United Foundation of Central Florida Receives $10,000 Community Crime Prevention Award from Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Earlier this month, the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. (UFCF) was honored to receive a $10,000 Community Crime Prevention Award from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in support of the organization’s Youth Innovation & Empowerment Initiative (UFCF-YIEI).
The UFCF-YIEI initiative represents an intentional expansion of UFCF’s nationally recognized Future Leaders United (FLU) After-School Enrichment & Mentoring Program, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to youth leadership development, innovation, mentorship, and community empowerment throughout Central Florida.
UFCF extends its sincere gratitude to John W. Mina and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for continuing to invest in organizations that are working daily to uplift youth, strengthen families, and build safer communities across Orange County.
“This investment is more than funding. It is an investment in the future of our young people and in the strength of our communities,” said Sandra Fatmi-Hall, CEO & Executive Director of UFCF. “For more than a decade, UFCF has remained committed to ensuring that young people have access to mentorship, leadership development, educational opportunities, and the support systems needed to thrive. We are grateful to Sheriff Mina and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for believing in the power of prevention, empowerment, and community partnership.”
This investment will help UFCF continue creating transformative opportunities for young people through mentorship, educational engagement, leadership development, workforce readiness exposure, innovation-centered programming, and empowerment initiatives designed to prepare the next generation for long-term success.
For more than a decade, UFCF has remained committed to providing holistic wraparound services that positively impact youth and families across Central Florida. Through programs such as Future Leaders United (FLU), the organization has mentored more than 1,000 students and helped hundreds of young people transition successfully into higher education, military service, and workforce pathways.
“This initiative reflects where we are headed as an organization and the continued evolution of our youth development work,” said Julien Serrano-O'Neil, Chief Relationship Officer & First Vice President of UFCF. “The Youth Innovation & Empowerment Initiative is designed to intentionally expose young people to leadership, innovation, career exploration, civic engagement, and opportunities that help them see beyond their current circumstances. We believe that when communities invest in youth early and intentionally, we create safer, stronger, and more prosperous neighborhoods for everyone.”
UFCF also congratulates the incredible organizations recognized alongside them through the Community Crime Prevention Award program. The work being done throughout Orange County is changing lives and creating lasting impact for countless families and neighborhoods.
Together, these partnerships demonstrate what is possible when community organizations, public safety leaders, educators, and local stakeholders work hand in hand for the betterment of the community.
The United Foundation of Central Florida remains grateful for the continued support of its partners, donors, volunteers, and community supporters as the organization continues advancing its mission of empowerment, education, and opportunity for all.
The work continues.
