Miami

Member of South Florida Nonprofit Heading to Cuba for Pope's Visit

Since being installed as pontiff, Pope Francis has spoken many times about helping the less fortunate.

A member of one of South Florida's largest and most charitable nonprofit organizations will be traveling to Cuba to hear the Pope speak.

Through music, spirits are lifted at Camillus House in Miami. The nonprofit provides humanitarian services to the homeless of Miami-Dade County.

This weekend, one of its board members and chairmen of Anthony Abraham Foundation, Thomas Abraham, will accompany Archbishop Thomas Wenski to Cuba for Pope Francis' historic visit.

"It's such a great opportunity to participate in something that is so historical and important to the Cuban community in South Florida," Abraham said.

For Abraham, it's a trip of a lifetime. A time to see the Pope, known as the Great Reformer, who champions the oppressed, empowering others to follow suit.

"Wake up, find yourself, find out what you can do in your own community. Each and every one of us has an opportunity to make a difference," Abraham said.

Wenski, once an orphan, along with his sister in Beirut, were adopted by Anthony Abraham, best known as the owner of Anthony Abraham Chevrolet.

But aside from being a successful businessman, he was a philanthropist, who went above and beyond for those in need. His love for the Cuban people did not go unnoticed.

"Our family has been very involved with the Cuban community since 1960," Abraham said.

That was the year the Camillus House officially opened its doors to Cuban migrants desperate to find safe haven.

"There was a special challenge for single men coming here whether they were political prisoners or escaping situations. We need to reclaim their families to figure out how to survive during difficult times," said Shed Boren, CEO of Camillus House.

Since that time, there has been an outpouring of love and support.

"With the help of Camillus House, I'm not homeless. I went from a cardboard box to a rooftop," said Leslie Holman, who used to be homeless.

For Holman, the Camillus House was the life-line she needed, and now she's giving back as a volunteer. Sharing the message of the Pope, helping provide charity, faith and hope.

"A lot of times people say, here at Camillus House we're doing God's work, and I think that's consistent of what Pope Francis wants us to do," Boren said.

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