Live Well Foundation of SouthLake completed their Capacity and Empowerment Grant awards and presented awards at their September 16^th 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 17^th 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.

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The amphitheater area will provide a green space for local organizations to host educational and recreational events, benefiting residents of Clermont and visitors from across South Lake County. This innovative space is designed to promote community engagement, accessibility, and overall well-being, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to advance health and wellness in the region.

“Our board is honored to support this transformative project for the City of Clermont,” said Donna Kirtland, Executive Director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “This amphitheater will serve as a hub for learning, recreation, and inclusion, offering a vibrant and versatile space for the entire community to enjoy.”

The Meet Us in the Middle project exemplifies Clermont’s vision for creating dynamic, multi-use spaces that bring people together. The grassed-tiered amphitheater will be instrumental in advancing accessibility and providing opportunities for community-led initiatives in South Lake County.

Susan McLean, Chair of the Grants Committee for the Live Well Foundation, emphasized the importance of the project: “This grant represents an investment in the health and vitality of our community. By supporting the development of the amphitheater, we’re helping to create a space where education, recreation, and connection come together in a way that will benefit generations to come.”

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake’s commitment to supporting projects like Meet Us in the Middle underscores its dedication to fostering partnerships that promote a thriving and healthy community.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grant initiatives, please visit www.lwfsl.com.

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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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In addition to distributing $764,000 through the late fall 2024 Transformation Grant, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is proud to announce its first-ever challenge grant. This significant initiative, also known as a matching grant, demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing community health resources in South Lake County.

The challenge grant offers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $2 million to support the Community Health Center’s efforts to establish a new Clermont Community Health Center. The Community Health Center is tasked with raising funds to cover critical infrastructure needs. For every dollar raised toward these foundational elements, the Live Well Foundation will provide an equivalent match, up to $2 million, to fund the construction of the new facility.

This strategic partnership ensures that the Community Health Center can focus on developing essential infrastructure while leveraging the Foundation’s support to bring the Clermont Community Health Center to life. By working together, the Live Well Foundation and the Community Health Center aim to address the growing healthcare needs of the community and create a lasting impact on the well-being of residents.

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:

• American Heart Association: $250,000 to address barriers to CPR/AED implementation and address gender, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnic disparities in bystander CPR. American Heart Association will provide legal education, CPR/AED training and implement cardiac emergency response plans within venues such as local schools, sports programs, libraries etc. in South Lake County.

• Building Blocks Ministries: Building Blocks Ministries offers independence and new skills for adults with developmental disabilities, and much needed support and respite for caretakers.  The $250,000 grant funds are earmarked for their Building Blocks Patio Project which will expand outdoor spaces, wellness programs and socialization opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

• Community Health Centers: A challenge/matching grant of up to $2,000,000 of funds raised in 18 months starting in January 2025 to be allocated to South Lake County. This challenge grant encourages Community Health Centers to raise and earmark funds that will establish the infrastructure necessary to create the new Clermont Health Center. Live Well Foundation will then match those funds raised for infrastructure – dollar for dollar – up to $2 Million, to be used for the actual building of the new Health Center.

• Episcopal Family Services: $263,750 to increase wellness for young children and their families within their early learning program that promotes school readiness for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from families that meet income eligibility requirements. This enhancement, using the Office of Head Start framework called “I am Moving, I am Learning,” requires resources for classroom enhancements and professional development for teachers.  This grant will allow Episcopal Head Start services to create Play-Based Active Learning Environments that encourage physical movement and support different learning styles within a structured curriculum.

“We are thrilled to see these projects come to life in South Lake County,” said Susan McLean, Live Well Foundation of South Lake Grant Committee Chair. “Each represents a commitment to sustainable, preventative healthcare. The impact on our residents will be profound and enduring, and I am grateful to contribute in even a small way to this incredible transformation in 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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Live Well Foundation of South Lake completed their Capacity and Empowerment Grant awards and presented awards at their September 19th board of directors meeting. “The Live Well Foundation’s board of directors has committed resources to empower initiatives focused on enhancing mental health, harnessing technology for advancements in healthcare, and placing a paramount emphasis on fostering inclusivity within the sphere of wellness,” said Donna Kirtland, Live Well Foundation Executive Director. Kirtland noted the more than $424,000 philanthropic contributions will begin September 22 and are slated for continued disbursements over the next few years.

