For more than half a century, The Neighborhood Center of South Lake has been a cornerstone of support for local families.
Now, the nonprofit is looking toward the future as it prepares to present a request to the Groveland City Council for a five-year extension on plans for its new facility.
The proposal will be heard during the City Council meeting on Monday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at the E.L. Puryear Building.
Meeting a Growing Need
The Neighborhood Center has reported a significant increase in the need for its services. In 2025 alone, the organization supported more than 24,000 families and 111,000 individuals, distributing 1.6 million pounds of food.
Notably, nearly 40% of those served reside in Groveland, including essential workers such as teachers, first responders and healthcare professionals.
“As demand continues to grow, so does the need for a facility that allows us to expand our impact,” said Patrica Kry, CEO of The Neighborhood Center, in a media release, adding that their current space is at capacity, and they cannot scale their services to meet the needs of their community without a new facility.
A strategic pause
While the organization has already completed essential groundwork — including environmental studies and architectural planning for the proposed $10 million facility — external factors have necessitated a change in timeline.
Rising construction costs and a recent transition in board leadership led to what officials are calling a “strategic pause” to ensure the project remains financially sustainable.
The requested five-year extension is intended to give the Center the necessary time to refine its plans and secure full funding without compromising its long-term stability.
Ongoing support
Despite the shift in the construction timeline, The Neighborhood Center remains fully operational at its current location. Beyond food distribution, the Center continues to serve as a vital hub for financial literacy, education programs, health screenings, SNAP assistance and connections to housing and employment support.
The Neighborhood Center views this extension not as a setback, but as a commitment to “doing it the right way” for the residents of South Lake County.
Details: Call 352-429-1200 or visit their upcoming presentation at Groveland City Hall, 243. S Lake Ave.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: The Neighborhood Center of South Lake seeks support for facility plans
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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