Half a century of forging futures.
For over fifty years, Frontline has served the youth and families of Washington Shores and greater Orlando — each generation of leadership rising to meet what the community required, exactly at that moment.
A safe haven, forged in 1967.
Founded by Dr. James R. Smith, our mission has always been bigger than a building — a blueprint for who Orlando's youth can become.
A safe place to be born
Dr. James R. Smith, one of only five Black physicians serving a 40,000-person dispersed community, opened a hygienic Lying-In Hospital for African American women.
Florida's first Black-owned S&L
Dr. Smith helped found Florida's first and only Black-owned savings and loan during Central Florida's racial segregation.
W.S.A.R. is born
He rallied the board of Washington Shores Federal Savings & Loan to purchase and renovate the burned Roosevelt Bowling Lanes — establishing the Washington Shores Association for Recreation to address childcare and community needs.
Frontline Innovation Studios
What began as W.S.A.R. has grown into a comprehensive youth-empowerment organization — now a STEM innovation studio serving thousands of Orlando families with mentorship, robotics, entrepreneurship and academic programs.
The D.R.I.V.E.
Five values that inform every thought, word and action — and shape the leaders we build alongside our families.
We persevere with courage and conviction; we never give up.
All people have inherent value — we follow the golden rule.
Authentic, honest, transparent — every day, every time.
Work ethic, discipline, planning and faith — winners together.
Uncompromising standards because our community deserves the best.