About Us
OUR MISSION
Enriching neighbors’ lives and enhancing dignity by providing food security and abundant resources.
OUR PEOPLE
The Heartbeat of South Lake County
Our staff, board, volunteers, and donors are passionate about our mission
and committed to providing food and the necessary resources
to the South Lake Community.
Meet Our Magnificent Team
Patricia Kry
Chief Executive Officer
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W. Scott Dau
Center Director
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Beth Carr
Chief Advancement Officer
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Sheila Jones
Program Manager
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Board of Directors
Contact the Center
To view our most up-to-date hours, directions, mailing address, and map, please visit our contact page.
List of Services
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Justin Allender (Vice President)
First National Bank of Mount Dora
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Marilyn B Barnes
Marriot Vacation Club (Retired)
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Toni Caracciolo
Falcon's Beyond
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Kevin Carroll
Chief - Groveland Fire Department
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Lori Cannon
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
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Cheryl Hernandez
Home Instead
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Christine Notartomaso Minassian
Lab Hair Studio
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Mike Radzik
AKRF, Inc
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Samantha Shylkofski (President)
Office of Congressman Daniel Webster
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Sandra Vela (Secretary)
Serenity Spa & Wellness
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Kimberly Wilde
RE/MAX Titanium
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Monica Wofford
Contagious Companies, Inc.
Our Impact
Individuals
Served
School Break Meals
Provided
Pounds of Food
Distributed
14 Weeks of School Breaks of 1-week or more
Updated April 24, 2025
Our History
Since 1972 The Neighborhood Center of South Lake has been feeding the hungry, and nourishing the community.
We are the Heartbeat of Hope in South Lake County.
Our founders created a legacy that continues today and one we uphold with each client who finds the courage to ask for help. We value the humanity and dignity of every client; we acknowledge that asking for help is an act of great courage, and it should always be respected.
Each week, the Center assists 400 to 500 families from South Lake County, providing each with the resources they need to strengthen their lives and create a new future for their families.
The Heartbeat of Hope beats loudly.
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.
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?
Learn more about our Volunteer Opportunities Here
