2017OMYF

Josh Cohen

ORLANDO – There is a tremendous effort to combat hunger and homelessness throughout Central Florida. Children and families suffering from food deprivation and unsafe living conditions are benefitting from some local assistance.

Compelled by its devotion to faith and spirituality, the Christian Service Center has a wonderful impact on underprivileged youth and families. Part of the mission is to fight poverty, cultivate self-sufficiency and directly address physical, emotional and spiritual needs for individuals struggling in the community.

With some recent financial assistance from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), more people are living happier and healthier. The Christian Service Center was one of 17 organizations to receive grant money this year from OMYF, which has donated $22 million over the past 27 years to those most in need throughout Central Florida.

“It’s great, it goes to one of our programs that helps families and children and that has an incredible impact,” Christian Service Center Executive Director Robert Stuart said about the $20,000 gift from OMYF. “Also, it’s good to be part of this general community. We want to grow it. So, we also want the entire foundation to grow because we know the impact it has on people. We are really thrilled about that.”

Founded in 1971, the Christian Service Center offers a variety of resources to help diminish problems tied to poverty and hunger. Family and Emergency Services (FES) helps relieve families dealt a sudden and unexpected financial crisis. For many of these programs, the Orlando Magic offers assistance.

The Love Pantry program helps keep kids energized and fueled. Food packs are supplied to participating schools.

Daily Bread, similarly, was designed to make sure nobody struggles with hunger in Central Florida. Through this service, anyone who is hungry can eat for free. A lunch is served for families and individuals in the community six days a week.

Combatting hunger and homelessness is also a major concentration for the Magic. In addition to offering local organizations financial support, OMYF hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. They raised more than $1 million combined during their annual golf tournament, the OMYF Open, and the Black Tie & Tennies Gala.

To learn more about the Christian Service Center, visit https://www.christianservicecenter.org/. For more information on OMYF, go to https://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).

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OMYF Spotlight: Christian Service Center

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.

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OMYF Spotlight: Hope CommUnity Center

ORLANDO – The more prepared a student is for college before enrollment the more likely they will succeed and achieve their career goals.

The YMCA Achievers Program of Central Florida helps unlock those academic and career doors for teenagers and exposes them to diverse career and technical education options.

With assistance from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), more teens are able to utilize YMCA’s resources and learn about various potential career opportunities.

Earlier this year, Central Florida YMCA was one of 17 nonprofit organizations to receive financial assistance from OMYF through a $75,000 grant. The OMYF distributed a grand sum of $1 million this past season and $22 million has been donated to children over the last 27 years through the Magic’s charitable arm.

Representatives from each foundation gathered in February at Amway Center to accept OMYF’s gift to them.

“It’s very special because it will allow us to impact more teens,” said Mina Ford, executive director of the YMCA Achievers Program. “Our focus is career and college readiness. We’re very excited. Impacting teens, of course, is very important and to have the support of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation really makes it very special.”

Now more than ever because of the rapid growth of technology, students are able to explore a range of unique and rewarding academic tracks. Through the Achievers Program, middle and high school kids acquire invaluable knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in college. They are able to discover technologies and trends that are transforming throughout the American workplace. Also, students planning to attend any level of postsecondary education can benefit from college prep courses and guidance.

The grant from OMYF will allow the Achievers Program to be active in three different counties throughout Central Florida. In effect, more students will have access to the abundance of resources this program offers.

In addition to offering local organizations financial support, OMYF hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. The OMYF raised more than $1 million combined during their annual golf tournament, the OMYF Open, and the Black Tie & Tennies Gala.

To learn more about the YMCA Achievers Program of Central Florida, visit https://ymcacentralflorida.com/. For more information on OMYF, go to https://www.omyf.org.

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OMYF Spotlight: Central Florida YMCA

ORLANDO – There’s a growing emphasis on STEM learning in academic circles throughout the United States. The main purpose of STEM, an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, is to help children become more competent in each of those subjects.

The Orlando Science Center has taken a proactive approach on this form of education. The interdisciplinary methods of STEM are applied at the center’s preschool program. Students expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math through innovation, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

With some recent financial assistance from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), more underserved children will be able to reap the benefits of STEM education and enjoy what the science center has to offer.

The Orlando Science Center received a $50,000 grant this year from OMYF, who 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.

