In 1969, local volunteers, led by community activist Sandra Sims Terry, formed Laurel Civic Association to bring much needed development to the Laurel area. Their actions brought water to homes, lights to streets, affordable housing to empty lots and changes that helped develop the area.

More than fifty years later, Laurel Civic still works to provide development to the community, but instead of roads and lights, the focus is on innovative programming for children and adults to help them meet challenges now and offer opportunities for the future. Laurel Civic has grown to serve all of Sarasota County, with an emphasis on South County.

Our Youth Programs focus on the need for equal educational and societal opportunities for all.

This means that we provide:

• Food for children so they are not hungry, and can concentrate on other priorities like school work.

• Support with homework so they can learn in a welcoming and safe environment.

• Positive social experiences so they respect themselves and others, and learn confidence through achievement.

Likewise, we believe disenfranchised adults may need help to meet life’s challenges. We also provide access to services to prevent hunger and homelessness and empower families to learn skills that lead to self-sufficiency.

In addition to financial assistance, today’s families need social, academic, and nutritional help. We use a 2-Generation approach to ensure children and adults receive the prevention and/or intervention services they require.

Our Adult Programs offer:

• Support for low-income families with resources to prevent homelessness.

• Bi-monthly client choice food distributions. USDA food available.

• Assistance with utility and rental bills, and budget management instruction.

• Job training

• Computer access and guidance to apply for government programs like food stamps, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

• Financial literacy and growth through our Hand Up! Program.

Each year, Laurel Civic programs provide services to more than 1,000 adults and 500 children, generating measurable results that help empower families, youth, and communities.