Sunrise bishop gives $500 to congregation members who worked at Spirit Airlines

With Spirit Airlines’ shutdown, tens of thousands of people are now searching for a new job, including former employees in South Florida – and one local bishop is helping those in need.

During Sunday service, Bishop Henry Fernandez, the founder of The Faith Center in Sunrise, opened his heart to bless members of his congregation who lost their jobs with Spirit Airlines.

Fernandez gave them $500 of his own money, a moment that he says was unscripted. One of his other members asked to donate $500 moments before he went out on stage, which went to another person.

“I know what it is, I was a former flight attendant years ago, so I know what it is to lose your job, so we just wanted to be good citizens to those who live in our community,” Fernandez said. “I think it was a moment for all of us to reflect to say when one person is hurting, we should all hurt.”

Video of Fernandez blessing his members has been shared and liked on social media thousands of times.

“It is a normal culture here at The Faith Center to be here for those who are in need,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the former employees aren’t just members of his church, they’re a part of his community.

“This is what Jesus teaches us to do in the scripture, to be there for those who are less fortunate,” Fernandez said. “We’re all a part of the employment family. Today it’s me, tomorrow it could be you. I just hope that if it’s my turn, you will extend your hand and support your brother.”

Spirit Airlines struggled to make ends meet after filing its second bankruptcy in less than a year. Increasing jet fuel costs also hurt the airline.

There were tears and hugs outside Spirit headquarters in Dania Beach Monday morning, as former employees leaned on each other, trying to figure out where to go from here.

“We really didn’t get a notice,” Williams Roman said. “It was heartbreaking to find out, it was devastating, there’s nothing you can do.”

Roman has worked for Spirit for more than a decade. He said he found out about the airline shutting down by talking with other flight attendants.

“Everybody really found out because of the media,” Roman said.

Roman joined many of his coworkers on Monday to say goodbye.

“You couldn’t ask for a better group of individuals, but with that said, everything does come to an end and you have to move forward,” Roman said.

Florida Commerce reports the shutdown affected more than 2,500 employees at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and almost 200 more at the airport in Miami.

Florida Commerce teamed up with Career Source Florida and Career Source Broward on Monday to offer resources to the now former Spirit employees. 

Lauren Hernandez started with the airline at 19. She’s 31 now.

“This is my only job, like this is the only thing I know,” Hernandez said. “It’s going to open up many doors for everyone that’s here.”

Florida Commerce will hold another Rapid Response Event for former Spirit employees Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CareerSource Broward South Center in Hollywood.