Press Room - Loveland Center

Thank you Venice Style magazine for the fantastic article about Loveland Center and the people we support! #Lovelandcenter #Venicestyle

See link below:
http://publicationhub.com/publication/?i=648730&ver=html5&p=12#%7B%22page%22:70,%22issue_id%22:648730,%22publication_id%22:%2262077%22%7D

North Port, FL (June 15, 2020)— Loveland Center recently received a grant from the James W.

Wherritt Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help increase

its essential services in North Port by 175%.

Loveland’s North Port program has operated out of 975 square feet facility, but with continued

social distancing a health necessity for at-risk individuals such as those with intellectual and

developmental disabilities (I/DD), emergency funding was granted to triple its current facility

footprint. “Loveland is an essential service provider and we have seen a surge in demand for

services in the last few months,” said Patrick Guerin, Loveland president and chief executive

officer. “This additional space will allow us to meet that demand safely, while ensuring that we

can serve those who need this critical service in our community.”

Funding for the Loveland North Port is provided in part by the James W. Wherritt Charitable

Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “The impact COVID-19 had on the

participants with I/DD is startling, from a 67% communication skills regression to a 54% daily

living skills decline,” said Jennifer Bushinger, Loveland chief philanthropy officer. “Foundations

like CFSC are ensuring that we can accomplish our mission and provide top quality services

immediately, and for that, we are truly grateful for their continued support.”

To learn more about Loveland Center or how you can help, visit www.LovelandCenter.org or

call 941-493-0016.

ABOUT LOVELAND CENTER

Established in 1962, Loveland Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to

help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live their lives to the

fullest. Loveland serves more than 450 individuals across Sarasota, Charlotte, and Manatee

Counties through programs that equip individuals with skills that will improve daily lives, build

self-confidence, and develop a greater sense of independence. Loveland is committed to

supporting all people, regardless of their ability, to be seen as equals at home and in their

community.

Sarasota Magazine

Recently retired art teacher Gena Luoma began volunteering at the Loveland Center — an organization whose mission is to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — just over a year ago when she relocated to Venice from Columbia, Maryland. In the 12 months since, she’s clocked more than 370 hours of service, become vice president of the Lovelanders (which hosts social events, raises funds and volunteers on the center’s behalf), served as vice chair for the annual Christmas BBQ fund raiser and earned the title of Loveland’s Volunteer of the Year. READ HERE

VENICE (Sarasota Herald-Tribune) — Glasses of apple juice raised high, Loveland Center clients, board members, staff and guests gathered Thursday morning to toast the completion of a new accessible garden built as part of an Eagle Scout project by Jonathan C. Dreier.

Jennifer Bushinger, director of community impact for Loveland, noted during her toast that Dreier, 17, raised $3,500 in three months and brought 26 volunteers to help build four raised garden beds and transform a neglected space into an area of opportunity. READ HERE