MLK Day of Service/ MLK Holiday

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Dear UFCF Community,

It warms my heart to be writing to you as we at the foundation honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Currently enrolled as a junior, political science major with minors in philosophy and religion at Morehouse College, Dr. King's alma mater was a dream of mine and was made possible by the board of directors, partners, sponsors, and other contributors. Because of this investment into my life and dream, I too have continued to pay it forward and have contributed scholarships to the students of our program knowing that Dr. King believed in doing whatever it took to further enhance the quality of life for others. 

Today we are honoring the life and legacy of a giant in the Civil Rights Movement who was a 1948 graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Sociology and later went on to receive a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctorate in Systematic Theology. Here at the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., we have developed our core principles off of the foundation of Dr. King's beliefs. 

Our core principles are Equality, Faith, Nonviolence, Education, Love, Leadership, Selflessness, and Hope. We'll share with you below these core principles, however, I also wanted to share with you that the student scholars of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring program participated in the city of Orlando's Mayoral Commission 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, as it had a theme "King 2020, The Beloved Community: The Fierce Urgency of Now"; we represented our partner Bailey's Pharmacy and Scrubs.

With that said, take a look at a few photos from the parade and read further about our core principles that we live by as we honor Dr. King, Jr. 

In the Spirit of Excellence,

Julien M. Serrano-O'Neil, Community & Volunteer Outreach Coordinator

Our Core Principles

Equality

Quote: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. is most remembered for leading the African American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and '60s to end segregation (the separation of black people from white people in schools, restaurants, and other public places in the U.S.). He fought for equal rights and fair treatment for people of all races or skin colors.

What our young people can do: Treat all people the way you want to be treated — with kindness and fairness. Think about how we all are different from each other in some ways, but we are the same in so many ways: Inside we all have feelings and deserve to be happy.

Faith

Quote: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Fact: Growing up the son of a minister, and later becoming a minister himself, Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply religious. But he also embodied faith in the general, spiritual sense. He believed in making bold goals, even when he wasn't sure where to begin or how things would end.

What our young people can do: Believe in yourself and your goals and dreams. Don't give up or let worry take over when something gets difficult.

Nonviolence

Quote: "Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals."

Fact: In 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to India and learned a lot about Mahatma Gandhi, a man who led nonviolent protests to help people in India gain freedom from British rule. King believed nonviolence — avoiding the use of weapons and physical fighting — was the best way to work toward equality in the U.S. Because of this, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

What our young people can do: Solve conflicts peacefully, without ever hitting or hurting someone. When you feel angry or upset, express your feelings in words and talk about what you need to make things better.

Education

Quote: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education."

Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. was a bright student who skipped two grades and started college at age 15. He went on to earn two bachelors degrees and a PhD. His strong education and love of reading helped him write many powerful sermons and speeches, including his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

What our young people can do: Work hard in school, and find subjects you are passionate about.Find books that interest you to make reading a part of your life.

Love

Quote: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke about love and brotherhood, encouraging people to think of others — including "enemies" — like family. He believed love, rather than violence and hatred, is the answer to the world's problems.

What our young people can do: When someone treats you poorly, try to treat them well in return. Use your energy to love yourself and help others.

Leadership

Quote: "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus."

Fact: Simple acts often transform people into important leaders. In 1955, a black woman named Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man when the "whites only" section of the public bus was full. That sparked Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott — a 13-month protest that helped end segregation on the city's buses and fueled the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

What our young people can do: Be a leader in a club, on a sports team, or in the classroom. Feel confident in yourself, show good sportsmanship, and help your peers work out conflicts.

Selflessness

Quote: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. became a minister because he said he felt an "inner urge" calling him to "serve humanity." He knew that becoming a civil rights leader would be dangerous, but he cared more about helping others than protecting himself.

What our young people can do: Volunteer to help a charity. Invite friends and relatives to come and volunteer with you.

Hope

Quote: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed a few times for leading nonviolent protests and boycotts, and his home was bombed multiple times, but he kept moving forward. He wasn't sure if he would see the end of segregation in his lifetime, but he still shared his hopes with the world. He was 35 years old when the U.S. passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation.

What our young people can do: Think of others throughout history who endured hard times. Even if challenges slow you down, don't give up.

Our First Build With Habitat For Humanity: Seminole-Apopka

Dear UFCF Community,

I'm writing you to share with you that on January 4th, 2020, our students of the Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program participated in their first of many Habitat For Humanity home builds with the Seminole-Apopka affiliate.

The students engaged in a variety of construction projects! This includes but was not limited to framing, siding, painting, installations, sod, and landscaping.  #ServantLeaders #CommunityDevelopment #habitatforhumanity #FutureLeadersUnited #evanshighschool

With that said, below is the attached email from Habitat for Humanity please check it out to see our impact.

In the Spirit of Excellence,

Julien M. Serrano-O'Neil, Community & Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
Junior Board Member, United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.
 

