Clermont, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Well of Hope Food Bank and Thrift Store to support its Zero Hunger Community Initiative, an effort aimed at reducing food insecurity and improving community health in South Lake County.

Well of Hope provides food assistance to more than 1,000 families each month. The organization’s comprehensive approach not only addresses hunger but also empowers families through nutrition education and access to affordable necessities through its thrift store.

“Our Zero Hunger Community Initiative is about more than just food. It’s about dignity, stability, and giving families the resources to thrive,” said Michael Hopewell, Executive Director of Well of Hope. The grant will be used exclusively for the purchase of food to distribute to families in Clermont and surrounding areas. At just $25 per week, the program can feed a family of four, making the $5,000 grant capable of supporting approximately 800 individuals with a week’s worth of groceries.

“Well of Hope Food Bank is making a difference at the root level,” said Mariah Delgado, SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director. “Food insecurity doesn’t just affect nutrition. It impacts school performance, stress levels, and the ability to be successful. We’re proud to be part of this life-changing mission.”

With the rising cost of living, Well of Hope’s efforts to combat hunger while empowering families through its TREE model, Train, Restore, Educate, Equip, continue to serve as a vital lifeline to the South Lake County community.

To learn more about Well of Hope, visit www.wellofhopefoodbank.org.

Lake County, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to award a $5,000 grant to Lake Support and Emergency Recovery, Inc (LASER) to bolster ongoing recovery efforts following last year’s hurricanes. LASER plays a critical role in Lake County’s disaster response, providing essential debris removal, home stabilization, and long-term recovery assistance for residents affected by major storms.

Founded in 2005 and activated following the devastating Groundhog Day tornadoes in 2007, LASER has logged more than 30,000 volunteer hours and assisted hundreds of local families. Today, they are working to resolve 259 active recovery cases with a focus on homeowners who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, disabled, or veterans. Once the initial recovery phase ends, LASER provides case management services and helps secure grants to restore homes to pre-disaster conditions. The SECO Energy Foundation’s funding is helping address lingering debris removal needs.

“Last year’s back-to-back hurricanes brought unique challenges,” said a Brandi Martin, LASER’s Executive Director. “With hurricane season fast approaching and clean-up still ongoing from last October, this grant allows us to work with additional contractors to remove dangerous debris.”

“Even long after the storms have passed, the road to recovery continues for many local families,” said Sara Meyer-Oswalt, SECO Energy Foundation President. “We’re proud to support LASER’s continued efforts to help residents navigate the long-term challenges and prepare for the up-coming hurricane season.”

To learn more about LASER’s mission or to support their efforts, visit  http://www.Laserfl.org 

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Mount Dora, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Lake Cares Food Pantry in support of the organization’s new, 22,000-square-foot facility and its critical need for an on-site emergency generator. The generator will ensure that perishable food like fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy remains safely stored during power outages, especially during hurricane season.

Lake Cares has served as a vital resource in Lake County since 2009, distributing food to over 71,000 individuals in 2024 alone, including families, veterans, homeless residents, and school-aged children. With food distribution hubs in eight Lake County locations, including Mount Dora, Eustis, Paisley, and Sorrento, the organization reaches people where they are, offering both mobile outreach and tailored support.

“The new generator means we won’t lose thousands of pounds of food when the power goes out. We’ll be ready to help our community exactly when they need us most,” said Kelsey Gonzalez, Executive Director of Lake Cares. “We’re incredibly grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for helping make that possible.”

Lake Cares recently moved to its new facility in Mount Dora, which will house its warehouse, pantry, and administrative offices under one roof. The expanded space will also include a teaching kitchen, veteran and job advocate services, financial literacy programs, and more to address the root causes of food insecurity.

“Lake Cares is more than a food pantry. It’s a lifeline for thousands of local families,” said Matthew Roudabush, SECO Energy Foundation Board Vice President. “This grant ensures they can keep doing their essential work even in the most challenging circumstances.”

To learn more about Lake Cares or to support their efforts, visit www.lakecares.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Ocala, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to announce a $10,000 grant to Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL), a Marion County nonprofit working to solve the homeless pet crisis through prevention, outreach, and compassionate care.

Founded in 2015, VOCAL is a lifeline for pet owners facing financial hardship by providing spay/neuter services, basic veterinary care, pet food assistance, and more to thousands of animals each year. The SECO Foundation’s grant will help fund VOCAL’s Fix the Future program, which ensures that pet owners in crisis never have to choose between their wallet and their pet’s well-being.

“We believe that no one should be forced to give up a beloved pet or watch them suffer because they can’t afford basic care or a life- saving surgery that is within our scope of services,” said Linda Norman, VOCAL Co-Founder. “This grant helps us continue saying ‘yes’ to the families and animals who need us most.”

