Amanda Nethero, Live Well Foundation of South Lake

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) today announced the launch of Pathways to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations, a bold new initiative designed to break down medical barriers and bring quality healthcare within reach for the most vulnerable residents of South Lake County. The initiative is made possible through a $215,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation as part of a $316,500 total project budget.

The program targets uninsured and underinsured adults, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — community members who too often delay or forgo care simply because they cannot access it. Through coordinated medical and dental services, NBCFL aims to serve 150 uninsured residents and deliver preventive health services to 100 participants in its first phase.

NBCFL will implement the initiative in partnership with a network of established healthcare providers, including Sirius Healthcare, Community Health Centers, and Apex Health DPC. Together, these partners will provide a continuum of care that coordinates primary medical visits, dental treatment, preventive screenings, and follow-up services, reducing the delays that too often leave vulnerable populations without timely treatment. Live Well Foundation Grant Chair, Susan McLean, expressed confidence in the project, noting that “New Beginnings of Central Florida has demonstrated a deep commitment to the people most at risk of falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. This grant reflects our confidence in their ability to create meaningful, lasting change for South Lake County residents who need it most.”

Beyond connecting individuals to immediate care, Pathways to Healthcare is designed with a long-term vision: reducing preventable delays in healthcare access and stabilizing the overall health of vulnerable populations in the region. By addressing both medical and dental needs in a coordinated fashion, the project recognizes that whole-person health is essential to individual and community wellbeing.

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families in South Lake County by connecting them with essential services, including healthcare, housing support, and social resources. NBCFL works to remove systemic barriers and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake – Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

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by Amanda Nethero, Live Well Foundation of South Lake

The Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation’s Dreamplex program will expand mobile outreach for people with disabilities after receiving a $50,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, the foundation announced April 15. The grant funds the “Wheels of Inclusion” project, which will acquire a multi-purpose van to transport adaptive equipment and staff to underserved residents across South Lake County.

The van will serve children, adolescents, and adults with physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities, removing transportation as a barrier to participation in adaptive sports, therapeutic education, and vocational training. Program leaders project a 25 percent increase in participation and a 50 percent reduction in service delivery barriers as a result of the initiative.

The project will also support more than 12 community outreach events annually, expanding awareness of available services across the county. The initiative aligns with priorities identified in the Lake County Community Health Needs Assessment, targeting social determinants of health for vulnerable populations.

The Magruder Foundation is providing additional support for the project.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible community,” said Susan McLean, grants committee chair for the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “By supporting innovative solutions like Wheels of Inclusion, we are helping ensure that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to participate, thrive, and succeed.”

The Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation operates Dreamplex, which provides inclusive programming and removes barriers to services for people with disabilities and their families in the region.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake

Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

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The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has announced the release of a new Request for Proposals focused on Nutrition and Healthy Eating, continuing its commitment to improving health and wellness across the South Lake community.

This targeted funding opportunity will support nonprofit organizations working to expand access to nutritious food, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions that improve overall well-being.

Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000, with the potential for larger, multi-year investments for projects that demonstrate significant impact.

“The connection between nutrition and long-term health outcomes is undeniable,” said Donna Kirtland, Executive Director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “We are proud to support organizations that are addressing food access, education, and sustainability in ways that create lasting change for our community.”

The Foundation is seeking proposals that address key areas including access to nutritious food, nutrition education and skill building, food security and stability, and equitable and sustainable food systems.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents within the South Lake region, including Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, and surrounding areas.

Applications will open the week of April 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in interviews in July, with grant awards announced the week of July 27.

Organizations interested in applying must submit their proposals through the Live Well Foundation’s online Grants Portal. Additional information, eligibility requirements, and application details are available at www.LWFSL.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake – Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

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The new, 51,000-square-foot Science and Health building in Clermont will feature modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and state-of-the-art facilities to support nursing and other health-related programs. The building is designed to meet critical workforce needs and significantly increase student capacity in high-demand healthcare fields.

With this landmark investment, Lake-Sumter State College is poised to train the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen the community’s access to quality care.

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The Live Well Foundation of South Lake County was created to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health, wellness, and well-being of South Lake County residents.

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Marking a major milestone for community health and well-being, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake makes a significant philanthropic investment of more than $11 million in Transformation Grants to organizations and public partners addressing many of South Lake County’s most critical and complex community needs.

“These Transformation Grants represent intentional investments in solutions that strengthen our community at its core,” said Susan McLean, Grant Committee Chair of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “Each award reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact for the people of South Lake County.”

The Transformation Grant program supports bold, systems-level initiatives that improve population health and align with the Foundation’s mission to inspire sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community.

Commonsense Childbirth, Inc. received a $200,000 Transformation Grant to expand services into South Lake County through a Maternal Mental Health Telehealth Initiative. Commonsense will offer culturally responsive care that supports families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to South Lake residents.

