In response to this incredible need in the community, a group of concerned members of St. Margaret’s & San Francisco de Asis 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 youths waiting for hours after dismissal for their working parents to pick them up.

The development of My Backyard, an afterschool program for youth, ages 8-13 years, whom reside in the MLMS boundaries, 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 & San Francisco de Asis 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 Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University. 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 each teen to realize and develop their strengths.