The Miami SOL is proud of honor a modern day Florence Nightingale. In addition to her duties as a registered nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bessie Perry Garrett spends much of her time reaching out to the homeless and making sure that they receive proper health care. She often hits the streets and regularly visits parking lots, abandoned buildings and bridges to assist them with their medical needs.

She also has been especially concerned with the welfare of homeless children. In 1998, she was awarded for her community service work with the “United Way Green Family Foundation American Values Award,” and she used her $5,000 winnings to establish the “Smile with a Child” program. This program allows her to fulfill the wishes of over forty homeless children each year by taking them on an all-expense paid trip to Disney World. In addition, Bessie spends her weekends providing the homeless with volunteer HIV/AIDS testing, and she is involved with the South Florida AIDS Network and numerous other organizations.

The Miami SOL is honored to recognize Bessie Perry Garrett, who has made it her life’s mission to care for the homeless and bring a much-needed smile to their faces.