Constance Collins
President & Director | Founder & President, The Sundari Foundation Inc.
Constance Collins, Esq., is President and Executive Director of the Sundari Foundation, Inc., a non-denominational 501c3 public charity, best known as the Lotus House Women’s Shelter, and its supporting foundations, Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc., Lotus Village Development, LLC, and Lotus Supporting Foundation, Inc.
A lawyer and businesswoman prior to founding Lotus House, she has served as a full time volunteer for the Lotus family of charitable organizations since 2004, founding and overseeing the development, operations, programming, services, research and growth of the Lotus House and its all new, state of the art, comprehensive homeless services facility in Lotus Village, setting new standards on a national level with trauma informed, evidence based, best practices, and proven strategies to ending and preventing homelessness that put children first and respond sensitively to the gender specific needs of women.
Winner of the 2016 Non-Profit Innovation Award of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and 2018 Project of the Year Award of the Urban Land Institute Southeast Florida/Caribbean, Lotus Village is a life-changing prototype for the future, designed as a mixed-use “village” combining state of the art shelter facilities and holistic, trauma-informed, supportive services to heal, nurture and uplift children and families experiencing homelessness. With capacity to shelter over 500 women and children nightly, this trend-setter includes: solution focused individual needs assessments and social services supports, individual and group counseling, child and family therapy, and social services advocacy; a working classroom kitchen sized to deliver a half million meals a year; an urban garden nourishing body, mind and spirit; a healing hands salon to soothe and uplift; a computer library for adult education, after school programming and job readiness training and employment assistance; yoga, Reiki, meditation, dance and exercise classes; an art and activities lab offering alternative pathways to healing and creative expression; and welcoming play spaces for children throughout the village. Aptly named, Lotus Village, because it takes a village, this new facility is the first of its kind on a national level, the more so because it includes a trauma-informed, therapeutic children’s wellness center including six classrooms offering early child care and education for newborns to age three, with a therapeutic overlay of child-parent therapy, play therapy, parenting classes, resource coordination, and linkages to key community partners to strengthen and uplift children and families. Enriched with a health clinic for women and children, Lotus Village is deeply embedded in and serving the neighborhood it calls home, preventing and bringing an end to homelessness with a full range of medical and dental services. So much more than a shelter, Lotus Village is a center for innovative, best practices, research and advocacy for public and social policies to raise awareness of the gender specific needs of women and youth experiencing homelessness and advance the health, wellbeing and school readiness of children experiencing homelessness, transforming trauma into a window of opportunity to strengthen children and families, and offers a platform for deeper community engagement, collaboration, shared learning and dialogue, on a local, state and national level.
Current Board Service: Miami Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board, since 2018; Miami Dade County Children’s Trust, Gubernatorial appointment, since 2018
Honors: 2018 Women of Impact Award, Women’s History Coalition of Miami Dade County, Inc.; 2018 Philanthropy Award, Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness; 2018 Girl Power Rocks Award, Girl Power, Miami; 2017 Spectrum Award, American Red Cross; 2016 Visionary Award, Miami Herald; 2016 Julia Tuttle Award by City of Miami Commission on the Status of Women; 2016 Salutation Honoring Women in Public Service by the City of Miami; 2015 Public Servant Award – South Florida Community Development Coalition; 2014 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award by United States Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 2010 Woman of Vision Award by the Weitzman Institute; 2008 Local Hero Award by Bank of America; 2007 Honoree, Women Who Make a Difference by Junior League of Miami, Inc.; 2006 Commendation For Women Builders of Communities and Dreams, National Women’s History Month, by the City of Miami and Miami Commission on the Status of Women.
Lotus House/Lotus Village Awards: Four Stars, Charity Navigator; Platinum Status, Guide Star; 2018 Project of the Year, South Florida and Caribbean Urban Land Institute; 2018 Structures Award for Community Impact, South Florida Business Journal; 2017 Housing for Everyone Award, TD Charitable Foundation; 2016 Innovations Award for development of trauma informed, therapeutic childcare center embedded in Lotus Village, The Children’s Trust; 2016 Non-Profit Innovation Award of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; 2014 Housing for Everyone Award, TD Charitable Foundation; “Best Charity” by New Times 2013; 2013 Community Spirit Award from the Commission on Women; 2012 Outstanding Service Excellence Award from the American Society for Public Administration – South Florida Chapter; 2012 Zeta Phi Beta Community Achievement Award; Neighborhood Builder Award of the 2011 Neighborhood Excellence Initiative of Bank of America; Leave a Legacy 2010 Donor Next Door award presented by the Health Foundation of South Florida; 2010 Unity Award by Theodore R. Gibson Memorial Fund; 2010 Health Care Hero Award by Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; “Best of Miami Shelter” by New Times, 2010; and 2005 and 2006 Networking Deal of the Year for Sundari Foundation, by Miami CREW, for Lotus House, and numerous proclamations of Miami Dade County and City of Miami Commission recognizing the important work of Lotus House.
