House of Hope serves men over 18 who are seeking to break free of addiction. Most will arrive at our campus with a tragic history of substance abuse and other life-controlling issues. At House of Hope, the journey to sobriety includes focusing on their spiritual as well as physical needs.

  The Zonta Club of  The Villages  open their ears and hearts to the needs of the community. This caring attitude is reflected in its many service projects. Members attend meetings monthly to coordinate community projects and fundraising activities.
The Zonta Club of The Villages and Zonta International are focused on advancing the status of women globally, nationally and locally.
Monthly Club meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month, at Elan Buena Vista on 466, The Villages.

Membership Benefits
     Members are encouraged to participate in the numerous opportunities for fellowship with other Zontians. From Area Workshops, District Conferences and International Conventions, Zontians are fun-loving and sociable! With the International Directory, Zontians are able to plan visits with other Zonta clubs as they travel or vacation throughout the world. Friendships that grow beyond the local level truly make the Zonta Club of The Villages an International club!

Please contact Judy Tidd, [email protected], or Gail Formanack, [email protected], about becoming a member.

7 pm Mondays: Oxford United Methodist Church, 3906 East CR 466, The Villages

10 am Saturdays: Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, 8445 SE 16th Mulberry Lane, The Villages

9 am Saturdays: Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, 8445 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages

10 am Fridays: Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos

11 am Wednesdays: Sterling Heights Recreation Center, 2508 St. Charles Place, The Villages

9 am Fridays: Churchill Street Recreation Center, 2375 Churchill Downs, The Villages

11:15 am Tuesdays: Hibiscus Recreation Center, 1740 Bailey Trail, The Villages

5-6:30 pm Tuesdays: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake

1-2:20 pm Thursdays, Eisenhower Recreation Center, 3560 Buena Vista Boulevard, The Villages

1 pm, fourth Wednesdays, Zoom

WE WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES.

We are “The Twins” Andrew and Alexander Williams. Furthermore we appreciate the opportunity to also introduce our agency, Family Values Home Care. Providing services to fulfill your home care needs. As the Co-Founders of Family Values we have combined 25+ years of experience in the service business. Additionally, we have spent a conjoined 10+ years in the Home Care field.

We live in “The Villages” and personally operate Family Values. Both the Client and Caregivers are always our main focus. Personally taking the time that is required to properly vet our caregivers. Providing background checks and several personal interviews provides unparalleled “Family Values” service for our clients.

At Family Values we understand that time is moving more rapidly than any of us appreciate. We have learned that an early discussion with us allows all to better realize what is needed. Family Values will help guide you.

Comfort Keepers provides senior care services throughout The Villages and the surrounding areas tailored to each individual’s needs, including personalized in-home care plans, respite care, and more. Caregivers can design home care for each client’s needs and assist with outside-of-the-home duties such as transportation. Our caregivers are committed to providing excellent in-home care that uplifts the human spirit. We always treat our loved ones with companionship and friendship, as if they were members of our own family.

It doesn’t matter if you’re here because you’re looking for help living independently, or if you want to make sure someone you love has the support they need to stay in their home. We believe there’s more to caring for people than just providing in-home assistance. You deserve a care partner that understands the course of your journey and will help navigate the road ahead. Whether it’s preparing a meal or providing 24-hour nursing care, we will be there for you.

Exceptional service is something we never compromise on. With decades of experience in providing integral care in their communities, our professional teams will ensure that your safety and well-being come first.

At Better @ Home, we are more than an organization of healthcare professionals – we are proud members of communities across Central Florida. Quality service is our mission. And to us, service means getting to know our patients on a personal level.

Visiting Angels is a name families can trust to provide the best home care for their loved ones. We have been a leading elder care provider since 1998. Our professional and dedicated caregivers proudly help older adults live comfortably, independently, and safely in their own homes.

Contact us today to schedule a free in-home assessment and discover why families across America have relied on Visiting Angels for the past 25 years.

Happier At Home provides service in many settings. We know that individuals’ circumstances are unique, so we come to you no matter where you need us! We regularly provide care in private homes and apartments, independent & assisted living communities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

Companion Care Services

Professional In-Home Senior Care Services are available 24-hours a day. Whether you need short-term home care, long-term home care, or something in-between, Granny NANNIES is dedicated to ensuring you receive the home health care you or a loved one require and deserve.

At Concierge Home Care, we believe that with the right support, seniors can live happily and safely in their homes. We are passionate about improving the lives of seniors by providing Personalized Home Healthcare services to nearly all areas of Florida. Our services assist seniors with management of their illnesses while optimizing their healthy behaviors to allow them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. All of our in-home nurses and healthcare professionals are fully-trained and here to help. Our comprehensive, holistic and multi-disciplinary approach has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for our clients and their families.

We’re always there when you need us – ready to provide care in all ways. When faced with the decision to provide care, you need a trusted partner. One who has the knowledge gained from years of providing quality home care for people of all ages and types of needs. A partner who has the heart of a caregiver, and the expertise of a healthcare leader. We can help. That’s what All Ways Caring is all about. Care always feels more comfortable at home. That is why our home care is always designed around an individual’s needs in their own living space. From short-term and transitional to life-long complex care, All Ways Caring ensures that individuals can continue to live independently with dignity in familiar surroundings, while receiving expert, compassionate care. From caregivers you can trust. Quality of Care Is Often Seen In Small Things:

• Medication preparation and adherence monitoring

• Managing daily schedules

• Grocery shopping

• Providing or arranging transportation

• Ambulatory assistance

• Housework

• Laundry

• Managing communications (phone, mail, etc.)

The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. See below to contact your local ADRC.

By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Elder Helpline

Lake County: 800-262-2243

Marion County: 800-262-2243

The LBD Support Group is free and will be held at Charter Research in The Villages (1025 Lake Sumter Landing) on the first Wednesday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. starting February 7 [2024]. To register, call Sue at 914-589-2004. The support group will be facilitated by experts from The Central Florida Lewy Body organization.

These support groups are meant to be attended by both the caregiver and the individual with LBD. The group starts as one unified group and then breaks out into two separate groups (those who are caregivers and those who have LBD).

The staff at Your Key To Senior Living Options have highly experienced industry professionals who assist families in various ways.  All of our services are 100% free to seniors and their families.

SENIOR CARE PLANNING

We are strong advocates of planning before you find yourself or a loved one in crisis.   Although you might be thinking about what a plan would include, and while you might not know exactly what you need or want, we’re here to guide you through the process.  We’ll walk you through step by step in developing a plan BEFORE a crisis occurs and ensure all the players are included and involved so that you can make your needs known.  We consider your medical, financial, social, and emotional needs to ensure the plan leaves no stone unturned in addressing what services can assist you and your family when and if the time comes you need more care.  Whether you want to stay at home or move to a more supportive senior living community, we understand the resources available to make it happen.

IS A LOVED ONE IN CRISIS?

Under ideal circumstances, we are involved with you or your family before problems arise, but unfortunately, that’s not usually the case.

We usually get a call from overwhelmed family caregivers dealing with such problems as repeated ER visits and hospital admissions, rehab admission, entitlement coordination, dementia safety concerns, or terminal illnesses. Dealing with these problems can consume caregivers’ entire lives, and we offer them a way to get their lives back. Once caregivers and families realize the tremendous benefit and breadth of our service, the response is always, “I wish we found you years ago.”

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT

Our tag line is We Uncomplicate The Complicated for a reason.  There is so much that goes into finding the right senior living community.  Without the industry knowledge that we have, families often find themselves making the wrong choice.

Additionally, families often find themselves dealing with a crisis because their parents or other loved ones have not adequately planned ahead of time.  That’s why we are so passionate about helping people plan before a crisis occurs.  Making these decisions under pressure often limits their choices because they haven’t made their families’ preferences fully known.

