Category: Uncategorized

This week, our students experienced an exciting blend of engaging activities and memorable field trips that kept smiles and energy high every day. To keep everyone fueled, we provided free breakfast, lunch, and snacks, making sure no one missed a beat.

The week included a creative visit to NSU Museum, where students explored inspiring exhibits and sparked their imaginations. The excitement continued with visits to Fun Dimension and Fun Depot, where students enjoyed laser tag, bumper cars, rock climbing, bowling, go-kart racing, and even slime-making — offering a perfect mix of adventure and hands-on fun.

Back on-site, the energy didn’t slow down. Students took part in karaoke sessions, dance competitions, a lively field day, and enjoyed visits from vendors offering interactive activities. These moments fostered great social connections and plenty of laughter.

What stood out most was the enthusiasm and joy shared throughout the week, as students cheered each other on and made new friends. It was truly inspiring to see such engagement and spirit.

We have had an amazing Spring Break with our students, and we look forward to even more fun filled days this summer! To join us at Firewall Summer Camp click here, and make sure to choose “yes” for summer. 

We had a wonderful time celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week! At Firewall, we know that teachers are the heart of our education system and a vital part of our students’ success. Their dedication, compassion, and daily efforts help shape not only minds but futures—and we’re incredibly grateful for all they do.

This past week, our team at Seminole Middle School found a special way to say “thank you.” Staff members hosted a breakfast for the entire faculty—not just our Firewall team, but every teacher in the school. It was a small gesture with a big message: we see you, we appreciate you, and we value the difference you make every day.

Our Coaches work closely with students and witness firsthand the impact teachers have. Whether it’s helping students master tough subjects or encouraging them to believe in themselves, teachers play a critical role in their academic and personal growth.

This breakfast was just one way to give back to the amazing educators who give so much. Thank you to all teachers—this week and every week—for your unwavering commitment and the powerful influence you have on the next generation. We are grateful to The Children Service County of Broward County and Broward County Public Schools for partnering with us to provide teachers to aid in impacting our teachers. 

We’re excited to announce the launch of our program at three new schools, made possible through our expanding partnership with the Children’s Services Council (CSC) of Broward. The new schools include Seminole Middle School, where we’re reaching 100 students; Franklin Academy, which will support 75 students; and Walter C. Young Middle School, serving 100 students. With this expansion, we are now impacting an additional 275 students across Broward County. To further enhance our support, we’ve also reduced our student-to-Success Coach ratio from 30–35 students to just 25 students per coach. This adjustment allows for more personalized, effective assistance and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering impactful, student-centered programming. A special thank you to the CSC for helping make this growth possible!

Firewall is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Innovation Charter School in Pompano Beach, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement, Innovation Charter’s vision aligns seamlessly with Firewall’s mission to support students through after-school programs that boost academic achievement, build strong character, and inspire servant leadership.

Offered at no cost to families, this partnership will empower students with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to reach their fullest potential. Firewall’s dedicated staff and team of AmeriCorps mentors are excited and ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students at Innovation Charter.

 

In preparation for our upcoming summer camp, Firewall Centers took part in Deerfield Beach High School’s First Annual Career Fair. Firewall is proud to support soon to be high school graduates by offering employment opportunities through our partner AmeriCorps. Through AmeriCorps high school seniors and newly graduated students are able to earn real-world work experience, build resumes, and earn financial awards towards higher education. Our organization prides itself on supporting students who are new to the workforce as well as those who are currently working with us. This support helps students, not only, with their immediate career goals, but emphasizes the importance of making a positive difference in their community. Firewall’s goal is to create Servant Leaders, opportunities, like those presented at the Career Fair, allow students to grow personally, and professionally, as well as encourage them to make an impact in their community. 

With the 11th Annual Serve-A-Thon quickly approaching we invite you to join us in taking a look back at last year’s success. In 2024 Firewall Centers partnered with the City of Fort Lauderdale, Oasis Living Center, Feeding South Florida, and HOPE South Florida in order to provide service opportunities to over 250 students, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers. “Serving is at the core of what we do. So, when our students serve the elderly, feed the homeless, and give back to the community at large, they are living out what it means to be a servant leader,” said Andy Fernandez, Firewall Centers’ CEO. Last year students took part in 5 service projects across Broward County, a park clean-up and tree planting at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, spending time with the elderly residents at Oasis Living Center, sorting and assembling food at Feed South Florida, and preparing meals and hygiene kits for South-East Florida’s homeless population at HOPE South Florida. These service projects provided students with hands-on experiences that serve as an example of the value positively impacting their community.

