The incredible work of the Central Florida Urban League's Center for Working Families was acknowledged recently by Fifth Third Bank when the CFUL was awarded a "Strengthening Our Communities" grant in the amount of $25,000.

Fifth Third Bank recognized the impactful Meet the Bankers program, an ongoing initiative that the bank piloted with the CFUL in 2016. These funds will be used to expand the Meet the Bankers program and continue to support financial stability initiatives in the community. 

The Meet the Bankers program pairs unbanked individuals with representatives from the banking industry. Through one-on-one meetings, hosted by the CFUL, these individuals have the opportunity to address their financial questions and concerns with industry professionals as well as establish a financial plan for their future. Meet the Bankers is a cornerstone in the CFUL's Center for Working Families, which also encompasses homebuyer education and financial workshops to assist with financial planning and move individuals towards the dream of homeownership.

The grant was presented to President and C.E.O., Glenton Gilzean Jr. and Khori Whittaker, C.E.O. of Lighthouse Academies, Inc. and CFUL Board Member, from Gregory L. Dryden, City President, Orlando, Esther Marshall, Vice President, Community & Economic Development and David Call, Regional President, Florida.

The Fifth Third Bank fund awards grants to designated nonprofit programs that support homeownership, affordable housing, small business development and financial stability for individuals and families. Programs in these areas strengthen and stabilize our communities and make them a better place to live, work and thrive.

Alongside local law enforcement, clergy and community leaders, the Central Florida Urban League is proud to launch Operation Ceasefire: Pine Hills on Tuesday, January 30 (2 p.m.) at the Experience Christian Center (5329 Indian Hill Road) in Pine Hills.

Operation Ceasefire is a community-led initiative meant to curb gun violence in Pine Hills through early intervention and mentoring that encompasses community leaders, social services and law enforcement.

Following the launch, the outreach begins immediately with the first community walk (3 pm).

“The Central Florida Urban League is committed bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement,” said Glenton Gilzean Jr., President and C.E.O. of the Central Florida Urban League. “The ultimate goal of this initiative is to reduce gun violence by at least 30 percent over five years. This program is a coordinated effort to change the behavior of those most at-risk through positive reinforcement and a strong, visible support system."

Operation Ceasefire: Pine Hills is a multi-faceted program that will be rolled out in stages, beginning with the monthly night walks. The goal of these walks is to monitor and foster greater engagement with individuals whom are most at-risk. As the program is fully implemented, targeted individuals will receive personalized outreach from the CFUL Street Outreach team. Once receptive to the CFUL's overtures, they will be assigned a case manager and a mentor to work with them on improving their situation. 

As Central Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Irma, on Friday, September 29 (11 am – 2 pm), the Central Florida Urban League will be serving as a central location for residents to obtain assistance.

The public is invited to the Central Florida Urban League office (2804 Belco Drive) in Pine Hills to meet with representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson as well as State Representatives Kamia Brown (District 45) and Bruce Antone (District 46). Furthermore, officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Children and Families and the Small Business Administration will be on hand as well.

“We are coordinating this event to ensure that residents have access to all the resources and disaster assistance they need to expedite their recovery efforts,” said Glenton Gilzean Jr. President and C.E.O. of the Central Florida Urban League. “Disaster assistance can help with home repairs, replacement of household items, loss of employment, obtaining business loans and grants, SNAP benefits and securing temporary employment.” 

The CFUL Young Professionals have begun an ongoing effort to collect clothes and non-perishable goods for those in need. 

Please bring anything you can to our office: 2804 Belco Drive in Pine Hills.

Hurricane Irma is set to affect Central Florida over the next 24-48 hours. Once the storm has passed, only then will authorities be able to assess the damage to property, streets. Parts of Central Florida might be without electricity and water for days. Please take the proper precautions and ensure you are in a shelter, if given the order to evacuate. If you are remaining at home, charge your electronics to capacity and use them sparsely. Ration your water and food. 

The State of Florida Emergency Hotline has been activated 24/7. For up to date information regarding Hurricane Irma, call 1-800-342-3557.

In order to find a hurricane shelter close to you, you can text the word "shelter" and your zip code to the number 4-F-E-M-A or 4-3-3-6-2.

Text FLPREPARES to 888777 to receive updates from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Before you go to a shelter, always check with your local emergency management agency to make sure it's not full. 

Note: Texting FEMA is not a substitute for calling 911.

If you would like to report price gouging, call 1-866-966-7226.

Additional emergency numbers include:

• Florida Emergency Information: 1-800-342-3557
• Emergency referral line: 211
• FEMA Registration: 800-621-3362 | 800-462-7585
• Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 800-435-7352
• Elder Affairs: 800-963-5337
• Florida Insurance Claim Hotline: 800-277-8676
• Unemployment Claims Emergency Hotline: 800-204-2418
• DUKE CUSTOMERS: To report outages you can text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply. You can also call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.228.8485
• TECO CUSTOMERS: To report outages you can text OUT to 35069. You can also call 1-877-588-1010.