If you are having trouble finding the right senior care options for your loved one, we can help.  We are the number one locally-owned senior living advisory company in The Villages.  Our friendly and knowledgeable senior advisors and staff can give you free advice and guidance to ensure you know all of the options available to you. We have partnerships and connections with reputable assisted living facilities that offer services for a wide variety of care and support situations.

MEMORY CARE PLACEMENT

Nearly one in three seniors in the United States will develop some form of dementia. Watching your parent or loved one struggle with cognitive impairment can be heartbreaking. You want to be sure that they have both the support they need and their care to thrive and be safe. At Your Key To Senior Living Options, it is our mission to help you find both.  We have the knowledge and partnerships with the area’s top memory care facilities.  We’re here to help you find the right community for your loved one.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT SERVICES

Coordinating or providing care for a loved one can be overwhelming. Our Caregiver Support Specialist will help you establish and maintain boundaries, manage time and resources and learn communication techniques to support your well-being. We will help match you with helpful community resources. If interested in this service and join our ongoing support group, please call Josephine at 352-973-2729 or email her at [email protected].

EDUCATION

We provide ongoing educational webinars and in-person events to help educate the community on topics that can assist them in their daily lives.

We have an ongoing partnership with TLC-Services.org to provide mental health-focused webinars to provide educational presentations on various topics related to caregiving a family member with dementia.

Why Choose FirstLight Home Care The Villages

At FirstLight Home Care of The Villages, we provide exceptional care so that your loved one has the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in the place they call home.

We exist to help people have their best day – every day – whatever that means for them. Our team of trusted care professionals in The Villages is passionate about providing personalized care, creating meaningful relationships and making a difference in the lives of others.

Craig Randall and Don Randall

FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont is owned by the father and son team of Don and Craig Randall. Don brings over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience to the table, and over the last several years, he and Craig have started many successful businesses. Don and Craig are both South Carolina natives, and their love of our great state and its residents is obvious when you speak with either of them. They both are avid fishermen and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.

The experience they shared in finding in home care for Don’s mother had a major impact on the direction of this venture. They witnessed and were moved by the great impact that being in her own home in her final season of life made. They knew it had to become the norm instead of the exception for seniors to be cared for in the comfort of their homes. They started with a commitment to provide the best care for their clients, and they make sure each employee they hire has the same heart of compassion they share for folks who need their services. They are proud of the fact that FirstLight Home Care of Charleston is known to be the go-to call for the very BEST in home care.

At FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont, we provide caregiving services in The Villages community, Ocala, Clermont, Oxford Lake, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Belleview, Summerfield and the surrounding communities.

The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. See below to contact your local ADRC.

By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Elder Helpline

Lake County: 800-262-2243

Marion County: 800-262-2243

The LBD Support Group is free and will be held at Charter Research in The Villages (1025 Lake Sumter Landing) on the first Wednesday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. starting February 7 [2024]. To register, call Sue at 914-589-2004. The support group will be facilitated by experts from The Central Florida Lewy Body organization.

These support groups are meant to be attended by both the caregiver and the individual with LBD. The group starts as one unified group and then breaks out into two separate groups (those who are caregivers and those who have LBD).

1-2 pm 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: Sumter Senior Living, 1550 Killingsworth Way, The Villages

In the Memory Care Building, the Terrace Room

The Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter serves 43 counties with education and support, as well as raising funds for critical research.

We provide education and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout our community, including those living with the disease, caregivers, health care professionals and families. We are also committed to advocating for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.

We empower caregivers with the knowledge, support and programs to help them prepare for and cope with the challenges that lie ahead. Our organization offers a variety of peer support groups, counseling sessions, educational programs and wellness events to help caregivers with the day-to-day tasks of caring for their loved ones, as well as maintaining their own health.

Contact: Anna Lisa Curtis

This is a nonprofit, state-run organization striving to be a one-stop shop that connects seniors with resources, including healthy aging information and programs for caregivers.

ELDER HELPINE:  800-262-2243

Meets at 1 pm the second and fourth Tuesdays at Sumter Senior Living, 1550 Killingsworth Way, The Villages.

Why Choose FirstLight Home Care The Villages

At FirstLight Home Care of The Villages, we provide exceptional care so that your loved one has the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in the place they call home.

We exist to help people have their best day – every day – whatever that means for them. Our team of trusted care professionals in The Villages is passionate about providing personalized care, creating meaningful relationships and making a difference in the lives of others.

Craig Randall and Don Randall

FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont is owned by the father and son team of Don and Craig Randall. Don brings over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience to the table, and over the last several years, he and Craig have started many successful businesses. Don and Craig are both South Carolina natives, and their love of our great state and its residents is obvious when you speak with either of them. They both are avid fishermen and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.

The experience they shared in finding in home care for Don’s mother had a major impact on the direction of this venture. They witnessed and were moved by the great impact that being in her own home in her final season of life made. They knew it had to become the norm instead of the exception for seniors to be cared for in the comfort of their homes. They started with a commitment to provide the best care for their clients, and they make sure each employee they hire has the same heart of compassion they share for folks who need their services. They are proud of the fact that FirstLight Home Care of Charleston is known to be the go-to call for the very BEST in home care.

At FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont, we provide caregiving services in The Villages community, Ocala, Clermont, Oxford Lake, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Belleview, Summerfield and the surrounding communities.

1-2:50 pm first Tuesdays: Colony Cottage Recreation Center, 510 Colony Boulevard, The Villages

10 – 11:30 am Thursdays: New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages

Our Moment Cafe offers social engagement, learning, and support for caregivers and their loved ones with early stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s a safe and fun opportunity to socialize with others who understand your current journey. Participants enjoy planned activities like music, art projects, games, guest performances as well as educational events.  At Our Moment Cafe old memories can be recaptured while creating new ones together.

Register online: ourmomentcafe.org/participate

3rd Tuesday at 2 pm at Chula Vista Recreation Center, 1011 Rio Grande Avenue, The Villages

4th Thursday at 1 pm at Bacall Recreation Center, 2041 Cana Street, The Villages

COMPASSIONATE CARE THAT FAMILIES TRUST.

The Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter serves 43 counties with education and support, as well as raising funds for critical research.

We provide education and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout our community, including those living with the disease, caregivers, health care professionals and families. We are also committed to advocating for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.

Programs include: AlertSumter, D.R.E.A.M., Home Security Inspections, Human Scent Preservation, Peace of Mind, Safe ID, Vial of Life.

1:30 pm first Wednesdays: Lake Miona Recreation Center, 1526 Buena Vista Boulevard, The Villages

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.

Jo-Ski Theiler-Czerniawski, Volunteer Tri-County Raiser & Area Coordinator, [email protected], 2489 Laurel Bay Lane, The Villages, 714-453-0010

Poodle And Pooch Rescue is a 501(c)3, non profit organization in the Central Florida area. Our EIN# is 26-3448560.  We are an organization that saves dogs that truly need help. We rescue the “leftovers” from animal control, the dogs nobody wants because they’re older or suffer from neglect, abuse or have a medical need. Their “last” day becomes the first day of their new life. We provide the veterinary care they need, a foster family they love and when they’re ready, we adopt them to a family who cherishes them. We do not have a physical location because every dog lives with one of our foster families. We are all volunteers so your tax-deductible donation goes directly to help the dogs. We have saved over 6,200 dogs since 2008.

Founded in 2009 and based in Marion County, Florida, Patriot Service Dogs trains high-quality service dogs for veterans without charge. The organization is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, the leading authority on assistance dogs world-wide. All dogs are trained to assist veterans struggling with a range of issues including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, mobility loss, and more. To date, Patriot Service Dogs has matched 59 veterans with a service dog.

The two-year training each puppy undergoes is supported by sponsorship donations and conducted by volunteer puppy raisers and incarcerated women in the WOOF Prison Program at Lowell Correctional Facility. This dual training program creates a unique bond between volunteer members of the community, incarcerated women, sponsorship donors, and the veteran recipients.

