Boys Town South Florida

Mario and Dr. Vanda Milman paid it forward, giving $1,000 to Monique Sargeant and her family. Khalilah Eubanks (far-right), Boys Town South Florida, Care Coordinating Consultant, helped establish the relationship.

South Florida Family Recipients of Oprah’s Giving Challenge

When Oprah Winfrey asked her viewers to give of themselves and pay it forward, a south Florida family never dreamed they would benefit from the generosity.

Monique Sargeant works two jobs supporting her three children Shamar, 17, Kimoy, 15, and Camiya, 2. When she was hospitalized in December suffering from a near deadly bout of anemia, the contract worker was left with little money to pay her bills.

Boys Town South Florida’s Khalilah Eubanks Wilson, Care

Coordination Consultant, offered emergency services to help pay mounting expenses. “Monique has a desire to see her children rise above their hardships and make something of themselves,” said Eubanks Wilson. “She wants her children to thrive in a neighborhood free of gangs, drugs and other negative influences.”

“I am so thankful for Boys Town,” said Sargeant. “I hope everyone is aware of what they provide.”

Realizing Sargeant’s situation and goals for her family, Eubanks Wilson and Assistant Coordinator Anthony Smith learned through a local agency that Dr. Vanda and Mario Milman wanted to sponsor a family in need.

The Milmans were given $1,000 from their niece, Mariela Kleiner, and her husband, Keith, who organized their own giving challenge (www.thegivingchallenge.com) after hearing Oprah’s call to action. The Kleiners, featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show Jan. 26, gave $1,000 each to 20 of their friends and family members with one stipulation: give the money to someone in need and ask them to pay it forward someday.

“We wanted to change people’s lives in a big way,” said Mariela. “The effects of the Giving Challenge of encouraging people to give and get involved are ongoing.”

“I was nervous about meeting the Milmans, but I was greeted so well by the staff at Boys Town that it made it easier to share my story,” said Sargeant. “With God’s blessing, my family was selected to receive money. I am very grateful.”

Sargeant used the money to help pay her electric bill and fix her car. Other donations provided Christmas gifts for her children. “I consider the Milmans my guardian angels,” she said. “Ever since they have come into my life, positive things have been happening.”

Positive things like living in a better neighborhood. “Despite the family’s hardships, I’m amazed they’ve made it so far and I’m particularly impressed with Monique’s strength,” said Eubanks Wilson.

Sargeant is aware of her responsibility to pay it forward. “I have always accepted the responsibility of my struggle,” she said. “I always believe in giving back.”

Inspired by the Giving Challenge and the help she finds at Boys Town South Florida, one day she knows she will do just that.