“The awarded proposals each improves 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” noted board chair Rodney Drawdy. Funds have been granted to the following:

• American Cancer Society: $25,000 for the Road to Recovery Transportation Program for South Lake residents.

• Cornerstone Hospice – The Mike Conley House: $95,000 for technology improvements that will increase the quality of bedside care.

• Hands of Hope America: $30,000 for a Lake County community-based mental health program.

• Kiwanis Club of South Lake: $100,000 for an inclusive playground maintained by the City of Clermont.

• New Beginnings of Central Florida: $76,000 for a behavioral health capacity building in South Lake County.

• South Lake Community Ministries: $98,940.46 for South Lake Cares to expand provisions for healthy foods, counseling and case management.

“I can’t wait to watch each of these projects bloom,” said Susan McLean, Chair of the Grant Committee at the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “Every one of these organizations has brought forth such remarkable and enduring projects that will nurture the growth of our community. These initiatives are going to touch the lives of families for generations to come. I feel truly blessed to have a small role in empowering these groups as they work towards the wonderful 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 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” noted board chair Dr. Kasey Kesselring. Funds have been granted to the following:

• Center for Health Improvement | Orlando Health:$370,000.00 for their project, Orlando Health Choose One Program, an interactive 6-week heart-health education program for residents interested in improving their cardiovascular health.  

• American Heart Association:$90,170.00 for their project, Community CPR Training which ensures that we have a population that Is ready to act in a cardiac emergency. 

• Lake Sumter State College Foundation: $900,000.00 for their Bachelors of Science Degree in Community Wellness and Sports Coaching. This degree will meet the demand for community wellness and sports coaching professionals that has increased with our population growth, healthcare service expansion and interest in sports tourism within South Lake County.  

“We look forward to seeing each of these projects as they come to life.” said Susan McLean, Live Well Foundation of South Lake Grant Committee Chair. “Each of these organizations have brought sustainable and brilliant projects to support the growth of our community. These projects will make an impact in the lives of families for generations to come. 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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On January 18, 2022, the City of Groveland along with two of its local community partners, participated in an awards presentation given by the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, as a prelude to a community grant supporting Groveland’s health and wellness initiatives. The City recently received its first $2.6M installment of the total $6.2M award, for assistance in funding the expansion of Groveland’s trails, the building of a community gymnasium in partnership with the Hope Movement Center and providing a larger youth education facility for the Else Tomlin Empowerment Center. Funding will be distributed incrementally over the next three years.   

The award amounts are as follows:  

• City of Groveland $500,000.00   
• Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center $1,100,000.00   
• Hope Movement Center $1,000,000.00  

“The City of Groveland through collaborative efforts is working to improve the health and wellness of residents,” said Live Well Foundation of South Lake Board Chair Dr. Kasey Kesselring. “Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a proud supporter of the Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center partnership between the City of Groveland and Anointed Community Services. The grant will expand the center providing much needed afterschool and summer programs, educational opportunities, food distribution, and social services for the community.”  

Donna Kirtland Live Well Foundation Executive Director added, “The additional partnership with the Hope Movement Center will be for the health and wellness of all citizens of South Lake County through a public-private collaborative agreement for the benefit of residents.”  

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake was established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) and is dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community. The foundation aspires to attract and fund much-needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs to serve residents. They intend to be long-term partners in bringing more healthcare choices and healthier lifestyle services to the people of South Lake County.  

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit The Live Well Foundation of South Lake online at lwfsl.org.  

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In 2022, LSSC’s AS Nursing program will expand through the adoption of the dedicated education unit (DEU) model in partnership with Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

In 2023, LSSC will launch new respiratory therapy and physical therapy assisting programs.

With prior grant support from the Live Well Foundation and Orlando Health, LSSC will also start a Medical Lab Technician program in 2022.

“We are excited by the opportunity that this grant provides for Lake-Sumter State College and our partners to have a significant impact on health sciences education in our community,” said Dr. Heather Bigard, provost and executive vice president at Lake-Sumter State College. “We look forward to expanding our partnership with Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and increasing enrollment in new and existing programs to help address critical shortages in the workforce.”

The DEU is a nursing education model established through a partnership between an academic institution and the clinical facility where a unit is dedicated to a cohort of nursing students to immerse the students into real-life clinical experiences. By utilizing dedicated unit(s) in the hospital, LSSC can enroll more students and continue to provide high-quality nursing education and preparation.