With an average of 15-20 dogs in training at any time, Patriot Service Dogs is not a large organization, but its size is its strength. No volunteer, veteran, sponsor, or dog is just a name on a spreadsheet. Patriot Service Dogs is a community working hard together to improve the lives of veterans.

Leesburg Humane Society is a private, no-kill, non-profit animal shelter, serving our local community since 1960. We are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States.

We are solely run on private donations and are grateful for all our generous donors.  We do not receive any government funding.  Being a smaller shelter, we can utilize our donations to give the best possible care to the animals in the shelter.  We also accept donations of food and supplies.  Items we need can be found on our Wish List page by clicking here.

The Florida Bass Conservation Center is at the site of the old Richloam Hatchery and is the major freshwater fish production hatchery, in the state of Florida, supplying fish such as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bream, triploid grass carp, striped bass and sunshine bass. The Florida Bass Conservation Center also conducts research on aquaculture methods.

Visitor’s Center Is Open From 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday (Except Holidays). Please Pre-Schedule Large Groups or student Field Trips by contacting Barron Moody.

The staff at Your Key To Senior Living Options have highly experienced industry professionals who assist families in various ways.  All of our services are 100% free to seniors and their families.

SENIOR CARE PLANNING

We are strong advocates of planning before you find yourself or a loved one in crisis.   Although you might be thinking about what a plan would include, and while you might not know exactly what you need or want, we’re here to guide you through the process.  We’ll walk you through step by step in developing a plan BEFORE a crisis occurs and ensure all the players are included and involved so that you can make your needs known.  We consider your medical, financial, social, and emotional needs to ensure the plan leaves no stone unturned in addressing what services can assist you and your family when and if the time comes you need more care.  Whether you want to stay at home or move to a more supportive senior living community, we understand the resources available to make it happen.

IS A LOVED ONE IN CRISIS?

Under ideal circumstances, we are involved with you or your family before problems arise, but unfortunately, that’s not usually the case.

We usually get a call from overwhelmed family caregivers dealing with such problems as repeated ER visits and hospital admissions, rehab admission, entitlement coordination, dementia safety concerns, or terminal illnesses. Dealing with these problems can consume caregivers’ entire lives, and we offer them a way to get their lives back. Once caregivers and families realize the tremendous benefit and breadth of our service, the response is always, “I wish we found you years ago.”

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT

Our tag line is We Uncomplicate The Complicated for a reason.  There is so much that goes into finding the right senior living community.  Without the industry knowledge that we have, families often find themselves making the wrong choice.

Additionally, families often find themselves dealing with a crisis because their parents or other loved ones have not adequately planned ahead of time.  That’s why we are so passionate about helping people plan before a crisis occurs.  Making these decisions under pressure often limits their choices because they haven’t made their families’ preferences fully known.

If you are having trouble finding the right senior care options for your loved one, we can help.  We are the number one locally-owned senior living advisory company in The Villages.  Our friendly and knowledgeable senior advisors and staff can give you free advice and guidance to ensure you know all of the options available to you. We have partnerships and connections with reputable assisted living facilities that offer services for a wide variety of care and support situations.

MEMORY CARE PLACEMENT

Nearly one in three seniors in the United States will develop some form of dementia. Watching your parent or loved one struggle with cognitive impairment can be heartbreaking. You want to be sure that they have both the support they need and their care to thrive and be safe. At Your Key To Senior Living Options, it is our mission to help you find both.  We have the knowledge and partnerships with the area’s top memory care facilities.  We’re here to help you find the right community for your loved one.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT SERVICES

Coordinating or providing care for a loved one can be overwhelming. Our Caregiver Support Specialist will help you establish and maintain boundaries, manage time and resources and learn communication techniques to support your well-being. We will help match you with helpful community resources. If interested in this service and join our ongoing support group, please call Josephine at 352-973-2729 or email her at [email protected].

EDUCATION

We provide ongoing educational webinars and in-person events to help educate the community on topics that can assist them in their daily lives.

We have an ongoing partnership with TLC-Services.org to provide mental health-focused webinars to provide educational presentations on various topics related to caregiving a family member with dementia.

COMPASSIONATE CARE THAT FAMILIES TRUST.

This is a nonprofit, state-run organization striving to be a one-stop shop that connects seniors with resources, including healthy aging information and programs for caregivers.

ELDER HELPINE:  800-262-2243

We enable caregivers to make the best senior living decisions for their loved ones by offering:

“We help you to understand the many options that are available to you and the important information you need to know. One size does not fit all! It might not be senior living at all… it might be in-home care or hospice. We will help you find the right fit for you! If you are interested in senior living communities, we can help you locate one that fits your care needs, budget, and location preference. And we will walk beside your through your journey so you never feel alone.”

Owner, Janice Martin, has written “The Complete Guide to Assisted Living”.

“We are your destination for a truly exceptional experience to live in a home-like environment with a caring staff. We provide a surrounding with everything you need from exceptional dining to companionship to arrange for your needs at this stage of your life”

“Choosing the right senior living is easy with Inspiritás of Wildwood. We offer complete senior care and living choices. Located in Wildwood, FL, we have some of the best local scenery and attractions available in the area. Residents have access to local restaurants, events, and other entertainment.”

“Every day is an opportunity filled endless choices for our senior residents to enrich their lives. Residents can pursue favorite activities or pursue new ones. We have regularly scheduled events every month as well clubs and a social dining setting. Our goal is to always foster an atmosphere that fills our residents with inspiration and to live their lives to the fullest. Our staff is warm and friendly and is here to serve our seniors among the beautiful surroundings of our community.”

“As older Floridians lose their ability to carry out routine tasks without jeopardizing their well-being, the time comes when close relatives must start searching for ideal assisted living facilities the state has to offer. Heidi’s Haven Residential Assisted Living Facilities have been some of the most preferred assisted living centers in Florida. While we are among the best, we are not your ordinary nursing home. Curious to know what sets us apart? Well, you’re about to find out.”

Serving Lake County with facilities in Lady Lake, Leesburg and Fruitland Park.

We believe assisted living should have the same amenities, hospitality and forward-thinking approach to safety and well-being that you can expect throughout Highpoint at Stonecrest. Our mission is to remove burdens and replace them with opportunities, so you can expand your horizons, foster connections and find joy in each day. Delivering exceptional care to residents and offering true reassurance to their families will always be our top priority.

“The best relationships are true partnerships in which choices and lifestyles are respected, but a helping hand is always nearby. At Mission Oaks, our staff will be available 24-hours a day.”

“From exceptional culinary choices to customized programs, our communities enhance our residents’ health and independence. Beyond excellent care, HarborChase transforms assisted living into a truly empowered lifestyle. We offer a perfect blend of modern amenities and classic sophistication for our residents and their guests to enjoy.”

“Not all assisting living communities in Wildwood, FL, are the same. At A Banyan Residence, we provide the top quality affordable independent senior living and assisted living housing to allow our residents and their families to choose the ideal level of support.”

“Staying active, nurturing friendships and caring for your health is living your best life. Village Veranda at Lady Lake combines the comforts of home and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a compassionate, around-the-clock staff is fully committed to serving resident needs.”

“From exceptional culinary choices to customized programs, our communities enhance our residents’ health and independence. Beyond excellent care, HarborChase transforms assisted living into a truly empowered lifestyle. We offer a perfect blend of modern amenities and classic sophistication for our residents and their guests to enjoy.”

“Care Your Way is a quality first care first approach to providing
exceptional care. Every Resident is provided a detailed care
assessment conducted by a healthcare expert which provides
a real-time evaluation of exactly what is needed today, while
preparing for tomorrow.”

In Assisted Living, our care specialists tailor an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to provide each resident with the help they need with activities of daily living, including: dressing, medication assistance, housekeeping and laundry, bathing and other individualized services.

“In Assisted Living, our care specialists tailor an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to provide each resident with the help they need with activities of daily living, including: dressing, medication assistance, housekeeping and laundry, bathing and other individualized services.”

