About Us

 

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Image of young people on the bow of a boat.
Image of a child licking a colorful lollipop.

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

Our Staff

Additional Staff Members

Tamika Woods – Academic Specialist

Our Health Advisor

Our Board

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

Your Donations Make a HUGE Impact

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