Who We Are

Background

The Jim Walter Partnership Center is housed in the School of Social Work within the University of South Florida.

The JWPC has a long, successful history of integrating University resources with community needs. We build capacity of community organizations through:

applied research

development of resources

facilitation of partnerships with regional and national organizations, and

direct partnering with neighborhood-based organizations on training initiatives

Jim Walter Legacy

Jim Walter was a home grown success story who pioneered affordable manufactured homes for the returning veterans after World War II. His vision provided affordable housing for families throughout the state and the southeast region for over 40 years. When he passed away, his family wanted to continue his legacy of giving back to the community. Manny Rivero, founding Executive Director of the Center, worked closely with the family to help them see the merit of creating an endowment at USF that would embody the community-based commitment and spirit of the late Jim Walter.

The commitment and generosity of the Jim Walter family and Manny Rivero lead to the creation of the Jim Walter Partnership Center, which began operating as a type II center on July 2, 2004.

How We Got Started

Initially, the Jim Walter Partnership Center collaborated with housing authorities in Tampa to revitalize communities and improve housing in low-income neighborhoods. While conducting focus groups of citizens in these communities, Manny learned that the citizens wanted to improve their communities, but did not have the knowledge or resources with which to do it. This was the spark that lead to multiple ways to help our partners.

Since 2004 the center has devloped 3 core focus areas, numerous collaborative projects, and has utilized strong community participation and involvement in the development of applied research initiatives for the community. Learn more about what we do.