Quality Life Center appoints new executive director
Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida has announced the appointment of Julian Ramirez as its new executive director, succeeding founder Abdul ‘Haq Muhammed. With unanimous support from the Board of Directors, Ramirez takes on this crucial leadership role.
For over 30 years, Quality Life Center, affectionately known as “the Q,” has been a cornerstone in Lee County, transforming the lives of thousands of youth and families. Muhammed’s visionary guidance has been instrumental in the Q’s mission, focusing on after-school and summer tutoring, enrichment, performing arts, mental health services, leadership, and character development. Notably, the Q transformed a former nightclub/drug distribution site into a state-of-the-art educational facility, now a landmark at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Quality Life Center Way in Fort Myers, symbolizing hope and progress in the community. This 22,000 square-foot facility features 11 classrooms, a multipurpose dance and gathering space, administrative offices, a teen and event center, and a commercial kitchen. It represents a hub for educational and enrichment activities.
Muhammed, a beloved teacher, leader, mentor, and advocate, continues his involvement with the Q as a leadership consultant and advisor. His endorsement of Ramirez reflects confidence in Ramirez’s ability to lead the organization forward. “Julian Ramirez has the heart, the vision, the character, and the energy to lead Quality Life Center into the future,” Muhammed stated.
Ramirez, known as Mr. Jules to the Q’s children and teens, joined in 2020 as the Teen Leadership Program Coordinator and was soon promoted to Youth Programs Coordinator. His prior decade-long experience at YouthBuild, a non-profit apprenticeship, job skill training, and leadership organization, aligns seamlessly with Quality Life Center’s mission. Ramirez’s top priority is to raise the organization’s visibility and ensure its long-term sustainability. To foster leadership development, Ramirez is committed to providing opportunities for active engagement with community leaders, private sector partners, and government initiatives. This strategic view aligns with his vision of cultivating the leaders of tomorrow and ensuring the sustained growth of Quality Life Center.
“We will persist in reaching out to the community, urging active participation in inspiring our youth to embrace opportunities that pave the way towards a Quality Life. As an integral community cornerstone, we remain steadfast in our commitment to amplify our services and pioneer innovative programs that cater to the ever-evolving needs of our community,” Ramirez said.
Recognizing the significant academic challenges in the Dunbar community, Quality Life Center’s key focus includes third grade reading proficiency. In the 12 public schools within a 5-mile radius of the Q, more than 70% of third graders were not reading at grade level in 2023. This highlights the urgent need to funnel resources into after-school reading programs in this community. Quality Life Center employs a dedicated team of tutors working with students in small groups and one-on-one using evidence-based curricula in reading and math.
“It is essential to assist these children to recoup learning losses and to attain the skills essential to school and life success. We welcome community members to get involved in the work of Quality Life Center by volunteering, donating, and spreading the word,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez’s appointment marks a new era for Quality Life Center, continuing the legacy of Muhammed, with a vision to provide every child in the community the opportunity for a quality life.
The Q remains dedicated to its mission, ensuring that children receive daily hot meals and healthy snacks, and a range of services essential for their academic and life success. Muhammed’s lasting impact on the community, recognized through honors such as the Lee County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award and being named News-Press Person of the Year, will continue to inspire, and guide the Q under Ramirez’s leadership.
Ramirez’s appointment heralds a new era for Quality Life Center, promising to continue the legacy and strive to ensure every child in the community has the opportunity for a quality life.
For more information about the transition and Quality Life Center’s programs, please contact Dria Merricks, executive assistant, Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida; DMerricks@qlcswfl.org; 239-334-2797, ext. 108; QualityLifeCenter.org.