Nuns are to be praised for their work

October 26, 2007 Editorial reprinted with permission from The  Apopka Chief

             The official opening this week of the new Hope CommUnity  Center is the culmination of years of hard work and a tribute to the leaders and members of the Office For Farmworker Ministry.

            The nuns who have run the ministry for decades are to be praised for their dogged efforts on behalf of the farmworkers and others whom they help.

And, their good works do go beyond the farmworkers to include all those who are in need.

            The Hope CommUnity Center, located on Rock Springs Road across the street from the Orange County Services Building, is a beautiful building and fits well with the area.  But, the vision behind the building and the programs it offers are the important issues here. The programs offered help people build better lives and help them become economically productive citizens, which, in turns helps us all.

            Sister Cathy Gorman, despite going through her own personal trials and tribulations, has seen her dream come true with the opening of the Hope CommUnity Center.  While she has been the impetus behind the center, she had plenty of help from her fellow long-time co-workers, Sisters Ann Kendrick Gail Grimes, and Teresa McElwee.

            There is, however, some  sobering news, and that is that there are still big  bills to pay for the construction of the building.  With a total construction cost of $1.7 million, more than $500,000 is still owed on the building due to construction overrun costs.  That is where we as a community, come in.   Helping the group past it debt so it can focus on helping others is something we can do.

            The Hope CommUnity Center is currently selling engraved bricks to create a path to its gazebo to raise money that will offset the cost.  Contact the center at 407.880.4673 for more information.

            Congratulations to those involved in the opening of Hope CommUnity Center. Thanks for helping make our community a better one.

 Honor Someone You Love Brick Project

            Please call 407.886.4673 to order brick with three lines of 13 letters each (maximum) for a minimum donation of $50.00.  Samples of our walkway below.