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In the fall of 2014, Youth For Understanding USA (YFU) will be returning its national headquarters to Washington, D.C. With the organization’s current building lease ending early next year, YFU decided to explore opportunities to relocate the national office into the heart of our nation’s capital. The new office space at the historic Wonder Bread Factory is centrally located and will play a pivotal role in a new era for the 62-year-old nonprofit organization.
Over the course of the past year, YFU has committed to developing and implementing a new vision, commencing with the creation of four YFU Centers of Excellence. This new physical space at Wonder Bread will promote strong collaboration amongst these units and allow increased opportunities for community engagement.
“YFU has a rich legacy built over more than six decades of excellence in cultural exchange, but we cannot simply rely on our past if we are to develop and expand our programs to provide the best possible experiences and opportunities,” said Michael E. Hill, YFU President & CEO. “In today’s world, the principles of youth exchange are as relevant as ever, and we believe that it is within local communities that we will make a global impact and a more peaceful world, which is why it was important to YFU staff and our board of trustees to re-introduce a YFU presence in the DC area.”
Occupying nearly 32,000 sq. ft., the new headquarters at 641 S Street NW will provide YFU the opportunity to become a part of the local community, and offer an easily accessible location for visitors and staff, according to Newmark Grubb Knight Frank advisors Bill Zonghetti, Brian Schmergel and Larry Bank. YFU will also introduce a new education center, which will allow for onsite student orientations, volunteer trainings, alumni networking and donor events.
“We’re very excited to embark on this new journey, building off the legacy of our founder, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Rachel Andresen and all those whose time, commitment and fearlessness have provided the roots for YFU,” Mr. Hill said. “This new facility is a visible symbol of YFU’s intention to grow in the marketplace through our new centers of excellence. YFU would like to thank Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, our leasing agents, and Norman Jemal and Douglas Development for their incredible partnership in making this move possible.”
In addition to its strategic heaquarters move, YFU announced its bold new vision, including the establishment of its Centers of Excellence and new leadership team. Visit www.yfuusa.org or contact Alicia Kubert Smith at akubert@yfu.org, 240.235.2100 x5702 for more information.
About Youth For Understanding (YFU)
Youth For Understanding (YFU) advances intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility through educational exchanges for youth, families and communities. The global YFU network, consisting of partners in more than 60 different countries, is united by the belief that full cultural immersion is the most effective means to gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, interconnected and competitive global society. Selected to administer more government and corporate scholarships than any other high school exchange program, YFU has remained a trusted leader of intercultural exchange programs for more than 60 years because of its commitment to safety, reputation for quality, and exceptional support services.
About Newmark Grubb Knight Frank
Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF) is one of the world’s leading commercial real estate advisory firms. Together with its affiliates and London-based partner Knight Frank, NGKF employs more than 12,000 professionals, operating from more than 320 offices in established and emerging property markets on five continents.
With roots dating back to 1929, NGKF’s strong foundation makes it one of the most trusted names in commercial real estate. Its integrated services platform includes leasing advisory, global corporate services, investment sales and capital markets, consulting, program and project management, property and facilities management, and valuation services. A major force in the real estate marketplace, NGKF serves the local and global property requirements of tenants, landlords, investors and developers worldwide. For further information, visit www.ngkf.com.
NGKF is a part of BGC Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: BGCP), a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial and real estate markets. For further information, visit www.bgcpartners.com.