At Loveland Center, every day is filled with stories of growth, independence, and joy. A young adult learning to navigate their first job, a participant discovering their voice on stage, or a resident preparing a warm meal for their neighbors—these moments are made possible because our community believes in what we do.

This past year, Loveland received incredible support from foundations, clubs, and community partners who invested in programs that touch every corner of our mission. Their generosity didn’t just provide funding—it created opportunities for our participants to thrive.

Thanks to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, participants in our after-school programs had the scholarships they needed to learn, play, and build friendships. For young adults taking their first steps toward independence, the Wilson Wood Foundation helped expand our transitional services program—empowering them to imagine what’s next.

In The Hearty Kitchen Academy, participants proudly served meals to their neighbors at The Loveland Village, supported by the Plantation Community Foundation. At our woodshop, participants gained the tools and materials—funded by the Venice Yacht Club Foundation—to craft pieces they could proudly sell, building confidence and skills for the future.

At our Bradenton Adult Day Training Program, the Bishop Parker Foundation made it possible to welcome new participants, each with dreams and talents waiting to be nurtured.

In Port Charlotte, the United Way of Charlotte County fueled our Adult Day Training Program, ensuring more people have meaningful opportunities to learn and grow. And thanks to Leadership Charlotte, our backyard was transformed into a welcoming outdoor space where participants can gather, play, and connect with nature.

In Venice, Gulf Coast Community Foundation kept the stage lights shining brightly on our Theatre program and supported our annual BBQ fundraiser with an additional $10,000 grant from the Mildred F. Currie Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The Venice Golf and Country Club Foundation is helping us create a gross motor gym at our campus—offering new ways for participants to stay strong, active, and healthy. Leadership Venice brought fun and recreation to our community by creating a frisbee golf course, giving participants and residents a new way to enjoy the outdoors together.

We are also grateful for several endowed funds through Gulf Coast Community Foundation, which provided transformative support this year:

• $40,991.56 from the Larry D. and Linda G. Cochran Fund

• $28,522.34 from the Quent and Helen Evans Charitable Fund

• $12,008.80 from the Shirley: Making A Difference Charitable Endowment Fund

• $11,947.95 from the Walter and Virginia Chaddock Designated Fund

“These grants are part of a lasting legacy left by a donor who wanted to make a difference far beyond their lifetime. Through endowed funds like these, we carry forward their visions, supporting organizations and causes they cared about – today and for generations to come,” said Kelly Borgia, Director of Brand Engagement at Gulf Coast Community Foundation

And in one of the most transformational gifts of the year, the William G and Marie Selby Foundation provided $100,000 to replace aging AC units at our Venice campus, ensuring that every classroom and program space is safe, comfortable, and welcoming.

In North Port, the Heron Creek Community Foundation made sure that our staff and participants had upgraded technology to connect, learn, and succeed.

Finally, the James W. Wherritt Fund through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County provided $10,000 in scholarships for our Clinical Services department, helping 41 additional individuals receive occupational, speech, and physical therapy.

Together, these gifts are more than numbers on a page. They represent stories—of independence gained, talents discovered, and communities strengthened. At Loveland, we see every day how these investments turn into brighter futures for people of all abilities.

To our grantors: thank you for believing in us, for standing with our participants, and for helping us build a world where everyone belongs.