Home of Your Own Gets a Boost

A Home of David's Own

Loveland Offers Homeownership to Individuals with I/DD

In July 2016, David Williams moved into the Nancy Detert Residences at Loveland Village. Diagnosed at birth with craniosynostosis, David had undergone multiple surgeries and therapies. Supported by the loving care of his family, David graduated high school and has been successfully employed in his community. His day training at Loveland Center helps David thrive through goal-setting and interactive programs.

"We have never seen David so excited since he became a Loveland Creates Theatre participant. He tells us about his role as Johnny [in the upcoming The Incredible Bulk at Bikini Beach, opening on Wednesday, August 23rd]," shared David Williams, Sr., a former President of the Loveland Board of Directors. "He enjoys attending recreational services being offered to the Nancy Detert Residences residents, so he goes to the movies, shopping, bowling, and to the beach. All these activities equate to participation, inclusion, and development." David also enjoys going to a farm weekly and cleaning the animal stalls and repairing fencing. It instills a sense of pride and accomplishment by helping the abandoned and rescued animals.

What's next? Home ownership.

When David's father learned of the Home of Your Own project, he was eager to learn more.

"For David, owning a Villa is a dream. Home ownership would give us lasting peace at this stage of our life and lift all our anxiety as to what will happen to our son when we are gone. He will be in the right place, surrounded by friends and with all the necessary supports in an active community. The Villas community will strengthen his life skills with the families and senior population interacting with individuals like David, and vice versa." Over the course of three years, the Williams family has been instrumental in helping Loveland's team of administrators, architecture and construction firms, and building committee define what "home" means to David...and his future neighbors in the Villas.

"David is eager to take on the responsibilities of ownership and the significant changes of the social effects," David Sr. said. "David is ready to accept all the challenges that come with ownership. This endeavor will be life-changing for David and provide a new life for us."

If you are interested in housing or helping build a home for an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities, contact Krystal Heater at kheater@lovelandcenter.org. If you seek information on investing in/donating to the Home of Your Own Project, contact Camille Cline at ccline@lovelandcenter.org. Learn more

Home of Your Own Gets Boost

In mid-June, Loveland Center received the $15,000,000 Senator Nancy C. Detert Home of Your Own Project appropriation, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The $24,350,000 program aims to provide affordable housing to anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD), or who is 65 or older and lives at 65 percent or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Sarasota County.

Three three-story Apartments comprised of 84 one- and two-bedroom units will break ground on 7.5 acres adjacent to Loveland Center’s campus at 157 South Havana Road, off East Venice Avenue in sunny, historic Venice, Florida. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, Loveland plans to build an additional 38 two- and three-bedroom Villas next to the Apartments. Stephen and Redenta Picazio have pledged an additional $1,000,000 to name one of the three Apartments.

Our community members with I/DD will benefit from the Apartments’ proximity to The Clinic at Loveland Center, recreational activities, a walking trail, and many other amenities planned for the new community. Sen. Nancy Detert positioned Loveland well to receive the support of Sarasota County with a $5,000,000 grant from the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners. She also facilitated State Legislative sponsorships and helped Loveland complete its Appropriations Requests to the State Senate and House, which passed in May.

“Loveland is incredibly grateful to Senator Detert. I’m only sorry that she cannot be with us right now to celebrate all that she has accomplished for Loveland and our entire community for so many decades. Her persistence, passion, and good counsel gave my staff and me the direction to carry this project through,” said President & CEO Patrick Guerin. “Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. James Buchanan, our bill sponsors, along with Senate President Passidomo, and Senators Gruters and Broxson were instrumental in making this project a reality.” More...

With this boost, Loveland and Habitat are all the buzz. Here's what people are asking:

Who can live in the Apartments and Villas at Loveland?

Anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability or who is 65+ and lives at 65% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) for Sarasota County may rent an Apartment. Anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability or is a Habitat for Humanity partner family, and meets the requirement of 65% or less of Area Median Income for Sarasota County, may own a Villa. Both options are located on the newly acquired 7.5 acres adjacent to 157 South Havana Road, off East Venice Avenue in sunny, historic Venice, Florida.

Why is investing in the Home of Your Own Campaign important?

Besides the satisfaction of helping low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities to become independent within a community of peers who support one another, your investment in the Home of Your Own Campaign ensures that generations of families are safe in the knowledge that their loved ones are close to area hospitals, receive in-home care, and have access to The Clinic at Loveland Center.

What are some of the amenities and benefits of having a Home of Your Own?

