Articles in this newsletter

Board of Directors Officers

Chair: Rosie Puello Burkman

Immediate Past-Chair: Steve Sampier 

Chair-Elect: Nydia Menendez  

Treasurer: Arnold Nazur

Secretary: Madeleine Arritola

 

Members

Juan Carlos Arias, The Florida Bar

Larry Calderon, PH.D. Nova Southeastern University
Rae Chorowski, Chorowski & Moore, P.A.
Aureliano de J. Lopez-Martin, Citrix Systems, Inc.
Berthy de la Rosa-Aponte, Time Philanthropist
Hyram Montero, Montero & Associates, LLC.
Marta Prado, R.N.,, Consultant
J. Michael Woody, TD Bank, N.A
Daniel Shevis
Legal Counsel

Paul López
Tripp Scott, P.A.

Carlos Montoya - Unity 4 Teens Program

Carlos Montoya was recognized as one of the top ten teachers working with ESOL students in Florida. The award was from the EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION FOUNDATION and recognizes teachers who generate the greatest FCAT test score improvement gains in the state. The reception was hosted by former Governor, Jeb Bush.

Carlos Montoya pictured (top row left) with some of the Unity 4 Teens participants.

Target Foundation Awards $15K to Hispanic Unity of Florida for its Unity 4Teens Program.

About the Unity 4 Teens Program - Hispanic Unity, serving more than 400 teens from Olsen, Apollo and Gulfstream Middle Schools through its Unity 4 Teens Program, wishes to thank the Children’s Services Council of Broward and Century 21 for their generous award. Unity 4Teens is a comprehensive youth-focused year-round program that offers a holistic approach to developing our youth

The Jim Moran Foundation Continues Support to Renacer Programs.

The Jim Moran Foundation continues its valued partnership with HUF. Once again they will continue to offer their support for our abuelitos participating in the Renacer Program. The program offers numerous health screenings and workshops, English classes, exercise programs and entertainment activities. Seniors also receive a hot meal daily from Meals on Wheels.

Clients in our Renacer Program.

City of Hollywood Police / LEFT Funds.

The Cameron Benson City Manager of Hollywood and Chadwick Wagner Chief of the Hollywood Police Department present a check to Josie Bacallo , President of Hispanic Unity of Florida.

Hispanic Unity's Unity 4 Teens Program received a funding boost from the City of Hollywood's Police Department through their LEFT funds. The funds will be used to fund the programs pregnancy, drug and violence prevention efforts.

Olga Garzon Receives Scholarship Award.

Olga Garzon, along with her son, receives Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Women’s Council of Commerce.

HUF Intake Specialist Olga Garzon recently received a scholarship award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Women’s Council of Commerce. Olga started as a client of HU in 2004 along with her son in the Unity 4 Kids Program. Congratulations Olga!


Former ESOL Student returns to paint HUF Building.

Francisco Montilla coming back home to lend a helping hand by painting.

Francisco Montilla, originally from Peru, learned to speak English at Hispanic Unity’s ESOL classes. Francisco recently returned to HUF as an employee of Ed French Painting Company, to complete the painting work that the rain did now allow volunteers to complete a couple of days earlier. Hispanic Unity was this year’s Day of Caring site where more than 300 volunteers helped upgrade and beautify the agency’s three buildings. Robert French, owner of the company is a strong supporter of United Way of Broward. Francisco was empowered to be successful through his time spent at Hispanic Unity and is grateful we were there when he needed us most.


Maroone HispanicFest 2009.

Crowds at this year’s Maroone HispanicFest.

Entertainment on the main stage at this year’s HispanicFest got the crowds rocking.

Internationally renowned performer Fanny Lu (center), along with Chantal Nichtawitz from IKEA and Gale Butler from AutoNation stop by Hispanic Unity headquarters after performing at MarooneHispanicFest 2009

Grammy and Latin Grammy award winner Elvis Crespo headlined the 21st annual MarooneHispanicFest 2009. Presented again this year by our major sponsors, Maroone, an AutoNation company and the Sun-Sentinel/el Sentinel, along with several other contributing sponsors, the festival was attended by thousands of devoted fans from across the state. In addition to Elvis Crespo, this year’s musical line-up also featured #1 Billboard artists Angel & Khriz, Fanny Lu, Jean, Bachaco, ArenAzul and many more. Crespo’s performance marks a first for Maroone HispanicFest, known for presenting both new talent and top names from all across the Latin music spectrum and South Florida. In addition to non-stop music and dance, Maroone HispanicFest 2009 featured samplings of delicious food from all over Latin America and the Caribbean, arts and crafts, unique cultural exhibits, dance lessons, interactive contests and special guest appearances. The Winn Dixie Kids Zone always a big fan favorite also provided a range of activities and fun for kids of all ages.


Planting the Seed of Knowledge.

Planting the Seed of Knowledge Ceremony

Participants planting the tree.

