A Legacy of Community Building

It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel the 15 miles from Rollins College to the HOPE CommUnity Center (HCC) in Apopka, but for the last three years, that stretch of roadway has connected two communities in a way that has left all involved inspired and encouraged.   

There’s something about HCC that has stirred a passion for making a difference in many members of the Rollins community. Founded in 1971, this community-based organization has focused on empowering Central Florida's immigrant and working poor communities, addressing critical issues of poverty and education in an ever-growing number of farmworkers and immigrant families residing in Central Florida.   

To celebrate the legacy of community building between Rollins College and the HOPE CommUnity Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has organized the Night of Hope and Diversity, an evening of performances and presentations by members of both the Rollins and HCC communities. Held in the Bush Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, the event will showcase music, dance and poetry as well as feature a screening of Illegal Dreams and a presentation of Anna Montoya’s HCC photography series.   

“I invited our community partner Hope CommUnity Center to host their annual event, Night of Hope and Diversity, on our very own campus. The Night of Hope and Diversity is designed in partnership with HCC colleagues to demonstrate the young talent and rich heritage of our migrant/immigrant neighbors in Apopka,” said Director of Multicultural Affairs Mahjabeen Rafiuddin. “This evening is dedicated to our long and lasting partnership with HCC. We will continue to build on dreams and support migrant/immigrant youth, who have the hope of access and resources towards earning a college degree.”