Boys Town South Florida brought together local leaders, educators and behavioral health experts for its third annual Community Action Summit, focusing on digital addiction and how communities can work together to support the mental health and well-being of children and families.
Held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach, the summit also marked Boys Town South Florida’s 35th anniversary of serving children and families throughout the community.
The event centered on excessive screen time, unhealthy digital habits and the importance of a coordinated response involving families, schools, behavioral health providers and community organizations.
“Helping children develop healthy digital habits takes all of us working together,” said Dr. Steve Arcidiacono, Behavioral Health Clinic Director at Boys Town South Florida. “This summit created an opportunity to bring different perspectives to the table and explore how we can better support parents, strengthen our connections with young people, and help families recognize when additional support may be needed.”
Jim Grimes, co-anchor of CBS12 News, served as emcee. Dr. Leah Singh, research faculty and director of the Children’s Learning Clinic at Florida State University, delivered the virtual keynote address.
The panel brought together expertise in behavioral health, child protection and education. Panelists included:
- Dr. Steve Arcidiacono, Behavioral Health Clinic Director, Boys Town South Florida
- Gregory Schiller, J.D., CEO, Child Rescue Coalition
- Dr. Diane Kelly Andreou, Clinical Psychologist, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department
- Michelle Goncalves-Fleming, Principal, Palm Beach Gardens Community High School
Boys Town South Florida also presented its Youth Impact Award to Jill Coleman and Rebecca Soylemez, Palm Beach chapter leaders of Mothers Against Media Addiction, recognizing their work to educate parents about social media and smartphone use and advocate for phone-free schools.
“Boys Town is an amazing organization doing admirable work for families in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and we were thrilled they chose excessive screen time and unhealthy digital habits to be their focus of this year’s Summit,” Soylemez said.
The summit also recognized two Families of the Year, highlighting the impact of early learning services and structured support for children and families.
Elected officials and representatives in attendance included Florida State Rep. Rob Long, District 90; Palm Beach County School Board Member Karen Brill, District 3; and Malcom Sommons, representing Palm Beach County Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr., District 7.
As Boys Town South Florida celebrates 35 years of service, the summit reinforced the importance of bringing community resources and expertise together to help children and families thrive.
Above Photo:
- All the panelist on the stage Michelle Goncalves Fleming, Dr. Diane Kelly Andreou, Gregory Schiller, and Dr. Steve Arcidiacono
Below Photos:
- Farewell from Board Secretary Jean Marie Middleton
- Jennifer Abaid, Charlotte Ussery, Desmond Crayton, Dr. Steve Arcidiacono, Sanders Lewallen
- Jill Coleman and Rebecca Soylemez receiving Youth Impact Award Recipients
- Kelly Ogiesoba, Guest, Carol Rodriguez, Desmond Crayton, Malcolm Sommons
- Representative Rob Long of Florida House District 90
- School Board Member Karen Brill