Planting the Seed of Knowledge donor’s plaque listing the visionaries who came together to make Unity 4 Kids a reality

The Planting the Seed of Knowledge Inauguration Ceremony marked the opening of the Unity 4 Kids Preschool Center. The ceremony took place at Hispanic Unity’s main campus in May. The “original” seed of knowledge was planted more than 10 years ago when the organization began offering a children’s literacy program. Today, HUF’s Family Literacy Academy serves preschoolers (3-5 years old) and their parents, by providing them a family-centered intensive English literacy environment where they can learn together. This inauguration celebrates the culmination of a three year journey that bloomed into the new Unity 4 Kids Preschool Center.


Presidential Medal at Second Commencement Ceremony of Ana G. Méndez University System.

Hispanic Unity of Florida President and CEO Josie Bacallo receives the Presidential Medal from Syndia Nazario

Josie Bacallao, President and CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida, received the Presidential Medal at the second commencement ceremony of Ana G. Méndez University System. The Presidential M edal is presented to individuals or organizations that have distinguished themselves by their outstanding personal qualities, professional careers and for their extraordinary contributions to the growth of Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez (SUGAM) as well as the communities it serves. Bacallao, besides receiving one of the greatest recognitions of the institution, will also serve as guest speaker for the ceremony in which 49 students from nine Latin American countries will receive their professional diplomas after successfully completing their college studies.


Volunteer Income Tax Preparation/ Earned Income Tax Credit (VITA/ETIC).

Our mobile unit was out in the community providing free tax preparation.

Volunteers who worked with clients as part of this year’s VITA/EITC program providing tax preparation assistance.

Again this year Hispanic Unity’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation/Earned Income Tax Credit (VITA/EITC) provided income tax preparation assistance to working families. Over the past seven years this valuable program has served 13,009 clients and brought back more than $15 million to the community. This tax season the program served 3,624 clients and generated 44.3 million in tax refunds. For those families who couldn’t come to the center, our mobile unit was again in the community and reached out to 644 clients creating $688,162 in refunds. We’d like to thank the 97 dedicated volunteers, 20 hardworking staff members, 65 exceptional partners and three generous funders who make this entire process possible.



Medal of Hope Recognition.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez pictured with Medal of Hope recipient Carlos Jimenez and the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez pictured with Medal of Hope recipient Julie Spechler and Nova Southeastern University.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez pictured with Medal of Hope recipient Chuck Vones and the City of Pembroke Pines.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez pictured with Medal of Hope recipient Sebastian F. Spinelli and Basil Gourmet Catering.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to the Sun-Sentinel and Clrudy Brown.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to the Broward Sheriff’s
Office and Commander Micheal Calderin.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez pictured with Medal of Hope recipient Lisa King and Memorial Healthcare System.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to the
Memorial Healthcare System and Steve Sampier.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to
the Ana G. Méndez University System and Syndia Nazario.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to Mega 94.9.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez pictured with Medal of Hope recipient Beth Kroll and the
Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to Crime Stoppers of Broward County and Stephen C. Greenberg.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez present the Medal of Hope award to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Doug Bartel.

Josie Bacallo and Margaret Delmont-Sanchez stand with Medal of Hope recipient Chantal Nichtawitz of IKEA.

During this year’s Maroone HispanicFest several friends of Hispanic Unity were recognized for their efforts in helping to raise dollars in support of the community. Each individual received the Medal of Hope for their contributions.



Unity 4 Kids Pre-School Graduation.

Unity 4 Kids Pre-School Graduation Class of 2009, with teachers (front row left to right) Iris Hodgson and Kimberly Tio and Pre School Director Danette Lajo !

Pre-School donor Elizabeth Sanjuan presents one of our Unity 4 Kids graduates with their diploma.

Pre-school donor Al Fernandez presents a new graduate with her diploma.

Pre-school donor Alberto Gil gets a “five” from a graduate.

Family Litertacy Academy Scholarship winner Fernanda Suarez (center) along with Danette Lajo (left)
Pre-School Director and Elizabeth Sanjuan (right) pre-school center donor.

Family Litertacy Academy Scholarship winner Fernanda Suarezand daughter Agostina Santa Maria.

Ban Ali Scholarship winners (l-r) Ligia Martinez, Ivon Avila, Ana Rosa Galarza and Mellier Escobar are joined by pre-school donor and volunteer Ban Ali (2nd from left).

During May, 20 mothers and their children participated in Hispanic Unity of Florida’s Unity 4 Kids Pre-School graduation ceremony. The Family Literacy Academy program allows mothers and their children to learn together through an intense skill-building program. The ceremony recognizes their participation and commitment to the program, as well as celebrating their accomplishment of improving literacy skills. As part of the celebration, scholarship winners were announced for continuing education opportunities. The Family Literacy Academy Scholarship offers the winner the option of either a vocational school or two-year or four-year scholarship, including tuition and books. This year we also offered the Ban Ali Scholarship, which gave winners $300 toward their continuing education goals.



Volunteer Summer Students Provide Able Hands for HUF.

Hispanic Unity of Florida and summer student volunteers take a moment to pose for the camera.