February 13, 2025 • 26 mins
Cresha, the visionary CEO of the South Florida Institute on Aging (SOFIA), joins us to share her remarkable journey and insights into enhancing the lives of marginalized communities. From her roots in Miami to leading impactful initiatives, Cresha's story is one of passion and dedication. We learn about the evolution of the Foster Grandparent Program, originally a collaboration with the Broward County School Board, and explore the transformative work of the AmeriCorps Senior Programs, which provide mentorship, companionship, and essential technology training to older adults. Discover how Cresha's innovative strategies and commitment to service have driven positive change and effectiveness within the nonprofit sector.
Listen as we explore the power of collaboration in reducing community isolation, with a focus on strategic partnerships and volunteer engagement. We discuss the challenges of providing technology education, the role of organizations like Wisdom Care and Heart2Heart, and the inspiring work of volunteers like Olga Benjamin, who fosters community connections and cultural exchanges. Highlighting the importance of overcoming post-pandemic isolation, we celebrate initiatives that enhance well-being through face-to-face interactions. Future goals include expanding partnerships with institutions like Holy Cross Hospital to further support aging communities, underscoring the critical role of connection and health education for older adults.
Would you like some help creating the perfect narrative for your organization?
Book your Strategy Call
VISUALS BY MOMO:
Phone: (954) 745-7922
Website: https://www.visualsbymomo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbymomo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualsbymomo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visualsbymomo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@visualsbymomo
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/visualsbymomo
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@visualsbymomo
Special Thanks to Stacy Daugherty for the beautiful wall artwork in the background. Socials: @artographybystacy
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Chris Baker (00:03):
Welcome to Visual Eyes, the podcast where
collaboration fuels change.
I'm your host, Chris Baker, andeach week we'll explore
incredible connections betweennonprofits, businesses and the
community.
This is a space where wehighlight inspiring partnerships
, uncover strategies forcreating meaningful impact and
share stories that show howworking together can make all
(00:24):
the difference.
Whether you're a nonprofitleader, a business owner or
someone just passionate aboutbuilding connections, this
podcast is for you.
Welcome back to Visual Eyestoday.
I am welcoming Cresha to ourshow.
Can you share your journey andwhat inspired you to become
involved with South FloridaInstitute on Aging?
Cresha Reid (00:47):
Well, I'm from Miami, born and raised in Miami.
My background is just workingin nonprofits, working for
government agencies, justsupporting people in need.
That's always been somethingthat's been a part of my life, a
passion um led by faith.
So it's funny enough that I wasnot doing that originally.
(01:09):
When I was going to school, Iwas more focused on animals, and
then it switched to people, soI always tell that as a funny
joke to people because, like Iswitched from um animals to
people.
But anyways, yeah, like mybackground has really been
working with marginalizedcommunities for the past 13, 15
years and then the way I made myway back to South Florida.
(01:31):
I had lived in Michigan forfour years after graduating from
college and then kind ofworking jobs here and there
still supporting people in need.
But I decided to move toMichigan to go to grad school
and then came back and I was ona mission like okay, did my time
there.
I want to come back and kind ofstill work with older adults.
(01:51):
And that's when I found Sophiaand found the.
They had a position for thefoster grand parent program and
that was seven, eight years ago.
So I actually started off as afoster grand parent program
director and then during thepandemic I transitioned to the
vice president of programs andinterim CEO and now CEO.
So that kind of happenedrelatively fast from 21 all the
(02:12):
way to 22 when I became CEO.
Wow, that's pretty fast.
Chris Baker (02:16):
Yeah, really really fast.
Cresha Reid (02:19):
But I mean, you know, I attribute that to my
passion for serving others, andI really made it a point with
every organization that I wentto how can I make our services
more effective, how can I makeprocesses easier?
And I think that led me to theposition that I am today,
because I'm always looking forways that we can be innovative
and creative and leveraging theresources that we have,
(02:40):
especially non-profits.
We know that resources arelimited, so got to do what we
have to do to serve people.
And so my passion has alwaysbeen to focus on that, so that's
kind of what brought me toSophia.
Chris Baker (02:51):
So you talked a little bit about the Foster
Grandparent Program.
Can you tell me a little bitmore?
How did that start?
Was there a collaboration thatmade it all go?
Cresha Reid (02:58):
Yes, so our agency, prior to it be calling the
South Florida Institute on Aging, it was called the Foster
Grandparent Program Committeeand that was a collaboration
between individuals in thecommunity that felt that there
was a need to serve older adultsand then the school board.
So Broward County School Board50 years ago in 1970 was like
(03:20):
hey, we want to collaborate withyou all to start this Foster
Grandparent Program.
So Foster grandparent programactually started in 1965.
And this is a program that is anational program.
That's through AmeriCorpsseniors where you utilize anyone
that's 55 plus to mentor andtutor kids.
They get a stipend as avolunteer.
They also get access to medicalresources, so they get a full
(03:44):
well check through our programif they don't have insurance.
They also get training and getresources that's available to
them in the community alldifferent type of resources,
stuff that's related to them,working with the kids, so
working with students that havebehavior issues, working with
students that have emotionalissues, literacy, math, any of
(04:05):
those things but then alsothings that are related to them,
any financial support that theyneed, housing.
We try to bring that in as aresource.
So that is how we startedthrough that collaboration with
the school board and, like Isaid, that was from 1970.
And now in 2024, we have grownto have all three AmeriCorps
senior programs, so foster,grandparent senior companion
(04:26):
program and the retired seniorvolunteer program and we've had
other collaborations andprograms in between as well
Explain all three of thedifferent programs Like.
Chris Baker (04:35):
How do they differ from each other?
Cresha Reid (04:37):
So the senior companion program, that one is
focused on providingcompanionship and respite
services to isolated individualsor caregivers that are in need
of support.
So again, we use volunteersthat are 55 plus to go into the
homes of individuals that areisolated and need companionship
so they can be homebound.
They could be someone that havelimited mobility, have some
(04:59):
cognitive issues and needsomeone to work with them.
It's kind of like what a friendwould do with a friend.