Fire Departments of Groveland and Clermont were awarded $250,000 Collaborative Grant to support implementation of “Safe Haven” Baby Boxes units. The project will install secure, temperature-controlled incubators on the exterior walls of fire stations. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are an alternative for a parent in crisis through anonymous and legal surrender of an infant. Purpose is prevention of illegal abandonment and to provide vulnerable residents with needed information on personal care.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida was awarded a $900,000 Transformation Grant, distributed over three years, to support the South Lake Community Preservation and Repair program. This grant with Habitat aims to address housing challenges throughout South Lake County by providing critical home repairs and legal guidance. In addition, this grant will continue to educate clients with home maintenance education to solidify the personal responsibilities required of homeownership.

Lake-Sumter State College received a $10,000,000 Transformation Grant to support construction of a new 35,000-square-foot Health Sciences Building at its South Lake Campus in Clermont. This contribution, along with other matching funds, will allow LSSC to construct a new 35,000 sq. ft. building focused on Health Sciences at its South Lake Campus in Clermont, Florida, aimed at expanding healthcare education and growing local health science workforce with completion targeted for August 2027.

“These projects reflect a deliberate focus on long-term impact,” said Linda Smith, Board Vice Chair. “Each grant was selected through a careful review process that prioritized sustainability, accountability, and the potential to strengthen systems that support health and quality of life in South Lake County.”

Donna Kirtland, Executive Director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, said, “Our board remains deeply committed to partnering with health and nonprofit organizations that are addressing the social drivers of health in our community.”

She added, “The dedication of our volunteer board and grant committee is evident in their continued support of innovative health and wellness initiatives that will benefit future generations. This important work will continue in 2026, as we invest in additional grants targeting critical health and wellness priorities that influence the drivers of health.”

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and the new 4-cycle 2026 critical issue grant initiatives, please visit www.lwfsl.com.

 About Live Well Foundation of South Lake

 Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

The post Live Well Foundation of South Lake Invests Over $11 Million In South Lake County to Advance Health, Safety, Home Preservation, Healthcare and Health Science Workforce appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Rodney Drawdy, Board Chair, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Paul to our Board of Directors. His extensive experience in banking and commitment to community service make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to his insights and leadership within the Live Well Foundation.”

Paul Rountree has been a prominent figure in the banking industry since 1997 and has served as President of Mainstreet Community Bank since 2015. Paul’s dedication to community service is evident through his involvement in various nonprofits throughout South Lake County. He served as a board member and Vice President for the South Lake Hospital District Board and is the President of Project Scholars, which produces South Lake County’s Annual Pig on the Pond event.

Additionally, he has been a member of the Community Foundation of South Lake and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Executive Director Donna Kirtland added, “Paul’s impressive career and dedication to improving our community align perfectly with Live Well’s mission. We are excited to work with him and are confident that his contributions will help us continue enhancing South Lake residents’ health and well-being.”

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 enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community, aspires to attract and fund much-needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs to serve residents. Visit the Live Well Foundation of South Lake online at lwfsl.org for more information.

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The awarded proposals each improve population health in South Lake County and align with the Foundation’s mission to inspire sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake Community. Funds have been granted to the following:

• City of Groveland: $175,000 for an outdoor fitness gym located at Cherry Lake Park to be maintained by the City of Groveland.

• Easterseals Florida:$260,000 for their Health Navigation Program allowing Easterseals to fully move into South Lake County.

• Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation: $350,000 for community programs including mammogram screening, a housing barn, a pink ribbon garden, and an aquaponics farm.

 “We are eager to witness each project come to fruition in South Lake County,” said Susan McLean, Live Well Foundation of South Lake Grant Committee Chair. “These organizations have introduced sustainable and innovative projects aimed at making preventative healthcare more accessible to our residents. The impact of these projects on families will be profound and long-lasting. I feel blessed to play a small part in empowering these groups towards the transformation of our community.”

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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 enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community, aspires to attract, and fund much-needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs to serve residents. Visit Live Well Foundation of South Lake online at lwfsl.org for more information.

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The Live Well Foundation of South Lake, a grant-making organization, recently held its annual Transformation Grant Reception at the National Training Center in Clermont to share funds that will help the entire community by improving health, wellness and well-being for the residents of South Lake. The new grants were awarded for healthcare facilities, housing preservation and repair, as well as for establishing new trails, community support and medical education.

Live Well Foundation Executive Director Donna Kirtland opened the ceremonies. She noted that $14.2 million dollars was to be granted to health-related projects in South Lake County at this year’s event.

A total of $69,234,474 has been pledged by The Live Well Foundation to help the community since 2019. Kirtland has served as the Foundation’s Executive Director for the past three years and proudly exclaimed that she is honored to serve the community.. “Our Foundation’s Board of Directors is very appreciative of everyone involved and excited to announce the grant recipients.”  She explained how the Board looked at world health organization social determinants of health to decide where The Live Well Foundation should focus when assessing their newest grant applications while remaining focused on the Community Health Improvement Plan – CHIP.

Board Chairman Dr. Kasey Kesselring then shared his opening comments with inspiring

messages for how The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has successfully grown each year, with plans to keep supporting our entire community.

The awarded Live Well grant funds are designed to help improve the south Lake community while aligning with their foundation’s mission to inspire long-lasting initiatives that will enhance the overall health and wellness for the South Lake Community. Check presentations were made by Grant Committee Chair Susan McLean and Board Vice-Chair Linda Smith.

