On September 19, 2024, at the Little Black Dress Soiree’s 10-year celebration, the Women’s Giving Alliance of the Community Foundation of South Lake proudly presented a grant to The Neighborhood Center of South Lake. This generous contribution will support The Neighborhood Center’s vital School Break Food Program, which provides critical nourishment to children during school breaks.

Founded in 1972, The Neighborhood Center of South Lake has long been a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity in the community. What began as a small initiative serving 1,040 individuals annually has grown to support nearly 100,000 people each year. Through its partnerships with over 35 local companies and agencies, the organization has developed a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity and empowering families. With programs that focus on job preparation, financial literacy, nutrition, and more, The Neighborhood Center continues to provide resources to help families achieve self-sufficiency while upholding the dignity of every individual they serve.

The School Break Food Program, which the Women’s Giving Alliance grant will help fund, addresses the needs of school-aged children who face the risk of going hungry during times when school meals are unavailable. The program covers 14 weeks throughout the year, including Spring Break, Summer Break, and fall/holiday seasons. In 2024, The Neighborhood Center plans to provide 800 children with 10 meals and five snacks each week for a total of 112,000 meals and 56,000 snacks. This initiative ensures that children have the nutrition they need to stay focused on learning and return to school well-prepared.

“The Neighborhood Center of South Lake embodies the very spirit of community support and resilience,” said Laura Michalski, Executive Director of The Community Foundation of South Lake. “Their School Break Food Program fills a critical gap, ensuring that children in our community are nourished during school breaks. We are proud to partner with an organization that has such a profound and lasting impact on families in need.”

The Women’s Giving Alliance of the Community Foundation of South Lake has been a key partner in empowering local nonprofits through targeted grants and community involvement. The grant presentation at the Little Black Dress Soiree marks a decade of philanthropy and celebration of the collective impact these efforts have made across South Lake County.

For more information about The Neighborhood Center of South Lake and how you can support their mission, please visit www.tncsl.org.

About the Community Foundation of South Lake
The Community Foundation of South Lake is committed to enriching the community through thoughtful philanthropy and collaboration. The Foundation connects generous donors with impactful causes to create a legacy of positive change throughout South Lake County.

About The Neighborhood Center of South Lake
The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, founded in 1972, addresses the critical issue of food insecurity by offering holistic support to families in need. From emergency food supplies to upskill training programs, The Neighborhood Center is dedicated to helping families become self-sufficient and empowered.

About the Women’s Giving Alliance
The Women’s Giving Alliance of the Community Foundation of South Lake brings together women dedicated to making a difference in their community through collective giving. By awarding grants to local nonprofits, the Alliance seeks to empower and uplift those in need.

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