When your friend is sick, youcheck in on them.
You might do some light mealprep, some lighthouse cleaning,
go walking with them, doingactivities with them.
Chris Baker (05:14):
Watch a movie.
Just have a fun time.
Just have a fun time with them,okay.
Cresha Reid (05:18):
And then, of course , if they're the caregiver in a
home, that's respite for them.
Chris Baker (05:30):
They can go out and do their own medical checkups.
They can go out and take careof themselves, take a break.
That's really what it's for,because you know, as a caregiver
, it can be a lot.
Yeah, I really can, if you needa break sometimes, right, yes,
I understand.
Cresha Reid (05:36):
And then um, our retired and senior volunteer
program.
Um, that program is basicallyopen to meet the needs of the
community, depending on umcommunity.
So it's again 55 plus and ourfocus is on tech services, our
technology program.
It is also focused onsupporting veterans and military
families, as well as communitycenters.
(05:57):
So we have three components toour retired and senior volunteer
program.
So, like I said, the techservices we teach technology
classes.
So we have individuals that arealso 55 plus that are teaching
their peers how to use theirdevices, so their phones, their
laptops, their tablets.
We have a help desk through thepartnership with the Damarino
Foundation.
That's how it got started.
Chris Baker (06:18):
Oh, so that's actually how it got started.
Cresha Reid (06:20):
The help desk program.
Okay so it was an internshipprogram, so we used some of
their interns to start the helpdesk program.
So it was an internship program, so we used some of their
interns to start the help deskand now we were able to hire two
of their interns.
They're now part-time staffthat provide the tech support,
so you can call them over thephone or meet them at a
community center or even asenior high rise to get tech
support.
Chris Baker (06:40):
How did the collaboration between Sophia and
the Dan Marino Foundation begin?
Do you know that story so?
Cresha Reid (06:47):
it started with the director that was over the
program at that time.
She connected with the DanMarino Foundation and was able
to utilize their servicesbecause they were looking for
interns.
Well, to have internsparticipate with us.
And so obviously, we had ourtech services program and they
had a tech component.
So that is how thatcollaboration started.
(07:09):
I believe in 2021, no in 2020,I believe.
Try to remember the dates.
Chris Baker (07:17):
Don't worry about it.
Yeah, try to remember the dates.
Cresha Reid (07:19):
But yeah, that director at that time, cassie
really took the charge.
She led the charge with that tosay, hey, you know, we can
utilize these interns to start ahelp desk, and especially
during a pandemic where we knowthat people needed some support.
And while we didn't have thein-person classes anymore,
everything was virtual.
But guess what?
We had to transition everybodyto virtual services and
(07:42):
understanding their tablets andunderstanding any device that
they use to be able to get onzoom, to do video calling right
so that partnership reallyhelped to start that help desk
component and then after thepandemic and we had a new
director take on the program, westill continued it and it
expanded.
Obviously now we're in personand we are at different
(08:04):
community centers.
We are scheduled every week ata different community center.
People can call in and get theassistance that we need and we
still partner with the DanMarino Foundation to have
interns as well as the part timestaff that we hired.
So our hope is to make that part, those part time staff, to be
full time so we could providemore hours of service.
Chris Baker (08:24):
Oh, that's fantastic.
And then the third is thefoster.
That's kind of changed, correct, yeah?
Cresha Reid (08:30):
So the foster grand prep program is the third thing
and, like I said, the seniorcompanion and then RSVP has
three components the tech andthe supporting veterans and
military families.
So we have veterans that are atthe va clinics, that provide
resources to individuals andthey actually run the va clinic
like in the front, I would sayso they're in the front, in the
(08:53):
front, but they're like theirfirst point of contact.
You come in there, you say youhave an appointment.
They try to figure out whatwhere you need to go.
Do you?
You know, are you looking atthe social worker?
You?
Do you have an actual doctor'sappointment?
Chris Baker (09:04):
Okay, and then other resources, some more
triage in that space.
Cresha Reid (09:15):
And other resources that they may need and really
understanding their benefits.
The VA clinics to try to trainour volunteers on using my
Healthy Vet, which is the onlineportal that all of the vets
have to use to set up theirappointments, to understand
their medications, the referrals, all of that stuff.
And that was also a bigtransition again during the
(09:36):
pandemic to teach everyone thatand that that's something that
we are continuing to use.
So we've always collaboratedwith other individuals and other
organizations to start that.
And then the last is thecommunity centers.
We have volunteers that are atcommunity centers that they run
the congregate meals program,the food pantry.
(09:57):
They facilitate the programmingthere.
Some of them are also in thefront as well.
So we got a lot of volunteers.
They do a lot of stuff.
Chris Baker (10:04):
I I was going to say that, like for me, when I'm
looking at Sophia, I'm reallykind of just getting the grand
scope of it now in the fullness,like there are so many
different things that you guysoffer.
This is fantastic.
Yeah, how many staff do youguys have with your team?
Cresha Reid (10:20):
So we have 13 at the moment full-time and
part-time staff.
Chris Baker (10:25):
That's excellent, yeah, yeah.
And then how many volunteers,roughly are you?
Cresha Reid (10:29):
We have a little over 300 volunteers.
Chris Baker (10:31):
Nice, that's fantastic.
Cresha Reid (10:33):
Wonderful.
Chris Baker (10:34):
So the other piece that I really want to like try
to help visualize for people andthat's why it's called Visual
Eyes to talk a little bit aboutsome of the challenges and
lessons that you've learned sothat hopefully other nonprofits
and then other businesses cansee how they can partner with or
, you know, avoid some of thosecommon misfalls that may not
(10:56):
need to happen.
So what are some of thechallenges that you guys have
experienced with dealing withthe aging population in South
Florida and kind of giving themthat innovation?
Cresha Reid (11:05):
um, I would say obviously.
Obviously, technology is a bigpiece on our end and then on
their end, of course, makingsure that we have the resources
to be able to teach them,utilizing the volunteers,
leveraging what our volunteersare currently doing.
Funding is also a challengewhich I had mentioned before
(11:27):
because we need the funding inorder to do the work.