Thank you Evan's Future Leaders United!

 
Dear United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. and Future Leaders United,
We couldn't be more thankful for the time and energy you spent painting brighter futures for families in our Juniper Bend community. We had such a great time with your team last week- thank you for being ready to help despite the pouring rain! It was so special that you were able to meet Amara, our Evan's High School graduate. Thank you for all that you do to help us build with families like Amara's! I hope to see you again real soon, until then, Mica- the first home on 12th St, has a few words of thanks for you:
 

Thank you everyone who plays a role in making this dream of mine come true. I have been watching this home get built from the ground up, from the clearing of the lot, to framing, and even witnessing the roof get put on. As a kid, I always had this vision of owning a home and with the help of you guys you’re making it happen. Thank you Habitat for allowing that dream to come true. 

-Mica, Future Habitat Homeowner

Building in partnership,

Emalee Kimball

*Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds houses around the world for people in need of a decent and affordable place to live.

Thank you to the Talk It Up Radio Show - Final Broadcast

Thank you to the Talk It Up Radio Show - Final Broadcast

Dear UFCF Community,

I'm writing you to inform you that the "Talk it Up Radio Show" on WOKB 1680 AM Radio has Broadcasted their final show. Why is this significant to the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.? 

The Talk It Up Radio Show was designed to empower and educate the community and they did that every Saturday for 5 and a half years. Talk It Up has been a longtime supporter of the work we do here at the foundation. For the past 5 years the lovely hosts Mr. Noel and Mrs. Beverly Martin have allowed our board members, partners, sponsors, other contributors, and most importantly our student scholars of the Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program to come onto their show and share with their audience the impacts we are making in the community. 

The opportunities provided on a regular basis allowed our student scholars to engage in critical conversations about the betterment of their community and how our programming has impacted their lives. Our student scholars have gone on the air to talk about topics such as but not limited to education reform, access to transportation, mental health awareness, gun reform,  human trafficking & domestic violence, the epidemic on homelessness and poverty, and crime reduction just to name a few. 

As an alumnus and President Emeritus of the FLU Program I had the esteemed pleasure of being the guest host of the Talk It Up Radio Show alongside my fellow classmates, we had the opportunity to lead the discussion, learn various radio operating systems, and got to talk with various community members while doing it. I along with my fellow alumni and current students are extremely grateful for the many opportunities to address a larger audience about the pressing issues of the Pine Hills Community. 

For 5 amazing years student scholars of our program joined the Martins' engaging in such impactful dialogue sharing our experiences while workshopping our organizational impact in our community, and ultimately building a relationship that furthered our efforts in addressing and dismantling systems that perpetuate negativity.  

On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Partners, Alumni, Current Students, and other contributors, thank you for your continued commitment. Mr. Noel & Mrs. Beverly Martin, we wish you the best in your future endeavors and we are by your side every step of the way!

To everyone that may be reading this I'd like to close with this poem that I believe expresses in the purest form the work we've done with Talk It Up Radio Show, "I’ve only just a minute, Only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it, Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, But it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it, Give an account if I abuse it, Just a tiny little minute, But eternity is in it." -Dr. Benjamin E. Mays

In the Spirit of Excellence,

Julien M. Serrano-O’Neil

What's Future Leaders United (FLU)?

What’s Future Leaders United?

The Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring program (FLU) established in 2016 at Maynard Evans High School facilitated by the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. is dedicated to developing leaders engaged in STEAM education, Leadership Development, College Preparation, Career Readiness, and Service Learning Projects. Future Leaders United is the largest after-school program at Maynard Evans High School developed to bridge the gaps in both the educational and mentoring needs of our Community using a holistic approach.

Throughout the academic year, the students of FLU meet with elected officials and other representatives advocating on the behalf of their community voicing their opinions on topics such as but not limited to education, transportation, and public safety, just to name a few.
 

As of 2019, the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. has graduated a total of 83 students from the FLU Program and has awarded $50,500 in scholarships to those that have successfully completed the program. For the class of 2020, the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. has pledged $49,500 to the annual scholarship fund bringing our contribution to $100,000 after this year's graduation ceremony. 
 

On average our students when graduating high school have been accepted to these schools like but not limited to, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune Cookman University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida State University (FSU). Howard University, Rollins College, Claflin University, Virginia State University, Savannah State University, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Johnson & Wales University, Johnson C. Smith University, Dillard University, University of Tampa, University of Miami, Stetson University, Hofstra University, Agnes Scott College, etc.

For more information on the Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring program (FLU) please contact our program director at FLU@Unitedfoundationcf.org.

UFCF's Future Leaders United Class of 2019 Receives $17,700 in Scholarships

Dear Supporters and New followers, 

The United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., (UFCF) is a 501 C3 public foundation formed in 2014 to bridge the gaps in our family, educational, and mentoring needs using a holistic approach. Focused on early intervention, leading to prevention. With a mission to partner and unite with local community and neighborhood organizations, to positively transform families and individuals, utilizing early intervention and educational resources.

