1. What makes Miami special to you?
Miami is special to me because it was the landing place for my mother over 50 years ago. She migrated from Colombia, South America with my older brother who was just 5 years old. The welcoming Miami community took her in and gave her a soft landing, as she worked through service industry jobs to build a brighter future for her family. Miami also provided me personally a pathway to countless opportunities through education and community support. There is a sense of unity and camaraderie that is truly special, and I am grateful to be a part of a city where people from all walks of life come together to lift one another up.
2. How does your nonprofit contribute to the vibrancy of our community?
Chapman Partnership has played a crucial role in contributing to the vibrancy of our community by helping to rewrite the narratives of our most vulnerable population. Through their efforts to build pathways to self-sufficiency, Chapman Partnership provides tools, resources, and programming centered around employment, housing, and support connectivity. By empowering individuals in need with the skills and resources necessary to thrive, Chapman Partnership is not only transforming lives but also strengthening the fabric of our community. Chapman Partnership’s commitment to helping those in need is a testament to the values of compassion and solidarity that define us as a community.
3. What is the most significant challenge your organization is currently facing, and how are you tackling it?
The most significant challenge our organization is currently facing is the crisis of affordability and rising housing costs in our community. As these pressures continue to rise, more families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet, find stable housing, and access essential resources. Our approach to this urgent need involves developing viable resources and programs that offer a roadmap to self-sufficiency by focusing on equipping individuals with new workforce skills, promoting home readiness, and providing access to the support and resources they need, we are working to address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity.
4. What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the nonprofit sector?
The Latin saying “Per montes ad astra,” which translates to “Through the mountains to the stars,” resonates deeply with me and reflects the journey we must undertake collectively to overcome challenges and reach new heights of achievement and success. Entering the nonprofit sector offers a unique opportunity to be a creative and critical thinker, addressing some of society’s most pressing social issues. It requires not only strategic thinking but also true passion and dedication to persevere through difficult times. The path may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. The knowledge that you are making a difference in the lives of others, lifting them up, and transforming their circumstances is a priceless and deeply fulfilling experience.
5. Can you share a recent success story or milestone your nonprofit has achieved?
One recent milestone of success for Chapman Partnership is our commitment to becoming a trauma-informed organization. We have embarked on a journey to embed trauma-informed best practices throughout our facilities, staff training, and interactions with all stakeholders, including residents, volunteers, donors, and board members.
By prioritizing trauma-informed care, we are creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma, allowing them to heal and rebuild their lives. This approach not only empowers our residents to overcome their past challenges but also ensures that our staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide the best possible support. We are proud to be at the forefront of trauma-informed care and are committed to continuing to implement these practices to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals who come through our doors.
6. What book, podcast, or resource has had the most significant impact on your work recently?
One book that has had a significant impact on my work recently is “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown. This book delves into the experience of being a human being and explores how we build connections with one another through transparent and authentic emotions. Brown emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and compassion in our interactions with others, highlighting how these qualities enable us to come together collectively to move forward and resolve issues and challenges in a humane and compassionate manner.
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration or relaxation, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration and relaxation, I would choose to journey to Lake Lure in North Carolina. This serene and picturesque destination holds a special place in my heart as it is where my husband, Jason Kaufman, and I celebrate the milestone of our wedding anniversary every year. It’s my favorite place to go and recharge, as it has very limited Wi-Fi. Sometimes, we need this forced disconnection to be able to balance the heavy days in our sector. Each visit to Lake Lure is a reminder of the importance of self-care and mindfulness, and I always leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
8. Who in your life has been a significant influence on your career and why?
The most significant influence on my career has been my mother. Growing up I remember my mother always having an extra plate of food, or a safe landing place for someone in need. I believe this is where my passion for philanthropy came from. My mother’s teachings about the importance of community, compassion, and collective support have resonated deeply with me and continue to influence the way I approach my career. Her wisdom has shaped not only my professional goals but also my values and beliefs, guiding me to strive for success while always keeping in mind the importance of helping others along the way.
9. If you could have a dinner party with any five people, dead or alive, who would you invite and what would you hope to learn from them?
If I could have a dinner party with five people, I would do a blend of family and some iconic woman trailblazers. I’d love to chat with my great grandparents and learn their stories of grit and perseverance. On my mother’s side, my great grandparents were one of the first bi-racial couples in their community. Learning how they navigated those times, and how they navigated adversity would be a lifelong lesson. I am an old soul, and often joke I was born in the wrong era. An opportunity to meet the individuals who were pioneers in their lifetime would be a heart-filled opportunity.
10. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work that help you recharge?
Family time is a top priority for me, as my loved ones are incredibly important in my life. One of the greatest joys for me is sharing moments of laughter and joy with my family, celebrating milestones and firsts in their lives. As multigenerational mom with a blended family ranging from a one-year-old to a 20-year-old, being present in their lives and witnessing their growth and accomplishments brings me immense happiness and I don’t take this time for granted. In addition to spending time with my family, I am a fierce Dog Mom to Athena my 3-year-old golden retriever. Athena and I spend time together at times visiting seniors in my parent’s community and putting smiles on people’s faces. When time permits, I enjoy traveling with my husband visiting new communities and immersing myself in different cultures allows me to broaden my perspectives. Traveling not only provides me with a sense of adventure but also offers valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning (and a reminder, that there is no place like home).