VOCAL’s services include:

• A low-cost veterinary clinic that is available to all pet owners.
• A robust feeding program feeding animals in 10 counties (1–1.5 million lbs. of food/year)
• Emergency aid for critical care especially for pyometra, a life-threatening infection that affects 24% of unspayed female dogs.
• Spay/neuter and vaccination services for low-income families, rescue groups, and colony caregivers
• Affordable dental services.

“For many families, pets offer comfort, stability, and emotional support,” said Jack Callahan, SECO Energy Foundation Board Member for District 3. “VOCAL is not only keeping animals out of shelters but also bringing dignity and relief to pet owners facing tough times. We’re honored to support their work.”

To learn more about VOCAL or request assistance, visit www.vocalforpets.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. To learn more, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Eustis, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant to Meaningful Milestones Academy, a specialized educational institution dedicated to supporting children with autism and related behavioral needs. This funding will support the integration of technology and adaptive classroom furniture, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for students.

Meaningful Milestones Academy provides individualized, evidence-based education to help children reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. With this grant, the Academy will introduce new computers, iPads, sensory-friendly chairs, and desks designed to accommodate the diverse learning styles of students with autism. This is a vital step in bridging the gap between traditional classroom settings and the specialized learning environment that children with autism need to flourish.

“This investment in technology and adaptive furniture will make a world of difference for our students,” said Stacey Callahan, Administrator of Meaningful Milestones Academy. “By creating a sensory-friendly, technology-integrated environment, we’re giving our students the tools they need to thrive academically and build essential life skills.”

“Education should be accessible and tailored to meet the needs of every child,” said Matthew Roudabush, SECO Energy Foundation Board Member. “Meaningful Milestones Academy is doing incredible work to empower children with autism, and we are proud to support their mission. This grant will help create a more engaging learning space.”

For more information about Meaningful Milestones Academy and its programs, visit www.meaningfulmilestonesacademy.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

LAND O’ LAKES, FL –The SECO Energy Foundation is pleased to announce a $20,000 grant awarded to the Pasco Education Foundation in support of their Take Stock in Children program. This funding will enable the Pasco County Foundation to enhance and expand various workshops aimed at empowering students through mentoring, academic support, and life skills development.

The Take Stock in Children program is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing deserving students with scholarships, mentorship, and hope for a brighter future. The workshops funded by this grant will focus on preparing students for college and career success, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to achieve their goals.

Mariah Delgado, SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director, commented on the significance of the grant: “By investing in the education and development of our youth, we are helping to build a stronger community. These workshops will equip students with essential skills and knowledge, opening doors to opportunities that will shape their futures.”

For more information about the Pasco Education Foundation and the Take Stock in Children program, please visit www.pascoeducationfoundation.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Groveland, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to announce a $25,000 grant to Building Blocks Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities. The grant will fund the creation of a state-of-the-art computer lab featuring adaptive equipment, virtual reality technology, and specialized communication tools. These enhancements will greatly expand opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community engagement.

Founded in 2005, Building Blocks Ministries has served as a resource and beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities across Central Florida. As a Florida Medicaid Provider working closely with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Florida Department of Transportation, and Florida Department of Elder Affairs, BBM’s day training program equips adults, ages 22 to 70+, with essential life skills. “By integrating technology into our day training program, we’re opening new doors for our participants,” said Paula Whetro, Executive Director at Building Blocks Ministries. “From adaptive keyboards and voice-controlled software to VR simulations and tablets with communication apps, these tools will help our clients sharpen their skills, build social connections, and explore interests in a safe, inclusive environment.”

Mariah Delgado, SECO Energy Foundation Executive Director, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Our mission is to strengthen communities by investing in organizations that elevate the quality of life for our neighbors. With this grant, we’re helping Building Blocks Ministries provide the adaptive tools and resources adults with developmental disabilities need to learn, grow, and thrive.”

For more information about Building Blocks Ministries and their programs, visit www.buildingblocksministries.org

About SECO Energy Foundation
The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Williston, FL -12/17/2024 – The SECO Energy Foundation is excited to announce the awarding of a $5,000 grant to Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, a nonprofit located in Levy County dedicated to environmental preservation and education. The grant will support the construction of a new Conservation Education Center. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to promote environmental stewardship within the community.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is an extraordinary 20-acre botanical garden founded by Dr. Raymond Webber in a reclaimed lime rock quarry over 30 years ago. Since opening to the public in 2014, the garden has become a popular destination, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. Currently in the design phase, the new Conservation Education Center will serve as a hub for public education and gatherings. It will feature a meeting room with a 100-person capacity for hosting workshops, clinics, and public programs on Florida geology, the Florida Aquifer, and conservation efforts. The center will also include a museum showcasing the area’s history and geology, from the formation of the Florida Aquifer to the reclamation of the abandoned quarry.

Linda Hall, District 7 Board Member of the SECO Energy Foundation, added: “Supporting Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens aligns perfectly with our mission to foster environmental stewardship and education. Their new Conservation Education Center will play a key role in educating the public about our natural resources and the importance of preserving them.”

For more information about Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, visit www.cedarlakesandgarden.com.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.