“Buffalo Crossings is an Assisted Living Community that provides help with Activities of Daily Living but also cares deeply about providing social stimulation, ensuring that our Residents are well taken care of and given an opportunity to socialize, make friends, enjoy the arts and music and engage in tremendous activities. The Villages promotes a lifestyle of fun and leisure. At Buffalo Crossings, we want to match that ideal AND meet the care needs of our Residents.”

“Enrich everyday experiences and receive care that stands out from the rest at Sumter Senior Living. In our assisted living lifestyle, you enjoy the comforts of a place to call your very own while getting the personalized assistance you need throughout your daily routines. From planned activities to social events, you’ll participate in fulfilling experiences throughout the day and have 24/7 help at your fingertips.”

“Assistance with daily tasks. Companionship at just the right time. Someone you can trust, who brings a smile to your face. Assisted living gives you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy each day and live as independently as possible.”

“When you want the best care in assisted living, count on the qualified professional help you’ll receive at Freedom Pointe. We collaborate with you to design a plan for your specific needs — including bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, and other activities of daily living. Because we’re a Life Plan Community, you’ll have the advantage of being able to transition seamlessly to other levels of care if needed.”

Contact: Beth O’Malia

Zoom

2-4 pm last Mondays, Zoom

Mid-Florida Chapter

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

9-11 am first Wednesdays: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake

Earrings for cancer patients.

The staff at Your Key To Senior Living Options have highly experienced industry professionals who assist families in various ways.  All of our services are 100% free to seniors and their families.

SENIOR CARE PLANNING

We are strong advocates of planning before you find yourself or a loved one in crisis.   Although you might be thinking about what a plan would include, and while you might not know exactly what you need or want, we’re here to guide you through the process.  We’ll walk you through step by step in developing a plan BEFORE a crisis occurs and ensure all the players are included and involved so that you can make your needs known.  We consider your medical, financial, social, and emotional needs to ensure the plan leaves no stone unturned in addressing what services can assist you and your family when and if the time comes you need more care.  Whether you want to stay at home or move to a more supportive senior living community, we understand the resources available to make it happen.

IS A LOVED ONE IN CRISIS?

Under ideal circumstances, we are involved with you or your family before problems arise, but unfortunately, that’s not usually the case.

We usually get a call from overwhelmed family caregivers dealing with such problems as repeated ER visits and hospital admissions, rehab admission, entitlement coordination, dementia safety concerns, or terminal illnesses. Dealing with these problems can consume caregivers’ entire lives, and we offer them a way to get their lives back. Once caregivers and families realize the tremendous benefit and breadth of our service, the response is always, “I wish we found you years ago.”

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT

Our tag line is We Uncomplicate The Complicated for a reason.  There is so much that goes into finding the right senior living community.  Without the industry knowledge that we have, families often find themselves making the wrong choice.

Additionally, families often find themselves dealing with a crisis because their parents or other loved ones have not adequately planned ahead of time.  That’s why we are so passionate about helping people plan before a crisis occurs.  Making these decisions under pressure often limits their choices because they haven’t made their families’ preferences fully known.

If you are having trouble finding the right senior care options for your loved one, we can help.  We are the number one locally-owned senior living advisory company in The Villages.  Our friendly and knowledgeable senior advisors and staff can give you free advice and guidance to ensure you know all of the options available to you. We have partnerships and connections with reputable assisted living facilities that offer services for a wide variety of care and support situations.

MEMORY CARE PLACEMENT

Nearly one in three seniors in the United States will develop some form of dementia. Watching your parent or loved one struggle with cognitive impairment can be heartbreaking. You want to be sure that they have both the support they need and their care to thrive and be safe. At Your Key To Senior Living Options, it is our mission to help you find both.  We have the knowledge and partnerships with the area’s top memory care facilities.  We’re here to help you find the right community for your loved one.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT SERVICES

Coordinating or providing care for a loved one can be overwhelming. Our Caregiver Support Specialist will help you establish and maintain boundaries, manage time and resources and learn communication techniques to support your well-being. We will help match you with helpful community resources. If interested in this service and join our ongoing support group, please call Josephine at 352-973-2729 or email her at [email protected].

EDUCATION

We provide ongoing educational webinars and in-person events to help educate the community on topics that can assist them in their daily lives.

We have an ongoing partnership with TLC-Services.org to provide mental health-focused webinars to provide educational presentations on various topics related to caregiving a family member with dementia.

Parkinson’s Disease Support

-in and nearby-

The Villages, Florida

 

There may be no better place for someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to live than in or nearby The Villages, Florida. With 10 PD support groups, a PD Center of Excellence nearby, two hospitals minutes away, all of the medical specialists needed to manage the disease, and an active community with plenty of exercise and social opportunities, what more might one want? Of course, Florida also has great weather!

Explore our website. You will find many resources to help you and your care partner live a fulfilling life, regardless of the “diagnosis.” Join us. Come to one or more of our support groups. Get involved. Learn, exercise, be socially active, make new friends. You will be glad you did.

Who We Are

 

We are those who live in The Villages, Florida, and surrounding communities, who have Parkinson’s disease (PD). We may number 1,500 or more based upon the demographics of those living here that are over the age of 60.

We are care partners. Since most people with PD also have a care partner, 3,000 folks total live with the disease every day, 24 hours a day.

We are professional medical personnel that service the PD population.

We are caregivers, including family members, friends, and paid personnel.

We are those that freely give our time to run support groups.

We are those that prepare written material for the local PD community, to include various reference documents, and even a published PD book.

We include one resolute person who publishes a comprehensive weekly Parkinson’s newsletter for those living in The Villages or surrounding communities.

We include several ambassadors that represent the various Parkinson’s foundations.

We include retired professionals that liaison with local hospitals to improve PD in-patient care and to distribute medical kits from the Parkinson’s Foundation to those with PD.

We are those that arrange social activities, to include an annual PD cruise.

Become a “We”. You will be welcomed into our community.

Why Choose FirstLight Home Care The Villages

At FirstLight Home Care of The Villages, we provide exceptional care so that your loved one has the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in the place they call home.

We exist to help people have their best day – every day – whatever that means for them. Our team of trusted care professionals in The Villages is passionate about providing personalized care, creating meaningful relationships and making a difference in the lives of others.

Craig Randall and Don Randall

FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont is owned by the father and son team of Don and Craig Randall. Don brings over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience to the table, and over the last several years, he and Craig have started many successful businesses. Don and Craig are both South Carolina natives, and their love of our great state and its residents is obvious when you speak with either of them. They both are avid fishermen and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.

The experience they shared in finding in home care for Don’s mother had a major impact on the direction of this venture. They witnessed and were moved by the great impact that being in her own home in her final season of life made. They knew it had to become the norm instead of the exception for seniors to be cared for in the comfort of their homes. They started with a commitment to provide the best care for their clients, and they make sure each employee they hire has the same heart of compassion they share for folks who need their services. They are proud of the fact that FirstLight Home Care of Charleston is known to be the go-to call for the very BEST in home care.

At FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont, we provide caregiving services in The Villages community, Ocala, Clermont, Oxford Lake, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Belleview, Summerfield and the surrounding communities.

The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. See below to contact your local ADRC.

By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Elder Helpline

Lake County: 800-262-2243

Marion County: 800-262-2243

The LBD Support Group is free and will be held at Charter Research in The Villages (1025 Lake Sumter Landing) on the first Wednesday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. starting February 7 [2024]. To register, call Sue at 914-589-2004. The support group will be facilitated by experts from The Central Florida Lewy Body organization.

These support groups are meant to be attended by both the caregiver and the individual with LBD. The group starts as one unified group and then breaks out into two separate groups (those who are caregivers and those who have LBD).

The Day-Break Club of the Villages provides a supervised environment where caregivers can drop off family members who have special needs for a few hours each week. Members of the club receiving these services are Day-Breakers. Day-Break Volunteers provide supervision and are coordinated by the trained Day-Break Leadership Team.

