Compassionate service for our community

A native Miamian of Honduran and Middle Eastern heritage, Helen Miguel joined Miami-Dade County 30 years ago as a rehabilitative services counselor at New Direction residential facility.

Helen is the team manager for the Frankie Shannon Rolle Coconut Grove Neighborhood Center. “My passion has always been in service. I make the greatest effort to assist anyone in need who crosses my path. In the Grove, we have a tight-knit comm”UNITY,” said Helen.

FCS Division Director Letah Parrish adds, “Helen has been a pillar for CAC members and community-based organizations. She works well with faith-based groups and the City of Miami Police Department commander.”

Helen’s social service career began in 8th grade when she signed up for a work experience program at Citrus Middle School. She says working in the trenches with the community is where she found her passion.

“My first paying job was through Youth Co-Op. I was only 13. I was assigned to work with an agency named Accion that offered free transportation to the elderly... Back then, they had buses that would offer rides to the elderly. My duties included calling the elderly from a list they gave me to offer free transportation to the grocery store, to their doctor’s appointments, etc. A lot of the elderly did not trust that I was offering them free rides, plus I sounded like a kid so they would hang up on me. I learned then not to take things personal,” she said.

She graduated college and was hired by The Salvation Army in the late 80s. She worked with homeless women and their children. She also ran the Angel Tree Christmas program. It was a wonderful experience for her to work where she felt was her true calling.

Over the years, Helen has served through different groups and important services that help individuals and families thrive despite difficulties and setbacks.

“After 30 years, I truly still enjoy what I do, and if I had to do it all over again, not doubt I would do it again,” Helen concluded.

“Our community and department are the better for the compassionate service received from Helen Miguel,” said CAHSD Director Sonia Grice.