Press Releases

Miami, FL - Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), in conjunction with Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will lead more than one hundred volunteers in putting on a fresh coat of paint at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, and beautifying its grounds. Urban Paradise Guild is spearheading a full scale planting of indigenous trees and plants, and the creation of a butterfly garden. The massive cleanup and beautification is being held Saturday, February 14, 2015 and is part of an ongoing effort to save TACOLCY, which is one of the largest private, nonprofit organizations to service children, youth and families in Miami-Dade County. It is located in Liberty City, one of Miami's poorest, high crime communities. Founded in 1966, TACOLCY has been bedrock for the youth and families it serves. But now, TACOLCY is faced with its own financial struggle and one that threatens its very existence. The cleanup and beautification event will give TACOLCY a fresh, new look and bring attention to its fight for survival. Volunteers will start arriving at 9:00 a.m. prior to the 9:45 a.m. kick-off. TACOLCY is located at 6161 NW 9^th Avenue, Miami, Florida. Feeding South Florida will also be on hand to giveaway food to more than twelve hundred people in the area.

"TACOLCY has served children and families in Liberty City for almost 50 years. It has been a safe haven for our children to play, learn and grow into productive adults despite being surrounded by crime and violence that often grips their neighborhood. It has provided families with tools and resources necessary to remain whole and productive amid high rates of unemployment and a lack of economic opportunities.

"But now, TACOLCY faces financial problems that threaten to close its doors. TACOLCY is too important to our community to fail. We cannot let a lack of leadership and financial problems that closed the historic James E. Scott Community Association (JESCA) befall TACOLCY.

"TACOLCY is vital to the continued growth of our children, youth and families in Liberty City. I ask that you join me, on Saturday, February 14th, to give TACOLCY a fresh start. We must fight to keep it financially sound, its doors open for the children and families it serves and for those it will serve for generations to come," said Congresswoman Wilson.

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.