“This is amazing,” Orlando Science Center President and CEO JoAnn Newman said at this event. “This is a very prestigious foundation and to be able to have met the criteria and receive an award is kind of game-changing for us. We’re excited.”

Research shows that 60 percent of future jobs will require STEM skills that only one out of five workers possess and only 20 percent of the college degrees awarded in Central Florida are in the STEM fields (30 percent nationally).

As a result, the Orlando Science Center has adopted STEM academic principles. The mission of the science center is to inspire science learning for life. OMYF’s assistance will now help extend that focus and vision to more youth in Central Florida.

“We’re going to use these funds to reach underserved preschool students in the community and their families,” Newman said. “It’s going to be very impactful for them and the community. For us, it’s a wonderful step for us.”

The Orlando Science Center features many exhibits and seminars that help broaden our knowledge of science and technology. It’s a very popular venue for Orlando visitors and it’s fantastic for school field trips and group outings.

To learn more about the Orlando Science Center, STEM education and how you can get involved, visit https://www.osc.org/. For more information on OMYF, go to https://www.omyf.org/.

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OMYF Spotlight: Orlando Science Center

ORLANDO – Over the past 27 years, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) has awarded $22 million in grant money to help those most in need throughout Central Florida.

Back in February, OMYF presented 17 local nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $1 million. It is the ninth time in recent years that the OMYF has granted at least $1 million to assist local organizations in helping those most in need in the Orlando area.

That work off the court has helped the Magic make a sizeable difference in the Central Florida community – a goal of legendary owner Rich DeVos upon buying the franchise back in 1991.

The Magic take great pride in being leaders in the community and making a positive difference with troubling issues such as hunger, homelessness, literacy issues and childhood obesity. That commitment is felt through the team’s actions and efforts in Central Florida. Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative (Magic Volunteer Program – MVP) provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually.

“In our 27 years, we’ve impacted more than two million children with the work that these organizations are doing with the different programs that they have conducted or enacted through OMYF funding,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “There are so many great organizations that are doing such great work and over the course of 27 years we’ve contributed, through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, to more than 500 local organizations. We need them to prepare our youth for a better future.”

Throughout the NBA’s offseason, OrlandoMagic.com will highlight one OMYF grant recipient each week. Without further ado, here is a closer look at one of the organizations making a major difference in the Central Florida community.

OMYF GRANT RECIPIENT: Aspire Health Partners – Zebra Coalition

PROGRAM GRANT WILL FUND: Expanded services and counseling will be provided to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender youth as Zebra Coalition has seen a 25 percent increase in the number of people coming to them for help since the tragic events at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando in June of 2016.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Zebra Coalition is to foster hope, dignity and self-respect in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth, and to provide them an opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.

ZEBRA COALITION QUOTE: “I wish more people knew what the Orlando Magic did beyond just being a basketball team in the community,’’ Zebra Coalition Board President Jill Ramsier said. “Word needs to get out and we’ll do our best to share the word. They have a heart and they’re absolutely amazing. … The Magic are just so wonderful because they recognize the needs in the community. They pay attention to who are the members of the community and what the needs are. They recognize the diversity that exists in the Orlando market and they’re directly helping us impact youth who need our services.’’

MAGIC QUOTE: “Our mission is to be champions on and off the court, and this is the off-the-court part where we have the ability to give back to our community and provide hope for the youth of Central Florida,’’ Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “It’s really gratifying to us. We don’t do it because we have to; we do it because it’s part of our mission and part of who we are. And it’s really gratifying to see the great work that these organizations are doing throughout the community.’’

For more information on Zebra Coalition please visit, www.zebrayouth.org and for more information on OMYF, go to www.omyf.org.

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

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OMYF Spotlight: Zebra Coalition

ORLANDO – Earning a college degree is virtually a necessity to fulfill professional goals and dreams. Without proper guidance and financial support, however, it’s very difficult for many to complete that academic journey.

It’s essential for students from low-economic backgrounds to get a boost. Many kids need mentors and some extra encouragement.

The Take Stock in Children program has been so successful and valuable for thousands of students in Florida for over 20 years providing that much-needed support and extra encouragement. The methods used by Take Stock in Children play a major role in helping more kids from low-income communities graduate high school and college. It also helps break the cycle of poverty.

This program received a $50,000 grant this year from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), who 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.

“This was an amazing event and it will do wonders to help our organization grow,” said Kelly Astro, executive director for Orange County’s Take Stock in Children program at Valencia College.

