Orlando Mayor Dyer Joins Bank of America to Present a $25,000 Bank of America Summer Youth Employment Initiative Grant to Parramore Kidz Zone
ORLANDO CARES Initiative is Aimed at Youth Education and Youth Crime Prevention

WHAT:
Mayor Dyer will join with Orlando youth, volunteers and ORLANDO CARES partner Chipotle Restaurants to celebrate the harvest of The Garden, a Cities of Service initiative.

At the celebration, Mayor Dyer will help Orlando youth harvest herbs and vegetables they have grown while in the 10-week summer session of the program. After the harvest, the healthy foods will be used to prepare fresh salad, salsa and tacos for program participants and attendees to enjoy.

WHY:
The Garden is an after-school program for inner city and at-risk youth where students grow their own container gardens of edible plants, learn about the science of agriculture and related career options and become familiar with healthy food options while experiencing team building through gardening and nature exploration. To date, more than 75% of the 142 youth participants have developed a science-related career goal since joining the program.

ORLANDO CARES BACKGROUND:
ORLANDO CARES is the City’s high-impact volunteer plan designed to address the issues of youth crime prevention and education through six service initiatives; Mayor Buddy’s Book Club, COMPACT Expansion, The Garden, Preschool Ambassadors, School Turnaround Project – Interfaith School Turnaround Pilot and Path Finders. *A full description and more information on each ORLANDO CARES program is attached.*

Since its launch in March 2011, the ORLANDO CARES initiative has trained more than 1,000 community volunteers for programs that help youth improve their academic success with a focus on literacy and reducing youth crime.

WHEN:
Monday, August 13, 2012
2:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Engelwood Neighborhood Center
6123 LaCosta Drive

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