After the event students, AmeriCorps  members, and volunteers celebrated with a party at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park, during which students were able to participate in obstacle courses, and bounce houses, while taking pride in their efforts spent bettering their community. This year’s service projects will include spending time with the residents at Artis Senior Living, and The Palms at Plantation, as well as assembling meals to be distributed to the homeless population across Broward County. We are so proud of our students’ work during last year’s Serve-A-Thon. As this year’s event approaches we are looking forward to another great day of providing our students the opportunity to get involved and positively impact their community. To see more from last year’s Serve-A-Thon click here: https://youtu.be/EJVaQcYeScA?si=V4he7BZtvVOMlMs2

 

On Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Firewall Centers hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the purchase of a new office building. As we continue to expand, a new facility was much-needed in order to accommodate our growing staff. The celebration included remarks from our CEO and Founder Andy Fernandez, as well as comments by our supporters and community partners. Among those who spoke at the event, Cindy Arenberg-Seltzer, President and CEO of the Children’s Service Council of Broward, as well as Broward County Undersheriff Colonel Nichole Anderson. 

“Firewall Centers has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years as we have gone from serving 400 students to 1,300, thus outgrowing our previous office space. This year alone, we will provide over $5 million dollars’ worth of tutoring, mentoring, and case management support services to our students and families. Also, through our partnership with AmeriCorps and Volunteer Florida, we are helping to provide over $175,000 worth of academic scholarships to 60+ AmeriCorps members that serve Firewall students every day.”, said Andy Fernandez. This growth would not have been possible without partnerships with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Volunteer Florida/AmeriCorps, the United Way of Broward County, the Jim Moran Foundation, and the other individuals and foundations that have supported us throughout the years. The support offered by these individuals and organizations has allowed us to go beyond an aftercare program, offering students a space to build long-term relationships, receive social-emotional support, and move the needle on academic achievement.  As we walk through life with students, Firewall’s goal is for every child to reach their greatest potential.

We would like to thank PCI Powerhouse for their continued support provided to our organization. Their generous contribution allows us to further our mission of helping students achieve academic success, build character, and transform into servant leaders. “Our company’s achievements are measured not only in business milestones but also in the positive change we foster in every community we serve. These grants are a testament to our commitment to act as a catalyst for good” stated Ismael Diaz, President & CEO of PCI. PCI’s commitment to effecting positive change has enabled us to reach over 1300 students, enhancing the lives of underserved students across Broward County.

On March 6, 2025, students from Firewall Centers showcased their entrepreneurial talents during the much-anticipated Food Truck Day at Walter C. Young Middle School. Organized by dedicated Firewall staff, the event gave students a dynamic, hands-on opportunity to bring their food truck visions to life. From crafting catchy business names and designing eye-catching logos to managing budgets and creating marketing strategies, students embraced every aspect of launching a startup. The experience provided valuable lessons in business management, including finance, branding, and customer engagement. The day culminated in a friendly Shark Tank-style competition, where participants pitched their business plans to a panel of judges. Awards were given in several categories, including Innovation, Marketing, Competition Analysis, Finances, and Overall Presentation, celebrating the creativity and hard work of these future entrepreneurs.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and creativity,” said Janeth Fernandez, Program Director at Firewall Centers. “Food Truck Day provided them with an opportunity to apply the concepts they’ve been learning in a real-world setting. The event was not only a fun, interactive experience but also a way to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that will serve them in future endeavors.”. The day concluded with a treat from the Kona Ice Food Truck, giving students a chance to reflect on their entrepreneurial journey and celebrate their accomplishments. Food Truck Day provided students a valuable, hands-on experience in which they were encouraged to think critically and creatively about the future of business.

On September 26th when most schools were closed for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, our Children’s Services Council of Broward (CSC)-funded elementary school programs were able to have full days of fun in which they engaged in activities like field trips outdoor games, cultural arts, and more.

Two of our sites went on a field trip to Flippos in Fort Lauderdale. At Flippos, students were able to play in their indoor playground where they climbed equipment, went on slides, and played sports. Students got to interact with one another as well as with their Firewall Mentors outside of the school environment, which helped to strengthen their bonds.

Some of our schools did not go on a field trip, but they were able to experience a great deal of fun right inside their schools. We had outside vendors come in to do face painting as well as engage students in other art activities like hip hop dancing. Students also played outside at a nearby playground.