submitted by Amanda Nethero, Marketing Director,
Live Well Foundation of South Lake
Live Well Foundation of SouthLake completed their Capacity and Empowerment Grant awards and presented awards at their September 16th board of directors meeting. “The Foundation board’s charge is to move the needle on community health. Each proposal advances prevention, early detection, and access to care. Exactly where our data show the need is greatest for South Lake residents,” said Donna Kirtland, Live Well Foundation Executive Director.Kirtland noted the $330,000 philanthropic contributions will beginSeptember 17th and are slated for continued disbursements over the nextfew years.
“This grant cycle is about closing real gaps—dental care in Four Corners, breast-health access and education, inclusive health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a hub that brings screenings and resources to rural families. By staging our investments, we’re funding outcomes we can measure over time” noted board chair Rodney Drawdy. Funds have been granted to the following:
- Community Health Centers: The mission of Community Health Centers (CHC)is to be a community-driven healthcare organization dedicated to serving patients and families locally, in the neighborhoods they know and trust. CHC provides high-quality, compassionate care to diverse communities while overcoming economic, cultural, and geographic barriers to access. With the support of a $100,000 grant, CHC will expand dental care access in Four Corners, Lake County, by adding a full-time dentist to its Four Corners location. This initiative will increase the services available as well as increasing schedule availability from four to five days per week.
Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation: The mission of Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundationis to provide comprehensive services to underserved individuals through education, mammograms, and patient navigation. With the support of a $30,000 grant, Libby’s will enhance their online presence into a single platform that will feature nutrition education, cancer prevention resources, a patient support portal, and online health applications. This enhancement will provide digital health access, information on disease prevention, and strengthening client mental health support.
Special Olympics Inc.: The mission of Special Olympics Inc.is to provide year-round sports training and competition in Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering opportunities to build physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share their gifts and skills with family, fellow athletes, and the community. With the support of a $100,000 grant, Special Olympics Florida will expand health and wellness services in South Lake County by providing preventative screenings and comprehensive programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Stuckey Community Improvement Group: The mission of the SGIC is to elevate the quality of life for residents of South Lake County while honoring the enduring values of hope, dignity, and compassion that strengthen the community. With the support of a $100,000 grant, SCIG is establishing a Community Empowerment Center in South Lake County to serve low-income residents in our rural areas. The center will offer educational opportunities, youth development programs, and economic empowerment services designed to help families thrive.
“What excites me is the sustainability built in,” said Susan McLean, Live Well Foundation of South Lake Grant Committee Chair. “A full-time dentist; a unified digital front door for breast-health and prevention; year-round wellness for Special Olympics athletes; and a community center that meets rural families where they are. That’s impact that endures.”
About Live Well Foundation of South Lake – The Live Well Foundation of South Lake, established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) and dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhancethe health and wellness of the South Lake community, aspires to attract, and fund much needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs toserve residents. Visit Live Well Foundation of South Lake online at lwfsl.org for more information.
