Breaking Ground: The Heart of West Lakes
Pictured: Community Leaders , Orlando Mayor - Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Regina I. Hill - District 5
Breaking ground on a space where neighbors can connect, learn and thrive together
In June of 2021, Lift Orlando broke ground on the final piece of the neighborhood revitalization vision that residents and business leaders created together in 2014. Seven years in the making, The Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center will truly be a holistic facility, creating spaces where all neighbors can connect, learn and thrive together.
Astonished to learn there were only 12 healthcare access points in the 32805 ZIP code, while there were almost 112 in neighboring 32789 (a ZIP code of roughly the same population), leadership from AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Florida Blue, and the Lift Orlando board decided to address the problem of health inequities in Orlando. As a result, the Federally Qualified Healthcare Provider, Community Health Centers (CHC), was selected to bring an affordable and high-quality healthcare clinic to the second floor of this almost 30,000-square- foot facility. Offering same-day sick care, pediatrics, obstetrics and more, CHC will bring affordable healthcare within a stone’s throw of the 22,000 residents who call 32805 home. In addition, the Truist Foundation and Dr. Phillips Charities soon came alongside Central Florida’s healthcare giants to demonstrate their own investment towards fighting inequality.
Understanding that access to preventative healthcare is only one piece of extending life and promoting a healthy lifestyle, the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center doesn’t stop short at access to healthcare alone. The Heart will also feature a cafe, boasting healthy food and a welcoming environment where neighbors can gather and break bread together. Community meeting rooms will be available for rent for celebrations, community meetings, and partner programming. A coworking space will provide local entrepreneurs and small businesses a place to connect and network, while having access to high-speed internet, workspaces and conference rooms. Open green spaces around the facility will give residents much-needed outdoor space to gather and relax. Other community partners, including the Lift Orlando offices, will be found at The Heart as well.
The Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center will embrace the entire neighborhood family and bring vital resources to residents designed to promote holistic health and wellness. Opening in late 2022, we hope you will meet us at The Heart!
Learn more about Lift Orlando’s work in The Communities of West Lakes and all of the exciting events and milestones happening last year in West Lakes by reading the 2021 Annual Report!