So, that includes staffing, thatincludes even, you know, the
stipends that we provide to ourvolunteers, as well as the
actual devices, because one ofthe things that we run into and
this is specific to techservices and technology we have
(11:48):
people that really want classes,but they may not have devices
in order for us to teach.
So we usually start off withlike the phone, because that's
the easiest thing.
Everybody has a phone, but mostpeople they're like no, I want
to learn how to use a computer,not just my phone.
So, working with communitypartners to say, hey, can you
donate some laptops to us sothat we can be able to provide
(12:08):
these classes to individuals, orworking with the city or
working with anotherorganization to say, hey, you
know, this community centerneeds to have a computer lab.
It's not only going to benefitjust the individuals taking the
classes, but the whole entirecommunity.
So those are some of thechallenges I would say we face
and really even strategizing.
That's something that I learnedrecently, not to say I didn't
(12:31):
think about it before, but Ithink I'll give you an example.
So we currently have a waitlist on our senior companion
program.
Last year, something that cameup and we realized we didn't
have enough volunteers toprovide services to individuals
that needed companionship andrestful services.
So we worked with Wisdom Care,which is a health entity.
(12:52):
They utilize home health aides,cnas and everything to provide
services as well as heart toheart.
They also use volunteers, justlike we do to provide services.
I mean we use older adults andthey use everyone to provide
services.
So we are still incollaboration with them.
We sat down and kind of like,hey, here's all of the people
that's on our wait list, hereare the organizations that we
(13:14):
currently work with, and how canwe bring down this wait list?
How can we really support thepeople that are currently
getting services, the one thatneeds services?
So what we found was like withWisdom Care they were willing to
provide a service ifindividual's insurance covered
it.
So they actually are the oneswho called everyone and say, hey
, let's verify your insuranceand see what we can provide to
(13:36):
you, because while you may notbe able to get a volunteer, that
doesn't mean we can't providecoverage for you right now.
So that was one thing.
And then now working with Heartto Heart to utilize their
volunteers to provide servicesto the individuals that are in
need, and I thought that waslike the best collaboration,
because I think a lot of timeswe just our first thought is to
just refer people, give you aphone number, give you an email,
(13:58):
and not really like dofollow-up, like I don't want
that like here's an actual planthat we have and I think, um,
sometimes we miss that asorganizations that we find that
we want to work together.
We might have the initialmeeting and talk to each other
and say here's our needs, here's, you know, some of the
resources, but then not actual,not create a plan, and that plan
(14:19):
was necessary for us.
Chris Baker (14:20):
Well, and plans like that actually help both of
you expand and both of you grow,and so that's one of the
reasons why we're here, likewe're really trying to
collaborate and figure out waysto make those more powerful,
because, yeah, if you just get aresource and you get a phone
call, yes, it could solve animmediate need, but long term,
is it enough, right?
(14:41):
And so that's yeah, that'sdefinitely something that's good
.
So I'm glad that you guys areworking with Heart to Heart.
It's fantastic.
We love working with Heart toHeart as well.
And so let's talk a little bitmore about Sophia Care Services.
Sure, they're aimed to supportthe caregivers and enhance
well-being for the older adults,but can you discuss the impact
(15:04):
of these programs on the wholecommunity and share any success
story that stands out?
Cresha Reid (15:10):
So on the whole community, you know, like I
shared earlier about what oursenior companion program does.
On average, we have aboutroughly like 90 volunteers that
serve over 300 individuals inthe community and sometimes even
more for the year.
But yeah, they really focus onreducing isolation, because
that's the top thing and this iseven beyond the pandemic.
(15:33):
We know that this is the issuethat people face as they get
older because they're losingfamily members, they're losing
friends and now they becomeisolated, and obviously our top
goal is to reduce that isolation.
Our goal is usually between 85to 90 percent of individuals
serve that.
They report feeling lessisolated, feeling more
independent and have anincreased social support.
(15:56):
And that is the case also forthe caregiver have an increased
social support.
It's something that they reportas well.
Over 85 to 90 percent of themreport that.
Chris Baker (16:06):
And there was another piece that she asked
your success story a successstory, so what's a good one that
you might have?
Cresha Reid (16:12):
I'm gonna say, and I know probably, if my staff
hears this, they're gonna say Iharp on her too much.
But olga benjamin is one of thevolunteers that I love.
Her nickname is patsy.
I actually met her as patsy.
So then when we had like ain-service meeting or something
and they were like Olga Benjamin, I'm like who is that?
It's like oh, that's Miss Patsy.
I'm like that's two completelydifferent names.
(16:33):
That is such an island thingbecause island people will have
nicknames for you that do notmatch with your name.
So I should have known betterthan that.
But she is a wonderfulvolunteer and she is super
active.
She sees individuals in herbuilding um in her community.
She likes to go out todifferent community events
because she wants to learn evenmore about what's happening in
(16:54):
her community, around her andbring resources to individuals.
So one of the um clients thatshe has worked with has talked
about how meaningful it is toshare stories with someone that
is also from the Caribbean, soshe's from Guyana and some of
her clients are like Jamaicanand she has, you know, black
American clients too, but theytalk like reminiscing is
(17:15):
important.
So being able to talk about yourchildhood, talk about some
stories, how you grew up, theyreally say that they love being
able to do that with her and howresourceful she is.
She really works with not onlythe individual but then also the
caregiver that's in the homeand then sometimes there's also
a nurse that's there.
So they love having her aroundbecause they can give her
(17:36):
information like hey, you know,remind, you know such and such
that she needs to take hermedication, or here's some
exercise that she needs to doduring the week, and she'll do
it with them.
And she really represents whatall of our volunteers do.
So it's not just that one pieceof service that they do, like
what we highlight a lot.
It's a lot more than that,because we really try to make
them integrated in people'shomes, into the school system,
(17:59):
into the VA system, whatever itis.
Really try to integrate them,because we're all people that
have so much that's to us.
We're not just, you know, onething we're a lot of things, we
are.
Chris Baker (18:11):
We are definitely a lot of things, and one of the
things that you keep mentioning,that I'm hearing a lot right
now, is that isolation piece.
