The Hispanic Chamber mobilizes local leaders to transform communities beyond the boardroom for National Volunteer Month
Local Hispanic leaders elevated their commitment to community service by bringing their work outdoors to directly aid and uplift those in need in Osceola County. Florida Technical College and Heart of Florida United Way joined forces in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (Hispanic Chamber) for a dynamic community initiative. This collaboration, spearheaded by the Hispanic Chamber, aimed to unite “Hispanic Champions” during National Volunteer Month in a powerful demonstration of collective action.
As part of this initiative, executives cleaned, painted, and fixed the garden areas of the Helping Others Make the Effort (HOME) facilities in Kissimmee, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing transitional housing and life skills to homeless women and their children. Additionally, the Florida Technical College Culinary Arts team baked cookies as a sweet treat for the resident families, while the Florida Technical College Barbering team offered stylish haircuts to the kids.
Distinguished local executives, including Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, City of Kissimmee Vice Mayor Orga Castaño, and Danny Ruiz Manrique, CEO of Total Industrial Supplies, participated in the National Volunteer Month activities.
“We are so proud to be creating a lasting impact together, shaping a brighter future for our communities. Our work is not just about today; it’s about building a positive legacy through our pillars Commerce, Coaching, and Community Building that will empower and inspire Hispanic participation and leadership in philanthropy for generations to come,” said Pedro Turushina, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando.
The initiative’s inception occurred during the Don Quijote Awards Gala hosted by the Hispanic Chamber and Prospera. Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of Florida Technical College, and Jeff Hayward, President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, recipients of the Don Quijote Hispanic Champion Award, engaged in dialogue about expanding their contributions beyond their professional roles, inspiring other Hispanic leaders and businesses in the process.
“The Don Quijote Awards Gala marked a crucial turning point,” remarked Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of Florida Technical College. “It’s not solely about our personal achievements but about our collective ability to inspire and empower others to make a positive difference.”
Currently, the most common ethnicity among community service volunteers is White, representing 54.2% of all volunteers, while Hispanics or Latinos make up only 19.3%. Given the significant and rapid growth of the Hispanic population, both native-born and immigrant, their involvement in volunteering activities is vital for the development of nonprofit organizations and our society as a whole.
About Florida Technical College
Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC). NUC University (NUC) is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. NUC’s NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), and The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School) are included in this accreditation. NUC’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on 2019 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States. FTC offers diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.
About the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando is one of the largest business organizations in Central Florida. For over three decades, the Hispanic Chamber has been an advocate for the Hispanic business community. This organization is recognized as one of the main economic development entities in the region, serving as the central point of connection, fostering business success, unifying communities, and empowering Hispanic business owners and professionals to drive exceptional economic growth in the region. As a valued member of the Hispanic Chamber, you will be part of one of the largest, most engaged business networks in Central Florida, with exclusive access to unparalleled benefits, award-winning events, and programs focused on commerce opportunities, coaching, and community building, making us the top choice for businesses of all industries in our region.
About Heart of Florida United Way
Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) stands up for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in Central Florida. Since 1939, HFUW has delivered programs, invested dollars, and convened community members around important issues impacting Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. As Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services nonprofit, HFUW created a $50 million impact in Central Florida last year. In 2021-22, HFUW served more than 703,000 people through its direct service and funded programs. HFUW is home to notable community resources like the 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line; 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Mission United program for Veterans; TECHquity, an initiative bridging the digital divide; Destination Graduation at Seminole State College; the Ryan White Part B & General Revenue program, which administers nearly $2.3 million to provide HIV/AIDS services and referrals; the Planning Council Support program that facilitates community planning and priority setting for HIV services. United Way partners with individuals, local businesses, government, and other nonprofit agencies to open opportunities and close gaps in Central Florida. Visit www.HFUW.org for more information, or call (407) 835-0900. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Heart of Florida United Way and on Twitter and Instagram @hfuw.
About H.O.M.E.
Helping Others Make the Effort (HOME) is an organization committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing transitional housing and life skills to homeless single women with children. Our transitional housing campus is home to 15 families. Families may live on campus for up to 12 months as they work towards self-sufficiency.