The remedies to reduce drop-out rates is well-charted by this program. Take Stock in Children provides disadvantaged children with a caring volunteer mentor, a college success coach and a college scholarship. It also helps engage parents, teachers, students and the community in making a difference.

OMYF’s donation will have a major impact as well for kids in Central Florida.

“We will be using the funds to help increase the number of students who are participating in our program as well as with the recruitment and recognition of mentors across Orange County,” Astro said.

Take Stock in Children has seen incredible success. In fact, 96 percent of participating students graduate from high school on time, 96 percent of the 2014 class entered a two or four-year program and 67 percent of the students complete college (Florida state average is 25 percent for students in poverty).

To learn more about this nonprofit organization, visit https://www.takestockinchildren.org/. For more information on OMYF, go to www.omyf.org.

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OMYF Spotlight: Valencia College Foundation

ORLANDO – It’s often what happens in the earliest stages of life that determine how successful children will be when they enter the classroom. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s critical for kids to get the proper care, guidance and instruction before starting grade school.

The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC) is a prominent nonprofit organization devised to help prepare children for the next phase of their lives. With recent assistance from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), more youth are flourishing in nearby schools.

ELCOC received a $65,000 grant this year from the OMYF, who 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.

“This is awesome because it really makes a huge difference for infants and toddlers,” said Cindy Jurie, director of research and special projects at ELCOC. “We are enormously grateful for the impact the Magic has made for our littlest ones in Orange County.”

So much research has been done on what exactly happens in a child’s brain after birth and before their first day of kindergarten. In fact, 90 percent of a child’s brain is developed by age five and studies show that a high-quality early education has a huge impact on how successful we are as adults.

To ensure that each child in the program gets optimum care and support, ELCOC does a thorough job training early education teachers. As it is in any school environment, the knowledge and attentiveness of teachers often dictates student performance. OMYF’s donation directly assists with training.

“This year we will see our 100th infant/toddler teacher receive their national credential in early childhood as a result of this program,” Jurie said. “We are seeing some fantastic things happening in our child care centers because of the teachers who’ve been trained through the Magic program.”

ELCOC works in partnership with parents, child care providers and community stakeholders to build a strong foundation for children in the community. Nearly 30,000 children are served annually and ELCOC answers more than 26,000 calls a year asking about child care programs.

To learn more about ELCOC, visit https://elcoforangecounty.org/. For more information on OMYF, go to www.omyf.org.

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OMYF Spotlight: Early Learning Coalition of Orange County

ORLANDO – Overcoming obstacles and managing misfortunes is something we all contend with at various points of our lives. Learning how to avoid getting swallowed up by such challenging circumstances is an important step in our development.

IMPOWER, a leading nonprofit mental health organization, offers children, young adults and families the services needed to conquer life’s hurdles. Founded in 1994, IMPOWER is dedicated to empowering lives with personal attention, counseling, assistance and inspiration.

Recently, IMPOWER received a $50,000 grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF), which is committed to helping children in Central Florida. A grand sum of $1 million was spread around to 17 different local nonprofit organizations during the 2016-17 season.

Members from each organization gathered this past February at Amway Center where they learned about the financial assistance from OMYF. This incredible surprise was ultra-rewarding for the community as a whole.

“It was our first time (receiving grant money from OMYF) and it was extremely exciting for us,” IMPOWER President and CEO Anna Baznik said.

The OMYF’s generosity will specifically aid in IMPOWER’s transitional housing program called “The Village,” which offers safe, affordable housing and support services for homeless and former foster youth. The goal is to prevent homelessness and provide adults between the ages of 18-23 a greater opportunity to complete their education and find employment.

The program also provides hands-on life skills training and mental health support. According to IMPOWER’s website, 88 percent of the The Village’s residents have transitioned to permanent housing, 79 percent gained employment and 100 percent enrolled in an academic or trade program since the program was created in 2006.

“These young adults are just so resilient and it will really help make a difference for them to be successful as adults,” Baznik said. “This is probably the most near and dear program to my heart.”

In addition to offering local organizations financial support, OMYF hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. They raised more than $1 million combined during their annual golf tournament, the OMYF Open, and the Black Tie & Tennies Gala.

To learn more about IMPOWER, visit https://www.impowerfl.org. For more information on OMYF, go to www.omyf.org.

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OMYF Spotlight: IMPOWER

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.