We've remained committed to educating the youth and fellow members of our community in the following subjects but not limited to: Leadership Development, Financial Literacy, Health and Wellness, STE(A)M Education, Career Exploration, College Preparedness, just to name a few.

This year the foundation has grown by leaps and bounds! With February 14th, 2019 being our 5th Year Anniversary! May 28th, 2019 we graduated 28 seniors from our Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program. This will bring us to 83 seniors that have graduated our program and gone on to chase their dreams! Whether it be in higher education, seeking certifications in their trades, or serving the country in the military - they are serving as leaders in those spaces. Through their work, they are aiding in helping foster a  better understanding of Community, Economic Development, Civic Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion.

This year we have pledged to raise $17,000 in scholarship money that will be award to the graduating seniors that have met all requirements of the program and the scholarship sponsors.  We have now surpassed our pledged amount and have raised $17,700. Since the inaugural scholarship fund in 2017 that would total our scholarships awarded to $50,000. On Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 we hosted our 3rd Annual Scholarship Ceremony. Welcoming alumni from the program, community partners, sponsors, and other contributors that help make what we do possible.  With that being said lookout for more information coming soon! Thank you to all of our Partners, Sponsors, Volunteers, and other contributors that allow us to remain committed to our mission and vision. 

I invite you to check out our 3rd Annual Scholarship Ceremony below!

Yours for the Cause of Peace and Unity,
Sandra M. Fatmi, Executive Director & Founder

Photos By: Garry Coates

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, From Ms. Sandra M. Fatmi, Executive Director, United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc

It's an incredible honor to serve Orange County as a Community Servant. I'm beyond delighted to see the joy, passion, and unity over this special season. I encourage you to partake in joyful fellowship with your family this holiday season.

The United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. believes that communities thrive when you remain united. Remain steadfast in all that you do and remember family is everything. This is the season to love and cherish all the moments that you possible can.  At the foundation we also believe that the many backgrounds here in Orange County make us so diverse and extremely cultured.  Through the many differences lets celebrate our shared beliefs in healthy communities and education.

I am pleased to announce that the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. in conjunction with Senator Randolph Bracy, District 11 and the Community Action Partnership hosted a successful "Season of Giving" 2018 Food Drive Distribution from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Pine Hills Community Center. We had over 40 volunteers participate in this wonderful event including  the students of Future Leaders United  After-School and Mentoring Program that's held at Maynard Evans High School on Tuesdays! Our amazing FLUITES participated in service from 7:30 AM to 2 PM positively  affecting the lives of over 2500 families in Pine Hills.

Here at the Foundation we are preparing for our Annual Christmas Party celebrating the closing of a phenomenal year and approaching the New Year alongside our amazing students, their families, our supporters, and many community members. We remain committed to serving the community. As we continue to bridge the gaps in our family, educational, and mentoring needs in our community using a holistic approach. 

We would like to highlight our many sponsors that make what we do possible!  Shout out to our major Sponsors this season, The Bailey-Archie Charitable Foundation, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill Orlando, Former Commissioner Rod Love, the Board Members of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. just to name a few! 

From the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. the Future Leaders United After-School and Mentoring Program  and our families at this joyous time of year, we are grateful for our work with you. At this time we think about all we are grateful for. Our relationship with you is one thing we treasure dearly. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. We wish you abundance, happiness, and peace in a new year filled with hope. Happy holidays!

Once homeless Pine Hills teen is beating the odds

Reprint from ClickOrlando.com

Once homeless Pine Hills teen is beating the odds

From living in shelters to earning a scholarship

By Jerry Askin - Reporter

Posted: 5:01 AM, August 20, 2018Updated: 5:01 AM, August 20, 2018

PINE HILLS, Fla. - Evans High School graduate Julien Serrano-O'Neil, 19, told News 6 he hopes his story of triumph and hardship will motivate and inspire other homeless and troubled youth that they can do whatever they put their minds to. 

O'Neil is a sophomore at Morehouse College, majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. 

He said he was once homeless and grew up in a single-parent household. 

"During my entire life, I had many challenges, some of which involved moving from place to place I never really stayed anywhere long enough to develop relationships or learn effectively, for that matter, missing many days of school and having to struggle to catch up," O'Neil said. "I found myself in a place that has been all too familiar to me and that was being homeless and living in shelters."

O'Neil was born in New York City and lived in many cities as a child, eventually moving with his father to Pine Hills when he was 11 years old after his parents separated. He said during his senior year of high school, he was an unaccompanied youth and had to make it on his own. 

"Around my junior and senior year, I ended up homeless and had (to) choose to move out of Orange County or find a place to stay," O'Neil said. 

O'Neil says he grew up around gangs and crime, but he chose to make positive choices and always remembered his purpose. He also told News 6 crime is everywhere, and his background has helped define the man that he's still becoming. 