Like we are human beings and wethrive on connection Right.
And, like you had said, duringthe pandemic everybody got a lot
more isolated and then we hadto like start it, like the whole
world changed.
Cresha Reid (18:29):
Right.
Chris Baker (18:30):
And so now we need to kind of pull that connection
back.
Like, how do we have this oneon one communication?
How do we get together withfriends, play board games,
whatever that connection is, andnot just be virtual, get out of
your house.
Get out of your house, listen.
Cresha Reid (18:45):
I could attest to, especially being an introvert
that a lot of times I just wantto lay on my couch and watch TV
and like very specific, like Ijust want to watch anime and
watch some Chinese drama or someKorean drama.
But, can't do that, have to gooutside and honestly, just
looking at my volunteers andeven looking at the clients I
think about, like you know, Iwant to be like them, I want to
(19:07):
be super active, I want to, youknow, be healthy, I want to have
my right frame of mind and knowthat connection, like you said,
is important.
So really just going out thereand finding things to do that
you like, or even new thingsthat you want to do, and we try
to have our volunteers do thesame thing.
So for us, the way that we umencourage people to do that
(19:28):
through our in-service meetingsand through our events so we
have bi-monthly in-servicemeetings for our volunteers that
I had mentioned before, that weprovide training and resources,
but a part of that is alsosocial activities and having
them invite other people fromthe community.
We invite our communitypartners to attend.
So they like.
So we had our holiday party indecember and so we had painting
(19:52):
with faith.
So they painted a wonderfulpainting.
So, over probably like 250, 250volunteers painting, they
painted Christmas tree, painteda nice background with mountains
, and they really enjoyed it.
Even like we had a few of ourboard members, they had their
own pages.
They're like oh, I'm going tobring this back to share with my
(20:12):
grandkids, so now they tookthat activity that they did and
they're bringing it back totheir family.
So that's how we encouragepeople to really think about
going out and doing somethingand staying connected.
Chris Baker (20:23):
I love that.
I love that, all right.
So let's talk a little bitabout future goals and vision
and vision, um.
So, looking ahead, what are thestrategies that you're
prioritizing right now withSophia?
That is going to help some ofthe aging community, um, and
then really, how can otherpeople join in on that impact to
collaborate with you?
Cresha Reid (20:43):
so um you reaching out to us to talk about
collaborations is so timely,because that's really been a
focus.
No, honestly, honestly I know wesay that a lot when it comes to
working with people.
Like I said before,collaboration, collaboration,
but then it really turns intojust referral and I'm like no,
no more of that.
I'm really focused on how can Ihelp our volunteers really
(21:06):
enhance the services andresources when it comes to
technology, understanding morefor their health.
So companionship and respiteservices is one component of it,
but they need other things tohelp increase their health
outcomes.
So, really working with HolyCross Hospital, because they
have been a big partner of ours,working, hopefully, with other
(21:28):
organizations to do the same,like what is it that we can do
to help increase health outcomes?
And then, even in terms of thestudents that we're working with
, what other programs can weprovide to them and their
families?
Can we provide a parentingprogram?
How can we work with the schooldistrict?
How can we work with, you know,other nonprofits that also work
with children?
(21:49):
So that's what we really havebeen looking at is enhancing our
programs and services.
But not only that.
Advocacy is also a big thingfor us Working with some of the
cities working with, like AARP,because they also have a program
to train individuals on how toadvocate on policy that's
important to older adults.
So that's what we're lookingforward to is really training
(22:10):
our volunteers, giving them theknowledge and wisdom and then
bringing them to the citycouncil meetings, bringing them
to the commissioner meetings, tovoice from our volunteers and
the programs and services andsay, hey, here are the things
that are happening in thecommunity, come and work with us
(22:40):
so that we can make thingsbetter because we serve.
We have 300 volunteers.
However, we serve between 1,500to 2,000 people.
That's a good sample size toreally say like, hey, we kind of
know what we're talking abouthere when it comes to serving
the community, so we want tofocus on that.
So program enhancements, thoughtleadership and advocacy are the
(23:01):
three main things I'm lookingforward to.
Chris Baker (23:03):
Wonderful, so if anybody out there is listening,
definitely reach out to CreshaReed at Sophia reach out to
crecia reed at sofia.
Cresha Reid (23:16):
It's the sofiaorg is their website.
Did I get that?
Chris Baker (23:18):
right, yes, I got it right the sofiaorg.
Um.
So, yeah, let's definitely, youknow, expand your collaboration
efforts.
Let's make sure that you havesomething that can expand and
grow for years to come.
So, with that, this is mylegacy question that I always
want to ask everybody.
Cresha Reid (23:34):
So as we wrap up.
Chris Baker (23:36):
What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?
Cresha Reid (23:41):
through your work.
Chris Baker (23:43):
And how do you envision it to inspire future
generations?
Cresha Reid (23:47):
What legacy do I hope to leave behind?
I think the passion and thethirst to really eliminate
barriers for people, because sofar in my 37, this year it's
going to be 38 years of life, Idon't think my passion has ever
died for wanting to reallyfigure out how can we, like work
(24:10):
ourself out of business, like Ino longer want to feel as if,
like people don't have basicneeds met, like having housing,
having education, transportation, health, medical services.
Those are things that areimportant.
I think that's the legacy thatI would like to leave is that I
really took the time to beinnovative and creative and
(24:32):
really collaborate withindividuals to see not just to
see, but provide results ineliminating as much as possible.
So that's what I hope to leavebehind.
Chris Baker (24:43):
That's fantastic.
So just to wrap up, how canpeople get a hold of you?
I did mention the websitealready, but is there any other
way that they can get a hold ofyou so they can collaborate with
?
Cresha Reid (24:52):
you?
Yes, so they can reach out tome by calling, so 954-484-7117.
And you could actually say myname and it will direct you to
me.
So that nice little piece oftechnology that helps you
recognize people's voices willdirect you to me, or you can
email me.
So my email is my first initialC and then my last name, reed
(25:15):
R-E-I-D at the Sophiaorg Perfect.
