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Broward College and Firewall Centers collaborate to improve local community on MLK Day of Service

DAVIE, Fla. (Jan. 20th, 2015) On Monday, Jan. 19th, Firewall Centers’ new modular was renovated thanks to the generous $3,377.04 awarded by Broward College in honor of MLK Day of Service.  This modular, donated by Bergeron Properties, will allow Firewall Centers to increase their capacity by 20 students in the surrounding Broward County community.

Around 30 volunteers from around the south Florida area came and gave of their time and talents. In attendance were numerous families, Town of Davie staff, Calvary Chapel Plantation attendees, Broward College and Nova Southeastern University students, and Firewall Centers’ students, staff, and Board members.

“I chose to volunteer for Firewall Centers because I can. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow and I might not be able to pick up a paintbrush or a shovel anymore, so I’ll do everything I can to help and serve today,” said Broward College student, Daniela Jahncke.

Volunteers arrived at 8:00 a.m. and soon after began working hard by painting the outside of the modular, the roof, four rooms, and surrounding decks. Other volunteers caulked the inside rooms, pulled weeds, put cabinets and counters in place, cleaned, and planted a garden around the stairwell entrance. The trees, shrubs, mulch, and other supplies for the garden were donated by the Town of Davie.

“When I heard about the opportunity to help Firewall on MLK weekend, I knew I had to be part of it. It feels so good to accomplish what we did for the Firewall students and staff. I can’t wait for the next one!” said Justin Taylor, local Davie resident and event volunteer.

Firewall Centers received funds for this community project based on the criteria that included recruiting a diverse cross-section of the community as volunteers, supporting the legacy of Dr. King, and providing opportunities for sustained service and ongoing community involvement. This inaugural “Day On” of service, not a “Day Off” for Firewall Centers allowed for the nonprofit to continue to deepen its impact in this undeserved Broward County community.