Grow smarter, stronger and more financially secure. Together.
Branches is helping South Florida families thrive.
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We’re on a mission to educate and inspire people through student, family and financial wellness services in partnership with our communities.
Meeting the needs of each generation
While many programs focus on either the parent or child, Branches address both simultaneously. This two generation, or “2-Gen” approach recognizes that a family’s well-being is interconnected and that the most effective way to create social and economic well-being is to ensure that every family member is supported in reaching their full potential.
Taking a holistic approach
By building long-term, ongoing relationships, incorporating both coaching and empowerment methodologies, and partnering with the local community to leverage resources, promote collective impact and address systemic issues, Branches helps families achieve self-defined, sustainable results in their lives.
Constantly reaching for innovation and excellence
Branches employs highly-qualified staff who are experts in their field. We lead the Miami VITA Free Tax Preparation Coalition—one of the largest in the country—and are the largest provider of free financial coaching services in Miami. We are also the only IRS-certified Acceptance Agent providing free ITIN preparation services in the area.
Our History
Branches was established in 1973 as the urban and social justice agency of what is now the South East District of the United Methodist Church. Up until 1999, Branches focused on grassroots organizing, advocacy and working with community members who were disadvantaged and/or experiencing social injustice. During this period, Branches focused resources in the areas of social crisis, immigration, housing, hospice care and hurricane relief, among others. Since 2000, Branches has embarked on developing and implementing programs that address the root causes of poverty and address immediate and critical needs. Today, Branches’ menu of services provides a continuum of support to community members to empower them to pursue life changing opportunities.
Rita’s Story
Rita, a 17-year-old senior at Keys Gate High School, has been a part of the Branches family since she joined Branches’ Summer Shade Camp in 2007. Known for her willingness and joy, Rita has grown into a bright, caring individual and an advocate for both herself and others. As she spends her final year at […]
Jeyvin’s Story
Jeyvin has been an integral part of the Branches program since he was in kindergarten. Over the years, Branches staff has had the privilege of working closely with Jeyvin, assisting him with homework, teaching valuable skills, and organizing various activities. His dedication and growth throughout his time with us have been remarkable. He has been […]
Danilo’s Story
Meet Danilo Alvarez. Danilo first discovered Branches during an event at Miami Dade College, where he is an adult learner. When he learned about Branches’ one-on-one financial coaching, Danilo knew he wanted to take advantage of the coaching to help him accomplish his goal of one day owning his own home. Over the course of […]
Edgar’s Story
At just five years old, Edgar Corona was already looking up to his older brother, Jefry, who was a regular participant in Branches’ Grow Program. Edgar admired the fun his brother Jefry was having at Branches and all of the new things he was learning, and it wasn’t long before he wanted to join in […]
Naiyla’s Story
Naiyla is an exceptionally dedicated high school senior that has been engaged with Branches since the fourth grade. Throughout the last eight years, Branches has poured into Naiyla and her family members that live in the Marshall Williamson neighborhood, a deeply rooted African-American enclave in South Miami. In addition to making use of the academic […]
Rory Lee’s Story
Rory Lee’s journey to success is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of accessible resources. As the founder of MakeUpByRory, established on January 12, 2007, she has not only transformed herself into a renowned makeup artist and aesthetician but has also ventured into creating her own product line and makeup brand. Rory’s remarkable […]
Jerell’s Story
Jerell, a second-grader who joined Branches South Miami in 2023, has shown remarkable growth and resilience during his time at Branches. Initially quiet and shy, Jerell quickly stood out for his incredible athleticism and respectful demeanor. However, in the fall of 2023, the Branches team discovered that Jerell was facing challenges outside the classroom. Bullied […]
Vegallia’s Story
Corina, founder and CEO of Vegallia, joined Branches’ Micro-Business Program during an exciting time in the life of her business, but a difficult time in her personal life. Corina’s homemade, plant-based gelato was gaining serious attention and her sales were growing. Her product was such a hit in local markets that she was granted the […]
Beatrice’s Story
Beatrice, a 52-year-old originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, moved to Miami, Florida, in 2013 after closing her retail store due to the country’s unstable conditions. As a single mother of one minor and an adult in college, Beatrice faced significant challenges upon her arrival at Branches. Beatrice started her journey with Branches in April 2024, through […]
Samantha’s Story
Samantha was born in Haiti and came to the US when she was in elementary school. She is the oldest of five and takes her responsibility as the oldest sibling seriously. Her mother and father worked two to three jobs at a time and pushed all their children to excel academically. They wanted a different […]
Keymarion’s Story
Keymarion is the 11th child in a family of 12 children. Transitioning to Kindergarten was very difficult for him. He had not attended any type of preschool or pre-kindergarten program. The first few days, weeks, and months of school were difficult. Keymarion had no experience sitting in a classroom setting, didn’t know his letters and numbers, […]
Yamilet’s Story
Yamilet Ramos’s journey with Branches is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, community support, and resilience. Yamilet first joined Branches at the age of four, starting in Pre-K. Although she faced the challenge of not speaking English due to her time spent in El Salvador, Yamilet quickly learned the language with the help […]
Jazmin’s Story
Jazmin is an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication. Graduating in May 2023 from University of Central Florida (UCF) with a degree in Education, and an associate degree from Miami-Dade College (MDC), Jazmin accomplished this impressive feat debt-free. Her journey with Branches began in her senior year of high school, class of 2019. From the […]
Geraldo’s Story
Geraldo and his two younger brothers grew up at Branches. Their family, who moved to Miami from Haiti, was thrilled to learn about Branches’ programs and immediately enrolled their sons. Geraldo, the eldest of the three boys, took advantage of every opportunity Branches presented him with. From participating in after school tutoring, to adventuring with […]
Lourdgenie’s Story
Lourdgenie has been attending Branches Lakeview in North Miami since her freshman year of high school. Most of our students grow up at Branches and start attending in elementary school, yet Lourdgenie’s parents enrolled their three children as soon as they discovered Branches’ Grow and Climb children and youth programs. Lourdgenie and her younger brother […]
Donna’s Story
A passionate entrepreneur with a vision for healthy living, founded Sir Vin Delights LLC, specializing in cold-pressed juices made using a hydraulic press to extract the purest juice from a variety of fruits and vegetables. Donna’s dedication to providing nutritious and delicious beverages quickly garnered attention in her community. Recognizing the need for professional guidance […]
