All Inclusive: Fort Lauderdale is For All
Greater Fort Lauderdale communities are among the most diverse in the nation.
Four decades ago, the Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) was founded by community leaders to guide newcomers to the United States on their journey to their American Dream and to ease the acculturation process.
Today, HUF is Broward County’s largest charitable organization dedicated to the immigrant population. Over the years, it has served more than 500,000 people through its more than 30 services that span program areas, including education, economic development and civic engagement.
“HUF is a one-stop American Dream machine — we educate our new neighbors about their new home and assist them in becoming successful,” says Felipe Pinzon, president and CEO of HUF.
Organizations like HUF have helped Greater Fort Lauderdale establish its reputation as a cosmopolitan, urban region and an inclusive community that values its diversity.
The region is well known for its diverse communities. According to Niche.com’s “Most Diverse Suburbs in Florida” ranking, six of the most diverse are in Greater Fort Lauderdale, including No. 1 Sunrise, which is minutes from the beaches and adjacent to the Everglades Wildlife Management Area.
Those moving to the region will find a thriving, multicultural arts and culture scene as well as groups to join to make personal and professional connections.
HUF has a longstanding tradition of empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged.
“Families around the world move to America in search of freedom and opportunity, to make life better for themselves and their children,” Pinzon says. “But their journey is often filled with great uncertainty and challenges, such as language, navigating a new job market and learning new systems — for example, health, financial or education system.”
To help, HUF connects multicultural children and families with tools to learn English, become contributing U.S. citizens and find better jobs. Another organization, the Urban League of Broward County, is a community-based nonprofit focused on improving individuals’ and families’ health and economic well-being. A new integrated service and coaching model, LYNX, leverage program services, artificial intelligence, data science and strategic partnerships to reduce bias and help vulnerable communities by reducing poverty and increasing self-sufficiency.
“To accomplish this, the Urban League works with a diverse network of committed partners to help make basic needs and resources more accessible,” says Alica Brown, senior vice president of philanthropy and communications, Urban League of Broward County.
Upcoming efforts include promoting nonpartisan voter education programs that allow residents to make informed decisions.
If you’d like to learn more about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Region, check out the latest edition of Livability: Greater Fort Lauderdale.
