UFCF Receives $10,000 grant from Orange County Sheriff's Office Community Crime Prevention Program
OCSO awarded nearly $100K in grants this week. 15 local organizations and programs that received funding: The United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. was a recipient of a $10,000 grant.
In 2020, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office created the Community Crime Prevention grant program. In its first funding cycle, announced in February 2020, the program awarded 15 micro-grants ranging from $3,800-$10,000 to nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and others engaged in projects or programs that address:
Neighborhood safety
Crime prevention
Drug abuse education and prevention
These grants will enable our community partners to work in alignment with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to support evidence-based violence reduction, safety, and drug abuse education and prevention programs.
“Here at United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Representation Matters which is why I’m committed to revitalizing our community through our programs like Future Leaders United or Food Distributions. It’s about tackling our community’s root issues head-on with proven solutions that cultivate sustainable change.”
Julien Serrano-O'Neil, 2nd VP participated in SAVE Summit a National Youth Engagement Initiative
Julien Serrano-O’Neil moderated the Who Is Policing The Police Workshop & served as a panelist for the Generation Now workshop at the SAVE Summit a National Summit that aims to increase advocacy & engagement of our youth.
Julien Serrano-O’Neil moderated the Who Is Policing The Police Workshop & served as a panelist for the Generation Now workshop at the SAVE Summit a National Summit that aims to increase advocacy & engagement of our youth. Who’s Policing The Police? workshop was designed to imagine what would happen in this country if the police force no longer existed? We'll discuss the concept of police reform, current reform initiatives, and explore the pros and cons of defunding the police and its impact on various communities in our society. The Generation Now workshop was designed to address young people who want to affect social change. With all of the changing social issues plaguing our country, this workshop will show you how to make a difference in this time of social unrest. Learn how your voice and action can be effective weapons in making a lasting change!
Who Is Policing The Police?
Generation Now Workshop with
More information about the SAVE Summit Below:
Sandra Fatmi-Hall, Exec. Dir. received award in Education & Workforce Development
Sandra Fatmi-Hall received an award in the Education & Workforce Development category from i4 BUSiNESS Orlando Leadership Connection.
Sandra Fatmi-Hall
Executive Director & Founder
About the author:
i4 Business magazine has become one of the most trusted voices for and about the Central Florida business community. Each month through our print and digital platforms, we provide access to meet, to learn from and to learn about some of the incredible entrepreneurs and business leaders who are shaping our region
Article Link: i4BUSiNESS Orlando Leadership Connection: Sandra Fatmi-Hall
Organizational Announcements: New Board Member Appointments
Today is a very historic and significant day in the life of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. As you know, the foundation was founded on February 14th, 2014, out of love. “To Empower Communities One Family at a time” through mentoring, enrichment, educational initiatives, and community giveback. … (Continue reading on the link)
2021 UNITED FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC. ORGANIZATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT: BOARD MEMBERS
Dear UFCF Community,
Today is a very historic and significant day in the life of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. As you know, the foundation was founded on February 14th, 2014, out of love. “To Empower Communities One Family at a time” through mentoring, enrichment, educational initiatives, and community giveback. We had a dream to change this community, especially the lives of our young people, and did not know where this would lead. God knew where our hearts were and led us to the right people. The Board of Directors of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. have voted to install Pastor Joseph "Joey" Boston as a board member, Zanisha Premilien & Derekaisha Bush Past Presidents of Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program as Junior Board Members.
Joseph “Joey” Boston, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Revolution Church, has been unanimously voted to serve as a Board Member. The vote occurred due to his continued dedication and support. Pastor Joey has been a dedicated member of the community and was a major partner in our six-month Food Distribution Program. Pastor Joey is a native of Chicago Illinois. He attended Bible college at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. After attending Evangel he served at Southside Tabernacle Worship Center in Chicago for 13 years as Youth Pastor, Minister of music, and Evangelism coordinator. God called Pastor Joey to the Orlando area in 2014 and in October of 2016 became the Lead Pastor of Living His Word Church. Pastor Joey currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Revolution Church. He has been married for 12 years to Jamila Boston (Lady Jay) and has 2 children.
