Building Bridges, Delivering Hope: Light Orlando’s 2025 Lunch and Learn Series Recap

Amanda Selby
Oct 24
4 min read

Light Orlando Lunch and Learn Program Logo

At Light Orlando, our mission is to unite churches, charities, and government agencies across Central Florida in a shared effort to illuminate and inspire hope through action. A key part of how we pursue this mission is by building strong relationships with organizations already doing transformative work in our communities.

“Meeting with colleagues who are dedicated to helping others and willing to share their experiences and expertise is uniformly a delightful blessing… Seeing other ministries always gives me an opportunity to take notes about ways we can improve our efforts.”— Freddy Clayton, President, Orlando Union Rescue Mission

One of the ways we foster these connections is through our Lunch and Learn Series- intentional networking events designed to encourage collaboration, shared learning, and collective impact. Of the program, Tamra Boone, the Development Officer with IDignity Orlando says, “It was inspiring to be in a space where faith, community, and service intersect… When we come together, we not only share resources, we create lasting impact for our community.”

Since its launch in February 2025, the Light Orlando Lunch and Learn program has brought together over 160 nonprofit and faith-based leaders from organizations across the Central Florida region. Each monthly gathering provides an opportunity for leaders to connect, share insights, and explore how we can work together to address pressing social challenges.

“This program is a valuable platform for building awareness, fostering collaboration, and discovering new ways we can support one another in serving our community.”— Ella Bouriak, Associate Director of Philanthropy, Grace Medical Home

2025 Lunch and Learn Highlights: Learn about the Organizations who Hosted a Lunch and Learn this year

February 2025: Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families

Our inaugural Lunch and Learn was hosted at the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, part of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Attendees participated in the Center’s impactful “See the Story” tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the vital programs and stories that shape this organization’s community impact

March 2025: Orlando Union Rescue Mission

The Orlando Union Rescue Mission (OURM) provides more than shelter, it offers life-transforming services that meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Attendees toured both the Family Home and Project Hope campuses, gaining insight into the Mission’s commitment to restoring dignity and hope.

April 2025: The Sharing Center

The Sharing Center works to provide compassionate care and emergency assistance for families and individuals experiencing poverty in Seminole County. Their mission goes beyond meeting immediate needs — they empower long-term stability through wraparound support and community connection.

Learn More: The Sharing Center – Longwood & Seminole County

“Participating in Lunch and Learns with local nonprofits has been an inspiring experience. Hearing the stories, challenges, and victories of these organizations reminded me of the powerful impact that comes when people unite to serve their communities.”— Tina Commesso, Outreach Director, Action Church

May 2025: Grace Medical Home

With over 161,000 uninsured residents in Orange County, Grace Medical Home fills a critical gap by providing holistic medical care — addressing not only physical health but also emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Since 2010, Grace has served more than 5,000 patients, providing millions in donated care.

Read More: Spotlight on Grace Medical Home

June 2025: Edgewood Children’s Ranch

For decades, Edgewood Children’s Ranch has served children and families in need of healing and hope. By offering structure, love, and faith-based guidance, the Ranch helps children overcome behavioral challenges and trauma to build strong foundations for life.

July 2025: YMCA of Central Florida

The YMCA of Central Florida is far more than a gym, it’s a mission-driven organization serving six counties and impacting more than 142,000 individuals annually. Attendees learned how the Y fosters community health, belonging, and opportunity for all.

“Hosting Light Orlando was a gift to our team… The dialogue was energizing, the connections were inspiring, and it reaffirmed how vital cross-sector collaboration is to creating lasting impact.”— Sarah Aranguibel, Chief of Staff, U.S. Hunger

August 2025: U.S. Hunger

In preparation for our upcoming One Million Meal Build, Light Orlando partnered with U.S. Hunger for our August Lunch and Learn, whose mission addresses both the immediate and root causes of food insecurity. Using food as a platform for connection, they empower communities toward long-term solutions.

Read More: Partner Spotlight on U.S. Hunger

September 2025: Christian Service Center of Orlando

The Christian Service Center has been a cornerstone of compassion since 1971, uniting churches, volunteers, and businesses to meet urgent needs while paving pathways out of homelessness.

October 2025: Islamic Center of Orlando

Our visit to the Islamic Center of Orlando (ICO) highlighted the importance of interfaith collaboration. Attendees heard from Imam Tariq Rasheed, toured the mosque, and engaged in dialogue that built understanding and unity across faith lines.

“This experience inspired me to work harder and helped me learn more about the services and solutions available to people in need… Such a heartwarming feeling and I’m very happy to be part of it.”— Fatima Ait Rami, Outreach Director, Islamic Center of Orlando

Looking Ahead

The final Lunch and Learn of the year will bring partners together at the Light Orlando Warehouse for a behind-the-scenes look at our operations, partnerships, and upcoming community initiatives. It’s a chance to celebrate a year of shared growth and collaboration!

As 2025 comes to a close, we are deeply grateful for the connections, partnerships, and friendships that have grown through our Lunch and Learn Program. This initiative has become more than a networking series, it’s a movement of collaboration, compassion, and shared purpose.

We look forward to continuing the Light Orlando Lunch and Learn Program with more of our partners in 2026, as we make even more connections, tackle community challenges, and continue Delivering Hope, Together.

“These events are great for us to connect and be informed of the many partnerships available as we best serve God’s people.”— Tavares Barnes, Associate Pastor, The Experience Christian Center