Chris Baker (25:18):
Well, Cresha, thank you so much for coming on to
Visual Eyes today.
I hope that you get tons ofcollaboration emails moving
forward and this year turns outto be an amazing 2025.
Thank you so thank you so much,thank you, thank you, thank 2025
.
Thank you.
So thank you so much, thank you, thank you.
Thank you for joining me onthis episode of Visual Eyes.
We hope that the inspirationand practical insights can help
(25:38):
you foster stronger connectionsand meaningful change.
Don't forget to subscribe,share the episode and leave us a
review.
To learn more about Visuals byMomo and how we support
collaboration and storytelling,visit visualsbymomocom.
A huge thank you to everyoneout there listening.
Until next time, remember,collaboration fuels change and
(26:00):
your connections can inspire theworld.
Welcome to Visual Eyes, the podcast where
collaboration fuels change.
I'm your host, Chris Baker, andeach week we'll explore
incredible connections betweennonprofits, businesses and the
community.
This is a space where wehighlight inspiring partnerships
, uncover strategies forcreating meaningful impact and
share stories that show howworking together can make all
(00:24):
the difference.
Whether you're a nonprofitleader, a business owner or
someone just passionate aboutbuilding connections, this
podcast is for you.
Welcome back to Visual Eyestoday.
I am welcoming Cresha to ourshow.
Can you share your journey andwhat inspired you to become
involved with South FloridaInstitute on Aging?
Cresha Reid (00:47):
Well, I'm from Miami, born and raised in Miami.
My background is just workingin nonprofits, working for
government agencies, justsupporting people in need.
That's always been somethingthat's been a part of my life, a
passion um led by faith.
So it's funny enough that I wasnot doing that originally.
(01:09):
When I was going to school, Iwas more focused on animals, and
then it switched to people, soI always tell that as a funny
joke to people because, like Iswitched from um animals to
people.
But anyways, yeah, like mybackground has really been
working with marginalizedcommunities for the past 13, 15
years and then the way I made myway back to South Florida.
(01:31):
I had lived in Michigan forfour years after graduating from
college and then kind ofworking jobs here and there
still supporting people in need.
But I decided to move toMichigan to go to grad school
and then came back and I was ona mission like okay, did my time
there.
I want to come back and kind ofstill work with older adults.
(01:51):
And that's when I found Sophiaand found the.
They had a position for thefoster grand parent program and
that was seven, eight years ago.
So I actually started off as afoster grand parent program
director and then during thepandemic I transitioned to the
vice president of programs andinterim CEO and now CEO.
So that kind of happenedrelatively fast from 21 all the
(02:12):
way to 22 when I became CEO.
Wow, that's pretty fast.
Chris Baker (02:16):
Yeah, really really fast.
Cresha Reid (02:19):
But I mean, you know, I attribute that to my
passion for serving others, andI really made it a point with
every organization that I wentto how can I make our services
more effective, how can I makeprocesses easier?
And I think that led me to theposition that I am today,
because I'm always looking forways that we can be innovative
and creative and leveraging theresources that we have,
(02:40):
especially non-profits.
We know that resources arelimited, so got to do what we
have to do to serve people.
And so my passion has alwaysbeen to focus on that, so that's
kind of what brought me toSophia.
Chris Baker (02:51):
So you talked a little bit about the Foster
Grandparent Program.
Can you tell me a little bitmore?
How did that start?
Was there a collaboration thatmade it all go?
Cresha Reid (02:58):
Yes, so our agency, prior to it be calling the
South Florida Institute on Aging, it was called the Foster
Grandparent Program Committeeand that was a collaboration
between individuals in thecommunity that felt that there
was a need to serve older adultsand then the school board.
So Broward County School Board50 years ago in 1970 was like
(03:20):
hey, we want to collaborate withyou all to start this Foster
Grandparent Program.
So Foster grandparent programactually started in 1965.
And this is a program that is anational program.
That's through AmeriCorpsseniors where you utilize anyone
that's 55 plus to mentor andtutor kids.
They get a stipend as avolunteer.
They also get access to medicalresources, so they get a full
(03:44):
well check through our programif they don't have insurance.
They also get training and getresources that's available to
them in the community alldifferent type of resources,
stuff that's related to them,working with the kids, so
working with students that havebehavior issues, working with
students that have emotionalissues, literacy, math, any of
(04:05):
those things but then alsothings that are related to them,
any financial support that theyneed, housing.
We try to bring that in as aresource.
So that is how we startedthrough that collaboration with
the school board and, like Isaid, that was from 1970.
And now in 2024, we have grownto have all three AmeriCorps
senior programs, so foster,grandparent senior companion
(04:26):
program and the retired seniorvolunteer program and we've had
other collaborations andprograms in between as well
Explain all three of thedifferent programs Like.
Chris Baker (04:35):
How do they differ from each other?
Cresha Reid (04:37):
So the senior companion program, that one is
focused on providingcompanionship and respite
services to isolated individualsor caregivers that are in need
of support.
So again, we use volunteersthat are 55 plus to go into the
homes of individuals that areisolated and need companionship
so they can be homebound.
They could be someone that havelimited mobility, have some
(04:59):
cognitive issues and needsomeone to work with them.
It's kind of like what a friendwould do with a friend.
When your friend is sick, youcheck in on them.
You might do some light mealprep, some lighthouse cleaning,
go walking with them, doingactivities with them.
Chris Baker (05:14):
Watch a movie.
Just have a fun time.
Just have a fun time with them,okay.
Cresha Reid (05:18):
And then, of course , if they're the caregiver in a
home, that's respite for them.
Chris Baker (05:30):
They can go out and do their own medical checkups.
They can go out and take careof themselves, take a break.
That's really what it's for,because you know, as a caregiver
, it can be a lot.
Yeah, I really can, if you needa break sometimes, right, yes,
I understand.
Cresha Reid (05:36):
And then um, our retired and senior volunteer
program.
Um, that program is basicallyopen to meet the needs of the
community, depending on umcommunity.
So it's again 55 plus and ourfocus is on tech services, our
technology program.