LSSC expects to enroll double the number of nursing students in South Lake after the implementation of the DEU model at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

“Nurses are essential members of any healthcare team,” said Bonnie Onofre, chief nursing officer, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “This educational model will allow Lake-Sumter State College students to learn directly from Orlando Health South Lake clinical staff while gaining real-world experience in a hospital setting. We’re excited for how this partnership will prepare the next generation of nurses to enter the work force with the skills necessary to provide exemplary patient care.”

The classroom and laboratory spaces on campus that were previously used by the nursing programs will be used for the planned allied health programs, including respiratory therapy and physical therapy assisting programs.

Respiratory therapy assistants are both responsible for maintaining the equipment and monitoring patients during treatment. With a high attention to detail, respiratory therapy assistants monitor the machines to ensure that delivery levels are correct, and that the equipment is working properly, while also supporting the patient. This role also relays home-care instructions and teaches patients to use at-home equipment.

Physical therapy assistants work with patients suffering from pain or mobility issues to carry out the plan prescribed by the physical therapist. This may include massage, electronic muscle stimulation, or instruction on how to do exercises or stretches. Physical therapy assistants work in a team environment and must record and communicate all aspects of the patients’ therapy to ensure healing and recovery.

“Nurses and allied health practitioners make a significant contribution to the health and wellness of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings,” said Dr. Jessica Shearer, dean of allied health programs at Lake-Sumter State College. “Allied health professionals work in a wide range of positions both with direct patient care and behind the scenes in laboratory or administrative settings. Along with nurses and physicians, these positions play a vital role in our healthcare delivery.”

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity lists the occupations associated with these new programs as among the fastest-growing occupations in Central Florida with job growth of 25 percent or higher expected through 2029.

“The Live Well Foundation of South Lake is aware that, with our communities’ rapid growth and healthcare services expansion, there is a greater demand for nursing and related healthcare professionals in our community,” said Susan McLean, Grants Committee Chair.

Live Well Foundation President, Donna Kirtland noted “This investment in healthcare education will allow individuals seeking a career in healthcare to remain close to home. Students will participate in immersive clinical experiences as part of the Dedicated Educational Units alongside healthcare professionals in South Lake County.”

“This gift from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is one of the largest in the College’s history,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, SVP of institutional advancement and executive director of the LSSC Foundation. “We are appreciative of this significant support from the Live Well Foundation and look forward to the positive impacts it will have both on students in our community and the health services provided to our local population.”

As a standard part of the academic program planning process, these new programs require approval from the LSSC District Board of Trustees and the College’s regional accrediting agency, SACSCOC.

To learn more about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, visit www.LWFSL.com.

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About Lake-Sumter State College

Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 6,000 students annually at three locations: Leesburg, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, and degree programs designed to support and prepare students for today’s dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu.

 About Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, Inc.

The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, Inc., also known as the LSSC Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a direct support organization of Lake-Sumter State College as defined in Section 1004.7, Florida Statutes. The LSSC Foundation provides support to Lake-Sumter State College through the funding of scholarships and projects to advance the College’s mission of student success. The LSSC Foundation’s work is possible thanks to the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations.

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Over the next three months Live Well Foundation will provide $30,000 to assist with feeding those in need through the summer months in South Lake County.

Funds will be distributed in three $10,000 contributions for June, July, and August. “This food insecurity grant can be used to supplement food programs and pantries with dietary and additional protein needs, shore up summer feeding programs for schools, and enhance food distribution efforts throughout South Lake County.” said Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Live Well Foundation of South Lake Board Chairman. “Supporting the nutritional health of our community is a high priority as we look towards Phase Three when employers can begin to call employees back to work.”

The Live Well and Community Foundation of South Lake continue to address the needs of our community due to the Covid-19 pandemic through this contribution for feeding programs.

This grant from Live Well Foundation will allow CFSLC to continue funding food pantries throughout South Lake County, supporting low-income families and those affected economically from COVID-19 in South Lake County – Mascotte, Groveland, Clermont, Minneola, Montverde, and Four Corners.

Over these past two months, CFSLC with matching funds from Live Well Foundation of South Lake has focused its funding on Food Insecurity for our community’s most vulnerable populations with thousands of pounds of food provided to the hungry.

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.www.LWFSL.org

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