How a $108,000 Grant Is Expanding Freedom and Independence

/in /by

If you’ve ever relied on someone else to get around, you know how much transportation matters, not just for getting from place to place, but for independence and living life to the fullest. That’s exactly why Loveland Center is so excited to share some big news: thanks to a generous $108,000 grant from Impact100 SRQ, the nonprofit will be adding four brand-new vehicles to serve residents of the Senator Nancy C. Detert Residential Community.

This isn’t just about vans, it’s about opportunities. With reliable transportation, residents can access volunteer work, community activities, cultural outings, parks, beaches, and even everyday errands. As Becca Eldredge, Loveland Center’s COO, puts it:

“This is freedom. This is dignity. This is quality of life.”

The grant was part of Impact100 SRQ’s 7th Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony, where the organization honored eight local nonprofits with transformational grants of $108,000 each. Since 2019, Impact100 SRQ has invested over $4.1 million into the Sarasota and Manatee County community, a true testament to the power of collective giving.

Loveland Center’s Senator Nancy C. Detert Residential Community is a one-of-a-kind place where seniors and adults with disabilities live side by side, support each other, and have access to the services they need to thrive. Patrick Guerin III, President and CEO of Loveland Center, explains:

“We’re growing from one neighborhood serving 85 adults with disabilities to three neighborhoods serving over 300 adults, seniors, and nonprofit workforce members in a collaborative, inclusive environment.”

As the community grows, transportation is more than a convenience, it’s essential. The new vehicles will allow hundreds of trips each month, giving residents the freedom to go to jobs, volunteer sites, local businesses, and cultural events across the region.

Loveland Center is grateful to Impact100 SRQ for recognizing the importance of inclusive transportation and investing in a future where people of all abilities can live, work, and thrive together. This grant isn’t just funding, it’s a ticket to independence, connection, and a richer community life for everyone involved.