A Celebration of Flavor, Music, and Community Benefiting Chapman Partnership
MIAMI, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of taste, indulgence and fun. Honoring the cover of the Food & Wine July/August 2024 issue with the best of Miami's culinary scene, top VIP's, influencers and entrepreneurs, MIAMI Magazine's yearly mouthwatering food festival, "To Live & Dine," is back and ready to serve the most delicious South Florida night out.
Celebrating its 14th year, the event is taking place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 6pm – 9pm at Paradise Plaza in Miami Design District. An evening where guests will enjoy sampling gastronomic delights from Miami's top restaurants and food & beverage concepts including, ABA, Amalia, Bellita Pasta, Boulud Sud Miami, Casadonna Miami, CookinGenie, Delilah, Dirty French, Elastika, Kissaki, Kojin 2.0, La Natural, Sereia, Sushi Sake, Truluck's, Uchi, Vitolo, and more, attendees will also experience refreshing cocktails from Yave Tequila and Una Vodka, desserts from Chip City Cookies, and be treated to Romeo and Julieta Cigars.
To purchase tickets for a night filled with music, giveaways and a chance to socialize with hospitality elite, industry insiders, foodies, and restaurateurs, please visit, https://modernluxuryevents.com/miamitolivedine2024. A portion of the night's proceeds will support Chapman Partnership, an organization that provides comprehensive programs and services that empower residents with dignity and respect to overcome homelessness and achieve and maintain long-term self-sufficiency.
Please note, tickets are non-refundable. This is a 21+ event. Please consider using Brightline, Uber or Lyft.
Relive the inspiring moments from our recent meet and greet with Scott Hansel, President and CEO of Chapman Partnership! From engaging discussions about innovative housing solutions to his visionary approach to social entrepreneurship, this event was a remarkable experience. Watch the video to see how Scott’s dedication to empowering Miami’s communities was shared with attendees.
Don’t forget to like, share, and comment on what inspired you the most!
What can happen in 100 days? Turns out, a lot of good! This June, 45 Miami professionals graduated from Leadership Miami (LM) at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) culminating the 100-day leadership development program spearheaded by program chair, Brandon Mitchell of Future Caucus, and vice-chair, William Diaz-Rousselot of Murgado Automotive Group, Inc. Participants attended fieldwork site visits, GMCC events, and completed program curriculum regularly meeting with local industry and community leaders, and subject matter experts at institutional partners such as Barry University, Florida Memorial University, and St. Thomas University. The program is underpinned by experiential learning to address the community’s needs, partnering each of the four cohort’s teams with a local non-profit organization to develop and execute on a project that will leave a lasting impact in South Florida.
Teams collaborated with Be Strong International to provide students backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year; built a community food garden for the residents of Camillus House at Verde Gardens; renovated the youth dorm at Chapman Partnership’s Homestead campus; and created a sensory garden for individuals with developmental disabilities at The Wow Center. Participants engaged with the non-profits’ beneficiaries to more closely understand their unique needs, helping to amplify their voices and inform final project outcomes. Jess Crosson, Manager of Group Sales and Services at the Miami Marlins and recent LM class 45 graduate shared, “My initial expectations of the program were far surpassed, largely because of the impact of the service project. Creating the youth dorm at Chapman Partnership allowed me to learn about issues in our county and meet many incredible people. I will never forget the reaction and gratitude of the young men who will live in the dorm my team renovated.” Altogether, participants devoted more than 5,200 hours of community service and raised over $80,900 to deliver on their commitment to create a legacy of good, each project consisting of a sustainability plan to ensure their projects are able to thrive with their non-profit organization well after their graduation from the program.
Chapman Partnership is pleased to announce the return of Heidi Alzate Kaufman in a new position as Executive VP of Strategy and Development for the nonprofit organization. This role will support the leadership team headed by Scott Hansel, President and CEO, on high-level strategic planning and programming initiatives, development, marketing and communications, community outreach, grants management, and board development. Alzate Kaufman is a key component of a strong executive leadership team set to build on the values and principles of founder Alvah Chapman delivering on the promise that “no one sleep on the streets in Miami.”
“Beyond Heidi’s professional achievements, her compassion and core values are aligned with ours. Together we will ensure that Chapman maintains and improves upon our mission and goals: changing lives in Miami and serving as a national model for serving the most at risk populations,” Hansel said.
Alzate Kaufman has delivered proven results in fundraising for public and private education, social services, and healthcare organizations. From 2019-2021 she led the development team at Chapman Partnership. She launched a nonprofit strategy firm (Heidi Alzate Consulting) that worked to elevate nonprofit organizations with the same passion she brought to Chapman. Heidi holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and a minor in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is also a certified fundraising executive through CFRE International.