1-4 pm Tuesdays: Odell Recreation Center, 2260 Odell Circle, The Villages

10-11 am 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: Sumter Senior Living, 1550 Killingsworth Way, The Villages

In Assisted Living Building 2nd Floor Activities Room

Contact:  Sandra Ricciardi

The Day-Break Club of the Villages provides a supervised environment where caregivers can drop off family members who have special needs for a few hours each week. Members of the club receiving these services are Day-Breakers. Day-Break Volunteers provide supervision and are coordinated by the trained Day-Break Leadership Team.

This is a nonprofit, state-run organization striving to be a one-stop shop that connects seniors with resources, including healthy aging information and programs for caregivers.

ELDER HELPINE:  800-262-2243

Meets at 10 am the second and fourth Tuesdays at Sumter Senior Living, 1550 Killingsworth Way, The Villages.

“Friends of SoZo kids, a nonprofit organization, that donates to the Help Agency of The Forest, also called SoZo Kids, has a drop-off box in the lobby of North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road in Lady Lake. Donations accepted in the drop-off bin include new children’s clothing, school supplies, art supplies and toys, full-sized toiletries and new linens. Currently there is a big push for underwear for boys and girls in all sizes. Checks written to “Friends of SoZo Kids” can be mailed to Friends of SoZo Kids, 333 Colony Boulevard, Suite 164, The Villages, 32162. Cash donations are also accepted online at friendsofsozokids.com. All donations benefit the children living in the Ocala National Forest. The majority of the children live in poverty, and when they receive new items it makes a world of difference. All donations of money benefit the children in the form of supplies, improvements to the camp facilities and scholarships. To make sure the church will be open to drop off donations, call the church office at 352-753-8484 beforehand. For more information email [email protected].” The Villages Daily Sun, 2/1/24

Sozo Kids is a program developed and run by Help Agency of the Forest, Inc.
​
Who are we? The Help Agency is a 501(c)3, non profit organization that has been serving those in rural poverty since 1993. There are approximately 45,000 people live within the borders of the Ocala National Forest, the second oldest and second largest forest in the United States, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Within these 430,000 acres of residential land are living families and children in abject rural poverty. Recognizing this need, the Help Agency developed SoZo Kids in attempt to rescue as many families and children as possible. Between handing out groceries through our food banks and serving meals at feeding sites, we are now currently reaching more than 7,500 people every month. More than twenty years ago the Help Agency received their first donation from the local Winn-Dixie in the Ocala National Forest in the form of a $25 gift-certificate to help fill the empty shelves. Many of our clients live without electricity and running water, which made it evident that the need goes beyond the everyday food handout with compassion and love. The Help Agency also helps break with cycle of poverty through education, mentoring, teen pregnancy prevention and opportunities to a better future. Since that first day of giving back to the community, the Help Agency has developed different programs and avenues to help those in need.

Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving, low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education. We offer underserved students one-on-one support through caring volunteer mentors, professional college success services, the opportunity to earn a college scholarship, and hope for success in college, career, and life.

Where kids come first!

The Sumter Youth Center (SYC) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, community-based organization serving the social service needs of youth and families on the north and south ends of Sumter County. Our goal is to enable those we serve to adapt and contribute productively in our multi-cultural society. SYC began in 2001 as a joint project of Sumter County Community leaders. Since 2001 SYC has grown to serve hundreds of youth and families throughout the Sumter County Area. On May 21, 2002 SYC successfully opened the doors to its Wildwood center. Our combined facilities have more than 34,000 square feet of recreation areas, including outdoor basketball courts, computer labs, classrooms, table games, and snack bar areas.

Our Mission

To provide a place where youth can develop healthy lifestyles and quality relationships that will help produce productive caring adults.

Bushnell Location
841 E. CR 48
Bushnell, Florida 33513
Phone (352) 568-8722

Wildwood Location
406 St. Clair Street
Wildwood, Florida 34785
(352) 330-0067

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.

The Refuge is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit based out of Sumter County, FL. We provide emergency housing for homeless families, with dedicated housing for Veterans. The Refuge has undergone many changes and is currently under a new Christ-centered leader. We have new and improved websites,  Facebook page, and special links for other services. The new executive director as of 11/20/2017 is James Krom.  We believe that without a firm foundation in Jesus Christ you have already failed…

Thanks to passionate supporters like you, Make-A-Wish shines a light of hope for children fighting critical illnesses when they need it most. Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses during their darkest days. Whether you are an individual donor, corporate sponsor, fundraising advocate or volunteer, your generous support transforms lives, one wish at a time.

The mission of the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center is to provide a child-friendly, community-based facility where a child victim can be safely interviewed, provided with crisis counseling, receive medical exams and long-term specialized therapy, when needed. We work together with agency representatives to provide child abuse victims with all necessary services in a single location.

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of members dedicated to serving the children of the world.

Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including:

• Circle K International for university students
• Key Club for students age 14-18
• Builders Club for students age 11-14
• Kiwanis Kids for students age 6-12
• Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities

Kiwanis members dedicate more than 18 million service hours each year to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 600,000 adult and youth members in 80 countries and geographic areas.

Members of every age attend regular meetings, experience fellowship, raise funds for various causes and participate in service projects that help their communities. Members also make an impact throughout the world by participating in Kiwanis International’s Global Campaign for Children, The Eliminate Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus.

Hundreds of children in our own communities need safe, loving homes, and they need them now. In the Florida Counties of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter, over 1,500 children have experienced the trauma of abuse or neglect and been removed from their parents or caregivers. Less than half of these children are in licensed foster homes with loving families, and 256 are available for adoption. The need is great, especially for older youth, but so are the blessings for those who feel called to open their hearts and homes to children who have suffered.

The court system can be a frightening place for a child caught in a legal battle. This agency gives children a voice. GAL Staff and volunteers work together for the best interests of children who have been abused and involved in the court system. The goal is to ensure that they live in a safe and caring environment. Teens who are aging out of the foster care system can also learn about their options. Volunteers are always needed. The website also has a store which benefits the GAL program.

Lake and Marion Counties: 352-817-1546; [email protected]

Sumter County: 352-812-6971; [email protected]

Assist homeless youth and those aging out of foster care

PREGNANCY & FAMILY CARE CENTER

PURPOSE

The Pregnancy & Family Care Center supports women and families who are experiencing challenging circumstances related to pregnancy and parenting. The program offers physical, emotional and spiritual support providing for immediate needs while equipping clients and knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful parent.

​

The Center’s Earn While You Learn program provides for the physical need of clients including maternity clothes and baby care items such as clothing, diapers, bottles, formula, baby furniture and car seats. Parents earn points to exchange for these necessities by completing parenting and Bible study lessons which equip them with life skills that will enable them to be confident and capable parents. The Center also offers childbirth and parenting education. The parenting classes are accepted by the Department of Children and Families and are approved for court-ordered education.

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Pregnancy & Family Care Center provides pregnancy testing and counsels women based on the outcome. Those who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy and are considering abortion are referred to local pro-life physicians who provide ultrasounds, usually within 48 hours to help mothers see the miracle of the life entrusted to their care and to consider the consequences of their decision. Those who choose life are supported as they live out their decision, including adoption planning or childbirth and parenting education. Those who do not are offered support through post-abortive counseling. While we are not an adoption agency, we refer birth moms who want to make the loving choice of adoption for their babies to Christian adoption agencies and then walk alongside them through the adoption process.

Facilities

The Pregnancy and Family Care Center facility provides a comfortable, homey atmosphere for its clients. Small rooms for counseling and watching educational videos offer privacy. Clothing, diapers and other baby needs are stored in a large room for families to browse. There is office space, a kitchen and a space for processing pregnancy tests and storing literature as well as a play space for small children and plenty of seating space for conversation and relaxation.

​

The Pregnancy & Family Care Center is located at 1309 High Street, Building 104, Leesburg, FL 34748. We are open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, although you can reach our after hours help line at 352-787-8839.

