By Josh Cohen Aug. 16, 2017
ORLANDO – It’s a challenge for immigrants to adjust to a new environment, learn social norms and develop the necessary skills to thrive in American culture.
The Hope CommUnity Center is a solution for many underprivileged families to effectively transition. The programs and services provided empowers Central Florida’s immigrant and working poor communities through education, advocacy and spiritual growth.
With some recent assistance from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), more disadvantaged people are able to utilize the Hope CommUnity Center’s resources.
The Apopka-based outlet received a $55,000 grant from OMYF, which has donated $22 million over the past 27 years to those most in need throughout Central Florida. Members from each of the 17 organizations that received assistance from OMYF this year gathered at Amway Center this past February. It was an incredible and rewarding surprise for all of these vital foundations with $1 million being divvied out.
“It is amazing,” Hope CommUnity Center Board President Roxanne Rose said. “We are very happy and pleased. This is a significant donation for all of us.”
The Hope CommUnity Center inspires many and infuses remarkable enthusiasm, originality and talent from everyone who walks through the door. There are no obstacles or barriers regardless of a person’s background or skills.
The love and respect shown by educators and other volunteers at the center has motivated many people. The offerings, which includes academic tutoring, a nurturing family program, citizenship preparation classes and much more, guides them to happier and healthier lives.
The development of this foundation is very inspirational. In the early 1970’s, three Roman Catholic nuns arrived in Apopka to help farmworkers and the working poor. They did an amazing job promoting social change and economic justice through the years. The hard work and dedication shown by each of them helped pave the way for the Hope CommUnity Center’s accomplishments.
To learn more about the Hope CommUnity Center, visit www.hcc-offm.org. For more information on OMYF, go to www.omyf.org.
2017 OMYF grant recipients: Adult Literacy League ($40,000); Aspire Health Partners - Zebra Coalition ($100,000); Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida ($75,000); Central Florida YMCA ($75,000); Christian Service Center ($20,000); Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida ($50,000); Early Learning Coalition of Orange County ($65,000); ELEVATE Orlando ($60,000); Foundation for Foster Children ($60,000); Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida ($50,000); Hope CommUnity Center ($55,000); IMPOWER ($50,000); Junior Achievement of Central Florida ($100,000); The Nemours Foundation ($50,000); Orlando Science Center ($50,000); University of Central Florida Foundation ($50,000); Valencia College Foundation ($50,000).