FLITE Center Opens Health And Wellness Clinic To Meet Growing Needs Of At-Risk Community In Broward County

"Both Mental and Physical Health are vital to the healing journey. FLITE Center clients can access not only health services but also housing, education, employment, and wellness support," said Wanda Perez, Interim CEO of FLITE Center. "By expanding our clinic, we're strengthening the holistic, wraparound care at the core of our mission since day one. No youth should have to navigate the transition to adulthood alone."

With a dedicated team including a medical director, nurse practitioner and three medical assistants trained in trauma-informed care, the clinic offers preventive healthcare services, STD and HIV Testing, as well as in-office Lab Work and Wellness Checks. Additionally, the clinic features Physical Fitness Programs, including Yoga & Physical Fitness, courtesy of Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and the United Way of Broward. A Wellness Channel offers virtual psychoeducational content on Health and Mental Health topics. In addition, our Psychiatry team is built up of four APRN medical doctors providing Psychiatry and Medication Management Services for our system of care youth.

In addition to Physical and Mental Healthcare, the FLITE Center Clinic plays a critical role in serving victims of human trafficking, providing them with specialized trauma-informed care. The Anti-Human Trafficking Department offers clinical therapy, crisis intervention, wellness checks and personalized guidance from survivor mentors. The team also offers training for community agencies, ensuring the community can help vulnerable populations.

As a means to support health and wellness, FLITE Center has also added cooking classes for its client base. Through a Cleveland Clinic Florida Grant, youth can learn how to prepare healthy meals in a newly crafted teaching kitchen. This is an extension of the training to prepare youth to be independent and self-sufficient through partnership with EatWell Exchange, Inc.

"Our goal is to ensure that every young person we serve has access to the full spectrum of holistic healthcare, from routine check-ups to Mental/Emotional Health support," said Ayesha Williams, MSW, Vice President of FLITE Center’s Health and Wellness, Anti-Human Trafficking Department. "With this expansion, we can meet the growing demand and continue offering trauma-informed care to a diverse population dealing with complex health issues like diabetes, HIV, and Mental Health crises."

For over a decade, the FLITE Center has offered supportive services to over 1,200 clients annually. With the expansion of its clinic, the organization continues its mission to ensure that no young adult in Broward County faces the challenges of adulthood without the proper support.

ABOUT FLITE Center

FLITE Center (Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education) Center was created in 2009 through a partnership of the Community Foundation of Broward, the United Way of Broward and the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, with the intent of offering comprehensive access to services for youth aging out of foster care and victims of human trafficking. A Not-For-Profit Organization, FLITE Center has become the hub of all support services for transitioning youth to become successful adults within a safe, nurturing environment that promotes personal growth while developing practical life skills. Based on community need, FLITE Center serves Broward and Palm Beach counties plus offers select services throughout Central Florida.

For more information, visit: https://flitecenter.org.