What are we building? Check it out!

Haven't been by the Q lately? Don't worry -- we'll catch you up!

The playground, pavers, and shade structure were carefully removed.

Then the trees, and well, everything else!

Then it was time for the electrical, the plumbing, and the foundation.

The building is being framed.

And walls! We are getting walls.

Keep checking back. We will keep you posted on building progress here!

High Finance Comes to Dunbar.

High Finance Comes to Dunbar. 

Teens learn money management to break the cycle within their low-income neighborhoods.

 “I can buy some Nike shoes, or I can use that money to own a part of Nike.” That was one of the lessons a participant in Quality Life Center’s teen program took away from a guest speaker, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Napoleon Robinson.

Napoleon is from the Dunbar community.

Robinson was raised by his aunt who worked as a janitor for the Lee County School District. As a child, he attended programs at Quality Life Center from the time he was seven through his teenage years.

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Florida A & M University, he landed a job in St. Louis, Missouri, at Edward Jones Investments.

His desire to serve his hometown stemmed from knowledge of fear that people in his community were fearful of investing. “Planning for retirement needs to be more than just having a savings account. I can communicate that in a way that resonates with people in my community.”

The 22-year old decided to push for an office in Southwest Florida.

His efforts paid off when he opened his Edward Jones Investments branch in Lehigh Acres last year. “I want people to know there is someone here to help them achieve their long-term financial goals,” said Robinson.

“It can seem scary when all you hear is the talking heads on television.” Robinson wants to provide better understanding of the stock market and how we can use it. “My services are for anyone who is serious about reaching their financial goals – not just the Top 10%.”

Money management and long-term planning topped the list of topics on Robinson’s agenda, as he spoke with the Leaders In Training of Excellence Teen Program.  The lecture then turned into practice. Using “The Stock Market Game” on howthemarketworks.com, he challenged them to put their newly-obtained knowledge to the test by making some investing decisions.

Robinson will return to Quality Life Center in a month to see which teen made the best investment decisions.

 “I learned that it is important to diversify,” said Carisma Bryant, a 14-year-old Q Dancer shared.  “Don’t put all your money in the same company. You have to be creative…even with your stocks! ”. The teens are anticipating Napoleon’s return, as the student who creates the best portfolio while using “The Stock Market Game” will receive a plaque from Edward Jones Investments.

Quality Life Center is proud of Napoleon and all of its former Q students who are positively impacting their communities, and the organization looks forward to highlighting their contributions at our 25^th Anniversary Gala in November 2015.

The Art of Weaving Captivates Local Teens

Quality Life Center teens explore weaving - an art form made possible by a $3,208 grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

Quality Life Center received a $3,208 grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to support a project that brings experienced weavers from the community together with students from the center’s teen program. The project provides teens with the opportunity to learn how to weave, as well as basic business skills.

It all began when the historic Newcomb Loom, owned by the Weavers of Char-Lee, was looking for a home. The loom came to Quality Life Center in 2013, and local weavers began coming in to instruct youth about its use. But having only one big loom made it difficult for everyone to get hands-on experience.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation appreciated the partnership, and provided funding for weaving supplies as well as smaller, individual looms for the students to create items.  Students will learn how to market their products, and begin selling them locally. Students are working on projects from belts to bracelets to suspenders. 

 “I never envisioned the girls having such a desire to weave!”, said Teen Instructor Shari Armstrong. “Getting them to transition from weaving to a different activity has proven to be very challenging! They are truly enjoying this art form and we enjoy watching them exercise discipline and focus while working on their projects.”

Youth will also gain communication skills when they demonstrate their weaving skills and interact with the public during events.  The first takes place on ROC Day at the Fort Myers Regional Library on January 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Quality Life Center thanks the Southwest Florida Community Foundation for providing an opportunity for the students in the “Leaders In Training of Excellence Teen Program” to collaborate with experienced, local artists.

About Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida

Quality Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming the community by developing the potential of underserved populations in Southwest Florida through early learning and youth development programs, including afterschool and teen and summer camp programs. For 24 years, the “Q” has been instilling values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency. Quality Life Center is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. For more information, call (239) 334-2797 or visit http://www.qualitylifecenter.org.

"Fashioning the Future": Modeling Positive Change In Our Community

Many people have asked us..."So what in the world does 'Fashioning the Future' mean?"

On November 14, 2014, we answered that question.

