Since 1989, it has been the mission of the Citizens' Commission for Children to provide funding and monitoring of local human service programs that address the needs of children and families in Orange County. As leaders in a dynamic and diverse community, the Citizens' Commission for Children embraces its role as an innovator in the growth and transformation of the philosophies and funding systems of services that touch the lives of countless residents in our community. 

Neighborhood Centers for Families (NCF) are available to residents in 13 communities throughout Orange County. A Neighborhood Center for Families is made up of non-profit organizations, government agencies, churches, and civic groups that work together to provide a family-friendly and accessible place to offer services and activities to families in their neighborhoods.

Each NCF is uniquely designed to address the needs of the surrounding community. Residents are actively involved in the planning of programs and services at the Centers. With their input and a caring team, the Citizens' Commission for Children is helping make quality services available to Orange County families.

Each NCF offers a variety of programs and services that may include:

• Case Management
• Information & Referral
• Counseling
• Academic Support
• Parent Education
• Alternatives to School Suspension
• Employability Skills & Job Fairs
• After School and Summer Youth Programs
• Senior Activities
• Community Events
• School Supply, Toy, Clothing, & Food Drives
• Health Information, Screening and Immunizations 
• And much more

For more information, contact the NCF nearest you:

•  Neighborhood Center Locations
  
•  Map of NCF Locations (PDF - 48 KB)

The After School Zone is a partnership of Orange County Government, the Orange County Public School System, the Central Florida YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Inc. Offered in 23 Orange County middle schools, the Central Florida YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Inc. are contracted to provide both program management and staffing. Parents and staff are also viewed as partners in the After School Zone.

Curriculum in each program is uniquely structured to address the cultural diversity, interests and needs of the community, while incorporating five core areas of youth development:

• Character & Leadership
• Fitness & Recreation
• Education & Career Development
• Health & Life Skills
• The Arts

The After School Zone provides youth with the opportunity to learn and play in a fun, challenging environment under the supervision of caring adults. In return, the youth have responded through improved grades and attendance, and reduced juvenile delinquency. With results like these, the After School Zone is a "win-win'' for students, as well as for the Orange County community.

For more information, contact the After School Zone site coordinator at a participating middle school.

• After School Zone Locations

During the months of June and July, Orange County funds and offers the Summer Zone program in 23 County middle schools. For a nominal fee covering registration and field trips, your child can participate in a variety of recreational activities including: arts and crafts, dance, drama, sports, swimming, and much more. Operating hours for the Summer Zone are 8:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, with some programs offering extended hours. Scholarships are also available for eligible participants.  

For more information about the Summer Zone, contact the After School Zone site coordinator at a participating middle school.

Established in 1995, the Citizens' Review Panel (CRP) is a 30-member volunteer board appointed by Orange County and the City of Orlando to coordinate allocation and distribution of human service funding dollars. CRP and Heart of Florida United Way volunteers collaborate to review non-profit agency funding proposals, attend site visits, and recommend funding.

The CRP is one of the first fund distribution processes that requires agencies to track outcomes and measure the impact of their services in the community. Based on this information, the board is able to make informed funding recommendations on behalf of both the citizens of Orange County and the City of Orlando.

CRP welcomes you to become a volunteer. For more information, call the Citizens' Commission for Children at (407) 836-7610.

CCC Senior Programs
Supporting seniors across Orange County, the Citizens' Commission for Children funds and offers senior programming through both the Citizens' Review Panel (CRP) and the Neighborhood Centers for Families (NCF).

• Citizens' Commission for Children (PDF - 1,652 KB) - Our publication is a good place to start. 

Citizens' Commission for Children Administrative Offices
2002-A East Michigan Street
Orlando, Florida 32806
Telephone: (407) 836-7610