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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Sharon Couture
Director of Development
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Board of Directors
Directors:
Chief Kevin Carroll
Groveland Fire Department
Groveland, FL
Cheryl Hernandez
Home Instead
Clermont, FL
Michael McMaster
Clermont Police Department
Clermont, FL
Chuck Seaver
Seaver Notary and Signing Services
Clermont, FL
Laura Senzamici
Engel & Voelkers Realty
Clermont, FL
Dina Sweatt
Council Member / City of Groveland
Groveland, FL
Chris Walker
Chris Walker Group Real Estate
Clermont, FL
Officers:
Nancy Cummings, EdD (Chair)
Cummings Collaborative, LLC
Clermont, FL
Marilyn B. Barnes (Vice Chair/Secretary)
Retired (Marriott Vacations Worldwide)
Clermont, FL
Lori Wuchevich (Treasurer)
A2Z Bookeeping Services
Minneola, 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.