02 Apr — OIC of South Florida and the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale Partner to Empower Communities Through Industry-Recognized Training

DeLuca Foundation funds innovative Women’s Workforce Empowerment Program to provide career pathways in skilled trades and technology

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, April 2, 2025 — OIC of South Florida and the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale announced today a groundbreaking partnership aimed at providing industry-recognized training and workforce development opportunities to the community, particularly Housing Authority
clients, inside an 8,460 square-foot workforce training center located within the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale headquarters at 500 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311. This project, bolstered by a generous $1.1 million funding award from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, will also expand the Women’s Workforce Empowerment Program, designed to equip at least 200 women over three years with the skills needed to excel in the skilled trades and technology sectors to meet Florida’s growing demand.

To celebrate this transformative initiative, a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 2, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the OIC of South Florida Workforce Training Center at the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale headquarters. The event will bring together local leaders, program partners and community members to commemorate the launch and highlight the impact of this collaboration.

The partnership addresses a critical need for accessible, labor market-informed training and career advancement opportunities in South Florida, particularly for underserved populations. Through this initiative, OIC of South Florida intends to elevate programming allowing participants to gain hands-on training, industry certifications and direct pathways to employment in high-demand fields so they move toward self-sufficiency with opportunities for upward economic mobility.

“At OIC of South Florida, our mission is to inspire and equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their careers and communities,” said Newton Sanon, President & CEO of OIC of South Florida. “This partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale and the DeLuca Foundation reflects our shared commitment to creating transformative opportunities for the people we serve.”

The Women’s Workforce Empowerment Program, made possible by the DeLuca Foundation, will feature:

• Skilled Trades Training: Comprehensive instruction in areas like core construction, electrical,
  carpentry and related occupations.
• Technology Upskilling: Training in IT fundamentals, fiber optics and other in-demand tech fields.
• Career Readiness and Employment Support: Resume building, interview preparation, financial
  education, professional coaching, wrap-a-round support and mentorship.

“We are thrilled to join forces with OIC of South Florida and the DeLuca Foundation to provide our clients with resources that will empower them to achieve economic independence,” said Marco Ferreira, Chief Operating Officer for the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale. “Together, we are building a brighter and stronger future for our community.”

The first cohort of the Women’s Workforce Empowerment Program is set to launch in the summer of 2025, under the direction of Holly Ellazar, Director of Workforce Development at OIC of South Florida.

About OIC of South Florida

OIC of South Florida is a leading nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education, job training and economic opportunity. Since its founding in 2001, OIC of South Florida has served tens of thousands of South Florida residents, providing career pathways in high-demand industries, entrepreneurship support and youth development programs. OIC of South Florida works collaboratively with employers, government agencies, municipalities and community partners to bridge the opportunity gap, uplift underserved populations and create economic self sufficiency and sustainability.

About the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale

The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale (HACFL) was established in 1938 under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 and Chapter 421, Florida Statutes, to provide for the needs of the City’s low-income residents. HACFL has actively developed, managed, and maintained decent and affordable housing in the community for more than eighty years. The Housing Authority currently manages approximately 95 public housing units, 170 affordable housing units, 1,250 tax credit units and administers over 3,133 housing choice vouchers. HACFL offers services like the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to help residents achieve self-sufficiency and improve their lives. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps residents achieve independence from all types of governmental assistance by providing opportunities for employment, education, homeownership, counseling and other social service assistance. HACFL focuses its efforts on creating, providing and increasing affordable housing opportunities to Broward County residents.

About the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation

The DeLuca Foundation is dedicated to funding initiatives that create lasting impacts in education, workforce development and community well-being. We believe that everyone should have access to educational and professional opportunities to support themselves and their families. Our investments in economic mobility are intentionally designed to eliminate barriers, improve access and encourage innovation, enabling more individuals and families to pursue their educational, career and life goals.

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OIC of South Florida Media Contact:
Vicki Timiney
Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement
OIC of South Florida
(954) 368-5605
vtiminey@oicsfl.org