It is also focused onsupporting veterans and military
families, as well as communitycenters.
(05:57):
So we have three components toour retired and senior volunteer
program.
So, like I said, the techservices we teach technology
classes.
So we have individuals that arealso 55 plus that are teaching
their peers how to use theirdevices, so their phones, their
laptops, their tablets.
We have a help desk through thepartnership with the Damarino
Foundation.
That's how it got started.
Chris Baker (06:18):
Oh, so that's actually how it got started.
Cresha Reid (06:20):
The help desk program.
Okay so it was an internshipprogram, so we used some of
their interns to start the helpdesk program.
So it was an internship program, so we used some of their
interns to start the help deskand now we were able to hire two
of their interns.
They're now part-time staffthat provide the tech support,
so you can call them over thephone or meet them at a
community center or even asenior high rise to get tech
support.
Chris Baker (06:40):
How did the collaboration between Sophia and
the Dan Marino Foundation begin?
Do you know that story so?
Cresha Reid (06:47):
it started with the director that was over the
program at that time.
She connected with the DanMarino Foundation and was able
to utilize their servicesbecause they were looking for
interns.
Well, to have internsparticipate with us.
And so obviously, we had ourtech services program and they
had a tech component.
So that is how thatcollaboration started.
(07:09):
I believe in 2021, no in 2020,I believe.
Try to remember the dates.
Chris Baker (07:17):
Don't worry about it.
Yeah, try to remember the dates.
Cresha Reid (07:19):
But yeah, that director at that time, cassie
really took the charge.
She led the charge with that tosay, hey, you know, we can
utilize these interns to start ahelp desk, and especially
during a pandemic where we knowthat people needed some support.
And while we didn't have thein-person classes anymore,
everything was virtual.
But guess what?
We had to transition everybodyto virtual services and
(07:42):
understanding their tablets andunderstanding any device that
they use to be able to get onzoom, to do video calling right
so that partnership reallyhelped to start that help desk
component and then after thepandemic and we had a new
director take on the program, westill continued it and it
expanded.
Obviously now we're in personand we are at different
(08:04):
community centers.
We are scheduled every week ata different community center.
People can call in and get theassistance that we need and we
still partner with the DanMarino Foundation to have
interns as well as the part timestaff that we hired.
So our hope is to make that part, those part time staff, to be
full time so we could providemore hours of service.
Chris Baker (08:24):
Oh, that's fantastic.
And then the third is thefoster.
That's kind of changed, correct, yeah?
Cresha Reid (08:30):
So the foster grand prep program is the third thing
and, like I said, the seniorcompanion and then RSVP has
three components the tech andthe supporting veterans and
military families.
So we have veterans that are atthe va clinics, that provide
resources to individuals andthey actually run the va clinic
like in the front, I would sayso they're in the front, in the
(08:53):
front, but they're like theirfirst point of contact.
You come in there, you say youhave an appointment.
They try to figure out whatwhere you need to go.
Do you?
You know, are you looking atthe social worker?
You?
Do you have an actual doctor'sappointment?
Chris Baker (09:04):
Okay, and then other resources, some more
triage in that space.
Cresha Reid (09:15):
And other resources that they may need and really
understanding their benefits.
The VA clinics to try to trainour volunteers on using my
Healthy Vet, which is the onlineportal that all of the vets
have to use to set up theirappointments, to understand
their medications, the referrals, all of that stuff.
And that was also a bigtransition again during the
(09:36):
pandemic to teach everyone thatand that that's something that
we are continuing to use.
So we've always collaboratedwith other individuals and other
organizations to start that.
And then the last is thecommunity centers.
We have volunteers that are atcommunity centers that they run
the congregate meals program,the food pantry.
(09:57):
They facilitate the programmingthere.
Some of them are also in thefront as well.
So we got a lot of volunteers.
They do a lot of stuff.
Chris Baker (10:04):
I I was going to say that, like for me, when I'm
looking at Sophia, I'm reallykind of just getting the grand
scope of it now in the fullness,like there are so many
different things that you guysoffer.
This is fantastic.
Yeah, how many staff do youguys have with your team?
Cresha Reid (10:20):
So we have 13 at the moment full-time and
part-time staff.
Chris Baker (10:25):
That's excellent, yeah, yeah.
And then how many volunteers,roughly are you?
Cresha Reid (10:29):
We have a little over 300 volunteers.
Chris Baker (10:31):
Nice, that's fantastic.
Cresha Reid (10:33):
Wonderful.
Chris Baker (10:34):
So the other piece that I really want to like try
to help visualize for people andthat's why it's called Visual
Eyes to talk a little bit aboutsome of the challenges and
lessons that you've learned sothat hopefully other nonprofits
and then other businesses cansee how they can partner with or
, you know, avoid some of thosecommon misfalls that may not
(10:56):
need to happen.
So what are some of thechallenges that you guys have
experienced with dealing withthe aging population in South
Florida and kind of giving themthat innovation?
Cresha Reid (11:05):
um, I would say obviously.
Obviously, technology is a bigpiece on our end and then on
their end, of course, makingsure that we have the resources
to be able to teach them,utilizing the volunteers,
leveraging what our volunteersare currently doing.
Funding is also a challengewhich I had mentioned before
(11:27):
because we need the funding inorder to do the work.
So, that includes staffing, thatincludes even, you know, the
stipends that we provide to ourvolunteers, as well as the
actual devices, because one ofthe things that we run into and
this is specific to techservices and technology we have
(11:48):
people that really want classes,but they may not have devices
in order for us to teach.
So we usually start off withlike the phone, because that's
the easiest thing.
Everybody has a phone, but mostpeople they're like no, I want
to learn how to use a computer,not just my phone.
So, working with communitypartners to say, hey, can you
donate some laptops to us sothat we can be able to provide
(12:08):
these classes to individuals, orworking with the city or
working with anotherorganization to say, hey, you
know, this community centerneeds to have a computer lab.
It's not only going to benefitjust the individuals taking the
classes, but the whole entirecommunity.
So those are some of thechallenges I would say we face
and really even strategizing.