History

The Pregnancy & Family Care Center was founded in 1987 to aide women in crisis pregnancies by offering alternatives to abortion including medical referrals with ultrasound, adoption counseling and placement for housing during pregnancy. Through the years additional programs have been added to provide support to families with children. On average each month, the center serves 100 clients and provides 30 pregnancy tests. During any given year, 19-30 abortion-minded women choose life for their babies as a direct result of these efforts.

Partnering Options

• Mentor young men or women

• Offer help as a mentor or counselor

• Volunteer as a Receptionist

• Input Data

• Help organize the baby food and clothing room

• Partner financially to facilitate an adoption, educate pregnant moms about their choice, supply Earn While You Learn items or provide emergency care for families

Staff

The Pregnancy and Family Care staff consist of two positions:

• Director: oversees all operations of the Pregnancy and Family Care Center, its programs, facilities, staff and residents

• Assistant Director: coordinates and schedules volunteer efforts and assists in day-to-day operations.

The staff is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers from a variety of churches who serve four-hour shifts as client counselors, educators, receptionists and many other positions.

Wanda Kohn

Director | Pregnancy & Family Care Center

Wanda began her involvement with the PFCC in 1988 as a volunteer counselor and has served as Director since 2002. During her tenure, the PFCC has greatly expanded its service offerings. Wanda is the Co-Founder of Habitat for Humanity of Lake County and received WORLD magazine’s 2007 Daniel of the Year Award for her work in the pro-life cause. She is also a state board member of Pregnancy and Family Resources Alliance and serves on the Personhood Florida’s executive committee, having earned their Defender of Life Award in 2023. She and her husband, Bob, teach a family-focused Bible Fellowship class at First Baptist Leesburg and love serving the Lord together.

Programs include: AlertSumter, D.R.E.A.M., Home Security Inspections, Human Scent Preservation, Peace of Mind, Safe ID, Vial of Life.

The Wildwood Food pantry is a joint Outreach Ministry between the Wildwood United Methodist Church and New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages. There has been a faith based pantry operation in the Wildwood area for more than 25 years. The Wildwood Food Pantry established its current home at the Wildwood United Methodist Church in May, 2005. We are now in our 20th year of service to the residents of Wildwood and many other communities throughout Sumter County.

“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

“Friends of SoZo kids, a nonprofit organization, that donates to the Help Agency of The Forest, also called SoZo Kids, has a drop-off box in the lobby of North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road in Lady Lake. Donations accepted in the drop-off bin include new children’s clothing, school supplies, art supplies and toys, full-sized toiletries and new linens. Currently there is a big push for underwear for boys and girls in all sizes. Checks written to “Friends of SoZo Kids” can be mailed to Friends of SoZo Kids, 333 Colony Boulevard, Suite 164, The Villages, 32162. Cash donations are also accepted online at friendsofsozokids.com. All donations benefit the children living in the Ocala National Forest. The majority of the children live in poverty, and when they receive new items it makes a world of difference. All donations of money benefit the children in the form of supplies, improvements to the camp facilities and scholarships. To make sure the church will be open to drop off donations, call the church office at 352-753-8484 beforehand. For more information email [email protected].” The Villages Daily Sun, 2/1/24

Sozo Kids is a program developed and run by Help Agency of the Forest, Inc.
​
Who are we? The Help Agency is a 501(c)3, non profit organization that has been serving those in rural poverty since 1993. There are approximately 45,000 people live within the borders of the Ocala National Forest, the second oldest and second largest forest in the United States, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Within these 430,000 acres of residential land are living families and children in abject rural poverty. Recognizing this need, the Help Agency developed SoZo Kids in attempt to rescue as many families and children as possible. Between handing out groceries through our food banks and serving meals at feeding sites, we are now currently reaching more than 7,500 people every month. More than twenty years ago the Help Agency received their first donation from the local Winn-Dixie in the Ocala National Forest in the form of a $25 gift-certificate to help fill the empty shelves. Many of our clients live without electricity and running water, which made it evident that the need goes beyond the everyday food handout with compassion and love. The Help Agency also helps break with cycle of poverty through education, mentoring, teen pregnancy prevention and opportunities to a better future. Since that first day of giving back to the community, the Help Agency has developed different programs and avenues to help those in need.

The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. See below to contact your local ADRC.

By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Elder Helpline

Lake County: 800-262-2243

Marion County: 800-262-2243

Helping Hands offers durable medical equipment to The Villages^® residents and their guests at no cost. In the past 3 years, Helping Hands has grown from volunteers handling 2,000 transactions to over 6,000. The equipment is either donated or purchased through generous contributions from caring Villages neighbors like yourself, and through fundraising events.

Did you know the Villages^® is home to more than 75,000 golf carts!

A recent study conducted by John Castaldo of The Villages Health – showed of all golf cart crashes, 48% resulted in hospitalization, severe trauma, or death.  Of these, ejection occurred in 27%, hospitalization in 55% and death or disability in 15% of the crashes.

Every month the VHA presents this popular clinic for the benefit of all Villagers; full-time residents, snowbirds, and even guests, to make our golf cart community safer and educate cart drivers of all ages.

The VHA Golf Cart Clinic is held the Third Wednesday of the month, with classes beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Check the VHA EVENTS CALENDAR for dates!

We are proactive problem solvers and a constructive voice in the day-to-day happenings in The Villages^®. It is our mission “To preserve and enhance the value of our homes and The Villages’^® community lifestyle.”

UF Health The Villages® Hospital Auxiliary Foundation was formed in 2013 as a 501(c)(3) organization to join and support the Auxiliary volunteers at UF Health The Villages^® Hospital. The Foundation conducts programs dedicated to ensuring that adequate resources are available to maintain superior care at the hospital and it’s mission is carried out in a transparent and efficient manner.

St. Theresa Catholic Church provides social services to the community. They offer a Soup Kitchen as well as a Food Pantry. The Social Service Department is open Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Call for more information.

ST THERESAS THRIFT SHOP INFORMATION

HOURS FOR ST THERESAS THRIFT SHOP

Monday-Saturday:

9:00am-2:45pm

TYPES OF ITEMS SOLD

     

The St Theresas Thrift Shop in Belleview, FL sells many types of unique items to shop that include products that you can’t find anywhere else. Shop products at St Theresas Thrift Shop that can include anything from clothing to one-of-a-kind homegoods items.

Programs & Services

Mission of Rotary International

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

VISION STATEMENT​
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Lake Miona Recreation Center, every Wednesday, 5 pm-6:30 pm

Founded in 2003, The Rotary Club of The Villages Noon (RCTVN) is diverse and active.  Our membership is an all-encompassing demographic; male and female, retired and working, full-time Villagers and snowbirds.  All our members share a belief in service to others in our community, our nation, and around the world.

Meetings are held on Thursdays at 7:30 am at Captiva Recreation Center, 658 Pinellas Place in The Villages.

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR Club:

As we start the Rotary year, I have been
thinking about ways we can build a better club
and improve retention of club members. In
order to address this issue, we need to consider
what does our club provide to members (both
current and potential)? I believe there are
three main themes we can mention when giving
our elevator speech about why someone may
consider being a member. 1st Rotary provides
an opportunity for fun and fellowship. 2nd
Rotary provides an opportunity for career
networking and leadership development. 3rd
Rotary provides an opportunity to be of service
to our local, national, and international
community. For example, whether it be an
evening out to celebrate with other Rotarians,
doing work as a board member for either the
club or foundation or an opportunity to work
with others on district and global grants, Rotary
makes a difference in the lives of the members
of our club(s) and the community at-large.
Please consider telling your friends and
neighbors about all the great things that Rotary
embodies. Have a great month and we hope to
see you at our meetings.
Todd Freeman

Gary Blanchard

Our Moment Cafe offers social engagement, learning, and support for caregivers and their loved ones with early stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s a safe and fun opportunity to socialize with others who understand your current journey. Participants enjoy planned activities like music, art projects, games, guest performances as well as educational events.  At Our Moment Cafe old memories can be recaptured while creating new ones together.

