Laurel Civic Association (LCA)

VPC’s Monthly Mission Partner (MMP) Month

April

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What does the mission do/who does it serve?

Laurel Civic began 50 years ago to represent the needs of the community to help shape the development of the Laurel-Nokomis area. At the time the focus was on streetlights and access to water; now, Laurel Civic provides innovative and vital programming resources for residents in Sarasota county, primarily to low income and at-risk children and their families. Incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1989, our programs make an impact to reduce food insecurity, prevent homelessness with rental and utility assistance, promote equal educational opportunities for children and provide safe supervised care after school and in the summer, and provide social interactions that increase the horizons of the disenfranchised. We help the children and families we serve through programs that educate, provide positive social interactions, and lead to self-sufficiency. 
Each year, Laurel Civic programs provide services to more than 1,000 adults and 500 children, generating measurable results that help empower families and youth. How do you do it?At Laurel Civic, we believe that children deserve to be nurtured, supported and empowered. We believe they can overcome challenges at home and at school if we show them the way. The Empowering Youth Programs provide children with food so they aren’t hungry, homework support so they can learn, and positive social experiences so they know how to respect themselves and others.Likewise, we believe that adults may need help to meet their challenges when living on the margins of society. We provide services to prevent hunger and homelessness and work to empower and support families to enhance skills that lead to self-sufficiency.

How can one help/serve this mission? How and what can people donate? How can people volunteer?

Laurel Civic needs your help to carry out its mission. Whether as a volunteer, a donor or both, you can make a difference to those in need through the wide range of programs that we offer!  Education is the foundation for all Laurel Civic’s programs for adults and children. “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.” By addressing short-and- long term needs, we help people meet the challenges that arise from living on the margins.

EMPOWERING YOUTH PROGRAM includes:

  • After-School Homework Assistance - volunteers support students with school assignments and provide meaningful mentoring experiences for youth

  • Earning by Learning Summer Reading Program - a performance-based incentive program to prevent a reduction in skills that often happens over the summer

  • Teen Empowerment - a seven-week program where teens learn life skills, from personal hygiene and interpersonal boundaries to financial literacy and career opportunities 

  • Kid’s Cafe – a hot meal is served to children before the homework assistance program begins

ADULT PROGRAM includes:

  • USDA Food Distribution (3rd Wednesday of each month) – perishable and non-perishable food provided to those in need

  • LIHEAP Intake - Assistance for low income families with heat and energy bills 

  • SEASON OF SHARING - Application intake for assistance with rent and mortgages as well as youth and summer camp scholarships

  • ACCESS Partner - Computer access to the Department of Children & Families to apply or update applications for food stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, and Medicaid

Laurel Civic also responds to community-wide needs when they develop

  • COVID-19 Response – Laurel Civic provided much needed information and resources when the pandemic hit the community. Financial and emotional support to individuals, many of whom had never needed assistance before, was immediately available. Programs to support our students, such as providing desktop computers and on-line support sessions, helped them transition to the new school model.

  • Hurricane Assistance – Information and resources, such as canned food and tarps, are available for distribution by Laurel Civic before and after natural disasters

  • Community Development – Neighbors helping neighbors through community clean-ups, volunteer opportunities, and social interactions promotes good citizenship and encourages making positive changes in the community.

Annual, Bi-Annual or regular events, trips or fundraisers for this mission

Holiday Programs – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Back-to-School, Summer Camp Giving Partner Challenges and Year-End Giving Appeal & Special Events – Alternative Gift Christmas Market, Dinners, and Donor Programs