Christina with Team Angelz: Hearts In Action

A Call to Save Our Youth: My Personal Connection to Angelz On Deck

My journey with Angelz On Deck began before it began – I met Rachel in 2017 through our church's liturgical dance ministry. Our sisterhood was born there and sharing the joys and pains of motherhood only made us closer. I remember the first time I met JoJo, he was sitting in the passenger seat of the car waiting on his mom to leave.  Like a typical teenager, he looked disinterested in meeting yet another friend of his mothers, yet dutifully he raised his head, smiled, and waved as his mother after his mother requested that he tell me hi. 👋 ☺

Truly, any one of us could be Rachel.

Like so many of us, Rachel has faced her share of trials, but nothing could have prepared her for the devastating loss of her only child, JoJo, to gun violence. That unimaginable pain transformed into something powerful when she created Angelz On Deck in 2019, driven by a mission to save others from the same heartbreak.

Rachel’s dedication is unwavering. She is there when no one else is, taking calls at all hours, crisscrossing the county, gathering resources, and simply showing up for kids and families in need. It’s this relentless commitment that has drawn me to the cause.  

Everyone’s life has been touched or affected by gun violence—either directly or indirectly. In my personal life, my family has experienced the painful effects of gun violence. Gun violence can touch any life, any family, at any time, and the need for positive, holistic support is urgent!

As a board member and officer for Angelz On Deck, I’ve seen firsthand how this organization impacts lives. By providing resources, opportunities, and creative outlets for our youth we are steering them along a path of productivity and resiliency and away from gun violence. 

Today, our youth face countless challenges—wrong influences, dangerous environments, mental health struggles. But with the right guidance, they have the potential to rise above. That’s what Angelz On Deck is here for. By giving our youth safe, nurturing outlets and a strong support system, we’re building paths to brighter futures. And you can be a part of this.

Let’s create hope together! 👫👭

Every $donation brings us closer to a safer, more compassionate community. Whether we’re helping youth discover their talents at JoJo’z Talent Expo or providing mentorship in the Changes Program, your support is a lifeline. I invite you to join me in supporting Angelz On Deck and help us make an impact that reaches far beyond our community.

My personal goal is to raise $2,500 to support Angelz On Deck's program expansion so that we can provide more mentorship opportunities, creative programs, and resource connections for young people who need them most. 

For more information about our events this week where you can volunteer, attend online or in-person, find topics to post on social media, and participate in all the fun. All events have not yet been added so check back: https://www.givemiamiday.org/team/Team-Angelz

Your gift today isn’t just a donation; it’s a way to ensure our youth are safe, loved, and given the chance to thrive. 

GIVE 💝 Whatever you donate is appreciated

VOLUNTEER 🏫 Use your time, gifts, and talents

SHARE 📲 Send this mission to 5 people today, 

Let’s grow this network of angelz and multiple the impact we have in the lives of our Miami-Dade community. 

Together, we’ll guide our youth to better futures.

With heartfelt gratitude 💞,

Christina

Galatians 6:2
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." 🤝

Find out more about our organization here:

https://www.givemiamiday.org/organization/Angelz-On-Deck

Find out more about our Team Angelz campaign here and the events we have for Honoring JoJo's Light during the week:

 https://www.givemiamiday.org/team/Team-Angelz

Click EVENTS—JOJO WEEK for more information about our events this week, where you can attend online or in-person, find topics to post on social media, bring canned goods, and participate in all the fun.

Follow us on social media to experience the impact of Angelz On Deck! 

 🔗 Facebook: Angelz On Deck
🔗 Instagram: @angelzondeck
▶️ YouTube: @AngelzOnDeck
📧 Join Email List: connect@angelzondeck.org (Subject: "Email Updates")
🌐 Website: angelzondeck.org