Register online: ourmomentcafe.org/participate

3rd Tuesday at 2 pm at Chula Vista Recreation Center, 1011 Rio Grande Avenue, The Villages

4th Thursday at 1 pm at Bacall Recreation Center, 2041 Cana Street, The Villages

President: Barbara Crewel

Joining the Lions Club is a transformative journey that extends far beyond mere membership; it’s an invitation to be part of a global community committed to service and social impact. As a Lion, you become a catalyst for positive change, engaging in a myriad of philanthropic initiatives that touch lives locally and globally. Our motto of “We Serve” underscores our dedication to addressing pressing humanitarian needs, from providing vision care and disaster relief to supporting youth development and community enrichment.

New Vision for Independence, Inc. is a non-profit agency providing free instruction, vision rehabilitation, and support services to visually impaired or blind adults and their families in Lake and Sumter Counties.
New Vision for Independence is committed to excellence in providing rehabilitation, community education, and support services for people with low vision or blindness and their families to promote independence, acceptance, and self-confidence.

The Citizen Observer Patrol (C.O.P.) is a volunteer division of the
Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) whose main purpose is to
reduce crime by alerting the Sheriff’s Office of potential or actual
criminal behavior. The program is comprised of neighborhoods, much
like your own, that have decided to insure the safety of their
community by forming a partnership with the MCSO. Volunteers
wear uniforms and drive specially-marked vehicles that proudly
display to any potential criminal that they are the eyes and ears of law
enforcement within that community. There are mounted units in areas
that require off-road access in order to patrol properly. Several units
have bicycle patrols in addition to the patrols in vehicles. A special
parks unit is set up to patrol all the parks within Marion County.

Leesburg Food Bank is a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Corporation, staffed by unpaid volunteers who assist those in need with food, clothing and other essentials. Our mission is to alleviate hunger of those in need by obtaining and distributing food and other essentials in the City of Leesburg and adjacent communities. No fees or costs are charged to our clients who receive assistance.

The Leesburg Food Bank is committed to excellence in service, products and operation, we treat all clients with respect, dignity and courtesy, we use our resources wisely, with accountability to our donors and concern for the environment, and we are honest and fair in our dealings with others.

Who are Lions

Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes by raising funds and conducting service projects, especially in the areas of sight and hearing.

Lions strive to help those in need whenever need exists. Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness.” Therefore, our primary mission is to aid the blind and visually impaired.

Lions participate in service activities, education, research, and community welfare.

LIONS SERVE!

New Covenant United Methodist Church

Every Child Needs A Place To Call Home

Every child needs a place where they can grow up healthy, learn and be safe. Single parents, dual-parents, adult children caring for their older parents, and many other families in Marion County partner with Habitat for Humanity to buy an affordable house and create stability for their families. Even though they come from many different walks of life, they are all striving for a similar goal – helping their children have a brighter and better future.

In order to better serve our community, we’ve developed specific programs to meet the needs of those around us.

GFWC The Villages is open to all women living in the The Villages, Florida.   Our members, as part of this community service organization, work within the community to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding, beginning at home.

A nonprofit entity of the Library that helps facilitate events such as the Summer Reading Program.

The Friends of The Villages Library, Inc. (FOVL) is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) & Florida NOT-FOR-PROFIT Corporation. The FOVL is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization with nearly 170 Volunteers at the Belvedere & Pinellas Branches of The Villages Public Library.  The Sumter County Library donates slow moving media to the FOVL.  Volunteers sort new donations from the Library, as well as the Public, and display the Books, CDs, DVDs, etc. in our Bookrooms for sale to the Public.  Overstock Book Sales are held to liquidate older Fiction and Nonfiction.  Unsold donations are re-donated to local schools and other nonprofit organizations.  A minimum of damaged media is destroyed, according to Sumter County Library policy.

Since 2003, the FOVL has returned over $600,000 to the Community:

• The Villages Public Library Programs, Media & Technology

• Literacy Projects at Local Elementary, Middle & High Schools

• College & Vo/Tech Grants to Graduating Seniors

• and much, much, more. . . .

How can you help?

• Donate BOOKs, CDs & DVDs

• Become an FOVL Member

• Purchase from a Bookroom

• Volunteer with the FOVL

BOOKROOM HOURS

10am to 4pm

Monday thru Friday

10am to 1pm Saturday

BELVEDERE BRANCH (south of 466)

325 Belvedere Blvd, The Villages FL 32162

Friends Bookroom: 352.689.4690

PINELLAS BRANCH (south of 466A)

7375 Powell Rd, Wildwood FL 34785

Friends Bookroom: 352.689.4585

Contact: Christi Follansbee

The Florida Bass Conservation Center is at the site of the old Richloam Hatchery and is the major freshwater fish production hatchery, in the state of Florida, supplying fish such as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bream, triploid grass carp, striped bass and sunshine bass. The Florida Bass Conservation Center also conducts research on aquaculture methods.

Visitor’s Center Is Open From 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday (Except Holidays). Please Pre-Schedule Large Groups or student Field Trips by contacting Barron Moody.

Community clinic

In 1996, First Baptist Leesburg, in partnership with Leesburg Regional Medical Center (now UF Health Leesburg Hospital), established a hospital-funded nurse medical ministry and began serving those in the Christian Care Center’s residential facilities and outside community referrals. Three years later, a generous grant provided funding to construct the current facility.The Community Medical Care Center is a non profit clinic offering primary medical and dental care to the qualified uninsured and medically indigent of the surrounding area. The clinic offers primary care, specialty care, chronic disease management and dental care to a segment of the community who might otherwise do without necessary medical care.

Care is provided by volunteer doctors, nurses and dentists in addition to a small compensated staff. The clinic and medical professionals operate under a legal statute which transfers liability of not-for-profit clinics and providers of the state.

​In order to qualify for services, patients must meet the following criteria:

• Income at or below 150% of poverty level
• No medical insurance of any kind
• No Medicaid or Medicare coverage
• No person over the age of 65

Qualifying patients receive all primary care free of charge. The clinic also provides referrals for free diagnostic tests, chronic disease education and care and referrals for surgical procedures. A staff nurse works with pharmaceutical companies to obtain free prescription medication and a representative from the hospital’s patient services department works to provide needed procedures unavailable in the clinic through the hospital’s charity care program.

The pantry is a ministry of North Lake Presbyterian Church which opened in 1998. Our supplemental grocery program for local families in need, improves their quality of life, helps sustain health, good nutrition, energy, human dignity and the opportunity for family members to meet their full potential.

Earrings for cancer patients.

Contact:  Ed Nance

A volunteer crafting organization benefiting multiple charities.

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Joanne Kays

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Pamela Bradley

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Patricia Worcester

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Rosemary Finn

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Jim Hagensick

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Jane Benton

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  John Wells

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Debra Caskey

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Mary Sara

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Jacquelyn Eshbach

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Kathleen Gillissie

Caring Neighbors is a group of residents in a village who are dedicated to lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s checking in on neighbors, driving them to appointments or helping with yard work.

Contact:  Vicky Giraud

This is a nonprofit, state-run organization striving to be a one-stop shop that connects seniors with resources, including healthy aging information and programs for caregivers.

ELDER HELPINE:  800-262-2243

Programs include: AlertSumter, D.R.E.A.M., Home Security Inspections, Human Scent Preservation, Peace of Mind, Safe ID, Vial of Life.

Assisting Hands Home Care® grew out of a desire to provide seniors, and others needing non-medical assistance at home, with the option that most people prefer – to remain independent, safe and comfortable in their own homes. Assisting Hands® is a home care franchise company that emphasizes exceptional customer service and highly personalized in-home care to meet the needs of our clients.

Why Choose FirstLight Home Care The Villages

At FirstLight Home Care of The Villages, we provide exceptional care so that your loved one has the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in the place they call home.

