The Community Rallies for Its Children

Advocates of opportunities for youth in Southwest Florida attended the Fort Myers City Council meeting on April 7, overflowing into the hallway to show their support for Quality Life Center.

Weeks before, many of these Q supporters had also gathered in the streets directly outside of The Q's building to raise money for the organization, which was facing a balloon payment on its mortgage. 

 

As the chamber filled with parents, pastors and participating citizens, the evidence of a community focused on the future of its children was undeniable. State Attorney and Q Board Member Stephen Russell requested $235,000 on behalf of the organization to end its mortgage burden.

Listening to the officials discuss and debate for over an hour, it is clear the members of the

City Council take their jobs – and their fiscal responsibilities – very seriously. Mayor Randy Henderson voiced his support, and Councilman Thomas Leonardo quickly offered his entire neighborhood improvement funds to the cause.  Councilman Johnny Streets also pledged his neighborhood budget. Recalling the building’s sordid past and all of the progress that has been made since the Q took over, Streets described the funding as an investment in the future.

In a 6 to 1 vote, the city council voted to provide funding to keep the Q’s doors open.

Quality Life Center’s Building Sustainability and Reserve Campaign launched nearly two years ago with a $1.5 million goal to pay off the building’s mortgage and to build a reserve to address future building concerns.

In addition to internal planning, fundraisers were held – most notably the Magic Johnson event, sponsored by Quality Life Center’s Board Chairman’s organization Pickup the Ball.  Community members, community leaders, companies, churches and organizations throughout the community raised funds that were directed towards the campaign. 

It was down to the wire, but not enough money had been raised.  Though Fifth Third Bank made a generous offer, the amount raised was short by $235,000. The center requested funding from the city to make up for the shortfall.

The city’s vote ensures that the community’s children will continue to receive enrichment through preschool, afterschool and teen programming.

Further, it ensures that there is power within each member of the community.

 Together, we can create and maintain an environment of possibility for our children.  

Contributor: Jan Sommer
jsommer@qlcswfl.org

Quality Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming the community by developing the potential of at-risk youth, and instilling values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency. To learn more about Quality Life Center, to sign up for the next tour date, or to make a donation, call 239.334.2797 or visit http://www.qualitylifecenter.org.