This is a true community based organization. Founded in the historically black West Grove, it was an advocate for the citizens in this poor, largely Bahamian neighborhood. The services it provided changed with the times, constantly responding to the needs of the people. Much of the credit goes to Sylvia Jordan who has led this organization for dozens of years. She and a dedicated board of directors have championed the organization and the community it serves. The "Barnyard" has been providing after-school and summer camp programs to dozens of children every year. Some of the "graduates" of the program have gone on to successful careers, and many of the current children are second generation participants. A true beacon in the community, there are many of us that love Coconut Grove Cares.
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As a single mom of three, The Barnyard & Silvia have helped my family in more ways than one. They have truly been our saving Grace since moving to the Grove last May. The Barnyard gives our children a safe, clean, reliable environment during the summer and after school. The kids are given countless activities & field trips, free of cost to the parents. During their afterschool program, they provide the kids with snacks, homework assistance, and school supplies. But most importantly, they selflessly give their students and parents emotional support when needed. This is a place that truly cares for the community, and ensures that ALL children thrive, and are treated equally. They always make sure all the kids participate and no one is ever left behind. They give the parents who need their services the peace of mind of knowing that our children are loved, respected and well taken care of even if we can't afford such services. I am eternally grateful for The Barnyard and their staff.
The Barnyard is such a special and safe place filled with love, care and concern for the children. The staff are so dedicated and always strive to provide the children with a wonderful and enriching experience.
The Barnyard has been in my neighborhood for so long and has helped so many in the community and a lot of my family. We were able to learn about our black culture, history, tutoring, field trips to places our parents weren’t able to take us. I am forever grateful for them.
Attending the Barnyard's after-school program had a transformative impact on my life. Being there provided me with a supportive community, fostering both personal and academic growth. Through engaging activities and projects, I developed new skills and a deeper appreciation for learning. The program not only enriched my knowledge but also enhanced my teamwork and communication abilities. It left me with cherished memories and a newfound sense of belonging, making me more confident and motivated in all aspects of life.
A charity that does amazing things for the children in their community. The people who work there truly cares about making a difference for them! Thanks for the beautiful work you do
Coconut Grove Cares, Inc is a nonprofit that serves the small community of West Coconut Grove's 150 plus students aged K-5th grade at The Barnyard. My daughter and I have had the pleasure of getting to know the wonderful children and the staff of Sylvia Jordan and Arlice Sims through our volunteering since 2016. We have seen first hand how the children of this community benefit from the various volunteer services, such as one on one tutoring, arts and music enrichment, counseling, computer labs, and after school snacks. Local schools partner with the Barnyard to help with tutoring and providing food for after school and on the weekends. The Barnyard is dependent on volunteers and private donations to keep their services running. The small staff of Sylvia Jordan and Arlice Sims along with the support of devoted and community minded trustees work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of the children are met. Coconut Grove Cares is a special organization with a big heart that deserves our full attention.
I've seen the work that The Barnyard has done over the years, and I think it is a very worthwhile organization.
I know people who work for it, and they are all the most hard working honest individuals making a real positive impact on the impoverished communities of Miami.
This organization does amazing work for the community. They really care about the kids they work with and are making a huge difference in their lives with educational and social opportunities provided here.
The Barnyard Community Center is fantastic! The staff is so friendly, welcoming, and passionate about their work.
Coconut Grove Cares, The Barnyard, is a terrific organization and a vital part of the community. The staff go above and beyond to meet the needs of the students and their parents. The children are offered a wide range of opportunities for learning. The Barnyard encourages and supports the students to give them a head start as they grow.
I am a board member as well as a volunteer who teaches one of the after-school classes. Students I've worked with over the years have become outstanding scholars and are now enrolled in excellent universities. I think Coconut Grove Cares, The Barnyard, is the best!
The Barnyard Community Center has such a positive impact on the Coconut Grove community!
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Most authentic place I have encountered in Miami with a profound and long lasting dedication to serve its community
The Barnyard is such a special place, and a wonderful oasis for young people in the community. Its long history serving the West Grove in Miami is woven into the diverse fabric that makes Coconut Grove such an amazing place to live. The support and varied outlets and opportunities it provides the kids are really meeting the kids where they are and on the kids terms, enhancing and fostering growth rather than dictating.
