Life of Hope, a nonprofit devoted to supporting youth and immigrant families, is expanding to a new community center in Flatbush.
Organization leaders hope the Central Brooklyn space will centralize the team’s administrative work while still offering community-centered programs to its large client base.
Families in need can turn to Life of Hope for health and wellness sessions, immigrant support and social engagement opportunities.
Porez Luxama, founder and executive director of Life of Hope, said the expansion marks a dedicated effort to better serve Brooklyn’s Haitian community and the Haitian diaspora.
“Acquiring this new building is not just a real estate transaction,” he said in a statement. “It is the beginning of a transformative chapter for our organization and the entire community.”
Since its inception in 2006, Life of Hope has serviced more than 65,000 residents with various youth workshops, mentorship and adult literacy programs. The group prides itself in being one of few citywide nonprofits catered specifically to Haitian residents.
In a statement, Senator Chuck Schumer highlighted his commitment to helping to fund groups like Life of Hope.
“I was proud to deliver $1.5 million in federal funds to Life of Hope in Brooklyn for the purchase of a building that will be the new, permanent center for their vital community services, including employment services and health counseling,” the pol said. “Life of Hope will finally have a hub for their quality, culturally competent care and support services for underserved New Yorkers in Flatbush and beyond.”
Life of Hope finalized the purchase with a $3.5 million loan from the FJC- A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds. The group also receives $12 million in public and private funding to maintain the space.