Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc.

Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc. Dedicated to improving lives in low-income neighborhoods with programs for critical needs, better health, new skills, jobs, housing and economic stability.

Today on International Women’s Day, TGHI proudly remembers our founder, Ms. Thelma V.A. Gibson, who throughout her life ...
03/09/2026

Today on International Women’s Day, TGHI proudly remembers our founder, Ms. Thelma V.A. Gibson, who throughout her life broke barriers in healthcare, championed civil rights, and worked to uplift the historic Black community of Coconut Grove.

Ms. Gibson's strength built communities, her voice helped shape the future, and her courage opened doors for so many who followed.

As we celebrate today, we honor not only the women who paved the way, but also the women and girls who will continue to rise, lead, and shape the world in the years to come.

May we carry Ms. Gibson's legacy forward and remember that every step forward is made possible by the women who came before us and the promise of those yet to come.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💛💙

Join us in honoring our beloved, Thelma Gibson💜🕊
02/19/2026

Join us in honoring our beloved, Thelma Gibson💜🕊

02/19/2026

"Thelma exemplifies how you can do anything, no matter where you live or what you're facing, as long as you put your mind to it." -Jonmarc Hall, Breakthrough Miami Scholar

Today we honor and remember Thelma Gibson, a beloved Coconut Grove icon, nurse, philanthropist, civil rights advocate, and changemaker, who has passed away at 99.

Thelma Gibson’s life was dedicated to serving others. From founding the first Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Miami-Dade County, to launching the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc., to serving as the Interim City Commissioner for the City of Miami Government, and a Trustee at the University of Miami, she consistently used her leadership to strengthen the community around her. Thelma was a trailblazer in the nursing industry, paving the way for people of color to serve our community as health industry professionals. Her work as an nurse, activist, and advocate helped create pathways for thousands of youth and colored individuals in our community.

Thelma's impact was honored and memorialized in 2021 by one of our Scholars, then 7th-grader, Jonmarc Hall, who chose to write his Black History Month Essay in honor of Garth C. Reeves Sr., on Thelma Gibson. Even at a young age, Jonmarc recognized what many in Coconut Grove, and it's surrounding communities, have long known about Thelma's contributions.

With several of our host sites rooted in Coconut Grove, we feel the weight and significance of her work deeply. Thelma Gibson showed us what it means to lead with purpose and to invest in the next generation without hesitation.

As we reflect on Thelma's life, Breakthrough Miami remains committed to continuing her legacy of empowering youth, advancing educational opportunity, and strengthening the communities she loved so dearly.

Rest in Power, Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson.

The Miami Times

TGHI remembers and honors our beloved Ms. Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson, our matriarch. Ms. Gibson's legacy will foreve...
02/13/2026

TGHI remembers and honors our beloved Ms. Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson, our matriarch.

Ms. Gibson's legacy will forever be defined by service and her deep commitment to the residents of Miami-Dade County. She believed that every person deserved to be treated with dignity, equality, and respect. She understood that true community strength begins with ensuring that everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive.

One of her greatest gifts was the way she valued people. She never hesitated to thank those around her, no matter how small their contribution may have seemed. Her faith, her strength, and her remarkable patience during times of challenge and uncertainty were a steady example to all who knew her.

We will deeply miss her guidance and the quiet lessons she shared so generously.

TGHI will continue carrying on her work in her memory, remaining committed to service, equity, and expanding access to opportunities for all.

- Merline J Barton, President/Co-Founder of Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc. and staff.

02/12/2026
TGHI honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose vision of unity, justice, and love continues to inspire us. ...
01/19/2026

TGHI honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose vision of unity, justice, and love continues to inspire us. Reminding us to never be afraid to do what's right.

12/27/2025

✨ It was a true celebration in honor of Thelma Gibson’s 99th Birthday! ✨

A beautiful luncheon filled with love, legacy, and gratitude—celebrating a woman whose life’s work continues to uplift generations. From heartfelt tributes to shared joy in community, every moment reflected the impact of her vision, strength, and unwavering commitment to service. 💐

Here’s to 99 years of purpose, resilience, and inspiration—and a legacy that continues to shine. 💛

12/24/2025

Thank you ✨️ December 19th is now Thelma Gibson Day in Miami-Dade County!

12/21/2025

A special message from Real Estate Advisor and member Michelle Haast in celebration of Thelma Gibson's 99th Birthday 🎂

12/20/2025

A special message from Board Chair Eric Knowles and family member Mrs. Cox ✨️

12/20/2025

A very special THANK YOU to our Legacy Celebration Sponsors 🎉

Address

3640 Grand Avenue
Miami, FL
33133

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30am

Telephone

305-446-1543

Website

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Thelma Gibson Health Initiative Inc,

TGHI’s Mission:

Dedicated to improving lives in low-income neighborhoods with programs for critical needs, better health, new skills, jobs, housing and economic stability.

Since inception in 2000 TGHI has been fighting the effects of poverty in communities where 1 in 4 families financial scarcity, illiteracy, drug dependency, HIV, delinquency, teen pregnancy, gangs, crime and hopelessness. The initial focus of the Health Initiative was to reduce HIV and substance abuse in the West Grove, South Miami, and Coral Gables, and to help residents find resources for critical living problems with a staff of Master’s-level Counselors and Clinical Social Workers. Within a few years, the agency added programs to help families with education, teen violence, and social and life skills. Recently TGHI has added job training and placement for all ages in our CANTEEN Jobs Program, and our Passport Curriculum for Practical Skills. Plans are underway to replicate the Canteen Jobs Program and Passport Curriculum in more locations in Miami-Dade County.

TGHI employs a caring and experienced group of professionals including Masters Level Counselors, Certified Behavior Analysts, Case Managers, and Vocational Training Staff. We are dedicated to moving each client forward towards healthy, more skilled, helping them find jobs which can lead to a career and a successful life in the community of their choice.