About Us

OUR MISSION

Nourishing Hearts and Uplifting Spirits

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake nourishes the community by providing anyone in need with the necessary resources to improve their lives by honoring the dignity and diversity of each client, volunteer, and community partner.

OUR PEOPLE

Empowering the South Lake Community

Our staff is 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

Director of Operations
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Sheila Jones

Client Services Manager
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Keith Wickham

Warehouse Manager
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Beth Carr

Director of Development

Rebecca Dau

Warehouse Staff

Charles

Warehouse Staff

Frank

Warehouse Staff

Contact the Center

To view our most up-to-date hours, directions, mailing address, and map, please visit our contact page.


Our Impact

Individuals Served 

*Meals Provided

Pounds of Food

*Meals calculated per USDA standard of 1.2lbs of food per meal 

Updated January 1, 2024

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. 

  • 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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