There is a great need for quality tutoring programs for middle school youth in Miami-Dade County. Due to economic necessity, there is a greater prevalence of parents working outside the home than ever before. Their work hours typically extend later in the day than their child’s school hours. This has created a multitude of problems for these families. Of paramount concern to many is the supervision, or lack thereof, of their children.

This is particularly so for middle school children who are seemingly too old for traditional care and too young to be unsupervised during the after-school hours. Left unattended, these children are at a higher risk for drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, delinquent behavior, victimization, and injury than their peers who are supervised after school. Statistics show that most juvenile crime is committed between the hours of 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with the largest number of offenses committed in the hours immediately following students’ release from school.

Children between the ages of 10 years and 14 years are facing a gap in services throughout the county. These children need safe and engaging opportunities between the last school bell and the end of their parents’ work-day.

In response to this incredible need in the community, a group of concerned members of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church formed a Youth Task Force in January 2002. Specific concern was expressed regarding the welfare of students attending Miami Lakes Middle School (MLMS), due to daily observations of these youth waiting hours after dismissal for their working parents to pick them up.

The development of My Backyard, an after school program for youth, ages 10-14 years, whom reside in the Miami Lakes area, arose out of the Task Force’s concern for this under-served group. Hundreds of volunteer hours have been spent since January, 2002, in developing a program that meets the needs of the youths, their families, the school, and community. My Backyard opened in August for the 2002-03 school year. It is located on the St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church grounds in its own 6000 sq ft building. My Backyard is non-profit and has been incorporated separately. There is no religious agenda for participating youth. The full-time Director, Debra Silla, has a Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling. There are currently 4 staff members.

My Backyard is a youth center focused on strength.  Everyone has a strength and our goal is to help every teen to realize and develop their strengths.

My Backyard provides support and enrichment through the teaching of life skills such as:  

• Leadership Development

• Self-Esteem

• Communication

• Community Involvement

• Career Awareness

• Cultural Awareness

We are a nurturing and motivating environment that:

• Identifies Strengths
• Gives Encouragement
• Provides Praise
• Celebrates One's Individuality

We offer Educational Support through providing homework assistance, academic tutoring and FCAT training. We have a computer lab with 12 stations to use for research and school projects.

We offer the following Recreational Activities:

• Basketball

• Volleyball

• Art & Crafts

• Soccer

• Music

• Jump Rope

• Foosball