To honor the contributions and the transcendent impacts of Rev. Dr. Jose E. Hernandez in our South Florida communities Commissioner McGhee, joined by the Agape community, will host a Street and Building Naming Ceremony on Friday, September 27, starting at 10 a.m. at the Agape Network Main Campus, 22790 SW 112th Ave., Miami, FL 33170.
Dr. Hernandez has selflessly dedicated his life to being a steward to his community, tackling the war against drugs and crime in our society, encouraging community members through tenacious efforts, and, most importantly, through faith. In 1983, Dr. Hernandez founded South Florida Jail Ministries and Agape Network, a nationally accredited community health center and rehabilitation facility. He has served as Agape Network’s Executive Director since its inception. He has been recognized for his incredible work that has left an indelible mark in District 9 and throughout the County. A portion of Southwest 227th Street between Southwest 112th Place and Southwest 112th Avenue will be named “Dr. Jose Hernandez Street.”
Rev. Jose E. Hernandez was born in Cuba and at the age of eight moved to Miami with his family. Through a series of life experiences, he dedicated his life to serving God when he was seventeen years old.
In 1981 he was selected as the Chaplain for Metro Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department. Rev. Hernandez was promoted from Chaplain to Religious Coordinator for the Metro Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department in 1983. In addition to his work with the County, in 1983 Dr. Hernandez founded South Florida Jail Ministries and The Agape Network.
In addition to South Florida Jail Ministries, Dr. Hernandez has founded other community-oriented programs including a multiethnic, non-denomination movement entitled “We are One” and, the Agape Network, a nationally accredited community health center and residential recovery for female substance abusers. Dr. Hernandez has served as Agape’s Executive Director since its beginning in 1984. Agape has grown to six programs throughout Dade County serving weekly over 1,500 individuals and families.
Dr. Hernandez has received national recognition from the National Association of Counties for his work with the jail ministries, has served as Co-Chair for the religious task force to rebuild South Dade churches, a “We Will Rebuild” committee. Presently Dr. Hernandez serves on the boards of several community agencies including Miami Coalition for a Drug Free Community which he Co-Chaired with Rabbi Schift.
The community is invited to come together for this special ceremony to pay homage to Dr. Hernandez.