Our "fashion-less" runway highlighted our students  - or should we say our models - of the future?

 Instead of the latest trends in clothing, the emphasis of the night was on the values Q students are learning & the impact those values will have on their lives. 

From poetry, dance and a martial arts showcase, audience members left the event knowing that the future is bright! Take a glimpse below!

We hope to see you our next annual fundraiser! We'll be turning 25!

Like what you see? Come visit us sometime! 

 

Looking for more pictures? Check our Facebook page here! See you there!

Q Students lands $5,000 Miami Dolphins & SunLife Financial Scholarship

Could we be more proud?

No. We couldn't be.

James is a special student of ours. He is hardworking, incredibly smart and filled with potential. A resident of the Dunbar community, James is familiar with the many paths of life that he can take. Fortunately, he has chosen a positive one - one that many other students within our community have chosen as well.

Congratulations to James on attaining this scholarship! We know you are the change we need in the world and we look forward to your future accomplishments.

We are very thankful for SunLife Financial and the Miami Dolphins Foundation. 

Read below for the full press release.

 

Miami Dolphins, Sun Life Financial Present $220,000 in Grants & Scholarships to South Florida Nonprofits & Students

Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach; HANDY, Fort Lauderdale; Little Haiti Optimist Foundation, Miami; Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers among 12 exceptional organizations across U.S. honored with Sun Life Rising Star Awards for commitment to education

Wellesley, Mass. (October 21, 2014) – The U.S. business group of Sun Life Financial and the Miami Dolphins today announced the South Florida recipients of the Sun Life Rising Star Awards and presented $220,000  in grants and scholarships to four nonprofit community organizations  and an exemplary student nominated by each nonprofit. The 2014 South Florida Sun Life Rising Star Awards recipients are:

·      Nonprofit winners: Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach; HANDY, Fort Lauderdale; Little Haiti Optimist Foundation, Miami; Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers

·      Student winners: Joeniseley Mathurin, Delray Beach; Kyandra Dorestin, Plantation; Junior Appo, Miami; James Blanks, Fort Myers

Sun Life Group Market Manager John Hak and Sun Life Employee Benefits Representative Brandon Davis joined Miami Dolphins players, Dolphins cheerleaders and front office executives to surprise each winning student with a $5,000 scholarship for college, and recognize each nonprofit organization with a $50,000 grant at four awards presentations across South Florida. This year’s South Florida Sun Life Rising Star Awards recipients also will be honored at a special pre-game on-field ceremony and celebration at the Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens game at Sun Life Stadium on December 7, 2014.

The Sun Life Rising Star Awards program is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students and education-based nonprofit organizations that support them in our nation’s under-served metropolitan areas.  Now in its fifth year, Sun Life recognizes the remarkable achievements of all Sun Life Rising Star Award recipients, and celebrates these exceptional students and organizations for their continued dedication to education.

This year, Sun Life will provide $660,000 in grants, scholarships and other resources to outstanding organizations and students in Boston, Nashville, San Francisco, South Florida and the Tulsa/Oklahoma City area. By the end of 2014, Sun Life Financial will have committed nearly $5 million to 86 students and 79 nonprofit organizations in 16 different cities across the country. Sun Life has committed $1.1 million in South Florida to local education-based nonprofit organizations and under-served area students.

“We’re committed to investing in the health of our communities through initiatives like our Sun Life Rising Star Awards program,” said Dan Fishbein, President, Sun Life Financial U.S. “Today’s student scholarship recipients have overcome great obstacles to achieve success.  These remarkable individuals and the nonprofit organizations that comprise this year’s class of Sun Life Rising Star Award recipients inspire us all and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that the collective efforts of all our Rising Star recipients will have on their local communities and beyond.”

Sun Life also invites Rising Star recipients to apply for summer internship opportunities at its U.S. headquarters in Wellesley, Massachusetts following their freshman year of college. The goal is to provide a substantial, meaningful work experience that lays the foundation for future professional success.

“We are honored to join Sun Life for the fifth year to recognize the efforts being made to better serve the lives of under-served youth in South Florida. These exceptional students and community organizations are transforming education in the region, and we are thrilled to be part of it,” said Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel.

Judging panels comprised of government officials, community, education and business leaders evaluate the applications and student nominations in South Florida based on the following criteria:

·         Nonprofit’s commitment to developing and promoting skills that directly translate to educational engagement and matriculation rates for secondary school youth under the age of 21.

