In May 2022, Chaplain Mendy Coen, Director-General of the United States Chaplain Corps, announced the opening of new USCC regional offices in Miami Beach, Florida.
The USCC has already been active on-site in Florida, making it the natural progression for the next base for the USCC.
During the Surfside, Florida tragedy in June 2021, 31 USCC chaplains were on site for over 60 days and served over 400 individuals. During that time, USCC also served and created close, ongoing relationships with South Florida organizations including the Miami Dade Police Department, Miami Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR), Broward County Fire Rescuers, Miami Gardens Police Department, Hatzalah South Florida Emergency Medical Services, CSE Emergency Service & Recovery Unit and other Miami based first responders services.
Having a Florida base allows the USCC to develop deeper relationships while increasing activities and outreach in South Florida.
While the USCC mission in Florida is based on the New York State model, there will be elements personalized for the region.
Immediate plans include:
• Recruitment program of 250 new chaplains
• Visiting Chaplain Service in 48 hospitals and law enforcement offices.
The USCC Miami headquarters and the grand opening ceremony will be announced in an upcoming newsletter.