BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Local 10 News story sparked a meaningful partnership that brought the nonprofit “Operation You Matter” into the spotlight during Miami Art Week.
Christina O’Dell, founder of Operation You Matter, has been dedicating her life to mental health advocacy after losing her son and his father to suicide.
The nonprofit hosts monthly events for students and teens, providing a safe space for self-expression through art.
“We do inspirational art with teens. We provide a safe space for them to sit with peers, talk about wins, and share what’s bothering them,” O’Dell said.
After Local 10′s initial story aired in November, viewer Pati Vargas, director of Futurama Art Gallery in Little Havana, reached out to collaborate. Vargas invited the nonprofit to participate in her gallery’s Organic Festival during Miami Art Week, offering them a booth to showcase and sell artwork.
“I saw the aim of the nonprofit, and it’s very important, much needed,” Vargas said. “She incorporates art, and I figured we do art. We are a gallery with 45 local artists, so it’s a perfect match.”
Operation You Matter’s booth featured unique creations, including ornaments and organic art made from dried and pressed flowers.
Among their offerings were semicolon-themed items, a symbol of resilience and hope in mental health awareness.
“These are semicolons we’ve been giving out to anyone who needs one. It brings awareness — it means that an author could’ve ended their story with a period but chose a semicolon to keep going. It signifies that your story is not over,” O’Dell explained.
The weekend was a resounding success, with the nonprofit connecting with community members and raising awareness for its mission.
“I just want to say how thankful I am for the exposure and the amount of community support I’ve had bringing Operation You Matter to light,” O’Dell said.
Vargas echoed the sentiment.
“I’m so happy because I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a long-term relationship. Her nonprofit is amazing,” she said, adding her appreciation for Local 10′s “Mom to Mom” segment.
To learn more about Operation You Matter or Futurama Art Gallery, click here or the link at the top of this story.
Local 10 viewers can also click here to more Mom to Mom stories.
If you would like to highlight a mom who makes a difference in our community, send us an email at MomToMom@wplg.com.