Lift Orlando

Lift Orlando’s latest Annual Report is here! https://lnkd.in/etHmpmmz The Heart of it All reflects on Lift Orlando’s 10 years of impact and service. Whether it's through our community outreach programs, economic viability initiatives, or health and wellness services, we're committed to creating a stronger, more vibrant Orlando for all. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we're also excited to launch our new "Love is Local" initiative created to upLift our city by the simple act of loving your neighbor. Our residents, partners, and supporters have played a crucial role in this journey, and we're grateful for their trust and collaboration. As we look to the future, we're excited to continue our work and explore new opportunities to drive positive change in Orlando. #LoveIsLocal #LoveIsLocalOrlando

Have you marked your calendar for the July 31st event? Come enjoy food, drinks, and a raffle while hearing about the Choice initiative's findings and sharing your thoughts. Your input is vital! 🕠 When: July 31, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 📍 Where: L. Claudia Allen Senior Center RSVP by July 29 to secure your spot. Let’s upLift our community together! https://lnkd.in/e3J9rcuY

Here’s just one highlight from Lift Orlando’s 2024 annual report. In 2023, Lift Orlando and the Orlando Housing Authority of Florida secured a huge opportunity: access to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant. This means we’re gearing up for an amazing redevelopment plan for two local housing communities. The new community-led initiatives will build on the strides we’ve already made together like:  ✅593 residents calling Pendana at West Lakes Apartments and Pendana Senior Residences home thanks to a partnership with Columbia Residential. ✅47 Ring doorbells installed at Pendana Senior Residences with Senior Resource Alliance for added safety. ✅15.55% increase in homeownership since 2014 Together we have been strengthening the neighborhood so people can thrive and ensuring that every child can grow up with hope and return with joy. The milestones in this annual report would not be possible without the contributions of people like you! Dive into the report and let’s celebrate how far we’ve come together via https://lnkd.in/etHmpmmz

Meet Ericka Dunlap: trailblazer, Miss Florida 2003, and the first Black woman to capture the title in the pageant's century-long history. As Miss America 2004, she showcased talent, style, and service, all while remaining deeply rooted in her Orlando community, specifically Clear Lake Cove in The Communities of West Lakes. 🏡 Beyond her crowns, Ericka empowers women globally through her foundation, advocating for reinvestment in her neighborhood and preserving its identity. Her story inspires perseverance, community, and the transformative impact of one individual. Explore her story here: https://lnkd.in/eU7kZa2b The Miss America Opportunity

Join the Lift Orlando team! 🚀 We are still seeking two critical team members whose dedication will upLift Orlando. 1️⃣ Facilities Technician: Leads the care and upkeep of Lift Orlando properties. Full-time, on-site opportunity to make sure people can thrive in healthy, bright, clean, and upLifting spaces! 2️⃣ Choice Operations Specialist: This full-time, on-site position serves as the conductor for the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant team. If you love bringing together stellar administration and winning people skills, we want to hear from you! Ready to make a difference? 🌟 Visit https://lnkd.in/eBu875RM for the next steps on how to apply for each!

🎉Celebrate with us: Lift Orlando has been selected as one of just seven recipients of a grant from Walt Disney World. This $50,000 award will support our education pillar's literacy programming, led by our amazing Education Team—Lynn Thompson, Anna Kinchens M.Ed, and Kimberly Cooper-Everett! We are grateful for their hard work and dedication towards the children of West Lakes and Washington Shores / Lake Mann. We recently had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Disney Executives and their team, where they made the surprise announcement during a hilariously entertaining lunch show. Thank you, Disney, for partnering with us to upLift Orlando!  To read more about Disney's generosity, visit https://lnkd.in/eDat2Tpy Dionne Coleman

Join Lift Orlando's Small Business Cohort! Over 8 weeks, you’ll receive free training, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed. Plus, compete for $20,000 in funding and services! Dates: September 12 - October 31 Time: Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Location: Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center Spaces are limited! Apply by August 12 at LiftOrlando.org/sbicohort. Thriving small businesses are an essential part of upLifting Orlando. 👇🏾If you know someone who might be interested, be sure to tag them in the comments below!

Lift Orlando is excited to welcome Christina Carrier, MBA, MPACC as our new chief financial officer and Tara G. as director of economic viability. Christina brings over a decade of finance experience, recently with Lighthouse Central Florida & Lighthouse Works. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping Lift Orlando's financial strategies and operations. Tara brings a rich background in advancing economic opportunities for high-priority communities. In this new role, she will forge partnerships with local organizations to advance job upskilling initiatives, support small businesses, and promote financial wellness for residents and business owners in Orlando's 32805 ZIP Code. Join us in welcoming Christina and Tara to Lift Orlando! You can get to know them by heading to https://lnkd.in/e_kRDe_Q

Big news! We're celebrating this generous grant from Walt Disney World and are so grateful.

Early Learning Centers upLift the next generation of residents! Lift Orlando's Early Learning Provider Network is revolutionizing early childhood education support in our community. This unique approach connects 18 early learning providers in the 32805 ZIP Code to essential resources and services through Lift Orlando and community partners like West Lakes Early Learning Center (WLELC), the Early Learning Shared Services Alliance (ELSSA), and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC). Together, we're empowering early learning operators, teachers, parents, and guardians to enhance the quality of education for our children. Our long-term goal? To increase kindergarten readiness in Orlando's 32805 ZIP Code! Join us in supporting these providers by donating to Love is Local today at loveislocalorlando.com. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our youngest learners! #EarlyLearning #LiftOrlando #LoveIsLocal #CommunityImpact #EducationMatters