Anointed Community Services International (ACSI)  offers a wide range of free programs and support services to residents of Groveland and surrounding areas. The center aims to empower individuals, support families, and provide tools for personal and professional growth.

The center is open Monday–Thursday from 12 – 5:00 pm.
(Closed Fridays)

Programs and Services include Women’s Ignite & Men’s Empowerment Network,  support for single parents, G.E.M. After-School Tutoring Program, life skills development and free community classes, youth internships (in partnership with Career Source), health letters and access to Florida assistance, and additional resources for families and individuals in need.

Founded in 2010 by Dr. Linda D. Cowels and her sister Saida Cowels-Watson, ACSI was created in memory of their mother, Elese Tomlin, and their grandmother, whose love and sacrifice shaped their path. What began as a mission to distribute care packages to the mentally ill has grown into a thriving nonprofit supporting women, youth, veterans, seniors, and those with developmental disabilities.

Dr. Cowels, a former executive assistant and office manager at Seminole State College, spent over three decades balancing work, single motherhood, and community service—ultimately channeling her experience into ACSI’s mission of empowerment and outreach.

Visit the Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center at 824 E Broad St., Groveland, to explore programs designed to help you grow, connect, and succeed. Call 352-404-7898 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

The post Open in Groveland: Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The City of Groveland is thrilled to announce the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering education, vocational training, and community support for residents. The ceremony will take place on Friday, January 17, at 10:00 am at 824 E. Broad Street, Groveland, FL.

The Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center is a collaborative effort made possible through a generous grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, in partnership with Anointed Community Services Int’l and the City of Groveland. This center stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and community development.

Mayor Chef Keith Keogh expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking project, stating, “This center represents a true turning point for Groveland, where innovation and community spirit come together. It’s a reflection of our dedication to providing opportunities and building a brighter future for our residents. I’m excited to celebrate this milestone and see the incredible impact it will have.”

Event Highlights

• Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Join local leaders and community members as they celebrate this historic moment.
• Speeches: Hear inspiring words from Mayor Chef Keith Keogh, Donna Kirkland, and Dr. Linda Cowels, CEO of Anointed Community Services Int’l.
• Dedication: The center will be dedicated in honor of Mrs. Elese Tomlin and her family.
• Musical Performance: Enjoy a performance by renowned violinist Andres Villa.
• Guided Tours: Explore the center’s facilities and learn about its programs, including enhanced ESOL classes, vocational training, and comprehensive support services.

About Anointed Community Services Int’l

Anointed Community Services Int’l is dedicated to empowering individuals and enhancing community welfare through essential programs and services. By fostering partnerships and initiating innovative solutions, the organization aims to create opportunities for growth and development for all residents. For more information, contact Dr. Linda Cowels at 352-404-7898 or info@anointedcs.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake

Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is committed to enhancing health and wellness in the South Lake community. The foundation, born from a landmark agreement between Orlando Health and South Lake Memorial Hospital, seeks to fund sustainable initiatives that promote healthy living and expanded healthcare options. Learn more at lwfsl.org.

About the City of Groveland

Located just 27 miles west of Downtown Orlando, the City of Groveland, known as the City with Natural Charm, is home to over 21,000 residents. Groveland prides itself on being one of the safest and fastest-growing cities in Florida, blending its diverse community into an eco-agrarian landscape that supports vibrant and innovative living.

Don’t miss this momentous occasion as Groveland opens the doors to a brighter future for its residents!

The post Groveland to Celebrate Grand Opening of Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The City of Groveland hosted a groundbreaking and progress celebration of the soon-to-be brand-new Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center on Thursday, June 13^th. The center, which is currently under construction at 824 East Broad Street, is slated for completion later this year.

The project, which was once only a dream, became a reality with the help of Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey and Dr. Linda Cowels, CEO of Anointed Community Services International. The two brainstormed ideas and searched together for available properties in the area. Although the properties at the 800 block of Broad Street were not available at the time due to private ownership, Dr. Cowels never lost interest in the properties. Eventually, the three properties became available and were combined into one. The houses on the property were removed and the land cleared. It was then that Dr. Cowels knew that she had to take action.

Dr. Cowels, whose organization manages the current Elese Tomlin Community Center on Gadson Street, and Chief Ramsey began the search for funding to purchase the property and build a new and bigger center. The City of Groveland secured a grant to fund a portion of the project, but more funds were needed. Representatives from Live Well Foundation of South Lake, Grant Chairperson Susan McLean and Executive Director Donna Kirtland visited Dr. Cowels at the tiny and outdated center on Gadson Street. “After visiting the center and sitting in the car in the parking lot, I looked at Donna and said this is a dream of a Godly woman, starting with Elese Tomlin, passed down to Linda, who has remarkable leadership skills, and we need to find a way to bring her dream to fruition,” said McLean.

The Livewell Foundation of South Lake secured and contributed enough grant funds to make the project a reality. Although ground clearing and foundation preparations have already begun, the official groundbreaking took place on Thursday with dignitaries and representatives attending from the City of Groveland, United States Representative Daniel Webster’s office, the late Elese Tomlin’s family, including granddaughter Mozelle Faniel, Hope International Academy, South Lake Chamber of Commerce and Scorpio Community Centered Construction.

The new Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center will continue to be managed by Anointed Community Services International in partnership with the City of Groveland. Plans for the new facility include the enhancement of educational programs and to provide brand new vocational opportunities aimed at empowering the community members to reach their full potential. From the boosting of English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) to offering avenues for unemployed residents to find better wage-earning jobs, the Empowerment Center is prepared to make a real difference in Groveland.

The Center also provides a program titled Women Ignite Network (WIN) by training and empowering women to succeed through skills for life classes, budgeting classes, parenting classes, entrepreneurship training, business development and formation, health and wellness sessions, experiential work opportunities, and paid internships. The program is a free membership program, based on qualifications, with benefits such as educational scholarships, free gas, discounts from local businesses and more.

The post City of Groveland Celebrates Groundbreaking Of Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center appeared first on South Lake Tablet.