SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteers are available to assist clients with Medicare related questions including Medicaid, Medicare and Medigap plans, financial assistance and scams. The service is free and unbiased, and reservations are not taken.

Our Mission

The SHINE program supports the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ mission by providing free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a dedicated network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed health care choices.

"The community garden at 400 Oak St. is on a 2-acre plot and brings in more than 27 tons of fresh produce yearly, which is donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens. The garden was founded in 1997 by Warren Unneberg. Volunteers work in the garden tilling soil, planting seeds and harvesting produce from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday. For more information contact lead gardener Andy Hendricks at 352-753-1354 or visit the garden during normal business hours." The Villages Daily Sun, 2/1/24

The Thrift Store provides money for all of our direct service programs such as the Transitional Housing of our mothers and children. The store covers vital resources to cover out of pocket expenses for our mothers and children.  The store also provides volunteer opportunities such as group project volunteering, community service and school-mandated hours. It provides a way for us to receive in-kind donations such as household items, linens, clothes, shoes and so much more.  We do provide our mothers and children here with items that they need such as clothing, baby needs and move in items. All of our stock items such as clothes, shoes, purses and household items that can not be sold are recycled.  These items are picked up once a week and sold on the open market.  This is another way we receive payment and also help third world countries in need of these items.  Our community benefits from the store by having a nice place to shop with affordable pricing with something for everyone.

What’s your magic number?

Take me home for 3, 6, or 12 months. Love me forever.

Become a puppy raiser with Southeastern Guide Dogs and open a world of magic to those with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children who need a best friend.

A dog makes all the difference.

Our extraordinary dogs transform lives, and they’re our no-cost gift to people who need them. We offer guide dogs for people with vision loss, service dogs for veterans with disabilities, and skilled companion dogs for people in need of a helping paw. You’re invited to dig deeper into who we are, what kind of dogs we offer, and how a dog can change your life. Hear some heartwarming stories from our graduates and the dogs they love.

Mission

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Sports:

• Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Cheerleading, Cycling, Soccer, Tennis (December -  May)
• Bowling (May - September)
• Golf (August - December)
• Equestrian (November - April)

County Contacts:

• Sports:  Lenard Kemp, 863-397-9775

• Community Engagement:  Savannah Rock, 689-348-0332

• Developmental Sports Programs:  Erin Foster, 813-564-3759