As part of a strategy to broaden access to its programs and services, the Central Florida Urban League (CFUL) has opened new executive offices and a new computer learning center in the Parramore neighborhood of downtown Orlando. Partnerships with Bank of America and the Florida Virtual School Foundation; construction assistance from ZMG Construction; and community support from the City of Orlando delivered the new 2,369-square foot facility featuring executive offices, meeting space and a state-of-the-art teaching environment with 12 computers and Promethean interactive whiteboard technology. The new CFUL presence is located in the CityView Building at 595 West Church (Suite I-B), and joins its current home at 2804 Belco Drive in the Pine Hills area; and satellite service center at 927 Goldwyn Avenue, inside the newly-restored Village Square and near the Washington Shores neighborhood.
“Our new presence in the historic Parramore neighborhood brings the Central Florida Urban League’s programs and services to another area of our city where they’re needed,” said Allie L. Braswell, Jr., President and CEO of CFUL. “It’s a key element in an expand-and-extend strategy under a regionally-focused effort to serve all Central Floridians. None of this would have been possible without our committed partners from Bank of America, Florida Virtual School, ZMG Construction and the leadership support of the City of Orlando and Downtown Development Board.”
“The City of Orlando continues to be pleased with the resurgence of the Urban League and the new direction being driven by its leadership,” said Daisy W. Lynum, Orlando City Commissioner for District 5, home of the new CFUL offices. “There is a rebirth underway in the Parramore neighborhood as evident by the new Amway Center and other business growth. Having accessible programs and services from the Urban League in the heart of Parramore will contribute to the social and economic welfare of this community.”’
“At Bank of America, we recognize our responsibility as one of the country’s largest financial institutions to use all the resources we have to assist our local communities to survive the challenges of our troubled economy,” stated John Moskos, Bank of America Orlando President. “Our ongoing partnership with the Urban League has been a cornerstone of our local community commitment.”
“At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the student is the reason behind every decision we make,” said Julie Young, President & CEO of FLVS. “The FLVS Foundation is excited to partner with the Central Florida Urban League on this new community learning center that will provide our youth with unique opportunities for enhanced academic achievement. Our Foundation strives to ensure all students have access to world-class education and quality online learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime for success.”
In addition to the CFUL’s marquee partnerships, other entities also joined to make expansion possible. Those additional supporters were CityView Orlando, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), FDG Creative, Florida Business Interiors, Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, Promethean, Signs USA, Winter Park Construction and WorkScapes Orlando.
The trio of locations now comprising the CFUL local footprint will not only further raise the agency’s overall visibility, but will also help area residents better connect with the broad menu of Urban League services, added Mr. Braswell. “Our mission centers on assisting disadvantaged individuals and families. What better way to achieve that mission than to have multiple locations within reach of those Central Floridians who need the Urban League most.”
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