Glad you asked! The Clinic at Loveland Center is a fully equipped therapy clinic staffed with professional, certified occupational and physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The Clinic is located in the building closest to the Apartments and Villas on the Loveland Campus. Dining facilities, recreation opportunities, a clubhouse, accessibility to shopping, restaurants, doctors, and wellness centers, as well as walking trails, green spaces, and a lake round out the features of our inclusive community. Additionally, Loveland’s new Performing Arts Center and Fine Art Gallery provide cultural opportunities right on campus. More...

Potential homeowner or resident? Contact Krystal Heater (kheater@lovelandcenter.org)

Investors, please contact Camille Cline (ccline@lovelandcenter.org) to learn more.

Spotlight

John is very spontaneous in helping out all staff and his peers without expecting anything in return. John does amazing volunteer work at Manatee Performing Arts Center every Monday and goes to Meals on Wheels every third Wednesday of the month to assist in packing up meals. He participates in various activities with his group as he enjoys completing those tasks with optimism. John's acts of kindness and all his accomplishments are never left unnoticed and are always appreciated. John deserves all the praises and has earned this month’s spot for the monthly win.

Carry on, John!

Spotlight on New Staff Member

Meet Camille Seabrook

Community Engagement Manager for Loveland Bradenton/Manatee

Meet Camille Seabrook, our new Community Engagement Manager for Manatee County, officing in our Loveland Bradenton Center. Camille’s role at Loveland Center is to connect our community with Loveland, build relationships among families, volunteers, sponsors, donors, corporate partners, and community leaders, and host a variety of engagement events, like the upcoming "Family Night at the Ballpark" watching the Marauders play at LECOM Field on Wednesday, August 16.

Camille says that fate drew her to Loveland Center. She is grateful that a need was mentioned to her by mutual friend of Loveland, Shantel Norman. Because of her strong work ethic and exceptional character, Camille was recommended to fill the need. More...

Family Night at the Ballpark

Join Loveland Bradenton at the Ballpark!

Cheer on Bradenton's own Marauders as they take on Lakeland and support Loveland Bradenton! Loveland participants have been working on art pieces to display as part of the Pirates/Marauders-Loveland "Arts in the Park" partnership. View them putting the finishing touches on their work, some of which will also be for sale that evening.

Local artist Mary Fragapane and Loveland art instructor Jessica Baird have teamed up on a new work to be auctioned as well. Donations will be accepted to match Manatee Matches $15,000 support of our transportation needs, thanks to Manatee Community Foundation.

Ample parking in lots on either side of the ballpark with additional public parking across the street.

Buy Tickets

Spotlight on the Arts

Summer Means Shows at Loveland Center in Venice

In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap... until he find out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal. This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse.

The Dingbat Theatre Project, a professional theater troupe, is partnering with Loveland Center to bring shows to Havana Road, starting with

CHICAGO

Music by John Kander

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse

Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins

Script Adaptation by David Thompson

Performances: July 19-August 6, 2023

Wed-Sat (8:00pm)

Tickets available at dingbattheatre.org and more information dingbattheatre.org/chicago

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

*Content is recommended for mature audiences

$25.00 / General Admission

$40.00 / Ticket Upgrade (includes gift basket: signed poster, table service, premium seating, bottle of bubbly)

Buy Tickets

Later in the summer, look for The Loveland Players' performance of The Incredible Bulk at Bikini Beach. Tickets and showtimes available soon. We are grateful to the Skinner Family for offering the Skinner Match, which is halfway to goal. Help us reach it by opening night.

Your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $60,000 and make an impact in our visual and performing arts program, Loveland Creates:

Loveland Venice has designated Building E to transform into an Art Gallery, Studios, and The Loveland Store for individual creativity, long-term projects, and business development. Shows and sales will showcase Loveland entrepreneurs’ skills and talents. Art Instructor Jessica Baird travels to each center and is working on a special "Family Night at the Ballpark" art project with Bradenton participants.
Building A will become Loveland's Performing Arts Center, featuring a black-box theatre, backstage, lobby, dressing room, and dance and motion studio.
The Suncoast Foundation Storage Building will serve as a Scene Shop, with plans to put it under air to preserve sets and props and provide comfort to our volunteers.
Our new Theatre Manager, Art Instructor, and Music Instructor have big plans for theatrical and choral performances, art/jewelry shows, and community engagements.

We cannot wait to show you everything “Art Row” has to offer when it is completed. In the meantime, we need your help to reach our goal of $120,000 (your $100, $500, $1,000 annual gift + the Skinner Match of $60,000). Thank you, Bob Mudge and the Gondolier Sun for ongoing coverage of our performing and visual arts program.