"Yes, I've seen crime and I've seen gangs in Pine Hills. However, that is an everywhere issue. Pine Hills, Florida receives such a bad name. However, the people of Pine Hills are simply amazing, producing students like myself and even better."

After graduating at the top of his class, O'Neil said he received almost a full scholarship to his dream school, Morehouse College, a historically black college in Atlanta. He said he received scholarships from the Bonner Foundation and the United Foundation of Central Florida.

"Under Evans High School and Federal TRIO Program, I attended Morehouse College for several summers meeting the professors and the students. It showed me that it was the right place to be because it had so many people who are just like me and intellectually driven in their strong suits," O'Neil said. "Morehouse is an institution that fosters black male talent, greater than any other school. An institution that develops minds who will lead lives of leadership and service."

Now a sophomore at Morehouse, O'Neil told News 6 he wants to continue to motivate and mentor homeless and troubled youth, encouraging them that they can make it despite their background. 

O'Neil said he doesn't want his community to be defined by crime or his story to be overshadowed by negativity. He's extremely grateful for the many mentors, teachers and community leaders who guided him along the way.

"It was the leadership of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. and their many partners that believed in me and supported me every step of the way, ensuring that I wouldn't remain homeless and that I wouldn't have to leave Evans High School and Orange County. Through United Foundation of Central Florida, I became very active in community engagement through the many opportunities that were provided to all students. I served as the President of Future Leaders United and the first President of our Youth Advisory Committee with Orange County Community Action Division at the Pine Hills Community Center, creating and developing programming for the youth of our community. Through this exposure, I was able to greater develop my passion for community service and improving the lives of others," O'Neil said.

O'Neil said giving back keeps him motivated.

"Only a year removed from high school, I donated $1,000 to a graduating senior from the class of 2018 that will be attending Clark Atlanta University, one of the many college/universities in the AUC Atlanta University including Morehouse College," O'Neil said. 

Click here for more on O'Neil's success story.

Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

Evans High School Becomes 1st UCF-Certified Community Partnership School

Reprint from UCF College of Community Innovation and Education UCF.edu

UCF has been helping to build a new model of community school for children in grades K-12 for nearly 10 years. As a result, there are 16 registered Community Partnership Schools in Florida. Of those 16, Evans High School in Orlando recently became the first to be a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School.

They're Number 1: Faculty and community partners celebrate Evans High School becoming the first UCF-Certified Community Partnership School.

The school recently celebrated this achievement at a community event at which a banner announcing its new status was unveiled.

“Being a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School sets us apart from all others,” says Rolondo Bailey, principal of Evans. “Not only have we been doing the work of empowering students and families, but now we have been rigorously assessed to validate the work.”

C. A. Weis Elementary School in Pensacola also was recently certified.

To ensure consistency of quality programming, strategy and framework fidelity, the UCF Center for Community Schools, along with partners across the state, developed a process of certification that reflects best practices in the field of community schools.

And according to David Bundy ’97, the importance of a certification process was discussed prior to the opening of Evans, the flagship Community Partnership School. Bundy is the president/CEO of the Children’s Home Society of America, and has been involved in the community school initiative since the beginning.

Before the initiative could be funded by the Florida Legislature, Bundy and others had to address concerns that there be quality control over what they had identified as the key elements of a community school model.

“We were proposing to replicate a model developed by the Children’s Aid Society of New York, which has almost 20 years of supporting research,” Bundy says. “The model included core partners, after-school programs, on-site health care, and parent and student engagement that were integral to the success of the model.”

Additionally, Bundy says, “The primary purpose of the certification is to ensure fidelity with a proven model and to protect the use of the Community Partnership School model as one that is consistent and includes a rigorous quality assurance process.”

UCF staff and community members met last year to determine if Evans High School - A Community Partnership School met the criteria to become certified. First row, front to back: Amy Ellis, director of the Center for Community Schools; Sarai Antoine, Student Leadership Council vice chair, Kea Cherfrere, Community Council chair and Evans alumna. Second row, front to back: Lakema Massey, Community Partnerships School director, Sulphur Springs YMCA, Jarrad Plante, programs coordinator for the Center for Community Partnerships, and Pastor Frank Thompson.

UCF provides ongoing technical assistance and training for schools becoming a Community Partnership School, says Amy Ellis, director of the Center for Community Schools. The model requires signed, multi-year commitments from a school district, health care provider, university or college, and a lead nonprofit partner. These partners work together with the school’s leadership, as well as community and student leadership councils.

“All of our partners are deeply committed to our children and their families,” Ellis says. “Why? So they, too, can support families and lift students to new heights of success.” Evans’ other partners include Orange County Public Schools, Children’s Home Society of Florida, and Orange Blossom Family Health.