The Barnyard provides a warm, caring and enriching safe space for elementary school aged children to gather for after school care and activities. I highly respect this valued decades old community resource. Thank you Barnyard for all you do for the children of Coconut Grove!
The Barnyard is an inspiring place! I am always intrigued by the positive energy I witness when I stop by to visit the Barnyard. The kids are engaged and the counselors are always smiling and focused on their interactions with the children. There are always so many projects on display in that unique barn-like space, it is such a special place. I am impressed with the director Sylvia Jordan and her assistant Arlice Sims. They are so sincerely dedicated to the growth and development of this West Grove community. Keep up the great work Barnyard staff!
Whenever I am in Miami I make sure to visit the Barnyard, an After school program under the auspices of Coconut Grove Cares Inc. This amazing program offers the children that attend a safe and stimulating environment to do homework as well as stretch their learning. As soon as you enter the building you can sense that good things are going on. It seems that the adults that work there are caring. The Barnyard is well run, and a wonderful model of a program that works for the community it serves.
I have seen the incredible work Coconut Grove Cares does first-hand. The impact they have made on the community since 1983 is immeasurable. Students are treated as individuals, and they are provided with the resources and support that they need to be successful socially, academically, and in their personal lives. Families receive support that they would not otherwise receive. The Barnyard Community Center is an uplifting and unifying force for the community.
An amazing program. They help children in the Grove by offering after school care. There are programs in arts,music,history,reading and much more. It has been in the Grove 38 years. Thank you Sylvia Jordan and staff that make it all happen
This amazing program really helps families in Coconut Grove. The staff is amazing and cares so much about the kids. This program is invaluable for the community.
This is a non-profit that is going above and beyond to help the local community. Kudos for all they do! I am a coach of a tennis team in Broward County and my student-athletes have gone to the Barnyard to help the kids learn how to play. The result? Maybe they are not pro-tennis material but there was a bond that affected my student-athletes for life. Hopefully, the barnyard kids enjoyed it too. With any luck, they now know that giving back is essential in our society. I am grateful for the chance to have my students learn so much from such a great organization!
This is a very special place were the staff provides an amazing environment for the children to play, get help with their homework, learn how to resolve conflicts peaceably, get to explore their artistic talents, feel safe; all while being fed nutritious snacks to fuel all this fun and learning. It is an oasis in the midst of the West Grove.
They have incredible programs that are helping disadvantaged kids. They make a real impact in the community.
Coconut Grove Cares/The Barnyard has been in existence for more than 60 years. And rightly so. The after-school program for at-risk kids in the West Grove , Miami offers these kids unbelievable nurturing and encouragement. Instead of having no place to go and nowhere to do their homework, they come to the Barnyard where help is offered, a good snack provided and lots of hugs. Not to mention help in math, reading, history and science.
A friend brought me to the Barnyard many years ago. I started as a volunteer and subsequently became a board member. I fell in love with these kids, not very hard to do. While they have artists working with them on art projects, and musicians teaching violin, viola and drums, dancers, they also have playtime, after homework, in team sports, and running. They go on field trips all over Miami. I have been leading creative writing workshops. Over the years, I have seen kids write stories, fantasies, poems, songs and even a play. I have watched these kids grow up and go on to high school and college.
The executive director and her team do an amazing job. The director has seen not just these kids but their older siblings, parents and some grandparents come through the Barnyard over the years.
I have been volunteering at the Barnyard for four years and I can honestly say there is no place I love to volunteer more at than the Barnyard. It creates a safe and welcoming environment for children, allowing them to express themselves through programs focusing on education, arts and culture, science exploration, literacy, and fitness. My time there has been filled with beautiful experiences and it has given me the opportunity to see the children develop into wonderful individuals who are ready to take the world by storm!
Coconut Grove Cares, Inc. has a wonderful After School and Summer Camp program, The Barnyard, that has helped countless children learn and play while improving the community it resides in, Village West Coconut Grove. They provide strong academic reinforcement programs that develop their Math and Reading levels along with a wide variety of activities such as music classes, drama, dance, and drum circle. A child's knowledge here is not only increased but broadened to inspire their every dream.