Log in
Apopka

Orlando Magic Youth Foundation awards $50,000 grant to Apopka's Hope CommUnity Center

Posted

The Hope CommUnity Center announced in a news release that it has received a $50,000 grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF). The grant will support the program Hear Our Stories (HOS), Celebrating 50 Years of Community, Justice, and Education Through the Arts. 

In partnership with ArtReach Orlando and The Orlando Repertory Theatre, HOS exposes young people to different art mediums and helps them understand how art can be used to make the world a better place. Through their art, students gain self confidence. They increase their ability to express their ideas, feelings, and views; and at the same time, they become more willing to listen to and consider the views of others. The program provides a sense of community for the students and encourages them to recognize their own leadership.  

According to the HOS website, it is "dedicated to tackling issues of systemic racism and implicit bias by bringing a variety of voices to the classroom through educational curriculum (novels, textbooks, and etc.). We believe schools have the ability to empower students through diversity."

“Our art programs allow immigrant youth to express their daily struggles and their dreams for a better future. This is critical for their personal growth and an important tool we use to empower them and engage them civically,” stated Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Executive Director for Hope CommUnity Center. "We are thankful to the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation for their support and can’t wait to continue building upon our successful partnerships within the Central Florida arts community to ensure a brighter future for us all.” 

Hope CommUnity Center fosters diverse, empowered learning communities engaged in personal and societal transformation. Through service and advocacy, we stand together with immigrants and others who are tenacious and courageous in the face of all systems of oppression. To learn more about other services and programs, please visit our website, www.hcc-offm.org/.

The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at-risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth-based programs in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, the arts, and health programs focused on preventing childhood obesity. For more information on the OMYF, please visit www.omyf.org.

Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, Hope CommUnity Center, Hear our Stories, ArtReach Orlando, The Orlando Repertory Theatre

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here