Since Evans became a Community Partnership School, student test scores and other metrics have significantly increased, Ellis says. Especially notable: Evans’ graduation rate has improved from 64 percent in the 2010-2011 school year (when CPS efforts began) to 87 percent in the 2016-2017 school year. Prior to becoming a Community Partnership School, Evans was labeled a “dropout factory” by Johns Hopkins University.

“There are other ‘community schools’ throughout the nation, but few if any have all the components and commitment of the Community Partnership School model,” Ellis says. “Achieving status as a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School sets Evans apart from other schools, and represents years of intentional, dedicated work to building partnership and aligning resources to ensure student success and well-being.”

Written by Camille Dolan, ’98

Select News Category 

Counselor Education, Community Partnership Schools, Criminal Justice, Health Management and Informatics, Higher Education, International Community Schools, Legal Studies, National Community Schools, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Teacher Education

Kedrine Gayle, Future Leaders United Alumnae President graduates Evans with Honors, now attends USF

Kedrine Gayle, 18, moved to Orlando from Jamaica in 2016 and graduated Evans High School. She said the move was a fresh start for her and credits the school, mentors and community groups for her success.

Caribbean teen overcomes depression for academic achievement in Orlando

Kedrine Gayle graduated with honors, now attends USF

By Jerry Askin - Reporter

Posted: 5:30 AM, October 01, 2018 Updated: 5:30 AM, October 01, 2018

Kedrine Gayle, 18, moved to Orlando from Jamaica in 2016 and graduated Evans High School. She said the move was a fresh start for her and credits the school, mentors and community groups for her success.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Kedrine Gayle, 18, said she's living proof that despite their background and upbringing, people can achieve whatever they strive for with the right focus and determination.

Gayle wanted to share her story of how moving to the United States from Jamaica was a second chance for her after years of being what she called "fed up."

Gayle is an Evans High School graduate and now attends the University of South Florida majoring in nursing. She said her plan is to be a nurse practitioner with plans of tackling the health care system and its effects on the underrepresented populations of society. She wants to be focus on making health care more accessible for legal immigrants.

She told News 6 that before immigrating to the U.S. in 2016, she considered herself sad, angry and depressed. She said she thought there was no way out.

"My grades dropped subsequent (due) to the passing of loved ones," Gayle said. "Insecurities consumed my thoughts and the idea of suicide became more of a friend than a visitor." 

Gayle said when she moved to the U.S., it was a new start for her and she quickly found her purpose of helping others realize what they were meant to do.

Evans High School set her up for greatness, Gayle said, and helped her see her full potential.

"I came out with straight A’s and was recognized on the principal’s honor roll as well as being the top student in many of my classes," Gayle said. "The students of Evans High School were exposed to many opportunities, opportunities that students in the Caribbean will probably never be recipients of."

In return, she helped her classmates see the full potential in themselves and encouraged them not to let their outside surroundings interfere with their destined greatness.

"I would simply present myself as the one person who would listen to the dreams that they would dare not tell a soul and in turn work with them to figure out ways in which they could make their dreams come true," Gayle said. "The students of Evans, unknowingly, would allow the many negative labels of the outer community to comfortably adhere to their outlook on life."

During her senior year at Evans High, Gayle became the Student Government Association vice president, president of Future Leaders United and member of the Pine Hills Community Council’s Youth Advisory Board.

Gayle said that she transformed her shyness and depression into to a passion for advocacy.

"I wanted to promote individualism and discovery of purpose, especially among the underrepresented individuals of Evans, all while preserving the true definition of school pride," said Gayle.

Gayle also said mentors played a huge role in encouraging youths to reach their full potential. She also credits the leadership and the mentors from the United Foundation of Central Florida with her success.

"There were times when I lost hope and negative thoughts tried to creep in but the United Foundation of Central Florida, along with their partners and sponsors stood as my advocate in making my dreams come true," Gayle said, adding, "The entire foundation became more of a family to me and with them I was able to truly fulfill purpose. I was able to accomplish many things in just two years, things that I would only dream of."

To read more about the United Foundation of Central Florida or to donate to the cause click here.

Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

Kena Francois, Future Leaders United Alumnae Wants to become a Psychiatrist

Reprint from ClickOrlando.com

Evans High graduate works to tackle mental health crisis

Teen plans to become psychiatrist

By Jerry Askin - Reporter

Posted: 5:01 AM, September 10, 2018 Updated: 5:01 AM, September 10, 2018

ORLANDO, Fla. - A recent Evans High School graduate is working to raise awareness about mental health in the black community. 

Kena Francois, 17, completed high school in May and now attends Seminole State College. She said her goal is to eventually attend medical school and some day become a psychiatrist.

She believes mental health is a serious issue and said that, oftentimes, it's something people don't talk about, especially in the black community.  She said it's real and the effects from it can be tough on children when they get older. 

“A child who has experienced a lot of trauma, whether it’s seeing a lot of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, or having parents who are drug addicts, or having to go to foster homes, group homes and having, seeing your people go to jail -- you can’t tell me a child won’t feel depressed,” Francois said, not describing her situation, but speaking in general terms. 

