Imagine a solid charity-led effort to enhance Liberty City’s community and provide opportunities for residents. Sounds wonderful, right? And what could be better than that? Try a full-blown initiative backed by five fantastic charities and organizations and you have the Sister City initiative. What Makes the Sister City Initiative Different? This initiative isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill community outreach. Why? Because the Sister City goal is to enrich both Key Biscayne and Liberty City with cooperation between the two communities. This promotes caring, education, and opportunities for neighbors of differing socioeconomic levels and creates a stronger community bond backed by understanding and support. The Mission The Village of Key Biscayne and the neighborhood of Liberty City have joined together to create lasting support, education, enrichment, and growth to create a strong community rich with opportunity. The goals are to 1) provide better outcomes and opportunities for children in underserved communities, and 2) to provide neighbors in the different neighborhoods with the chance to learn about each other and grow together. The History Police Chief Charles Press of Key Biscayne started the outreach several years ago to build the bridge between Key Biscayne and Liberty City. Nearly a decade later in 2013, the Village of Key Biscayne, Himan Brown Charitable Trust, Miami Children’s Initiative, Key Biscayne Community Foundation, and the Chief Press Foundation joined forces to create the Sister City initiative to preserve Chief Press’ mission. The Programs Several community programs have already been established under the Sister City Initiative, including wellness programs in public schools, a sports day featuring golf and tennis activities, and the bi-weekly food drive: Liberty City Food Co-op. But the Sister City Initiative doesn’t stop there. Some of the other dynamic programs include: Chief Press’ Christmas in July The Miami Children’s Initiative and Key Biscayne Police Department hosts a fun-packed event for over 250 children in Liberty City full of activities, water slides, food, music, and games!

• Chief Press’ Holiday Relief

Every year during Christmas time, Press Chief and the Police Department take the day off to host an exciting toy drive, purchasing hundreds of turkeys and toys to ensure the children of Liberty City have a happy Holiday.

• 4th of July Parade

Throughout the Village and greater Miami-Dade region, the 4th of July Parade is a time-honored and much-loved tradition. Each year, the parade provides a safe and fun celebration for the residents of both Key Biscayne and underserved communities.

• Catalytic Philanthropy

Himan Brown Charitable Trust and the Key Biscayne Community Foundation partner up to provide a different kind of charitable action through catalytic philanthropy. Creating grants through the outreach enriches Liberty City programming in conjunction with the Key to Giving program. Get Involved The Miami Children’s Initiative is proud to part of such a caring organization that really makes a difference! To learn more about the Miami Children’s Initiative and to see how you can help, get involved today!