Orion180, an insurance provider with a presence in the Southeastern United States and offices in Brevard County, recently made a $10,000 investment in under-resourced youth of the Booker T. Washington neighborhood through the Dorcas Outreach Center from Kids (DOCK). The DOCK serves over 150 youth per year through academic and enrichment programs after school and during eight weeks of summer camp. Most youth come from households with incomes less than $25,000 a year that are led by single mothers. The goal of the DOCK is to enable youth to overcome the risks associated with poverty by providing critical skills and knowledge for the future.

Orion180 will specifically be investing in the DOCK’s Healthy Minds & Healthy Bodies program, which provides nutritious snacks and summer lunches, access to activities that promote healthy lifestyles (such as dance and martial arts), and mental health initiatives. Other local investors include the Space Coast Health Foundation, Margaret Heins Foundation and Community Foundation for Brevard.

“We are immensely proud to allocate resources and funds to causes that have real, tangible impacts on local communities and people,” said Ken Gregg, founder and CEO of Orion180. “Located right in our backyard, DOCK provides much-needed support to under-resourced children and families across Brevard County, and we are humbled to play a small role in helping the organization make a significant difference for so many.”

Neighbor Up Brevard, a non-profit community development corporation of which the DOCK is a program, relies completely on donations, grants and fundraising events. In 2020, only 16% of total revenue came from local corporations. Lynn Brockwell-Carey, Executive Director, said, “We are grateful to see Orion180 making an investment in the local community. This type of work can only be accomplished through public and private partnerships. It is rewarding to see local businesses making an investment where they operate.”

In addition to the DOCK, Neighbor Up Brevard’s current programs include:

  • Greater Heights Apartments is an 18-unit complex supporting working families and seniors with affordable housing.
  • Evans Center is impacting a neighborhood by making healthy food and healthcare accessible, job training, health & wellness programs.
  • Gifts from the Heart Christmas Shop is a partnership among 11 local non profit organizations serving children that give parents the opportunity to purchase gifts for their children at significantly reduced prices; resulting in two gifts: one for the child and the gift of dignity for the parent.

Founded in 2001, Neighbor Up Brevard (formerly Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition) is a non-profit Christian Community Development Organization whose mission is to plan, facilitate and implement solutions for the revitalization of impoverished neighborhood’s. The organization’s strategies stress partnership with community leaders and other individuals who bring valuable resources that coincide with their charitable purpose. More information is available at www.NeighborUpBrevard.org

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