Francois said she once suffered from depression while growing up because she wasn't always understood by her parents or her peers. She moved to America from Haiti when she was 6 years old and finished her senior year of high school in a single-parent household. Francois said her mother worked three jobs to make ends meet.

Francois told News 6 she's always wanted to help people in the black community see the value of getting a handle on their mental health and know that it's OK to speak up. 

She said she's even more encouraged to pursue her passion based on the recent high-profile incidents nationwide in which people suffering from mental health have hurt others and hurt themselves. 

Francois credits programs such as the United Foundation of Central Florida, an after-school program, for giving her the motivation to attend college and work to pursue her career. 

She told News 6 she wants to encourage everyone, especially minorities, to try to further their education beyond high school. 

“In today’s society, especially for minorities, getting an education is the golden ticket to be successful in life," Francois said. "Whether it's the military, trade school, technical school -- do something. Don’t just sit around."

Francois said she's grateful for the motivation she's received from her mentors and her mother, who have always been by her side. 

“Made my dreams seem achievable before it became a reality,” Francois said.

She said she's humbled to be the first in her family to finish high school and the first to attend college.

Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

MORE NEWS HEADLINES

Once homeless Pine Hills teen is beating the odds (Future Leaders United Alumnus)

Future Leaders United Students Speak Out Over Concerns on Teacher Shortage

Reprint MyNews13.com

Nyala and her sister Nakari attend Evans High School in Orange County and attest that fill-in teachers and staff shortages are not something new. (Erin Murray, staff)

Orlando students, parents express concern over teacher shortages across Central Florida

By Erin Murray Orlando August 9, 2018 @5:59 PM

ORLANDO, Fla. -- In the Chamberlain household, Tenille Chamberlain works hard to make sure all bases are covered when raising three teenage girls, but some things are just out of her control.

• Orlando teens worry about teacher shortages

• The Chamberlains say they want more consistency

• RELATED: Back to School 2018

“What are you going to do if you don’t have a teacher?” asked 20-year-old Njani Chamberlain.

“Senior year -- that is going to be a problem,” said 17-year-old Nyala Chamberlain.

Nyala and her sister Nakari attend Evans High School in Orange County and attest that fill-in teachers and staff shortages are not something new.

“It is something I have been going through since freshman year,” Nyala said.  

Her mother joins her in this worry.

“I feel like it takes a village to raise children, and I feel like I do my part as a parent, but then I really depend on teachers,” Tenille said.

School shortages and vacancies are across all Central Florida.

In Volusia County, there are 77 unfilled teaching positions, between 40 to 80 in Orange County, 120 in Osceola, and in Brevard, eight.

When compared to overall instructional positions, the vacancies are a small percentage. But even just one unfilled spot has a trickle down affect.

“Every child and it affects the teachers, and everyone in the school, because in some situations they might have to divide classes and make classes larger among the teachers that are there,” said Wendy Doromal, Orange County Classroom Teachers Association President.

All of the school districts assure us even with the vacancies, the classrooms will be manned by substitutes or other current qualified teachers.

But a lack of just one consistent teacher can do damage -- Nyala dealt with a long-term sub last year.

“They kept giving us packets of work. And by the time we had to do the chemistry OC, I felt like I was not prepared,” Nyala said.  

With it just days away from the new school year, Tenille is past the point of understanding why these positions can’t be filled.

“We need them, we need them, a lot; we do,” Tenille said.

She just wants the school districts to get it done so her kids can worry less about teachers and focus more on their excitement for the first day of school.

“It’s not fair; I don’t think it is,” Nyala said. 

Future Leaders United to participate in 'March for Our Lives' Rally (DC)

Orlando students to participate in 'March for Our Lives' rally

Evans High School students fly to Washington ahead of march

By Jerry Askin - Reporter

Posted: 6:11 PM, March 22, 2018Updated: 6:11 PM, March 22, 2018

ORLANDO, Fla. - A group of about 27 Pine Hills students are in Washington, D.C., on Thursday ahead of Saturday's "March for Our Lives" rally.

The 27 students all attend Evans High School and are in a Pine Hills-based after-school program called Future Leaders United, through the United Foundation of Central Florida.

The students were already going to Washington, D.C. this weekend for a college tour and now they’ll be taking part of their spring break to protest gun laws.

"We’re all coming together as one. No matter where you’re from, shootings happen to anyone. We are all humans," Evans High School senior Kedrine Gayle said.

Gayle said her goal is to attend Howard University in the fall and someday become a doctor. Now, ahead of Saturday’s rally she now feels more optimistic that her dream can actually become a reality. This weekend, she and her classmates will get to tour Howard University, American University and George Washington University.

"It’s good that we’re exploring these schools because we have big aspirations," Gayle said. 