Zanisha Premilien, Immediate Past President of Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program for the 2019-2020 School Year, has been selected to serve as a Junior Board Member. The change is due to her continued dedication and support. Zanisha is a Biology Major at the University of North Florida. As of January 2021, Zanisha has amassed over 200 service hours with the foundation. All of those service hours have positively impacted our Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program, the communities of Orange County, Florida, and the alumni association. Alleviating our communities of great adversity and reinforcing a positive image with positive outcomes in the Pine Hills Community.
Derekaisha Bush, Past President of Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program for the 2018-2019 School Year, has been selected to serve as a Junior Board Member. The change is due to her continued dedication and support. Derekaisha is a Nursing Major at the University of South Florida. As of January 2021, Derekaisha has amassed 250 service hours with the foundation. All of those service hours have positively impacted our Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program, the communities of Orange County, Florida, and the alumni association.
With that, Pastor Joey Boston, Zanisha Premilien, and Derekaisha Bush, it gives me great pleasure as the Executive Director/CEO and Founder of United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. along with the 100% support of our Board of Directors: Mr. Dennis Hall, Mr. Gordon Russell, Ms. Myra Johnson, Mrs. Shirley Edwards, and Julien Serrano-O'Neil to welcome you as our new Board Member and Junior Board Members respectively. This decision is effective immediately.
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Dedicated volunteers, partnerships behind success of weekly food giveaway in Pine Hills
A dedicated group of volunteers and community partnerships is behind the success of a weekly food distribution started to help families impacted by the Coronavirus.
By Sydney Cameron Published 2 hours ago News FOX 35 Orlando
PINE HILLS, Fla. - A dedicated group of volunteers and community partnerships is behind the success of a weekly food distribution started to help families impacted by the Coronavirus.
United Foundation of Central Florida started the drive-thru food giveaway in Pine Hills over the summer. Every Thursday at 10 a.m., hundreds of people drive to 6003 Silver Star Road, Suite 1, and pick-up a box of food.
Every week volunteer Catherine Hagan can be found loading boxes into car trunks.
“They work so hard and we just thought this is the place we want to invest in,” Hagan said. She said she got involved with the food giveaway one week after it started after her husband heard about the distribution on TV.
“I think just seeing things in the world and being really frustrated and wanting to do something to help and we just kind of didn’t know what and where and when we saw that it immediately resonated with our hearts.”
Hagan said she researched the organization online then donated her time and money to help efforts. She has been volunteering for three months now.
“It breaks our heart that people are struggling and I just want to be a part of the solution as much as I can, whatever I can,”
Volunteer Sierra Range heard about the food giveaway on social media and was moved to volunteer her time and money as well.
“Just to be able to make a difference even if just a little bit, [helps].”
Together, Range and Hagan have donated enough money to feed about 3,000 families, said United Foundation of Central Florida Executive Director Sandra Fatmi-Hall. Fatmi-Hall said that is more than 40 percent of the nearly 7,000 families they have helped so far.
“I’m so grateful and happy that they’re able to come out every week and be a blessing and it truly has been a labor of love,” Fatmi-Hall said about the volunteers.
Fatmi-Hall said community partnerships and volunteers have been essential to the food distribution’s success, including a $20,000 donation from Dr. Trisha Bailey of Bailey’s Pharmacy.
“It actually energizes me and helps me to keep going, that people want to help us to keep going not only financially, but volunteering their time to be here,” Fatmi-Hall said.
She said she hopes to continue the food giveaway through Thanksgiving. The food distribution happens every Thursday at 10 a.m. at 6003 Silver Star Road Ste 1. To donate or for more information contact Sandra Fatmi-Hall at 770-789-7004.
Wedna Daltirus joins News 6 as they host Real Talk Town Hall on Equality in Schools
Wedna Daltirus is a 17-year-old senior International Baccalaureate student at Maynard Evans High School in Pine Hills and President of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.’s Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program. She joined News 6 as they hosted their Real Talk Town Hall on Equality in Schools.
Wedna Daltirus is a 17-year-old senior International Baccalaureate student at Evans High School in Pine Hills. She participates in a variety of extracurricular activities including Mu Alpha Theta, Acts Out Justice, swimming, lacrosse, Club Creole, and United Foundation of Central Florida’s Future Leaders United, of which she is the president. She aspires to give back to her community and hopes to one day launch a program that would teach teens and young adults about code-switching, money management, and other applicable life skills.
