The Building Bridges Initiative
Expanding Pathways to Prosperity

Immigrants in Florida face significant barriers to essential services such as healthcare, legal support, and employment, leading to poverty, social isolation, and limited economic mobility. With 4,809,000 immigrants statewide, including 1,453,000 in Miami-Dade County, where immigrants make up more than half the population of 2,701,767, the state anticipates welcoming 225,000-275,000 new immigrants annually. Given this rapid growth, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to immigrant support.

For 85 years, Barry University has been a leader in immigrant services through education, policy, and community engagement. The "Building Bridges" project, led by the Immigration Institute, will coordinate essential services and connect immigrants to resources using a 211-like system. The initiative will leverage the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) framework and collaborate with government and community organizations. Cultural centers supported by faith-based groups, consulates, and art institutions will foster spaces for cultural integration.

The Building Bridges Initiative is designed to improve the social determinants of health of immigrants to South Florida.

Intended Outcomes:

The initiative addresses social determinants of health and empowers immigrants to establish roots, grow economically, and contribute to local communities. It promotes cultural exchange and aims to create an inclusive environment, setting a replicable model for nationwide immigrant integration efforts focused on economic progress and social cohesion. The initiative will aim to offer:

  1. Comprehensive support addressing immediate needs and long-term empowerment

  2. Strong community partnerships and local leader training for continued impact

  3. Integration of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) into healthcare systems

  4. Coordination with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for reliable, lasting impact

  5. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation to meet evolving immigrant needs

  6. Focus on building community resilience and empowering immigrants

These will be operationalized in three main components:

1. Awareness Program

The program will identify the diverse needs of immigrants and develop a comprehensive plan for coordinated care. Workshops will provide information on available resources and services, fostering collaboration to meet these needs. Educational outreaches are conducted within immigrant communities, ensuring a more targeted and purposeful approach. Additionally, an information technology platform is underway to help guide immigrants along their journey.

2. Referral Services and Community Support

Based on individual plans, the program will facilitate referrals and establish connections between the immigrant population and existing community-based organizations. These organizations have had many years of collaborating with the institute and will receive institutional support from Barry University, strengthening partnerships with key entities like United Way.

3. Cultural and Faith-based Events

Activities such as theater, art, music, film, will help build a sense of community among immigrants, providing opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. Collaboration with local organizations will ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for immigrants.

This holistic model creates a robust support network that cultivates integration, empowerment, and community strength and creates the foundation for enduring solutions to immigrant challenges. Our approach welcomes diversity and strengthens communities, ensuring that the positive effects of our initiative continue to resonate and grow long after the initial implementation.