That's something that I learnedrecently, not to say I didn't
(12:31):
think about it before, but Ithink I'll give you an example.
So we currently have a waitlist on our senior companion
program.
Last year, something that cameup and we realized we didn't
have enough volunteers toprovide services to individuals
that needed companionship andrestful services.
So we worked with Wisdom Care,which is a health entity.
(12:52):
They utilize home health aides,cnas and everything to provide
services as well as heart toheart.
They also use volunteers, justlike we do to provide services.
I mean we use older adults andthey use everyone to provide
services.
So we are still incollaboration with them.
We sat down and kind of like,hey, here's all of the people
that's on our wait list, hereare the organizations that we
(13:14):
currently work with, and how canwe bring down this wait list?
How can we really support thepeople that are currently
getting services, the one thatneeds services?
So what we found was like withWisdom Care they were willing to
provide a service ifindividual's insurance covered
it.
So they actually are the oneswho called everyone and say, hey
, let's verify your insuranceand see what we can provide to
(13:36):
you, because while you may notbe able to get a volunteer, that
doesn't mean we can't providecoverage for you right now.
So that was one thing.
And then now working with Heartto Heart to utilize their
volunteers to provide servicesto the individuals that are in
need, and I thought that waslike the best collaboration,
because I think a lot of timeswe just our first thought is to
just refer people, give you aphone number, give you an email,
(13:58):
and not really like dofollow-up, like I don't want
that like here's an actual planthat we have and I think, um,
sometimes we miss that asorganizations that we find that
we want to work together.
We might have the initialmeeting and talk to each other
and say here's our needs, here's, you know, some of the
resources, but then not actual,not create a plan, and that plan
(14:19):
was necessary for us.
Chris Baker (14:20):
Well, and plans like that actually help both of
you expand and both of you grow,and so that's one of the
reasons why we're here, likewe're really trying to
collaborate and figure out waysto make those more powerful,
because, yeah, if you just get aresource and you get a phone
call, yes, it could solve animmediate need, but long term,
is it enough, right?
(14:41):
And so that's yeah, that'sdefinitely something that's good
.
So I'm glad that you guys areworking with Heart to Heart.
It's fantastic.
We love working with Heart toHeart as well.
And so let's talk a little bitmore about Sophia Care Services.
Sure, they're aimed to supportthe caregivers and enhance
well-being for the older adults,but can you discuss the impact
(15:04):
of these programs on the wholecommunity and share any success
story that stands out?
Cresha Reid (15:10):
So on the whole community, you know, like I
shared earlier about what oursenior companion program does.
On average, we have aboutroughly like 90 volunteers that
serve over 300 individuals inthe community and sometimes even
more for the year.
But yeah, they really focus onreducing isolation, because
that's the top thing and this iseven beyond the pandemic.
(15:33):
We know that this is the issuethat people face as they get
older because they're losingfamily members, they're losing
friends and now they becomeisolated, and obviously our top
goal is to reduce that isolation.
Our goal is usually between 85to 90 percent of individuals
serve that.
They report feeling lessisolated, feeling more
independent and have anincreased social support.
(15:56):
And that is the case also forthe caregiver have an increased
social support.
It's something that they reportas well.
Over 85 to 90 percent of themreport that.
Chris Baker (16:06):
And there was another piece that she asked
your success story a successstory, so what's a good one that
you might have?
Cresha Reid (16:12):
I'm gonna say, and I know probably, if my staff
hears this, they're gonna say Iharp on her too much.
But olga benjamin is one of thevolunteers that I love.
Her nickname is patsy.
I actually met her as patsy.
So then when we had like ain-service meeting or something
and they were like Olga Benjamin, I'm like who is that?
It's like oh, that's Miss Patsy.
I'm like that's two completelydifferent names.
(16:33):
That is such an island thingbecause island people will have
nicknames for you that do notmatch with your name.
So I should have known betterthan that.
But she is a wonderfulvolunteer and she is super
active.
She sees individuals in herbuilding um in her community.
She likes to go out todifferent community events
because she wants to learn evenmore about what's happening in
(16:54):
her community, around her andbring resources to individuals.
So one of the um clients thatshe has worked with has talked
about how meaningful it is toshare stories with someone that
is also from the Caribbean, soshe's from Guyana and some of
her clients are like Jamaicanand she has, you know, black
American clients too, but theytalk like reminiscing is
(17:15):
important.
So being able to talk about yourchildhood, talk about some
stories, how you grew up, theyreally say that they love being
able to do that with her and howresourceful she is.
She really works with not onlythe individual but then also the
caregiver that's in the homeand then sometimes there's also
a nurse that's there.
So they love having her aroundbecause they can give her
(17:36):
information like hey, you know,remind, you know such and such
that she needs to take hermedication, or here's some
exercise that she needs to doduring the week, and she'll do
it with them.
And she really represents whatall of our volunteers do.
So it's not just that one pieceof service that they do, like
what we highlight a lot.
It's a lot more than that,because we really try to make
them integrated in people'shomes, into the school system,
(17:59):
into the VA system, whatever itis.
Really try to integrate them,because we're all people that
have so much that's to us.
We're not just, you know, onething we're a lot of things, we
are.
Chris Baker (18:11):
We are definitely a lot of things, and one of the
things that you keep mentioning,that I'm hearing a lot right
now, is that isolation piece.
Like we are human beings and wethrive on connection Right.
And, like you had said, duringthe pandemic everybody got a lot
more isolated and then we hadto like start it, like the whole
world changed.
Cresha Reid (18:29):
Right.
Chris Baker (18:30):
And so now we need to kind of pull that connection
back.
Like, how do we have this oneon one communication?
How do we get together withfriends, play board games,
whatever that connection is, andnot just be virtual, get out of
your house.
Get out of your house, listen.
Cresha Reid (18:45):
I could attest to, especially being an introvert
that a lot of times I just wantto lay on my couch and watch TV
and like very specific, like Ijust want to watch anime and
watch some Chinese drama or someKorean drama.
