About Us
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Our Mission
We strive to strengthen and instill pride in family and community through the development of programs and services that cultivate self-development, teach self-discipline, build confidence, and promote cultural awareness, health, and one’s highest human potential.
What We Do
Programs
Our A.C.E. Program was named a 2017 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Finalist by the National Endowment for the Arts & the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Impact
In the 2022-23 school year, QLC students made gains in reading, math, and science or maintained an A-B average. 91% demonstrated increases in positive behavior, teamwork, and social skills.
Get involved
When a child is taught values and is exposed to role models providing guidance, they can develop a winning spirit and a positive attitude.
QLC Leadership
Executive Director
Julian Ramirez
Founder & Advisor
Abdul’Haq Muhammed
Chief Financial Officer
Ivan Ananchenko
Chief Growth Officer
Abdul Muhammad II
ACE Youth Program & Performing Arts Director
LaKeesha Allen-Thomas
Assistant to Executive Director
Dria Merricks
Assistant Administrator
Ahmir Miller
Our Staff
Dance Instructor
Julissa Jean-Bart
Facility Manager
James Mathews
Front Lobby & Reception
Abdur Rahim Muhammad
Case Manager / Sound Mind Program Assistant
Ashlee Harmon
LITE Teen/Youth Instructor
Gennifer Rhodes Brown
Afterschool Meal Program
Marilyn Thurman
LITE Teen/Youth Instructor
Kendrick Holloway
ACE Assistant Program Coordinator
Jhayden Ramirez
Director of Research and Development
Jamia Hood
Parent Coordinator
Jurni Vincent
Quality Assurance and Art Instructor
Elizabeth Reyes
LITE Teen President and STEM Instructor
Te’Ryah Curry
Teen Coordinator
Arleasia Carter
Additional Staff Members
Tamika Woods – Academic Specialist
Our Health Advisor
Medical Consultant
Ryan Brown, M.D.
Our Board
Dr. Arol Buntzman
Chairman of the Board
Janis Wiebel
Stephen Russell
Lt. Sylvester Smalls
Jeff Moes
Cynthia Valenti Smith
Darlyn Scott
Sharitza Lopez Rodriguez
Liz Aurensan
Heiress Watkins
Lt. Jevon Matthews
Rodney Hunter IV
Trustees:
Mark A. Ebelini
Martin Haas
Hon. Archie B. Hayward, Jr.
Jim Nathan
Virginia Huether
Dr. Marie Collins
Diane Spears
The Story Behind the Q
Quality Life Center is located in the Dunbar community – an underserved area in Fort Myers, Florida. In 1990, areas of Dunbar had serious problems with drugs and poverty.
The Building
The nightclub at the corner of MLK and Ford Street was shut down and seized by the federal government. It was well-known in the community as a haven for drug-dealing, prostitution, and money laundering, and its owner was sent to prison for running a large-scale crack cocaine trafficking ring.
For a vision of transformation, the location was perfect. Police Chief Larry Hart, Bud Boyer of the U.S. Treasury and Sherriff Join McDougall played a significant role in making the dream a reality. The SWFL Community Foundation provided funding for the initial building plans.
The Early Years
The center began with Abdul’Haq Muhammed teaching self-development through martial arts to eight students. Joined by other families looking for constructive activities and adult role models, a program was developed to address academic underachievement while working to install values of integrity, discipline, and responsibility, serving primarily a minority population. The goal was personal growth and character-building. Though it thrived within different venues in the Dunbar community, the center still lacked a home.
A competitive process led to Quality Life Center acquiring the building. In addition to numerous repairs, the ceiling had to be replaced and the roof had to be raised in order to comply with building code regulations. Businesses, agencies, and individuals came together to donate time, money, and materials — all so children could have a safe place to learn and grow.
The community raised $1.3 million. After a massive renovation project, the organization finally had a home — right in its Dunbar birthplace.
The Story Behind the Q
Quality Life Center is located in the Dunbar community – an underserved area in Fort Myers, Florida. In 1990, areas of Dunbar had serious problems with drugs and poverty.
The Building
The nightclub at the corner of MLK and Ford Street was shut down and seized by the federal government. It was well-known in the community as a haven for drug-dealing, prostitution, and money laundering, and its owner was sent to prison for running a large-scale crack cocaine trafficking ring.
For a vision of transformation, the location was perfect. Police Chief Larry Hart, Bud Boyer of the U.S. Treasury and Sherriff Join McDougall played a significant role in making the dream a reality. The SWFL Community Foundation provided funding for the initial building plans.
The Early Years
The center began with Abdul’Haq Muhammed teaching self-development through martial arts to eight students. Joined by other families looking for constructive activities and adult role models, a program was developed to address academic underachievement while working to install values of integrity, discipline, and responsibility, serving primarily a minority population. The goal was personal growth and character-building. Though it thrived within different venues in the Dunbar community, the center still lacked a home.
A competitive process led to Quality Life Center acquiring the building. In addition to numerous repairs, the ceiling had to be replaced and the roof had to be raised in order to comply with building code regulations. Businesses, agencies, and individuals came together to donate time, money, and materials — all so children could have a safe place to learn and grow.
The community raised $1.3 million. After a massive renovation project, the organization finally had a home — right in its Dunbar birthplace.
Our Partners & Sponsors
A Special Thanks to:
Michael & Margie Bennett
Charles & Virginia Huether
Paul Weinstein
Catherine O’Daniel Morgan
Stephen B. Russell
Alexandra Bremner
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