The Liberty City Optimist Club (LCOC) has been in operation since 1990 providing after-school and summer programs to youth 4-16 years old in Liberty City and surrounding neighborhood. In 31 years of programming The LCOC has influenced the lives of thousands of children, young people, and families. It has developed an outstanding relationship with its immediate community, Liberty City, as well as local and county governments, funding source, and other nonprofit organizations. The Liberty City Optimist Club has been a pillar in Liberty City/Model City Community, which has often been associated with criminal mischiefs and a high poverty rate. In the midst of these challenges, some outstanding individuals have emerged as leaders in the community that have their roots started in The Liberty City Optimist Club.