Firewall Centers provides daily, school-based tutoring and mentoring services designed to help students achieve academic success, build character, and transform into servant leaders.
Servant leadership is at the core of everything we do at Firewall Centers. It is expected from everyone — from staff and volunteers to students alike. Servant leaders lead by serving. They earn the respect of others through their example as they actively meet their needs and promote their growth. In essence, servant leaders empower their followers to reach their greatest potential. The servant leadership model is utilized by companies such as Starbucks®, Marriott Hotels®, Nordstrom®, and Southwest Airlines®.
Firewall Centers was founded in July 2003 after the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl who overdosed on drugs while left unsupervised during after-school hours. Founders Andy and Janeth Fernandez began meeting weekly in the very mobile home park where the young girl lived and died, providing activities and positive object lessons for its youth. Recognizing the need for a daily positive presence, an after-school mentoring and tutoring center was established. Since 2012, when Firewall Centers began partnering with Broward County Public Schools for it’s first after-school program, the organization has expanded from serving 40 students to now more than 1300 every day. We have even been accredited by GAACS, through the Gold Seal Quality Care Program.