On May 20, residents, partners, and guests gathered at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center for a heartwarming and inspiring task: to celebrate the 14 newest recipients of the Lift Orlando Scholarship and 5 returning recipients.

When you walk into the stairwell at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center, you’re greeted by a bright, multi-faceted art installation. Made up of colorful crayon drawings, the piece seems to glow with cheer and hope.

Not everyone knows that this installation was actually created by the children of West Lakes to cast their vision of a positive future.

Legacy In Bloom was a heartfelt celebration honoring the remarkable women who nurture and strengthen our communities, paving the way for legacies to thrive.

This year's gathering took place at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center. The event warmly accommodated over 140 attendees, who convened outside in a tent on the lush lawn.

Small business owners are the beating heart of Orlando — Lift Orlando’s Small Business Institute Cohort influences the growth of our small businesses in Central Florida to push for continual and strategic growth. We celebrate every milestone and accomplishment of these entrepreneurs. But we’re excited to share about this year’s SBI Cohort pitch competition winner—a special congratulations goes to Tiphany Weeks!

Lift Orlando is grateful to be recognized as a CommUNITY Champion by WESH 2. Eddy Moratin sat down with Jason Guy to talk about the legacy of West Lakes, partnering with residents and business leaders, and about the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center.

Healthy neighborhoods are made up of healthy, thriving neighbors. When it comes to physical health, giving everyone a fair chance at flourishing starts long before the doctor's office. It often starts with food and fair, full access to nutritious, affordable fare. The Heart is revolutionizing access to nutritious meals in our quest for a healthier, more equitable future through one of our tenant partners, Legacy Café Orlando.

Healthy neighborhoods and health equity go hand in hand. When we ensure everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible, we all thrive. It's about more than medical care. It's about creating an environment where everyone can live their healthiest lives.

When we think of health equity, it’s about people receiving opportunities to be as healthy as possible. But “health” isn’t just about physical health. There is a powerful interplay between social and community ties and health equity. For the West Lakes communities, the Heart is the beating center for the community to thrive.

Income and finances have a significant impact on health. Today, let's dive into how economics impacts health and wellbeing, and how these ideas are playing out in The Communities of West Lakes.