Hope Receives Magical Gift from Disney for New Campus

Hope CommUnity Center (HCC) can move forward on a second Apopka campus thanks to a surprise $250,000 grant it recently received from Disney. 

Recently Hope CommUnity Center was approached with an opportunity to acquire the property of Apopka Family Learning Center.  The expansive 6 acre campus is conveniently located in South Apopka and includes abundant parking and added classroom space in a 7,200 square foot building. 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.

“HCC is tremendously grateful for the vote of confidence and support from our partner and friends at Disney,” said Sister Ann Kendrick.  “We look forward to the mission and programmatic opportunity the development of a second campus affords our community, and we invite others to join in support of our mission.”

Disney board member Michael Almeida and Nancy Gidusko, director of Corporate Citizenship for Walt Disney World, shared the surprise gift at its Oct. 8 board meeting. 

“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. “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.”

HCC is a Disney Grants recipient, receiving $40,000 in 2015. Previously it has been recognized with the Bob Allen award, presented annually to honor a charitable organization’s creativity and outstanding work in Central Florida.