Nearly 100 foster and adoptive mothers across Miami-Dade County will trade diaper bags and school pickups for mimosas and a microphone on November 14, when the Miami Dade County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association hosts its “Celebration of Superwoman” luncheon at The 94th Aero Squadron. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1395 NW 57th Avenue, giving honorees what organizers call a day of respite away from the kids and other family members.
The association, known as MDCFAPA, describes itself as a 34-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of caregivers raising youth in foster and adoptive care throughout Miami-Dade, according to Miami's Community News. Almost 100 mothers are expected to be honored at the luncheon, which the outlet reports will include a complete lunch, unlimited mimosas, entertainment and an awards ceremony recognizing every mother in attendance.
Health Screenings and Stress Relief Built Into the Day
Before the festivities begin, mothers arriving at the venue will be offered health screenings from Affiliated Health Care Center, Inc. and students from Miami Dade College's Medical Center Campus, per the same report. Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Delvina Thomas of Brain Love is also expected to share ways to relax and reduce stress during the event.
Music will come courtesy of the Sunshine Jazz Organization, which is helping bring in local and national vocalist Meryl Epps to perform. Share Your Heart/Victory is providing trophies and plaques for the awards portion of the program, and the luncheon is set to feature door prizes including televisions and hotel stays, the report notes.
Dignitaries and Agency Leaders Set to Speak
Speakers expected at the luncheon include dignitaries from the Florida Department of Children and Families in Tallahassee alongside the executive director of the National Foster Parents Association. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien and Miami-Dade County School Board member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall are also slated to address the mothers, as is Esther Jacobo, an attorney and director at Citrus FCN.
Several foster-care agencies — including Citrus MH, Citrus FCN, Family Resource Center, West Care, 4Kids Miami and Health Connect — help select and sponsor mothers to attend the luncheon, the article states. MDCFAPA Executive Director Shamele Jenkins said hundreds of men and women in Miami-Dade County have stepped up as foster or adoptive parents, giving children “safe haven and unconditional love.”
A Thank-You Amid a Statewide Shortage
Jenkins described the scope of that commitment bluntly: “These unpaid volunteers are on call 24/7,” she said, according to Miami's Community News. The luncheon arrives during November, which Jenkins noted is National Adoption Month.
The recognition comes as Florida's pool of foster homes has been shrinking. A survey using Florida DCF data found the number of foster homes statewide dropped 23 percent between 2023 and 2025, according to WPTV, with child advocates quoted in that report fearing the trend could continue. Closer to home, 4KIDS Miami says hundreds of children are removed from their homes in Miami-Dade County every year, and that the community still does not have enough foster families to meet the need.
MDCFAPA is continuing to seek more people willing to become foster and adoptive parents, and says it welcomes additional sponsor-donors to support programs for foster and adopted youth. The organization notes that most donations it receives are tax-deductible.