·         Nonprofit’s demonstrated partnership with a secondary or post-secondary educational institution.

·         Nonprofit’s documented ability to respond to the needs of specific groups of youth in a manner yielding measurable results.

·         Student nominee’s plan to pursue a post-secondary education, leadership qualities, commitment to his or her community and a 750-word essay.

This year’s panel included:

·                     Shannon Alfonso, President of Florida Region Marsh & McLennan Agency

·                     Maureen Capp, Director of Resource and Grant Development at Palm Beach State College

·                     James Champion, President at Champion Services Group

·                     Mary Chance, Executive Director of Consortium of Florida Education Foundations

·                     Steve Jarvis, Vice President at Gravity Benefits

·                     Debra Lage, Senior Associate at Mercer

·                     Mike Meredith, Executive Vice President at Willis

·                     Matt Moraski, Owner of Gravity Benefits

·                     Jamar Taylor, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins

·                     Dr. Wallis Tinnie, Department of Human Resources for the City of Miami

·                     Stacy Ostrau, Society Scene Publisher at Sun Sentinel

·                     Andy Zerbock, Vice President of USI Insurance

Sun Life leverages its partnerships with organizations such as the Boston Celtics and the Miami Dolphins to enhance the student experience, promote healthy lifestyles and leverage powerful role models to reinforce the connection between education, health and financial well-being.

South Florida’s 2014 Sun Life Rising Star Award winners are:

Palm Beach County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc. – Founded in 1969, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Inc. is a nonprofit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health, leadership and character of youth in a safe, nurturing environment. The organization strives to enable and assist all young people, especially those who need them most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Student Recipient: Joeniseley Mathurin, Atlantic High School

Joeniseley Mathurin works and volunteers at the local school and in her community. She also takes part in extracurricular activities, and participates on the cheerleading team, as well as mentoring younger Boys & Girls' club members.

Broward County

HANDY – Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth, HANDY’s mission is to embrace, educate, and empower vulnerable youth to become engaged, productive adults. HANDY has met the needs of almost 50,000 Broward County children and youth in foster and relative/non-relative care under protective supervision.

Student Recipient: Kyandra Dorestin, Plantation High School

Kyandra Dorestin often speaks at community engagement events and activities as an advocate for foster care and dependency care youth. In addition to her involvement with HANDY, she is a member of Broward County’s Florida Youth Shine Chapter and is actively involved in extracurricular activities such as the dance team, and participates in regular park and beach clean-ups and donation drives.

Miami/Miami-Dade County

Little Haiti Optimist Foundation–Little Haiti Optimist Club is a nonprofit organization established in 2010 by a group of business professionals, community and civic leaders to provide programs to the youth of Little Haiti. Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of youth by providing education, mentorship, athletics, arts and cultural programming.

Student Recipient: Junior Appo, Miami Edison Senior High School

Junior Appo is a member of his high school band and plays three musical instruments. He also serves as treasurer on the student government council, and works as a teller and concierge at the school's credit union. He was recently awarded a trophy, honoring him as the top concierge in the student finance department.

Lee County

Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida – Quality Life Center (the Q) has served more than 15,000 youth and families in the community. Its mission is to strengthen and instill pride in family and community through programs and services to cultivate self-discipline, self-development, build confidence and promote cultural awareness.

Student Recipient: James Blanks, City of Palms Charter High School

James Blanks serves as President of Quality Life Center’s teen program. He instructs and tutors younger students in the program and participates in its community service projects. James also stays active in extracurricular activities by playing football at his high school, and serving as president of the Kappa League.

For more information on the Sun Life Rising Star Awards, please visit www.sunliferisingstar.com.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. The Sun Life Financial group of companies operates under the “Sun Life Financial” name strictly as a marketing name and no legal significance is expressed or implied. Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Bermuda. In the United States and elsewhere, insurance products are offered by members of the Sun Life Financial group that are insurance companies.  In the United States, Sun Life Financial provides a range of products and services to employers and their employees, including Group and Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Dental, Disability, Life, and Stop-Loss Insurance Products. Sun Life Financial Inc., the holding company for the Sun Life Financial group of companies, is a public company. It is not an insurance company and does not offer insurance products for sale in the United States or elsewhere, and does not guarantee the obligations of its insurance company subsidiaries. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE