By Kristen Hernandez
Mitchell Moore Park — The effects of a father’s absence can have a negative impact on a child’s life and follow them well into adulthood. Consequently, studies have proven that adverse behavior can be passed on to the next generation. Breaking the chain of another fatherless home was the main motivation for Mikelange “Mike” Olbel, CEO of Community-Based Connections, when he first organized A.D.A.M.S. Day at Mitchell Moore Park. This year’s event, although an unpredictably hot day, highlighted community involvement, faith and fatherhood.
“A.D.A.M.’s challenge was created to lead the effort to promote fatherhood and family preservation,” Olbel said, during 2023’s Challenge. “We wanted our kids to come to a park in their own neighborhood with family and be safe. Where there’s no gun violence, no drugs, no addiction happening at Mitchell Moore Park. Unfortunately, some folks believe they can’t come here to enjoy it. This is a testimony to what partnership and family atmosphere can make possible.”
A.D.A.M.S (Awesome Dads Awesome Men) Day focuses on mentorship and leadership. The challenge was for local dads to bring their family and spend the afternoon together at the park. In the United States, there are about 18.4 million children that live without a father in the home. That’s enough to fill New York City twice, or Los Angeles four times over, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“This is a great community resource for not only fathers, but for men who may eventually be one,” said James Nifong, father and Pompano resident. “It can help them be a better father figure and set them up for their future.”
Family time and mentorship weren’t the sole reason for the 2024 A.D.A.M.S. Day Challenge. Olbel also recognized the annual event could serve to bring little-known community organizations together for residents to discover and utilize.
Organizations such as Chainless Change, who challenged Securus, the company who dominates the state’s prisons inmate phone system. Recently, Chainless Change helped to secure free 15-minute phone calls for inmates housed within Miami/Dade County and are currently advocating to do the same in Broward. The organization takes a unique approach to support and advocate for anyone caught in Florida’s prison system and their reentry into society.
Various activities, organization’s booths, and vendors of all types lined the park grounds, and some donated their goods and services to the A.D.A.M.S. Day raffle. Dornette Thompson of Collier City waved her lucky number 524 raffle ticket in the air when event organizer, Pastor Ron Harper, called her digits.
“I come here each year, and this is the first time I won anything,” she said, grinning as she wheeled her new bicycle from the stage.
Speed Mob Crew’s hot rod Mustangs and Hondas made their annual ride to Pompano, and crew members scattered themselves around the park. Every year, the crew takes time to mentor kids that were snapping Instagram pictures with their cars. Each custom ride glittered like colorful jewels embedded in a royal crown and were lined up in Mitchell Moore’s parking lot. The hot days’ sunlight amplified the kiwi greens, strawberry reds and lilac purple color of each supped-up ride.
“We’re here to help these kids, help guide them,” said Heather Stellato, Speed Mob Crew Mama, who rides with the rest of the Mob Crew throughout Broward. “We usually each take this opportunity to speak to the young ones who show interest in our cars and tell them they can achieve this, too.”
The Community Based Connections social media pages and website contains additional information on the services they offer and about next year’s A.D.A.M.S. Day Challenge.
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