Learn more at www.lotushouse.org and www.lotusendowment.org
Contact her at 305.613.1573 or constance@lotushouse.org
John Sumberg
Vice President & Director | Managing Partner Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod, LLP
"Literally the first day I met Constance over 10 years ago, I was inspired by her vision of helping homeless women and children and providing them the support and opportunities they need to improve their circumstances and lives. Lotus House is the manifestation of that vision and dream. I am honored and humbled to be involved. "
Kim Abreu
Treasurer & Director| Senior Vice President, Bank of America, N.A.
"We are all blessed to have the talented team of Lotus House in our community. I am a big believer in the holistic approach Lotus House provides in delivering educational, emotional, physical, social and vocational care and treatment to all the women and children that call Lotus House home. I think Lotus House is at the forefront in gathering, analyzing and sharing data to better measure and implement successful approaches to delivering the support that every individual deserves and the outcomes that make our communities better."
Julie Lotspeich
Secretary & Director| Philanthropist
"The Lotus House changes lives one family and one woman at a time by providing a loving and compassionate environment while providing guests resources for their future. I support Lotus House because the program is so effective. Over 80% of the guests leaving the Lotus House exit the shelter system."
Cindy Bell
Director | Nurse & Volunteer
"I have been involved with Lotus House for 14 years and have witnessed women of all ages, pregnant moms, newborns, children, and youth receive the best evidenced-based medical care, counseling, mental health, child care, educational services, employment, and holistic programming. Witnessing a guest leave LH with new skills and inner confidence to follow her purpose, keeps me returning time and again. All of us are in this together…the Village keeps expanding outward."
David Berdugo
Director | CPA & Manager, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra aka MBAF CPA and Advisors
"I was first introduced to the Lotus House through a leadership program from the FICPA. One of our first activities were to volunteer at the Lotus House where I knew right away I wanted to be a part of such a special organization. The attention to even the smallest detail is why I knew this is where I wanted to devote my time and attention to such a great cause."
Seth Cassel
Director |President, EveryMundo
"I support Lotus House because it effects transformational change in the lives of those in our community who need it the most. Lotus House is relentless in the pursuit of its mission - a mission which not only benefits the Village guests, but the entire community and city as a whole. In due time, the impact of Lotus House will pay social dividends on a national and generational basis."
Ana Cousins
Director | Assistant Supervisor, Civil Division, Miami Dade County Clerk of Courts
Giselle Devera
Director | The Community
Tamu Fourie
Director |Associate General Counsel, Baptist Health
“I believe every woman is a unique creation capable of making an immeasurable contribution to her world. Through its holistic and evidence-based approach, the Lotus House team led by Constance Collins provides a safe and love-filled place for women and their children to heal, grow and recognize their individual value. The team is compassionate and dedicated, and they work tirelessly to be a blessing to their guests and to the community. I am so blessed to be able to serve.”
Rachel Wagner Furst
Director | Partner, Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen
"The Lotus House provides life changing holistic services to the most vulnerable members of our community and it does so with grace and love. The programs are ambitious and the team never settles for what might suffice as average. I am so proud to be able to help this amazing organization."
Evelyn L. Greer
Director | Attorney
“Since the days when Lotus House was an 8 unit apartment building struggling to meet an overwhelming need, there was the dream of a state of the art facility truly serving the needs of homeless women and children. The dream is now real in our beautiful home!”
Julie Grimes
Director | Managing Partner, Hilton Bentley and DoubleTree Grand Hotels
Tiffany Zientz Heckler
Director | CFO, LSN Partners, LLC
“When faced with the most difficult decisions in life (Where do I go now?How do I keep my children safe?), Lotus House responds, “ Here.” LH takes our community at their most vulnerable and provides a safe, clean, nourishing environment to rest (first) and then assists in the process of moving forward and rebuilding lives. The energy and camaraderie of the guests, the staff, the board and the donors is felt every time I walk through the front doors.”
Martin Z Margulies
Director | Developer & Philanthropist
“14 years ago, Constance bought a run-down building with 12 apartments and housed 34 women, along with a separate utility building which served the meals. Little did I know how involved I would become and the great accomplishment which we now have at Lotus Village serving more than 500 women and children. The building was all financed with private money. Constance was the inspiration and has brought this to where it is now—the top facility of its kind in the US.”
Adriene McCoy
Director | Corporate Vice President and Chief HR Officer, Baptist Health
"I support Lotus House because of its compassionate commitment to underserved communities. Supporting mothers and children in crisis is a true mission of love"
Maria Millares
Director | Millares & Company, PA
"I support Lotus House because by using a holistic approach it truly gives the residents an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives and empowers them to become successful members of our community. I also love that the Lotus House puts children first, they are our hope for a better world."
Miroslav "Misha" Mladenovic, P.E.