News 6 spoke to Gayle last week when she and her classmates took part the walkout at Evans High School.

"We are going to continue to push for school safety. We are going to push for people to be more aware," Gayle said on March 14.

Similar to the walkout day, Saturday’s rally is also a big political push.

Sandra Fatmi headed up the spring break college tour and trip. She works with the after-school program.

"They’re excited to be here (Washington D.C.) because they want to show their support in taking back their community. They’re in school, they’re the ones being affected right now," Fatmi said. 

Gayle’s mother in Orlando is like many parents: simply grateful.

 "It’s a united force for them to be making a sacrifice to go to Washington to march and visit these universities. It gives them hope," she said.

The Evans High School seniors will return to Orlando on Sunday morning. They took a charter bus to Washington, D.C. The trip was made possible by donations from many sponsors, community partners, parents and alumni.

If you'd like to assist in this effort, go to www.unitedfoundationcf.org and click "Donate." 

Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

March For Our Lives: Evans High School students bound for Washington

 Central Florida students will spend their break fighting for safety. The students from Future Leaders United After-school program within Evans High School. The after-school program is run by the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. 

Evans High School student group pushes for change in Pine Hills

Students from Future Leaders United at Evans High School attended the Pine Hills community meeting Tuesday and engaged Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph on taxes and the budget. (Erin Murray, Staff)

By Erin Murray, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 08, 2017, 11:02 AM EST News 13 Article Click Here

ORLANDO -- 

The sirens heard outside of Evans High School are drowned out inside by young voices who are ready for change.

• Evans High School group gets involved in community
• Future Leaders United attended Pine Hills meeting
• Young people engaged local leaders

"What do you guys want to be?” asked Kedrine Gayle, to another student. “You look like a business man.”

Gayle is a senior at Evans High School and the president of the after school program Future Leaders United (FLU). On Tuesday, she and other club members worked on homework and discussed local government.

“Our goal is to really engage with the community, to really understand where Pine Hills is at,”  said Gayle.

The students in FLU understand well the stigmas and issues that surround the area of Pine Hills.

“Pine Hills is known as 'Crime Hills,'” said Gayle. “It’s known as a place with a lot of food deserts and so on, and the incarceration rates are up, as well as we have a lot of unemployment.”

But the students also understand that creating change means getting involved. So after their FLU meeting ended, the same young students attended the Pine Hills community meeting a few hours later.  

Tuesday’s main topic on the agenda was the budget for the next year and how it works. Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph, Orange County District 6 Commissioner Victoria Siplin, and Orange County Budget Manager Kurt Petersen all took turns fielding questions and sharing information.

Many people in the crowd asked questions, including three FLU students.

“Is there a specific time for that money to be used up or is it automatically go into the next budget year?” asked Gayle. She and her fellow students left inspired and with ideas about how to apply for grants.  “I do believe we shouldn’t let finance be an excuse for not achieving our goals, for not achieving our dreams,” said Gayle. “So I do believe this money will be used in a very good way.”

“News 13 Reporter Erin Murray”

Taste of Pine Hills 2017

November 22nd, 2017

Dear Community Partner/Supporter and Sponsor:

    We would like to officially announce that the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. will be taking over the annual Taste of Pine Hills this event used to be held by the Orange County Government. The Orange County Government will remain a sponsor for the event but all rights belong to UFCF. Other sponsors are listed inside the event page for this specific event.

If you want more information on this amazing event please click the link below.

Taste Of Pine Hills 2017

Sincerely,

Sandra Fatmi, President

United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.

UFCF First Official Graduating Class Of Future Leaders United

May 24, 2017

The United Foundation of Central Florida is proud to announce that their first official graduating class of Future Leaders United has graduated from Maynard Evans High School today.  Out of The 30 Students in this after school program 19 of the participants are Seniors and have all met their graduation requirements and the requirements set forth from UFCF to receive scholarship money that was donated from various sponsors that can be seen here

So here are the numbers for this graduating class: 14 going off to college/Universities, 2 going into the Military, 2 going on to finish their Career and Technical Education Program with Orange Technical College, 1 going on to take certification courses in their selected trade.

Through the support of our partners, sponsors, donors, other contributors, and our board members that we were able to award $10,200 in scholarship funds to the students of the graduating class of the 2017 Future Leaders United.

This class excelled in all that they did many of them have met with Mayors, Commissioners, State Reps., State Attorneys, Congresswomen/Congressman, Police Chief's and Orange County Sheriff, etc.

Consequently, they created the first Youth Advisory Board with Community Action Center the Pine Hills location, having hosted their Third Wednesday Workshop Series featuring topics such as but not limited to Financial Literacy, health and wellness, ACT & SAT Prep, FAFSA, Justice Building (Collab with Sheriffs Office) just to name a few.

To see the graduating class of 2017 click here

Journey Interview With Sandra Fatmi Community Activist

Watch Gigi Moorman uncover the journey of her guest Sandra Fatmi an active Community leader.