City of Groveland Grant Award: In partnership with Anointed Community Services International and Hope International, a check for $6,200,000.00 was awarded for their ‘United Groveland project that will incorporate a movement center, a community center, education, counseling and trails to improve health and wellness for Groveland residents. 

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter: One million dollars was awarded for their South Lake Preservation & Repair Project, while providing much-needed critical home repairs for local low-income families.

Lake Sumter State College Foundation: Two million dollars was awarded for their “Expanding the Healthcare Workforce Project which will expand the Associate of Nursing Education Program while launching two new medical programs with respiratory and physical therapy services.

Orlando Health | South Lake Hospital: A check for five million dollars was awarded for their Cardiovascular Surgery program to expand and improve cardiac care across South Lake County.

South Lake Grant Committee Chairwoman Susan McLean, noted, “We look forward to each of these projects coming to life! … Each of these organizations has brought sustainable and brilliant projects to support the growth of our community. These projects will help make an impact in the lives of families for generations to come. We are blessed to help play a small part in empowering these groups towards the positive transformation of our community.”

The Live Well Board of Directors: With appreciation shared for all of their dedicated volunteers and leaders, their Board includes, Rob Berens, Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, Rodney Drawdy, Dr. Jeff Duke, Shannon Elswick FACHE, Lushantha Gunasekera MD, Jim Hamilton, Dr. JoAnn Jones, Dr. Kasey Kesselring, Susan McLean, Jimmy Nussbaumer and Linda Smith.

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake was established in 2019. The Live Well Foundation of South Lake serves eligible tax-exempt organizations under Internal Revenue Code Sections 501-C3 and Section 509-A providing services within the South Lake region including Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Montverde, Minneola and the Four Corners area as well as other unincorporated areas serving South Lake County, Florida. They remain dedicated to inspiring more sustainable initiatives that will enhance the health and wellness of our community while aspiring to attract and fund much-needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs that will serve our local residents.  For more information, call 352-536-8845 and visit: www.LWFSL.org. Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LiveWellFoundationofSouthLake.

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The mission is “Empowering adults with developmental disabilities to dream, believe in themselves and engage in training designed to support individual achievements.” Funding for this project will allow Building Blocks Ministries to secure a larger facility to allow the organization to increase enrollment and add additional programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities. 

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake. The Live Well Foundation, established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) and dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community, aspires to attract and fund much-needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs to serve residents. Visit Live Well Foundation online at lwfsl.org for more information. 

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake, Inc. was formed with an agreement between Orlando Health and the South Lake Memorial Hospital organization which resulted in South Lake Memorial Hospital relinquishing its seats on the board of South Lake Hospital. Orlando Health generously provided $128 million to the new foundation. The contribution coincided with the South Lake Hospital becoming a controlled subsidiary of Orlando Health. 

Live Well Foundation of South Lake intends to be a long-term partner in bringing more healthcare choices and healthier lifestyle services to the people of South Lake County. 

Founder/Executive Director Dr. Paula Whetro states, “the investment that the Live Well Foundation of South Lake has made in our Expansion and Enhancement project will impact the lives of adults with developmental disabilities living in South Lake County for many years to come. We look forward to moving our project forward and implementing many of the things in our current five-year Strategic Plan. Words can’t properly express the gratitude that’s in my heart.” 

Located in Minneola, Building Blocks Ministries has been serving the community since 2006 providing a Day Training Program, Transportation Services, and Case Management Services. 

Building Blocks Ministries is a FL Medicaid Waiver Provider and accepts private payment. For enrollment information please contact Coretta Daniels, Case Manager at 352-536-9264 or by email at info@buildingblocksministries.com. To learn more about Building Blocks please visit the website www.buildingblocksministries.com.

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The grant will provide over 2,800 families with access to more fruits and vegetables for their meals, case management services to assist them with attaining stability and additional health and wellness education.

“We are delighted that this grant was successful and have no doubt it will provide positive outcomes for the residents of South Lake. The Live Well Foundation of South Lake sees the Community Foundation as an integral partner as we work together to meet the needs of our residents in the South Lake community. Through this support, these organizations will continue to work collaboratively addressing nutrition and food insecurity needs of our vulnerable populations.” stated board chairman Dr. Kasey Kesselring.

This grant is greatly appreciated and will go beyond just providing food but also tackling the deeper causes of food insecurity. “The Community Foundation recognizes and values the close relationship we have with the Live Well Foundation. We partner with the Live Well Foundation to address and fund the critical needs in our South Lake community” says Kathy Smith, Executive Director of the CFSLC.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can help, please visit our website at CFSLC.org. We love partnering with all philanthropically motivated donors who want to invest in our community. We are here to assist you with your giving goals and can help those who want to be strategic and impactful with their giving.

About the Community Foundation of South Lake County

The Community Foundation, established in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) and the mission is to “Serve our community through the connecting of resources and intentional philanthropic giving.” Our goal is to SERVE, CONNECT and GIVE.

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