Jean Colker and Kathleen Cannon, President and CEO of United Way of Broward County
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – United Way of Broward County unveiled the new Jean & David Colker Center during a ceremony on its grounds in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, November 6th. Ninety-one year old philanthropist Jean Colker donated $500,000 towards the renovation of the Center which will serve as a centralized location where veterans and military service members can go to receive case management services provided by MISSION UNITED. MISSION UNITED is a critical program supporting US military service members, veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them re-acclimate to civilian life. Colker attended the ceremony along with United Way of Broward President & CEO Kathleen Cannon, Congressman Ted Deutch, MISSION UNITED Advisory Board Chair Stephen Moss, community leaders, and local military veterans.
During the ceremony, Cannon thanked Colker for her remarkable support of MISSION UNITED. Cannon recognized Congressman Deutch for providing the new center with a Congressional Flag that flew over the Capitol Building in Washington DC, to hang in the lobby of the center.
“We are so thankful to Jean Colker and her family for their extremely generous donation that will help MISSION UNITED better connect our local military service members, veterans and their families to the services they need to re-acclimate to civilian life,” said Kathleen Cannon, President and CEO of United Way of Broward County. “The new Jean & David Colker Center provides a one stop shop for all of our veterans.”
Scheduled to open in early 2014, the Jean & David Colker Center will be located next to the United Way of Broward County building at 1300 South Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
Jean Colker, and her late husband David, have impacted the local South Florida community through their family business and philanthropy for more than 50 years. Jean is a proud supporter of MISSION UNITED, and with her generous donation, is proud to continue to pay tribute and respect to the men and women who have fought for our country and freedom.
About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for 75 years. United Way of Broward County mission is to focus and unite the entire community to create significant lasting change in the impact areas of Education, Income and Health, the building blocks for a better life, which positively impacts people’s lives. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.
About MISSION UNITED
MISSION UNITED is a new critical program supporting US military service members, veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them re-acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment, education, health, legal assistance, emergency financial aid, and housing. United Way of Broward County created MISSION UNITED and partnered with American Red Cross to align existing military services and create programs where there are gaps in support. For more information on MISSION UNITED, please call 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MissionUnited.org.