Director | President, M2E Consulting
"Lotus House is a stellar example of a successful non-profit: from a holistic approach to mend human beings that have been given no chance of success or even survival, to providing a springboard to its clients by offering employment guidance, and even employing them in the Lotus Village. Seeing the changed faces and fates of our fellow beings, from desolate to hopeful and from abandoned to significant makes me always want to do more. Led by the wisdom and endless energy of my friend Constance, I first hand saw the difference a well-organized and cleverly managed institution can do: numbers don’t lie, and the overwhelmingly successful integration of Lotus Houses’ clients into society is a testimony to its existence. Ultimately, one cannot feel indifferent when visiting the Lotus Village – I leave it always smiling, buoyant with energy and hope that the next Lotus year will be an even better one!"
Cobi Moon
Director | Retired Firefighter, City of Miami
"I continue to happily support Lotus House as I have witnessed the hard work, long hours, love and dedication this team gives every day to provide life changing opportunities to women and children in an effort to empower, uplift and advance their status in our community. I am humbled by their efforts and blessed to be able to help"
Nat Moore
Director | SVP of Special Projects and Alumni Relations, Miami Dolphins
"For over 20 years I have seen the work the Lotus house has done to change lives for mothers and their children by providing the resources to help them escape domestic violence and to stop the cycle while providing resources and skills. I am honored to be part of this board and the work that Constance Collins and her staff do."
Sheila Oretsky
Director | Attorney
"I love Lotus House because it isn’t only a safe place for homeless women and children, but a place where they are taught skills, supported in many senses and provided with tools to overcome challenges. I love seeing how the staff and residents really come together as a family to provide a warm, safe and special place for the women and children. It is a place of healing, love, and inclusion."
Tomás P. Regalado
Director | Former Mayor of the City of Miami and Radio and TV anchor
"I served as a member of the HomelessTrust for 12 years, as a City of Miami Commissioner and Mayor I understand the challenges of homelessness. I am honored to serve on the board of Lotus House because while some focus exclusively on the homeless they see on the streets, Constances has made it her life's work to rescue the women and children that live in the shadows, those that for years have learned to not to be seen. Lotus House has given these families a place to heal, shine and thrive. Lotus house is not just a place to live, it is a place where those who for years felt unwanted learn about love, respect and hope."
Nena Rich
Director | Nurse, Volunteer and Philanthropist
"Lotus House is essential to the City of Miami and I am proud to be a part of supporting this incredible organization. Miami has many elements that make it a beautiful and diverse place to visit and live. Ensuring that every member of our city has access to a safe home is our duty to provide and Lotus House has developed and executes an impeccable program. Their knowledgeable staff and leadership consistently deliver holistic approaches to offering shelter and support to those experiencing homelessness."
Dwayne Robinson
Director | Senior Associate, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, LLP
"The Lotus House is an oasis of hope. It is a refuge for women and children at the darkest times of their lives. We light the path and often build the bridge to safety, security, and serenity for our guests. I am proud to support the work of The Lotus House."
Tadd Schwartz
Director | Schwartz Media
Mark Tamis
Director | Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International
"I am so proud both professionally through Royal Caribbean International and personally throughwww.dadsforgiving.org to be involved with Lotus Village and a member of the Board of Directors. Lotus Village and Constance are such bright lights in such an underserved and dark side of our beautiful seaside community and I feel so fortunate to have a venue to do my small part."
Dr. Kathryn Villano
Director | Holistic Doctor & Philanthropist
"Even after many years on the boards of both the shelter and its endowment, I never cease to be amazed by the foresight, resourcefulness and compassion of this staff. I support Lotus House knowing not a penny is wasted and lives are being changed every day."
Debra Wechsler
Director | Norman & Irma Braman Family Foundation
"Lotus House is an extraordinary asset to our community and to our city . I feel so fortunate that I am on the board and have the opportunity to see up close how and why it works. The staff is so dedicated to their guests and because of that; the lives of their women and children are transformed."
Antonia Wright
Director | Artist
"The Lotus House is a very unique place- it not only offers food and shelter, but also helps women heal through many modalities, including art. Contemporary art hangs on the walls, there is an arts and activities lab for the children, art lectures, and incredible visiting artists teach classes to the guests. For almost 10 years I have watched the shelter evolve and was lucky to help establish their art-in-residency program. For many homeless women, they learn to become invisible, but art helps them find and celebrate their voice. This holistic approach to empowering women is why the Lotus House is so successful; women can stay for up to one year and 80 percent transition into permanent housing. Now more than ever, we need to support the most vulnerable members of our society."
Faith Xenos
Director | Founding Partner, Singer Xenos Wealth Management
"I have been involved with the Lotus House since it’s inception. Constance Collins has been a friend and a mentor to me. I live by the words “to those whom much is given, much is expected.” I’ve watched the beautiful transition in many women’s lives here, they help us we don’t help them; to believe in miracles."