Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) Selected by Citi Foundation to Accelerate Economic Opportunity in South Florida

Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) Selected by Citi Foundation to Accelerate Opportunity in South Florida

A significant investment in core operating support will enable HUF to provide clients with access to customized vocational training programs and rewarding career pathways

April 26, 2018 - The Citi Foundation today announced that Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) was selected as the recipient of a $500,000 grant as part of the 2018 Community Progress Makers Fund.

The Fund is a $20 million, two-year initiative by the Citi Foundation to support high-impact community organizations that are driving economic opportunities in our communities, by bringing together residents, nonprofits, businesses, and municipal agencies.

HUF joins a group of 40 change agents (five in south Florida) that are playing a key role in coordinating the efforts of multiple partners toward common goals and working in new ways to address urban challenges in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami/South Florida, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington D.C.

Through the fund, HUF will have the opportunity to offer low- and moderate-income families with access to customized vocational training programs, credentials and career pathways for middle-skill jobs in high demand.

“We launched this program in 2015 as our version of ‘venture philanthropy’ – a chance to invest in the vision and mission of these organizations who are helping positively transform their communities,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “We’re pleased with the results from our inaugural Community Progress Makers and are looking forward to implementing the lessons we’ve learned with this next, impressive group of community leaders as they scale, innovate and drive impact.”

“HUF is proud to be the Ellis Island of South Florida empowering immigrants to transition into their new lives and live their American dream. We do this by offering wraparound services, including English classes, financial coaching and career services,” said Josie Bacallao, HUF’s President & CEO. “We are honored to be selected by the Citi Foundation, and as part of the City Progress Makers Fund, we will pilot the Pathways to Progress program, a workforce training program aimed at improving the income and economic stability of working families, by setting the foundation for meaningful – and rewarding – careers.”

In 2016-2017, the inaugural cohort of Community Progress Makers helped more than 14,700 low-income people secure financial assets; built over 10,500 affordable housing units; strengthened more than 1,100 small businesses; and connected 1,800 young people to jobs in their communities.

Join us in congratulating the 2018 Community Progress Makers by commenting on this blog and on our Facebook post. 

#ProgressMakers

Catalyst Miami

The Miami Foundation

United Way of Miami-Dade

Urban League of Broward County

Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF)

About Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF):

HUF is a non-profit founded 36 years ago by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today, HUF provides assistance through 12 programs and 30+ services in four languages to Broward's diverse community. HUF remains the county's largest agency dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. In 2017, the agency served more than 15,000 children and families. The agency offers assistance at eight Broward County sites, in addition to 18 FREE tax preparation sites and nine citizenship preparation sites. For more information, visit www.hispanicunity.org.

For more information visit: www.hispanicunity.org. Follow us on online: Faceboook.com/Hispanicunity.org. Twitter: @hispanicunity.org