Invest in the future!
Invest in an empowered future! Our new facility will allow us to expand our programs for our children, families, and community, and provide opportunities to collaborate with partners helping to make positive and sustainable change for a strong and empowered future.
Building a Stronger Tomorrow
You are invited to join us in shaping the future of Laurel Civic Association’s new Center for Community Empowerment. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub of hope, innovation, and support for our community. To achieve this vision, we are seeking financial pledges to help fund the $50 million project. Your presence and support mean the world to us as we take bold steps toward transforming lives and creating lasting change.
Why does our community need the Center for Community Empowerment?
South Sarasota County’s needs have outgrown our current facilities. For 35 years, the Laurel Civic Association has empowered individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, but the increasing demand requires a transformative step forward. Every day, we turn away students eager to join our Youth Empowerment Programs due to limited space. This new facility will allow us to serve more children, expanding programs like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), music, and one-on-one support for Varying Exceptionalities Students, empowering them to thrive and break the cycle of poverty.
Adult Programs for our community also need expanded services—workforce training, financial education, GED programs, and social services support, especially ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). The new Center will help families achieve stability and success.
Collaboration will be at the heart of this facility. Nonprofits like Family Promise of South County, All Faiths Food Bank, Women’s Resource Center, Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center, and more will come together under one roof, offering seamless access to housing, food security, education, and support for individuals with vision loss.
Additionally, the Center will serve as a post-disaster recovery shelter, providing safety and essential support when our community needs it most.
This is more than a building—it’s a transformative investment in our community’s future. We can raise $50 million to make this vision a reality. Your contribution will create a legacy of hope, opportunity, and resilience for today and future generations. This $50 million vision ensures no one is left behind, no dream is deferred, and no need goes unmet.
Facility Key Features:
Classrooms for educational programs and tutoring.
Program rooms for workshops and meetings.
Non-Profit Space for a collaborative, holistic approach.
Dedicated STEM and Arts spaces.
Sensory Rooms for individuals with diverse needs.
A Media/Library for literacy and digital learning.
A Cafetorium for community events, dining, and performances.
A Gymnasium to promote health and wellness.
A full commercial kitchen to support various programs, including Kid's Cafe.
Post-Disaster Recovery Function.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we can change lives.
Costs & Support for the Center for Community Empowerment
The Center’s Role in the Community
Designed to serve as a post-disaster recovery shelter with a dedicated room for Venice Police, Fire, and EMS.
Collaboration with local emergency management.
Equipped with essential resources for emergency preparedness and response.
Financial Details and Support
Total estimated cost: $50,000,000
Gifts received/pledged: Over $2.5 million
SweetSparkman Architecture & Interiors: Conceptual drawings and presentation.
Willis Smith Construction: All pre-construction fees.
Boone, Boone, & Boone, P.A. and Robert Klingbeil & Roberts, P.A.: Pro bono legal services.
Active & Ongoing
Currently seeking funding from the City of Venice, Sarasota County, and State of Florida.
Land: 4.5 acres on Laurel Road, Venice
Projected completion: July 2026
Facility Impact and Community Transformation:
Expansion of educational and empowerment programs.
Increased capacity to serve children, families, and individuals.
Strengthened community resilience through collaborative efforts.
Long-Term Benefits:
Improved quality of life.
Greater opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We hope you will be a part of this exciting campaign and contribute for the betterment of our community.
Naming Opportunities
These are the spaces that are available for naming with SUGGESTED pledge amounts that can be paid over 1, 2, or 3 years!
Let’s discuss customizing your options - please contact President and Executive Director Peter Casamento at pcasamento@laurelcivic.net or call 941-483-3338 x 105.
The Center
Your gift of $6,000,000 to $10,000,000 will show visitors how much you care about our community.
Entry & Public Spaces
Your gift of $500,000 to $700,000 will be a warm welcome for guests, staff, and students every time they visit.
Cafetorium
Your gift of $600,000 to $1,000,000 will name the heart of the facility where food, fun, and information is shared.
Athletic & Recreational Spaces
Your gift of $1,500,000 to $3,000,000 brings sportsmanship, exercise, and more - making us all winners!
Programs & Office Spaces
Counseling Rooms (3): $50,000 - $75,000
Public Safety Room: $80,000 - $100,000
Commercial Kitchen: $350,000 - $500,000
Walk-in Cooler/Freezers (2): $75,000 - $125,000
Client Choice Food Pantry: $400,000 - $600,000
Workout Room: $200,000 - $400,000
Locker Rooms: $100,000 - $200,000
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Campaign Pledge & Inquiry Form
Please fill out the form, whether you are making a pledge or have questions about the campaign, our programs, or other ways to help.
Keep in mind, we will customize your sponsorship and/or naming opportunities, along with establishing a convenient payment plan.
To reach us by phone, call 941-483-3338