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Our History

OUR MISSION

Enriching neighbors’ lives and enhancing dignity by providing food security and abundant resources.

History

  1. 01/01/1972
  2. 01/01/2004
  3. 01/01/2017
  4. 01/01/2020
  5. 01/01/2022
  6. 01/01/2023
  7. 01/12/2024
  1. Breaking Ground
    1972

    The Neighborhood Center of South Lake originally known as the Clermont Neighborhood Center was founded in 1972 by a group of six women from the First United Methodist Church of Clermont.

  2. Sprouting Need
    2004

    In 2004, The Neighborhood Center is serving about 50 clients per week and is providing more than food. It changes its name to better reflect its mission. Feed and Instruct the Hungry Neighborhood Center.
    The F.A.I.T.H Neighborhood Center.

  3. Seeds of Change
    2017

    The F.A.I.T.H. Neighborhood Center moves to its current location and hires a new CEO. As the community needs grow, partnerships expand, volunteers increase, and programs and sustainable financial support become key focuses.

  4. The Storm
    2020

    The Center rises to meet the needs of its neighbors during a worldwide pandemic. As the U.S. economy shuts down, families lose essential resources, and Florida experiences exponential population growth, the number of food-insecure individuals increases just as quickly. The Center is one of very few organizations that stays open and provides food to anyone who need it during a critical time in our country's history.

  5. Major Growth
    2022

    In 2022, The Center recognizes the need for more space. The City of Groveland identifies land to donate for a new facility, and The Center rebrands as The Neighborhood Center of South Lake.

  6. Tilling the Soil
    2023

    In 2023, the Center sees continued exponential growth in the need for services. It adds education and referral services, expands partnerships and donations, grows the board, and begins plans for a new facility.

  7. New Fields
    2024

    In 2024 and beyond, The Neighborhood Center is looking toward the future and continued growth. It launches a feasibility study toward a major capital campaign to fund a new 32,000 sq ft facility, expand programs, and, most importantly, meet the growing needs of the food insecure in South Lake County.

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake was founded over 50 years ago by a group of six women from the First United Methodist Church of Clermont; now known as Living Hope Church.


These visionaries proved that anything can be achieved when a community unites its time, passion, and resources to help the most vulnerable. Their vision to help neighbors in need created a legacy that continues today through the Neighborhood Center of South Lake.


In that same spirit, we recognize the dignity of every client. We acknowledge that asking for help is an act of courage that should always be respected. The Center assists more than 500 families from South Lake County weekly, providing each with the resources they need to reclaim their lives and thrive.

Our Future

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake (TNC) has nourished families in South Lake County for more than 50 years. During that time, the need and our mission has grown; and as the need grows, so must we. The TNC is now looking toward the future and adapting to provide the necessary services for our “neighbors” and meet the ever-growing need in our community. 2024 begins a new chapter in our history as we embark on a B.I.G. mission… It’s Bold, Inspiring, and will result in a Greater Impact on families in South Lake County.

Founders

In 1972, the following Six Women from the First United Methodist Church of Clermont created a food pantry for our neighbors in need. Their commitment to providing food for families and their love-filled hearts with hope. 

  • Ruth Delano
  • Virginia Dodge
  • Esther Henry
  • Hazel Johnson
  • Bess Jones
  • Dele Smythe

Founder Dele Smythe’s three generations of Smythe women

Robin Smythe shares memories of all the Founders with video tribute

Volunteer 

Volunteers Transforming Communities with Love

Volunteers are the foundation of a strong society. Caring for others, their actions, and their generosity helps their neighbors, serve their community, and contribute in immeasurable ways. No matter what kind of volunteer work they do, they give the best of themselves and change lives through their generosity. 


The Neighborhood Center of South Lake’s mission is fulfilled in large part by dedicated and caring volunteers who charitably give their time and talent to help our neighbors in need! During 2023, our volunteers gave more than 16,000 volunteer hours to help provide food-insecure families with hope, and nutritious groceries. 



Volunteers pick up and sort food, help clients with groceries, provide support services to the center and clients, and much more. Our volunteers are like family to us and each other; they are the Heartbeat of Hope for our clients, and you can be too. 

“At the end of the day, it's not about what you have, or even what you’ve accomplished; it's about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back.”


-Denzel Washington 

Interested in Volunteering? 

  • Pantry
  • Warehouse
  • Case Management
  • Client Services
  • Marketing
  • Development
  • Administration
  • Events

Learn more about our Volunteer Opportunities Here 

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