and uplift youth

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Prevention begins with presence. When we choose to see, to listen, and to act, we become the protectors every child deserves. Advocacy isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility to speak for those still finding their voice.

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Together, we can break the cycles of trauma and build a community where every child is seen, safe, and supported.

Let April be more than a month of awareness. Let it be a call to action that we answer with an unwavering commitment to the children who depend on us.

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Dr. Toshiba L. Mitchell is Program Director of LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services and is a distinguished educator, leader, and advocate for youth and families.

LSF MIAMI BRIDGE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NAMES NEWPROGRAM DIRECTOR

LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services is pleased toannounce the appointment of Dr. Toshiba L. Mitchell as Program Director. Adistinguished educator, leader and advocate for youth and families, Dr.Mitchell brings exceptional experience to her role, including a career in theU.S. Army, Active Duty Air Force and Air Force Reserve. She will be responsiblefor outreach efforts and will oversee the daily operations of theorganization’s two campuses. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mitchell as the new ProgramDirector of Miami Bridge,” said Raymond Ballinger, Southeast Regional Director,LSF. “It’s a calling and honor to serve children and families facing hardship.Our work is difficult. Our hours are long and we are kept away from our ownfamilies, but the people that do this work are dedicated and our best resource.Dr. Mitchell’s unwavering dedication to child advocacy and extensive backgroundin education will be crucial in the furtherance of LSF’s mission of buildingstrong, vibrant communities.”

LSF Miami Bridge has two 24-hour emergency sheltersfor children and youth experiencing traumatic stressors in their life. The goalis to help young people remain out of the juvenile justice system through ourprevention and intervention activities with individual, family and groupcounseling. Sometimes parents are pushed to the limit and need our ShareetCares Program, a 12-week program working with parents on better skills todeal with challenging and risky behaviors. The Runaway & Homeless YouthProgram focuses on keeping kids off the streets and in safe nurturingenvironments. 

Dr. Mitchell was most recently Director, PreventionEducation and Outreach at Kristi House Child Advocacy Center where shespearheaded initiatives that equipped communities with knowledge and resourcesto combat child exploitation and trauma. Her leadership extended from themanagement of a multidisciplinary team to fostering partnerships with schools,law enforcement and community organizations.

She also has more than 15 years of experience in highereducation, including as Director of Distance Learning at Florida MemorialUniversity where she had responsibility for program development and financialstewardship.

“I am honored to join LSF and lead the incredible workhappening at Miami Bridge. Together, we will continue to create safe spaces andtransformative programs that will uplift our community,” said Dr. Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchell serves as a fellow for the University ofMiami’s Emerging Transformational Leadership Program. She received her Doctorof Education in educational leadership, Master of Science in Education andBachelor of Science in organizational leadership from St. Thomas University.She served as a member of the U.S. Army, Active Duty Air Force and Air ForceReserve. 

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January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month andas the Program Director of LSF Miami Bridge,  Miami’s only 24-hour shelterfor youth 10-17, I am deeply committed to the safety and well-being of thechildren in our community. Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that oftengoes unnoticed, yet it affects countless individuals, including vulnerablehomeless youth.

Here are some key signs of human trafficking:

1. Physical     Appearance:

·       Victimsmay look malnourished, dehydrated, or show signs of physical abuse (bruises,scars).

·       Theymight wear inappropriate clothing for the weather or environment.

2. Behavioral     Cues:

·       Fearful,submissive, or anxious behavior, especially around certain individuals.

·       Avoidingeye contact, hesitating to speak, or appearing disoriented.

3. Work     & Living Conditions:

·       Livingat their workplace, under constant surveillance, or working excessively withoutproper pay.

·       Littleto no control over their living or working environment.

4. Lack     of Control:

·       Confiscationof identification and personal items.

·       Deferringto another person or being unsure about basic facts like their location or thedate.

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What to Do If You Suspect Human Trafficking:

1. Contact     the Authorities:

·       Inthe U.S., the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) operates24/7.

·       InFlorida, the FDLE operates a statewide Human Trafficking Hotline(1-855-352-7233).

2. Prioritize     Safety:

·       Avoidsituations that could put you at risk.

·       Reportingthrough proper channels ensures help reaches victims without escalating danger.

Important Note:

• Do     Not Confront the Trafficker: Direct confrontation can endanger both     the victim and yourself.

Becoming a victim of human trafficking can happen to anyoneand often occurs in plain sight. Let’s fight it as a community by armingourselves with the information to identify it.

Dr. Toshiba L. Mitchell is Program Director of LSFMiami Bridge Youth & Family Services and is distinguishededucator, leader and advocate for youth and families. 

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Miami — January 14,2025— LSF Miami Bridge Youth &Family Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Toshiba L.Mitchell as Program Director. A distinguished educator, leader and advocate foryouth and families, Dr. Mitchell brings exceptional experience to her role,including a career in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Reserve. She will beresponsible for outreach efforts and will oversee the daily operations of theorganization’s two campus.  

“We arethrilled to welcome Dr. Mitchell as the new Program Director of Miami Bridge,”said Raymond Ballinger, Southeast Regional Director, LSF. “It’s a calling andhonor to serve children and families facing hardship. Our work is difficult.Our hours are long and we are kept away from our own families, but the peoplethat do this work are dedicated and our best resource. Dr. Mitchell’s unwaveringdedication to child advocacy and extensive background in education will becrucial in the furtherance of LSF’s mission of building strong, vibrantcommunities.”

LSF MiamiBridge has two 24-hour emergency shelters for children and youthexperiencing traumatic stressors in their life. The goal is to help young peopleremain out of the juvenile justice system through our prevention andintervention activities with individual, family and group counseling. Sometimesparents are pushed to the limit and need our Nurturing Parent Program. A12-week program working with parents on better skills to deal with challengingand risky behaviors.  Runaway &Homeless Youth Program focuses on keeping kids off the streets and in safenurturing environments.  

Dr. Mitchell was mostrecently Director, Prevention Education and Outreach at Kristi House ChildAdvocacy Center where she spearheaded initiatives that equipped communitieswith knowledge and resources to combat child exploitation and trauma. Herleadership extended from the management of a multidisciplinary team tofostering partnerships with schools, law enforcement and communityorganizations.

She also has more than15 years of experience in higher education, including as Director of DistanceLearning at Florida Memorial University where she had responsibility forprogram development and financial stewardship.

“I am honored to joinLSF and lead the incredible work happening at Miami Bridge. Together, we willcontinue to create safe spaces and transformative programs that will uplift ourcommunity,” said Dr. Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchellserves as a fellow for the University of Miami’s Emerging TransformationalLeadership Program. She received her Doctor of Education in educationalleadership, Master of Science in Education and Bachelor of Science inorganizational leadership from St. Thomas University. She served as a member ofthe U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Reserve.

About LSF

LSFis a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Floridians.We do this by reducing the suicide and drug addiction rate, giving families incrisis the support they need to persevere, and making sure those in poverty getthe education they need to close the achievement gap.

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