Our History
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.
These visionaries proved that anything can be achieved when a community unites its time, passion and resources to help the most vulnerable. Their passion to help neighbors in need created a legacy that continues today.
We recognize the humanity of every client, acknowledging that asking for help is an act of courage that should always be respected. Each week, the Center assists 350 to 400 families from South Lake County, providing each with the resources they need to claim or reclaim their lives.
We are the Heartbeat of Hope 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 care provided 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
Staff
Patricia Kry
Chief Executive Officer
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W. Scott Dau
Center Director
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Keith Wickham
Operations Manager
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Sheila Jones
Case Manager
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Board of Directors
Directors:
Chief Kevin Carroll
Groveland Fire Department
Groveland, FL
Nancy H. Cummings, EdD
Cummings Collaborative, LLC
Clermont, FL
Christine Totartomaso
Lab Hair Studio
Clermont, FL
Chuck Seaver
Seaver Notary and Signing Services
Clermont, FL
Dina Sweatt
Council Member / City of Groveland
Groveland, FL
Sandra Vela
Serenity Spa & Wellness
Clermont, FL
Chris Walker
Chris Walker Group Real Estate
Clermont, FL
Kimberly Wilde
REMAX / Neighborhood Professionals
Minneola, FL
Officers:
Marilyn B. Barnes (Co-Chair)
Retired (Marriott Vacations Worldwide)
Clermont, FL
Cheryl Hernandez (Co-Chair)
Home Instead
Clermont, FL
Laura Senzamici (Vice Chair)
Engel & Voelkers Realty
Clermont, FL
Lori Wuchevich (Treasurer)
A2Z Bookkeeping Services
Minneola, FL
Samantha Shylkofski (Secretary)
Office of Congressman Daniel Webster
Clermont, FL
Patricia Kry (CEO)
The Neighborhood Center of South Lake
Groveland, FL
Contact the Center
To view our most up-to-date hours, directions, mailing address, and map, please visit our contact page.