Since its founding in 2012, Lift Orlando has been an agent of change, having raised more than $100 million in grants, donations and investments to revitalize the economically underserved neighborhoods around Camping World Stadium. A recent Orlando Sentinel article tells the story of how LIFT Orlando’s success is a result of local business leaders working together with residents to transform the historically Black communities of West Lakes.

The article, by Kate Santich and Desiree Stennett, introduces us to neighborhood residents who share how the many improvements to the 480-acre West Lakes Community campus are changing their lives and the lives of generations to come. Attractive and affordable housing has replaced dilapidated buildings, and a premier early learning center now sits where a trash dump once existed. The area’s newest and largest Boys & Girls Club recently opened, and a 30,000-square-foot wellness center is currently under construction. A long-neglected park now offers residents a nature trail, fitness stations and an ADA-accessible playground, as well as miniature golf, an art garden and a splash pad.

Yet, Lift Orlando isn’t only focused on transforming the physical environment of West Lakes. It is also working to provide economic opportunity to area residents and increase the number of the Black-owned businesses within the community. Recently, West Lakes was added to the City of Orlando’s Main Street program, which will give a financial boost to the West Lakes Market Street and help bring more businesses and economic vitality to the community and its residents.

We celebrate our client, Lift Orlando!