Two Hats, One Mission
by Gertrude Mann, Member Since 1974
Keith Young explains that his enthusiasm for his work as CEO of the Medical Center at Ocean Reef and Foundation and as a volunteer Chairman of the Board of New Hope, a men’s treatment center in Homestead, is the same. He says, “This is who I am. I’ve always been in the business of helping people. I look for opportunities where I can make a difference.”
Medical Discovery
Keith’s fascination with science and medicine began early. He remembers a biology teacher in Houston recognizing his interest and arranging for him to view an open-heart operation at the Texas Heart Institute. “I was 12 years old,” he says. “My teachers and Scout leaders helped me. I thought about architectural design and engineering. I wanted to keep learning. After high school graduation, I joined the military and had 12 years of experience with all aspects of medicine and health management. I came out with a college degree in bio chemistry and knew this would be my life’s work.”
He credits the military with adding direction to his growing resolve and drive. Baptist Hospital used his skills in building new services from the ground up. Actually, he was in a South Miami operating room watching a surgical procedure when he was called out to take a phone call. It was from an ORC Member telling him about our jewel of a Medical Center and the search for a new CEO. Keith admits to being intrigued. He took on his leadership role 14 years ago and has been the inspiration for one Medical Center success after another. Keith says the facility grows by 8%-10% annually and that visiting specialist numbers have risen from three to 46. “I will explore any idea to enhance services for our Members,” he says.
After Hours at New Hope
At New Hope on Krome Avenue in Homestead, his commitment runs deeply. He volunteers to rescue lives. Keith says, “New Hope treats men who are desperate, men who have fallen low because of some kind of life crisis or addiction. We help them with a procedural program where each step has a purpose and a clinician’s assessment of needs sets a path. The client rooms with a ‘buddy’ who is further along in the program and can offer encouragement, advice and hope. The men live at New Hope and advance to identifying work interests and finding jobs. New Hope supports and helps them every step of the way.”
What Keith has brought to New Hope through his keen financial management and goal setting has allowed the facility ongoing success. Keith’s vision includes building new space for more clients. Currently serving over 60 men, the New Hope team of 30 staff who consist of a physician, psychiatrist, clinicians, case managers and support staff, projects doubling client intake in a bigger facility. The plan is to build on a lot New Hope owns next door to the current facility.
Keith’s pride in the work they do is understandable. He sees the results in the lives of their clients, moving them through recovery and reentry into society. New Hope’s newsletter is called the Herald. It details the personal stories of the many men who regain confidence and the will to pick up the broken pieces of their lives and move on.
Keith recognizes the value of volunteers, like himself and the existing Board of Directors, who can make such a difference in the lives of others by donating time, expertise and money. He is always ready to share news about New Hope. If this story about the difference volunteering can make impresses you, give him a call.