Continuing Thelma Gibson's Legacy! For 25 years, the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative has kept Coconut Grove’s elders fed, families housed, and neighbors healthy. This Give Miami Day, help us carry that promise forward.
Thelma V. A. Gibson, R.NBorn and raised in Coconut Grove, Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson, R.N., dedicated more than 50 years to advocating for education, mental and physical health, community leadership, and volunteer service throughout Miami-Dade County. Her deep connection to Coconut Grove and commitment to the people of her community inspired the founding of Thelma Gibson Health Initiative (TGHI) in 2001.
Today, TGHI continues Thelma’s legacy by caring for the people and communities she devoted her life to. We help keep elders fed and connected through meals, companionship, and daily support; help families find safe, affordable housing through hands-on housing navigation; and help neighbors build healthier, more stable lives through mental health counseling, HIV and substance-abuse support, and life-skills training.
From making sure a senior has a warm meal to helping a family navigate the path to a home, TGHI believes that strong communities begin with making sure their neighbors have the support they need to live, grow, and thrive.
The Difference We Make
President of TGHI
Merline Barton
"Thelma Gibson Health Initiative will invest Give Miami Day donations across our youth, elderly, and community health programs in Coconut Grove and across Miami, continuing our founder's lifelong work of strengthening the health, opportunity, and resilience of Miami's Black community." - Merline Barton
In 2026, as we continue TGHI's work following the passing of our founder, Thelma Gibson, we honor her legacy by carrying forward the commitment she dedicated her life to: serving Coconut Grove and Miami's underserved communities.
The Thelma Gibson Health Initiative (TGHI) is dedicated to building healthy minds and healthy bodies by addressing disparities in access to healthcare and health-related social services for minority, poor, and marginalized citizens residing in Miami-Dade County.
Through programs that address critical needs, better health, new skills, employment, housing, and economic stability, we are dedicated to improving lives in low-income neighborhoods and creating stronger, healthier communities.
Organization name
Thelma Gibson Health Initiative
Tax id (EIN)
45-2835389
Mission Category
Health & Wellness
Program Site Locations
All of Miami-Dade County, Coral Gables, Miami: Coconut Grove, Miami: Flagami, South Miami
Annual Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Primary Population Served
Black/African American/African, Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx, Low-Income Individuals/Families
Address
3640 Grand Ave