Personal Stories in the Community
2011 Back to School Game Night with the children at The Orlando Rescue Mission
These kids were too much! It was my first time playing Michael Jackson Wii! I secretly enjoyed it more than they
did. And then the CFULYP distributed school supplies. O. Ross 8/23/2011
The Greatest Investment Girls' Empowerment
Summer Camp
I'm so thankful to N. Mentor, M. Hamilton,
& M. Scott - powerful women in Orlando for the opportunity to speak at their summer program for girls 11 - 18, The Greatest
Investment Girls' Empowerment Summer Camp. These young women are bright leaders of tomorrow. Not a great picture, but a huge
impact in my life. O. Ross 07/20/11
Kaboom Project: Building a Playground
CFUL really pulled the community together on this one! Hard work moving mulch all day, but I wouldn't change a thing!
Seeing the kids enjoy their new digs... priceless. O. Ross 05/15/2011
Experience at Rollins College w. CFULYP
Spoke at Rollins College on Strategic
Career Management. Opened Black History Month with great energy and a wonderful crowd. Very blessed to have shared the stage
with some great leaders! O. Ross 02/01/11
My experience with Teach In
Across Orange County volunteers spoke with students at an event
called "Teach In". I had the pleasure of going to Robinswood Middle School. After some thought, I decided to speak
on Choices - good choices, bad choices, consequences. They were enthusiastic, bright, inquisitive, and hilarious! They had
questions I never expected. We also talked about goals. They aspire to be teachers, doctors, professional athletes, and my
personal favorite - entrepreneurs! Looking forward to next year. O. Ross 11/17/10
My experience at Full Sail University
I spoke to the wonderful students of the
Black Student Union at Full Sail University. I was on a panel with a rep from Regions and another from Wachovia. Learning
from others and sharing my experience all in one meeting. Bright enthusiastic students all with an entrepreneurial spirit.
What more can I ask for?! O. Ross 09/05/10
My experience in Washington DC with DC Cares
Another great Urban League contribution. During the Urban League National Conference, there was a Day of Service. The
Orlando Chapter worked with DC Cares and assembled literacy kits for children. This project will have such a great impact
on our youth! O. Ross 7/30/10
My experience with Jobs Partnership
On April 15th, a friend and I volunteered with Jobs Partnership. Jobs Partnerships works with people who may have challenges in or entering the workforce. They address insecurities, low self-esteem and
other hindrances to workforce performance. We participated in role plays where we conducted mock interviews and provided feedback.
I sat with 3 individuals and it was awesome to see how eager they were to grow and learn. One young man really impressed me.
He was confident and absorbed all the information he could. He knew the qualities he possesses outweighed any setbacks he
experienced. His confidence inspired me. O. Ross 4/17/10
My Experience with Habitat for Humanity - Orlando
March 6, 2010 - Along with MOULYP, I participated in the Staghorn Villas Building Project. Events
like this make you realize daily struggles cannot be compared. It's so important to identify with the needs of others. Habitat
for Humanity has opportunities to donate, volunteer, network, and grow! They're responding to the earthquake in Chile right
now. Call your local chapter - Habitat for Humanity O. Ross 3/10/10
My Experience with Space to Grow
(February 2010, 2011) I had the pleasure of participating with a
great organization Space to Grow in Orlando, FL. They championed an event called Baskets of Love. The ladies
of Space to Grow organzied volunteers, who in turn adopted a woman or a woman and her children from an Orlando shelter, the
WRCC. The volunteers provided toilettries, laundry detergent, refreshments, and goodies for the children. Most of all they
provided love and support. There were several levels of participation so I was able to provide a basket and greet the residents.
I was really touched learning of the different stories that lead to the residents need for support. I’m so thankful
that the ladies (volunteers and participants) let me be a part of such a spectacular event. If you’re in the Orlando
area, please consider connecting with Space to Grow. Your life will be enriched more than those you help. O. Ross 2/12/2010 2/13/2011