Be prepared to Connect, Relate, and Empower.
Thanks for watching I hope this empowered you to take a stand and do something differently for yourself and your community.

UFCF Newsletter for March

Newsletter Link Please Click Here

© 2014-2017 The United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., All rights reserved.
United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., (UFCF) is a 501(c)(3) public foundation focused on early intervention, leading to prevention.  

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 680186, Orlando, FL 32868
www.unitedfoundationcf.org

UFCF Celebrates it's 3 year Anniversary with their Program Students!!!!!!

February 18th, 2017

The United Foundation of Central Florida would like to thank the individuals who have supported and will support the foundation for the past three years and beyond.

The day was spent will the students from their after school, a day filled with joy. As everyone students and board members came together to play a few games of bowling Students vs. Adults. 

If you are wanting to become a Sponsor for a student or group of students and want more information about how to become a sponsor. Please Click here.

“Dear Family and Friends,

If you’ve had the pleasure of following my post over the last few hours well here is our wind up......and if you haven’t had the pleasure it’s okay. United Foundation Of Central Florida celebrated it’s 3 year Anniversary yesterday with our Future Leaders United After School Program students of Evans High School and United Foundation Of Central Florida board of Directors. With the dream and no idea how We would get there we got started despite the odds. If I can encourage anyone reading this post. Be the change you want to see in your community by following your heart and by surrounding yourself with the right support system. So We left the Eatonville MLK Parade and headed for a battle of the sexes in bowling between the girls and the Guys. As expected you guessed it the girls won. Yees!!!!!!!!! I don’t think I’ve ever heard that much excitement in a bowling Alley for a long time. We ate, celebrated our 3 year Anniversary with a cake and then all 25 headed to see the movie Hidden Figures with popcorn and drinks in hand. As the founder and Executive Director I would like to personally take the time to thank the following friends, partners and sponsors for making yesterday’s celebration with our young people possible. My amazing dedicated, genuine loyal Board Members Gordon Russell, Alex Lewis, Myra Johnson, Dennis Hall and Shirley Edwards who never turned down anything pertaining to our young people. Marcus Alford and Mr. Whitley thank you for reaching out to me to pay for our young ladies of Future Leaders United After School Program to see the Movie Hidden Figures, thank you to my unwavering and dedicated supporters and advisors from the inception who just simply yes to supporting all positive endeavors for our young people Zorida Pritipal, Samuel Roberts and Guenet Gittens-Roberts, Allie Braswell and Shellie-Ann Braswell and Wayne GoldingSr. We thank everyone for all donations and or support in helping our young people realize and achieve their full potential. Roben Dunnings you are a woman of your word. Thanks for coming to meet our group with your donation of bags from Amerigroup for the young people. I advise everyone that has not seen the movie Hidden Figures, please take a young person to energize and empower them that the sky is the limit. In the words of our young people. Today was a great day. We’re ready to do this again. ”

— President Sandra Fatmi

Future Leader United - Community Safety

December 22nd, 2016

There was a Pine Hills Public Safety Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. In which the after school program Future Leaders United (FLU)  worked extremely hard to prepare for, looking up the statistics in the Pine Hills community. As they are extremely concerned with what is happening to their community they finally said enough is enough and spoke out against what is going on. Representatives President, Julien O'Neil and Senator, Arry Rendel held interviews with a News 13 reporter to discuss their discomfort with what is happening. Also discussing how the after school program they are in has saved their lives.

Below is the Article that News 13 Wrote on these wonderful students 

“After a spike in violent crime, members of the Pine Hills community held a town hall meeting Wednesday night.

Members of the Pine Hills community met Wednesday night
Students from Evans High School joined the discussion
Community policing, sending in tips were discussed
Residents packed the room at the Barnett Park Administration Building to discuss solutions to the increasing violence.

Among the crowd were students from Evans High School. They’re part of an after school group called Future Leaders United. Students said they felt they needed to add their insight in order to see change in their community.

The group’s president said he’s lived in Pine Hills his whole life, and he’s seen the crime slowly increase year after year.

“When I grew up here, there wasn’t a lot of that and then all of a sudden it was months in between months, then weeks, and now like days and hours,” said Julien O’Neil. “And, it is very unsettling.”

After school programs were a major part of Wednesday night’s discussion. Members of the Pine Hills community also discussed community policing, sending in tips about crime before it happens, and for people to be willing to come forward if they witness crime.”

— News 13 Article http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2016/12/22/pine_hills_residents.html

Pine Hills Public Safety Town Hall Meeeting 12/21/16

From Left to right, President of UFCF Sandra Fatmi, Taylor Nguyen, Commissioner Victoria Siplin (District 6), Darius Flores, Arry Rendel, Commissioner Bryan Nelson, President of FLU Julien O'Neil, Christelle Suffrena, First VP/Treasure UFCF Dennis Hall.