LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc.

Strengthening and Empowering Healthy Families — The Building Blocks of our Society

Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc. (LSF Miami Bridge) adheres to the philosophical tenet that strong and healthy families are the building blocks of our society. We believe the barometer that measures the level of future community prosperity is the well-being of today's children.

LSF Miami Bridge has two 24-hour emergency shelters for children and youth ages 10-17 who are experiencing traumatic stressors in their life. Each shelter has 20 beds, 10 male and 10 female, and both are fully licensed and accredited. 

We also provide community counseling to youth and their families who remain in the community that wrap services around them during times of crisis. We work to promote family staility, facilitate improved school participation, help youth to build resilience, achieve personal goals and reconnect with the community and their families. 

Building A Bridge of Hope

Meet Xavier

When Xavier first arrived at LSF Miami Bridge’s Homestead campus, he didn’t say much. He sat on the bench outside, taking in the unfamiliar place and wondering how he ended up there. Originally from Miami, Xavier arrived with two of his younger brothers after living in unstable conditions—sometimes left alone for weeks while their mother was gone.

“You’re supposed to be our mom,” he recalled telling her. “We didn’t have money for food. We were facing eviction because she wouldn’t show up for inspections.”

When the Florida Department of Children and Families intervened, the boys were given two options: His House or Miami Bridge. They chose the Bridge because it felt safer and allowed them to stay together.

“I’m not really from Homestead,” Xavier said. “It was weird being here. The longer you’re here, the more relationships you build. But at first, I was nervous. I wasn’t used to being around a lot of people.”

What followed was more than just shelter — it was structure, counseling and care. Xavier’s counselor, Kimberly, remembers those early days. “He was one of my first patients,” she said. “The neglect and abandonment they endured was severe, but Xavier pushed every day not to let those circumstances define him. He’s always been respectful, goal-oriented and insightful.”

“I ended up staying a year and a month,” Xavier said. “At first, it was hard to make friends, but people talked to me. The staff were always there for me. Sometimes I’d stay up late just talking to them about life.” Slowly, he began to open up.

Xavier found his rhythm. He passed his classes, made friends and built trust. “They make you do your schoolwork,” he laughed. “If I was still at that place before, I never would’ve gone to school. I wouldn’t be graduating. I’d probably be homeless.”

Now 18, Xavier has aged out of the program and moved into independent living. “I almost cried when the car came to pick me up,” he said. “I didn’t know what would happen next.”

Today, he’s on track to graduate from South Dade Senior High and hopes to attend Miami Dade College. He’s even considering becoming a janitor — a steady job that lets him stay connected to the program.

“I still worry about where I’ll end up,” he said. “But I know Bridge gave me the support I needed. If you’re trying to reach a goal, they’ll help you. They give you love.”

His brothers remain at Miami Bridge, and he visits often. “They’re in good hands,” he said. “If we didn’t have the Bridge, we wouldn’t have had the same relationships or resources.”

Soft-spoken but strong, Xavier could’ve chosen a different path. Instead, he chose hope. As Kimberly said, “We’ve watched Xavier conquer his fears and grow. That’s what reminds us why we do this work.”

Miami Bridge gave him more than a roof — it gave him roots, stability and love. Because of that, Xavier walks into adulthood grounded, grateful and full of heart.