“I am excited to be back home, and a part of this team, who share my deep commitment and passion to further our reach improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” said Alzate Kaufman.
Alzate Kaufman is a is a resident of South Florida, a married, proud mother of five children. She is actively involved in several philanthropic community organizations.
Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates the largest Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in Miami and Homestead. The nonprofit provides a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for homeless men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, job training, job placement, and assistance with securing stable housing. At Chapman, aided by generous donors and sponsors, we empower the homeless, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is a private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at www.chapmanpartnership.org.
Get to know Heidi Alzate Kaufman, Executive Vice President at Chapman Partnership. Discover Heidi’s inspiring journey back to Chapman Partnership and her dedication to philanthropy. Learn about her motivations, values, and vision for the future of community service in Miami-Dade.
This is my second time at Chapman, which isn’t really surprising when I look at how everything I have learned and accomplished has led me back here. With roles in nonprofit management, higher education, health care, community relations, and housing affordability, I want to channel all my experiences into this role. I was first at Chapman as Vice President of Development, from 2019-2021, and it was incredibly rewarding work. I left to launch my consulting firm, Heidi Alzate Consulting (HAC), poised to leverage community partners, donors, and drive transformative philanthropic goals for an array of clients. When the opportunity arose to come back as Executive Vice President at Chapman, and work with Scott Hansel, the President and CEO, I knew this is where I am supposed to be. I am now in the position to help steer the organization’s comprehensive strategy for programming and wraparound services and diverse revenues, creating a clear path toward long-term self-sufficiency and housing stability. I am excited and humbled to be back.
The Formula One Miami Grand Prix brought in dozens of celebrities and all kinds of fancy meals and events. However, all that food from the weekend racing extravaganza did not get eaten, so where do all the leftovers go?
Those leftovers aren't going to waste. They are going to feed those in need.
"We have anything between mushrooms, brie cheese with raspberry steak, I saw some chicken coming in," said Heidi Kaufman, executive vice president of Strategy and Development for Chapman Partnership, a nonprofit organization that runs homeless assistance centers in South Florida.
"We believe no one should go to bed hungry. We are seeing especially with the impact that housing affordability is having on our community how that impacts food insecurities, and we have families make tough decisions between being able to pay rent or put food on the table," Kaufman said.
This is the third year that they are the recipients of the food donation, a partnership between F1 Grand Prix Miami, Hard Rock Stadium and Food Rescue US - South Florida.
"It's really something outside the box. Some of the residents that we serve would not have the opportunity to even try some of the foods that we got through these donations," Kaufman added.
She said that such a donation is something that builds the confidence of their residents.
"It means that we're loved and not forgotten for a lot of residents they do feel forgotten, and that the community has given up on them and it's just a reminder that they haven't been and everyone is here because of the love and support the community gives," Kaufman said.
Barry University men’s Soccer Team hosted their second annual Barry Soccer Clinic for more than 30 youth from Chapman Partnership, the largest emergency housing provider in Miami Dade County for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. During the clinic, the children participated in fun-filled soccer training, skills and scrimmages followed by a pizza lunch sponsored by Scooter Steve.
“On behalf of Barry University and the men’s Soccer Team, we were thrilled to host this incredible clinic with Chapman Partnership. It is important to always role model service among our student athletes and create a sense of unity within the community.” said Petsa Ivanovic, Head Coach of Barry University’s men’s soccer team.
Miami, FL – April 11, 2024 – Miami’s notable female philanthropists and community leaders recently gathered to celebrate Chapman Partnership’s 15th annual Take A Walk in Her Shoes signature luncheon at Jungle Island. The acclaimed fundraiser honors women who elevate the organization and raise critical funds to illuminate the path toward self-sufficiency for women and children experiencing homelessness. Hosted by our honorary chairs Trish and Dan Bell, the sold-out event featuring a luxe marketplace and inspirational “Girl Talk” panel was attended by over 300 guests and supporters generating over $200,000 to provide life-changing resources for families overcoming housing and food insecurities. “It was an honor to recognize the commitment of these remarkable women within our community who harness the power of philanthropy to transform the lives of our center’s women and children,” said Heidi Alzate Kaufman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development of Chapman Partnership. Kaufman returned to Chapman Partnership to support the leadership team headed by Scott Hansel, President and CEO, on high-level strategic planning and programming initiatives, development, marketing and communications, community outreach, grants management and board development.
Miami's notable female philanthropists and community leaders recently gathered at Jungle Island to celebrate Chapman Partnership's 15th annual Take A Walk in Her Shoes signature luncheon.
*Impact numbers are updated at the beginning of each fiscal year and will be updated annually.
As the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, Chapman Partnership is another step in the continuum of care. Any person or family who is homeless, about to be homeless, or assisting someone facing homelessness, and requiring emergency assistance must first contact the Homeless Helpline administered by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Homeless Helpline Toll Free Number: 1-877-994-HELP (4357).