Top Left to Bottom Right: L. Trenton S. Marsh, Ph.D, Asst. Professor of Urban Education; Dr. Debra Pace, Osceola District Superintendent; Mr. Glenton Gilzean, President & CEO, Central Florida Urban League; Ms. Stephanie Lay, 7th Grade Teacher, Cocoa High School; Wedna Daltirus, President, Future Leaders United
ORLANDO, Fla. – Many Central Florida students returning to the classroom this semester will have to come to grips with the fact that their learning experience may not be the same as some of their peers.
Racial disparities show up in several ways in the academic setting, whether it be Black students receiving harsher punishments than that white counterparts, being less likely to be recommended for gifted programs, or in some cases, they can be the victims of microaggressions that put a spotlight on their educator’s implicit bias.
Rewatch the town hall using the video player at the top of this story
While scholars have known about these racial disparities and achievement gaps in the classroom setting for some time now, only recently has research been conducted to find out how exactly they affect Black students in their scholastic careers.
According to a Stanford University study published last year, when Black students are disproportionately disciplined, they tend to perform worse on standardized tests and other academic benchmarks.Francis Pearman, an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education who was the lead author of the study, said the discipline gap and the achievement gap are “two sides of the same coin,” meaning when one gets worse, so does the other.
This pattern, according to Pearman, holds on both the local and national level.
[Meet the panelists for the Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Equality in Schools town hall]
But these stories aren’t just case studies. It’s happening in our schools for our children. To not only highlight the problem but come up with solutions, News 6 hosted the Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Equality in Schools town hall from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 9. We brought in a panel of experts and invited members of the public to ask questions about how we can make the classroom setting more equal for all its participants.
For a real-life example, take Kaia Rolle, who was just 6 years old when she was handcuffed at an Orlando school after having a temper tantrum in class, which her grandmother said was caused by a lack of sleep due to a medical condition.
The charges were dropped after both the state attorney and the Orlando police chief spoke out against the arrest, saying that the officer who took the child into custody violated protocol, but at that point, that damage from being escorted to a detention facility and having to pose for a mugshot had already been done. While the arrest sparked outrage and even made national headlines along with calls for reform, it was only a few months later that a school resource deputy was caught on camera yanking the back of a 13-year-old Black girl’s head. In that instance, the girl was with a group of teens involved in a fight at an apartment complex. She was handcuffed and briefly detained but not arrested. Still, the girl said the yank caused her to have neck pain and trouble sleeping.
The school resource officer has since been fired. Both these incidents happened in Orange County, where federally reported civil rights data from 2015, the most recent year available, shows that 53% of students who were expelled were Black, even though Black students only make up 26.5% of the district’s population. Other statistics from that report include: Black students received 48.7% of in-school suspensions, 52.9% of out-of-school suspensions, and 44% of referrals to law enforcement; Black students missed 39,819 days of school due to being suspended compared to the 6,731 days white students missed and 53% of students who were expelled were Black. Keep in mind that the numbers provided by the Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection do not provide explanations as to why students were disciplined.
Click here to see a full-sized version of the graphic above news 6 also looked at graduation data from the Florida Department of Education that provides a breakdown of graduates by race for each school across the state. Those numbers show that on average across Orange County for the 2018-2019 academic year, the graduation rate for Black students was 71%, 81.5% for white students, 78.7% for Hispanic or Latino students, 97.9% for Asian students, and 97.7% for biracial students. While there are facts and figures to support disciplinary disparities, other forms of discrimination are harder to calculate. In a recent Instagram post, Educators for Justice described some of the ways anti-Blackness shows up in the classroom.
That includes educators acting more patiently with white students, telling Black students they aren’t going to succeed in life, and ignoring students of color when they say they’re being discriminated against. That same post, embedded above, also provided solutions to make classrooms more equal. Some of those remedies are as simple as providing black and brown shades in art supplies so students feel their skin tones are being represented, teaching students about Black authors and scientists who they can look up to and setting high expectations for Black students and encouraging them to meet those expectations. While some of those solutions may seem simple, change won’t happen overnight. News 6 wants to be part of the effort for reform and we want you to participate as well. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest on our Real Talk series.
Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
Generous donation feeds hundreds in Pine Hills community
Dr. Trisha Bailey of Bailey’s Pharmacy partnered with the United Foundation of Central Florida to feed families in Orange County’s Pine Hills Community on Wednesday.
Scroll down over news article
Orange County Sheriff: Overall Crime Down 30% Amid Stay-at-Home Order
Longtime community activist Sandra Fatmi-Hall has been on the frontlines, working to combat violence in the Pine Hills community of Orange County for nearly a decade.
Activists: Conversation, Trust Integral to Community Policing
TONIGHT: We are #continuingtheconversation centered on #communitypolicing with community activists and leaders. In our News 13 #Watchdog follow-up report they discuss their idea of effective community policing & forging a stronger bond between area law enforcement & the public.
Activists: Conversation, Trust Integral to Community Policing
Orlando Sentinel: Pine Hills Neighborhood Guide
Pine Hills is one of Orange County’s oldest and largest neighborhoods, with the start of home construction dating to the 1950s. In recent years, significant change has been underway, as county officials and area leaders work together to revitalize and redevelop the area. The results are evident in a generally improved vibe within this diverse community, a stronger retail presence and now-thriving schools.
Pine Hills Neighborhood Guide
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The community sign of Pine Hills greets visitors with its slogan "An Orange County Community with Pride" located on north Pine Hills and Clarcona Ocoee road in Orlando. (Aileen Perilla/ Orlando Sentinel) (Aileen Perilla / Orlando Sentinel) In May, college scholarship money totaling $15.3 million was offered to the 537 graduates of Maynard Evans High School, an average of more than $27,000 in scholarships per student, a record for the school. Evans opened in 1955 and was reconstructed in 2012 at a reported cost of $70 million. It is a community school, designed to offer student-centered, family-focused and school-based services to students, their families and community members. “Pine Hills is a community that is thriving; we are one of the fastest growing in unincorporated Orange County,” says Sandra Fatmi, president of the Pine Hills Community Council. “This is simply a very nice place to live, work and play for several reasons. I am tremendously excited about the growth of our young people and what their prospects are. … We have a lot going on around here.” A $3 million Lynx Bus Transfer Station is on the way along Belco Drive in a building design that officials say will serve as the prototype for future LYNX transfer centers. It’s expected to essentially become a town center for Pine Hills. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2019. • The Central Florida Fairgrounds: Covering 87 acres, it hosts an array of events throughout the year, including concerts at its amphitheater and the Central Florida Fair, as well as a farmers market and flea market. (603 W. Colonial Drive, 407-295-3247; centralfloridafair.com • Barnett Park: Located behind the Central Florida Fairgrounds, the park provides a wide range of recreational amenities, including ball fields and courts, two areas for fishing, pavilions, playground, dog park and an area for Frisbee golf. It is perhaps best known as for its BMX bike track. (4801 W. Colonial Drive, 407-836-6248; orangecountyfl.net) • Pine Hills Community Performing Arts Center: Opened in 2011, this facility focuses on the area’s youth and provides programs that encompass theater, dance, visual art and poetry, among other disciplines. The center is based at the Pine Hills Community Church (1305 N. Pine Hills Road) and the Wayne Densch YMCA (870 N. Hastings St.). (407-234-9619; http://www.pinehillsperforms.org) Dining options from OS Foodie Lauren Delgado: ● 340 Caribbean Restaurant: Cuisine from the Virgin Islands is on the menu here. Look for conch, saltfish and more. (4529 N. Pine Hills Road, Orlando) ● Negril Jamaican Restaurant: Tuck into island fare such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, ackee and more at this small restaurant. Time your meal right to take advantage of the lunch specials. (6301 Silver Star Road, Orlando)A claim to fame
Why I live here
Coming soon
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MLK Day of Service/ MLK Holiday
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….
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
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.
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
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.?
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)?
The Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring program (FLU) established in 2016 at Maynard Evans High School facilitated….
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
We celebrate our 28 student scholars heading to college in the fall, the foundation pledged $17,000 in scholarships and awarded a total of $17,700. This totals the foundations scholarship contributions to Maynard Evans High School to $50,000. To read more please click on this article.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.