There is hope in South Apopka.
Today, Hope CommUnity Center opened the doors to its new campus, HCC on Hawthorne. Over 100 guests attended the soft opening - Hope Rising. The campus, located at 800 South Hawthorne Avenue in Apopka was the old home of the Apopka Family Learning Center. The AFLC was an institution in South Apopka since the 70’s, but because of financial difficulties it closed its doors last summer.
Last year, HCC was approached with an opportunity to acquire the property. The expansive 6-acre campus is located in South Apopka, a place where HCC has never had a physical presence. The property includes abundant parking and added classroom space in the 7,200 square foot building.
Sister Ann Kendrick
HCC is a service learning community dedicated to the empowerment of Central Florida’s immigrant and working poor communities through Education, Advocacy and Spiritual Growth.
The new facility will allow HCC to accommodate more children and families waiting for services. Programming includes the College and Career Access Program, summer camp for kids, immigration assistance for families, engaging families in community service, and more. In the past year, HCC has served 6,250 people, a number that is now expected to grow with the additional space.
The opportunity became a reality because of a surprise $250,000 grant by Disney World last year. A grant that pleased Sister Ann Kendrick.
“HCC is tremendously grateful for the vote of confidence and support from our partner and friends at Disney,” said Kendrick. “We look forward to the mission and opportunity a second campus affords our community, and we invite others to join in support of our mission.”
Nancy Gidusko was also eager to help HCC.
“At Disney, we know that we are truly better together. For children to flourish, they need to experience meaningful interactions with adults in their lives,” said Gidusko, Director of Citizenship for Walt Disney World. “We understand the rewards of engaging with an organization like HCC, which helps children and families tap into their creativity, make healthy choices and fill our communities with hope.”
