Entraide Floridienne, a self-help and solidarity organization founded in Florida

Under the impetus of the French Consulate General in Miami, the Entraide Floridienne strengthens the French associative landscape in Florida. This Local Mutual Aid and Solidarity Organization (OLES) is in addition to the four structures already existing on American territory (New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco) in order to support French families in difficulty.

Created in mid-June, this non-profit association, run by volunteers, acts in addition to the social assistance implemented by the French Consulate General in Miami. " Unfortunately, our means of intervention are limited and the number of French people in difficulty is increasing regularly, especially in the current context., explains Laurent Gallissot, Consul General of France in Miami. We had to find an additional lever in order to successfully process all the requests, especially since our social assistance service comes second after that of New York in terms of spending, which proves that there are significant needs ” .

Aimed at French nationals as well as their spouses and children, Entraide Floridienne offers assistance in cases of domestic or family violence, helps applicants in their administrative procedures or directs them towards medical solutions financially more accessible. " In the United States, the bill for medical care is often very high while there are low-cost solutions, sometimes free, even if you do not have health insurance. "Said Frédéric Bernerd, president of the Entraide Floridienne.

New face in the French community, this 44 year old Breton, installed for fifteen years in the United States, works as a nurse in advanced practice at the University of Miami Hospital as well as in the resuscitation department of Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. " On a daily basis, I take care of my patients, so this new function within associative life is literally close to my activities as well as to my area of ​​expertise.he says. Working in the American medical community, I also have access to various resources, such as a network of social workers, which will make it easier for us to refer people in need. "

Having already received a subsidy from the French government and preparing to increase calls for donations, Entraide Floridienne also aims to provide access to ad hoc aid. " This will allow you to pay several bills or help people who do not have access to school grants to buy certain supplies, says Frédéric Bernerd. However, it is not just a question of money, we do not just want to write a check but to offer long-term support "

Currently in the process of obtaining charitable association status, Entraide Floridienne also wishes to develop a real network throughout the district. " We will build on already existing structures and work in close collaboration with the Honorary Consuls of several cities like Tampa, Orlando or Jacksonville because it is very important to be on the ground ", says the president of Entraide Floridienne who has already received the support of the French International Program Association (FIPA), the Alliance Française de Miami, the Franco-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (FACC), as well as the Florida-Caribbean section of French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF). " It is essential to support and pool knowledge and expertise in order to create a real dynamic ", Welcomes Laurent Gallissot who, when he took office last September, had expressed the desire to position himself as" a catalyst "and to bet on" a collective intelligence ".