THE
NEED
Providing urban high school athletes with a stable residential environment while engaging their family, school, and community as a supportive network.
HELLO
HELLO FRIENDS
What a privilege for Orlando Athletic Training Academy, Inc. (OAT Academy) to collaborate within the intricate fabric of the city's mission proclaimed by Mayor Buddy Dyer, “Let’s break the cycle of poverty.” As an old African Proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Orange County with OAT Academy is that village. We are using a Wrap Around Approach to rally around urban high school athletes and their families. We are networking with resources established in the city to service the families more effectively and create a stable platform for our youth to excel in reaching their dreams and goals.
It is time to unleash the untapped potential among our high school athletes for the future of our communities, cities, nation, and the world.
Join us as we invest in urban high school athletes to build strong character, academics, athleticism, and the future. How? Here are a few ways:
WHY
WHY THE NEED?
Our region currently has 13 affordable and available rental homes per 100 households in need, down from 17 in 2018 where Orlando was tied for second-worst housing with Los Angeles. National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) analyzed data from the American Communities Survey juxtaposed with the Area Median Income to determine the affordability gap in all 50 states and major metropolitan areas.
The lack of affordable housing for families with children and developmentally appropriate housing options for unaccompanied youth is a root cause of students’ homelessness. 60% of residents in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties making less than $30,000 have to spend half of their income on rent, which leaves little to no income for other necessities like transportation, healthcare, or even childcare.
Orange County Public School (OCPS) as of June 2018 there were 3,491 homeless high school students in 9th - 12th grades. homeless. Many are not recorded. For more information shimbrg.ufl.edu
THE OPPORTUNITY
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Reduce high school and unstable athletes in the community while stabilizing the families.
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Increasing collaboration to meet our homeless community housing needs with Social Services.
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Building a community of strength relationally and financially as a result of collaboration.
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Bringing revenue back into the city proper.
HOW
HOW OAT ACADEMY WILL ADDRESS THE NEED
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Provide a residential environment to house the athletes during their sport season and/or year.
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As the athlete becomes stabilized through their season, the collaboration with the city will help stabilize the family as a whole.
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Partnership with the City service and resources will increase opportunities for job training, GED fulfillment, and resume preparation.
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The homeless being served actually move from consumers to producers. They become capable to invest in their skills and resources to provide a sustainable environment for their family.
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
Building relationships between businesses, organizations, and schools that enhance student learning and provide students with even more opportunities for success.