Match My Gift

Loveland Creates Program Updates

Loveland Creates made their first two sales and is preparing for their first performance! Stay tuned for information on how your can support our amazing artists.

The Loveland Store made its first two sales! While on a tour of Loveland Creates, a visitor purchased an oyster shell tray from Ben and a bamboo mosaic soap dish from Brandon! Our participants have been absorbed in making art and learning about profit, and are finally seeing the rewards of their hard work.

We had a great time starting to stage The Incredible Bulk at Bikini Beach. This hilarious high-energy spoof of a certain green Marvel superhero and classic beach party movies hits the stage in August. Stay tuned for ticket information!

Loveland participant, Alex, is learning life skills through art & the entrepreneurial skills needed to participate with the Loveland Store. Interested in supporting our awesome artists with disabilities? The Loveland Store will be making art for pop-up booths prior to the store's grand opening later this year.

Upcoming Events

Planning A Life: Financial Planning for Individuals with Disabilities

July 20th, 2023 6:00 p.m.

Loveland Port Charlotte and Virtual

Presented by David Elkins, New York Life

Back by popular demand, David Elkins brings his depth of knowledge and experience on how to create a financial plan for your child with an intellectual or developmental disability. Learn about government benefits, estate planning, trusts, and more.

I Want A Job: Helping Your Loved One with IDD in Finding, and Keeping, a Job

August 17th, 2023 6:00 p.m.

Loveland Bradenton and Virtual

Presented by Becca Eldredge, Vice President of Programs

Having a job not only helps an individual to pay their bills and have spending money, but provides a sense of pride and purpose. In this session, you’ll learn about ways to support your loved one in getting a job, help them find the right job for them, and support them in maintaining that job. You’ll also learn about rules around social security, disability insurance, and programs to help your loved one have a job while maintaining their benefits.

Give 'Em Something To Talk About: Communication Techniques for You and

Your Loved One

September 21st, 2023 6:00 p.m.

Loveland Venice and Virtual

Presented by Irvin Agosto, ADT Program Manager Venice

A lot of communication is non-verbal and, for individuals with communication support needs, sometimes requires specific techniques and supports to help our loved one communicate their needs. In this session you’ll learn some ways to connect and communicate with your loved one and about a program that supports your loved one’s needs through assistive communication devices.

To join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82919050637?pwd=eFhaM2xVODNvVG95d3pwL0xSSzF3UT09

Meeting ID: 829 1905 0637

Passcode: 304393

4th Annual Loveland Golf Tournament

Saturday, September 30

First tee time 7:45 a.m.

Heron Creek Golf and Country Club

Limited to first 30 foursomes

Reserve now! Sponsorships still available, including $100 hole sponsors

Local businesses and community partners have an opportunity to support

Loveland Center of North Port while gaining recognition and building stronger connections throughout the area.

View the available sponsorship opportunities and/or to register a foursome. Contact Caryn McCullough at cmccullough@lovelandcenter.org or call (941) 233-0547 for more info.

Thank You 2023 Golf Sponsors

We are grateful to area businesses and families for sponsoring our golf tournament:

Title Sponsor Burnt Store Title of SWFL

Classic Sponsors

Ajax Paving

Superior Pools of SWFL

The Clairmont Family

Flag Sponsor Impact Fire

Hole Sponsors

Allstate Insurance with Steve Matthews

Pinkerton Payroll & Insurance Group

Beverage Sponsor

Jeff Reviews 4 U

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

Recaps

The Mayor and the Professor

Talk Shop at Manatee Chamber's Annual "Politics & Pints" Event

Friend of Loveland Mayor Gene Brown talks baseball and local races with Dr. Cline during an SRO gathering at Oscura. Fine food and great conversation were the order of the day. Thank you, Hops & Heart supporters Cheryl Miller, Kurt Landefeld and Andy Minor, for making the connection!

Loveland Board Member Debbie Craig and husband, Jack, serve as stellar ambassadors for Loveland Bradenton

Manatee County residents Debbie and Jack Craig turned out in style for a festive Manatee Chamber "Small Business of the Year" Awards Ceremony on June 29 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Debbie and Jack are steadfast supporters of Loveland, including its Skinner Match for the Arts.

Thank you, Suncoast Charities for Children, volunteers, and sponsors!

Ten of our participants attended the 38th Annual "Friendliest Catch" Fishing Tournament organized by Suncoast Charities for Children, which has granted $5,000 to Loveland Bradenton's Recreation Program. It was a gorgeous day for fishing and many boat captains donated their time, boats, equipment, and services to share the sea's bounty with our individuals, thanks to Suncoast Charities for Children and all its wonderful sponsors.