But, can't do that, have to gooutside and honestly, just
looking at my volunteers andeven looking at the clients I
think about, like you know, Iwant to be like them, I want to
(19:07):
be super active, I want to, youknow, be healthy, I want to have
my right frame of mind and knowthat connection, like you said,
is important.
So really just going out thereand finding things to do that
you like, or even new thingsthat you want to do, and we try
to have our volunteers do thesame thing.
So for us, the way that we umencourage people to do that
(19:28):
through our in-service meetingsand through our events so we
have bi-monthly in-servicemeetings for our volunteers that
I had mentioned before, that weprovide training and resources,
but a part of that is alsosocial activities and having
them invite other people fromthe community.
We invite our communitypartners to attend.
So they like.
So we had our holiday party indecember and so we had painting
(19:52):
with faith.
So they painted a wonderfulpainting.
So, over probably like 250, 250volunteers painting, they
painted Christmas tree, painteda nice background with mountains
, and they really enjoyed it.
Even like we had a few of ourboard members, they had their
own pages.
They're like oh, I'm going tobring this back to share with my
(20:12):
grandkids, so now they tookthat activity that they did and
they're bringing it back totheir family.
So that's how we encouragepeople to really think about
going out and doing somethingand staying connected.
Chris Baker (20:23):
I love that.
I love that, all right.
So let's talk a little bitabout future goals and vision
and vision, um.
So, looking ahead, what are thestrategies that you're
prioritizing right now withSophia?
That is going to help some ofthe aging community, um, and
then really, how can otherpeople join in on that impact to
collaborate with you?
Cresha Reid (20:43):
so um you reaching out to us to talk about
collaborations is so timely,because that's really been a
focus.
No, honestly, honestly I know wesay that a lot when it comes to
working with people.
Like I said before,collaboration, collaboration,
but then it really turns intojust referral and I'm like no,
no more of that.
I'm really focused on how can Ihelp our volunteers really
(21:06):
enhance the services andresources when it comes to
technology, understanding morefor their health.
So companionship and respiteservices is one component of it,
but they need other things tohelp increase their health
outcomes.
So, really working with HolyCross Hospital, because they
have been a big partner of ours,working, hopefully, with other
(21:28):
organizations to do the same,like what is it that we can do
to help increase health outcomes?
And then, even in terms of thestudents that we're working with
, what other programs can weprovide to them and their
families?
Can we provide a parentingprogram?
How can we work with the schooldistrict?
How can we work with, you know,other nonprofits that also work
with children?
(21:49):
So that's what we really havebeen looking at is enhancing our
programs and services.
But not only that.
Advocacy is also a big thingfor us Working with some of the
cities working with, like AARP,because they also have a program
to train individuals on how toadvocate on policy that's
important to older adults.
So that's what we're lookingforward to is really training
(22:10):
our volunteers, giving them theknowledge and wisdom and then
bringing them to the citycouncil meetings, bringing them
to the commissioner meetings, tovoice from our volunteers and
the programs and services andsay, hey, here are the things
that are happening in thecommunity, come and work with us
(22:40):
so that we can make thingsbetter because we serve.
We have 300 volunteers.
However, we serve between 1,500to 2,000 people.
That's a good sample size toreally say like, hey, we kind of
know what we're talking abouthere when it comes to serving
the community, so we want tofocus on that.
So program enhancements, thoughtleadership and advocacy are the
(23:01):
three main things I'm lookingforward to.
Chris Baker (23:03):
Wonderful, so if anybody out there is listening,
definitely reach out to CreshaReed at Sophia reach out to
crecia reed at sofia.
Cresha Reid (23:16):
It's the sofiaorg is their website.
Did I get that?
Chris Baker (23:18):
right, yes, I got it right the sofiaorg.
Um.
So, yeah, let's definitely, youknow, expand your collaboration
efforts.
Let's make sure that you havesomething that can expand and
grow for years to come.
So, with that, this is mylegacy question that I always
want to ask everybody.
Cresha Reid (23:34):
So as we wrap up.
Chris Baker (23:36):
What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?
Cresha Reid (23:41):
through your work.
Chris Baker (23:43):
And how do you envision it to inspire future
generations?
Cresha Reid (23:47):
What legacy do I hope to leave behind?
I think the passion and thethirst to really eliminate
barriers for people, because sofar in my 37, this year it's
going to be 38 years of life, Idon't think my passion has ever
died for wanting to reallyfigure out how can we, like work
(24:10):
ourself out of business, like Ino longer want to feel as if,
like people don't have basicneeds met, like having housing,
having education, transportation, health, medical services.
Those are things that areimportant.
I think that's the legacy thatI would like to leave is that I
really took the time to beinnovative and creative and
(24:32):
really collaborate withindividuals to see not just to
see, but provide results ineliminating as much as possible.
So that's what I hope to leavebehind.
Chris Baker (24:43):
That's fantastic.
So just to wrap up, how canpeople get a hold of you?
I did mention the websitealready, but is there any other
way that they can get a hold ofyou so they can collaborate with
?
Cresha Reid (24:52):
you?
Yes, so they can reach out tome by calling, so 954-484-7117.
And you could actually say myname and it will direct you to
me.
So that nice little piece oftechnology that helps you
recognize people's voices willdirect you to me, or you can
email me.
So my email is my first initialC and then my last name, reed
(25:15):
R-E-I-D at the Sophiaorg Perfect.
Chris Baker (25:18):
Well, Cresha, thank you so much for coming on to
Visual Eyes today.
I hope that you get tons ofcollaboration emails moving
forward and this year turns outto be an amazing 2025.
Thank you so thank you so much,thank you, thank you, thank 2025
.
Thank you.
So thank you so much, thank you, thank you.
Thank you for joining me onthis episode of Visual Eyes.
We hope that the inspirationand practical insights can help
(25:38):
you foster stronger connectionsand meaningful change.
Don't forget to subscribe,share the episode and leave us a
review.
To learn more about Visuals byMomo and how we support
collaboration and storytelling,visit visualsbymomocom.
A huge thank you to everyoneout there listening.
Until next time, remember,collaboration fuels change and
(26:00):
your connections can inspire theworld.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.