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50 Years of Hope: 400 attend CommUnity Center's anniversary

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Last weekend, Hope CommUnity Center kicked off their 50 Years of Hope celebration with a Community Cook Out at their South Apopka location. Over 400 friends and supporters celebrated.

"What a great kick-off event full of love, hope, friendships, and a promise of more/más for another 50 years," HCC posted on its Facebook page. "A wonderfully diverse group of folks came together to share in their common shared hope and dedication to working for a more just world. The day was filled with rituals, good conversation, fellowship, and amazing foods from eight different cultures."

When Sisters Cathy Gorman, Gail Grimes, and Ann Kendrick came to Apopka to work with farmworkers and the economically disadvantaged, these Roman Catholic nuns, members of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, had no idea where the journey would take them. They hoped to connect this underserved population with the resources needed to overcome systems of oppression and move towards social and economic justice. They did not know their work with the community would give birth to a health clinic, credit union, housing non-profit, farmworker organization, and the Hope CommUnity Center.

Nor did they know their legacy would endure for so long.

Now, 50 years later, HOPE has truly become a place of empowerment, cultivating self-determined communities through personal, social, and communal transformation and dedicated to healing, empowerment, and bridge-building across communities. Sister Ann reflects upon this history saying, “I live in awe that I have been blessed to be able to do this work for 50 years. Every day is a new opportunity, a learning moment, a sense of love and goodness.”

Apopka City Commissioner Kyle Becker attended the event with his daughter and was impressed with HOPE's service to the community - and the cuisine.

Commissioner Kyle Becker and his daughter Lucy.
Commissioner Kyle Becker and his daughter Lucy.

"Happy 50th Anniversary to Hope CommUnity Center, Lucy and I had a fun time celebrating the wonderful impact this organization has on our community and the people they serve! Becker said. "Oh, and the food was AMAZING!"

This year-long celebration is more than just a look back at the past 50 years of service. It’s also a look forward to 50 years more and beyond. 50 Years of Hope is about “Mas!,” an opportunity to embrace the future, to look forward with intention and imagination, as we invent new and better ways to grow and serve. “Mas!” is “More!” And Hope is more than the past, Hope is also the future.

Commissioner Diane Velazquez was also appreciative of the work HCC has done over the years, and her bond with Kendrick.

"I was honored to be in attendance to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of HOPE CommUnity in Apopka," Velazquez said. "The Sisters of Notre Dame, their passion, dedication, and determination over the last five decades have made great strides in bringing positive change in addressing the ongoing needs of the residents living in the Southside of Apopka, the Farmworkers, and Nursery workers. Over the years, I value the friendship I share with Sister Ann Kendrick.  She inspires me to always do better, to stand for those who matter, and depend on their elected official(s) to see them and hear their voices."

Commissioner Diane Velazquez.
Commissioner Diane Velazquez.

Winn-Dixie supporting HOPE in December

Brighten up your day with a bouquet of flowers that gives back to the local community! Hope CommUnity Center has been selected by local Winn-Dixie store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the brand-new Winn-Dixie Bloomin' 4 Good Program for December. 

The Winn-Dixie Bloomin' 4 Good Program is an easy way for shoppers to give back as part of the regular shopping routine. Every $12.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold supports a non-profit local to the Winn-Dixie in which it was purchased.

As part of this ongoing program, every month at every Winn-Dixie location a different local non-profit is selected to benefit from the sale of the Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet. Hope CommUnity Center was selected as the December beneficiary by local store leadership at the Winn-Dixie located at 1565 US 441 North. Hope CommUnity Center will receive a $1 donation for every $12.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet purchased at this Winn-Dixie location in December.

$12.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet

“Flowers can make someone's day, brighten up a room, or spread a smile,” said Debo Ofsowitz, Director of Donor Relations for Hope CommUnity Center. “Now they can give back, too! We are thrilled to be chosen to benefit from this unique and impactful Winn-Dixie Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, as the demands of those in need are higher than ever this year.”

Apopka, Hope CommUnity Center, Commissioner Kyle Becker, Commissioner Diane Velazquez, South Apopka, Farmworkers

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