We exist to help people have their best day – every day – whatever that means for them. Our team of trusted care professionals in The Villages is passionate about providing personalized care, creating meaningful relationships and making a difference in the lives of others.

Craig Randall and Don Randall

FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont is owned by the father and son team of Don and Craig Randall. Don brings over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience to the table, and over the last several years, he and Craig have started many successful businesses. Don and Craig are both South Carolina natives, and their love of our great state and its residents is obvious when you speak with either of them. They both are avid fishermen and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.

The experience they shared in finding in home care for Don’s mother had a major impact on the direction of this venture. They witnessed and were moved by the great impact that being in her own home in her final season of life made. They knew it had to become the norm instead of the exception for seniors to be cared for in the comfort of their homes. They started with a commitment to provide the best care for their clients, and they make sure each employee they hire has the same heart of compassion they share for folks who need their services. They are proud of the fact that FirstLight Home Care of Charleston is known to be the go-to call for the very BEST in home care.

At FirstLight Home Care of Lake, Marion & Sumter / Clermont, we provide caregiving services in The Villages community, Ocala, Clermont, Oxford Lake, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Belleview, Summerfield and the surrounding communities.

WE WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES.

We are “The Twins” Andrew and Alexander Williams. Furthermore we appreciate the opportunity to also introduce our agency, Family Values Home Care. Providing services to fulfill your home care needs. As the Co-Founders of Family Values we have combined 25+ years of experience in the service business. Additionally, we have spent a conjoined 10+ years in the Home Care field.

We live in “The Villages” and personally operate Family Values. Both the Client and Caregivers are always our main focus. Personally taking the time that is required to properly vet our caregivers. Providing background checks and several personal interviews provides unparalleled “Family Values” service for our clients.

At Family Values we understand that time is moving more rapidly than any of us appreciate. We have learned that an early discussion with us allows all to better realize what is needed. Family Values will help guide you.

For us, this isn’t just about business. Delivering care to loved ones is personal for us. Having been through the search process before with our own families, we understand how overwhelming and uncertain this time can be for you. This process is never easy or simple, but please know that you and your family are never alone. Contact us anytime to speak with a live member of our team.

What We Do

At Seniors Helping Seniors® The Villages in-home care services, we understand and appreciate the unique challenges that come with age. That’s why our companionship and daily assistance offerings exclusively focus on the specific needs of seniors. We’re devoted to supporting you or your loved one, while enhancing your total quality of life. Whether you’re looking for an extra set of hands around the house or a friend to lean on, we’ll be by your side. Discover the difference a dedicated senior caregiver can make!

Comfort Keepers provides senior care services throughout The Villages and the surrounding areas tailored to each individual’s needs, including personalized in-home care plans, respite care, and more. Caregivers can design home care for each client’s needs and assist with outside-of-the-home duties such as transportation. Our caregivers are committed to providing excellent in-home care that uplifts the human spirit. We always treat our loved ones with companionship and friendship, as if they were members of our own family.

It doesn’t matter if you’re here because you’re looking for help living independently, or if you want to make sure someone you love has the support they need to stay in their home. We believe there’s more to caring for people than just providing in-home assistance. You deserve a care partner that understands the course of your journey and will help navigate the road ahead. Whether it’s preparing a meal or providing 24-hour nursing care, we will be there for you.

Exceptional service is something we never compromise on. With decades of experience in providing integral care in their communities, our professional teams will ensure that your safety and well-being come first.

Amedisys offers a full continuum of in-home care, including home health care, personal home care, hospice and palliative care.

Visiting Angels is a name families can trust to provide the best home care for their loved ones. We have been a leading elder care provider since 1998. Our professional and dedicated caregivers proudly help older adults live comfortably, independently, and safely in their own homes.

Contact us today to schedule a free in-home assessment and discover why families across America have relied on Visiting Angels for the past 25 years.

Happier At Home provides service in many settings. We know that individuals’ circumstances are unique, so we come to you no matter where you need us! We regularly provide care in private homes and apartments, independent & assisted living communities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

Companion Care Services

Marion Senior Services is a nonprofit, charitable social agency providing supportive care services to elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged residents of Marion County, Florida. We help our clients to remain living in their own homes independently as long as possible by providing Meals, Transit, and In-Home Support services to them. A variety of public, private, and donor funding enables us to provide services to most people in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Services are provided on a sliding fee basis from no cost to full pay.

Click on the tabs to learn more about our services, eligibility, and how to apply. Marion Senior Services also depends on over 300 volunteers to help us deliver Meals on Wheels, provide Respite Care or companionship for our clients. If you are interested in getting involved with our agency, please contact us at (352) 620-3501 for more information.

Monday – Friday; 8 am – 5 pm

As one of the nation’s largest home health providers, we have over 50 years of experience helping millions of patients take control of their health in the comfort of their homes. Our teams of nurses and therapists help patients rehabilitate, recover and regain their independence so they can live healthier and happier lives.

11 am first Tuesdays: Seabreeze Recreation Center, 2384 Buena Vista Boulevard, The Villages

7-9:30 pm third Mondays, every other month: Zoom

American Sign Language (ASL)

As one of the nation’s largest home health providers, we have over 50 years of experience helping millions of patients take control of their health in the comfort of their homes. Our teams of nurses and therapists help patients rehabilitate, recover and regain their independence so they can live healthier and happier lives.

It doesn’t matter if you’re here because you’re looking for help living independently, or if you want to make sure someone you love has the support they need to stay in their home. We believe there’s more to caring for people than just providing in-home assistance. You deserve a care partner that understands the course of your journey and will help navigate the road ahead. Whether it’s preparing a meal or providing 24-hour nursing care, we will be there for you.

Exceptional service is something we never compromise on. With decades of experience in providing integral care in their communities, our professional teams will ensure that your safety and well-being come first.

At Concierge Home Care, we believe that with the right support, seniors can live happily and safely in their homes. We are passionate about improving the lives of seniors by providing Personalized Home Healthcare services to nearly all areas of Florida. Our services assist seniors with management of their illnesses while optimizing their healthy behaviors to allow them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. All of our in-home nurses and healthcare professionals are fully-trained and here to help. Our comprehensive, holistic and multi-disciplinary approach has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for our clients and their families.

1-3 pm first Thursdays: Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Boulevard, The Villages

Contact:  Rick Schnarr

Rides, Groceries, Meals & More: Built Better For Older Adults And People With Disabilities.

The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. See below to contact your local ADRC.

By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Elder Helpline

Lake County: 800-262-2243

Marion County: 800-262-2243

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association provides therapeutic horseback riding and Equine Assisted Learning Activities for children and adults living with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges in our community.  As an approved provider through some health insurance companies, individuals may see if our services are covered through insurance. Some programming is provided at no cost for qualified participants through grants and fundraising, and we now offer Peer to Peer fundraising campaigns that makes fundraising for a specific person easily accessible.

10 am Saturdays: Village View Community Church, 8585 SE 147th Place, Summerfield

Meeting schedule

You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.

  The Zonta Club of  The Villages  open their ears and hearts to the needs of the community. This caring attitude is reflected in its many service projects. Members attend meetings monthly to coordinate community projects and fundraising activities.
The Zonta Club of The Villages and Zonta International are focused on advancing the status of women globally, nationally and locally.
Monthly Club meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month, at Elan Buena Vista on 466, The Villages.

Membership Benefits
     Members are encouraged to participate in the numerous opportunities for fellowship with other Zontians. From Area Workshops, District Conferences and International Conventions, Zontians are fun-loving and sociable! With the International Directory, Zontians are able to plan visits with other Zonta clubs as they travel or vacation throughout the world. Friendships that grow beyond the local level truly make the Zonta Club of The Villages an International club!

Please contact Judy Tidd, [email protected], or Gail Formanack, [email protected], about becoming a member.

Domestic Violence Services

24-hour hotlines provide immediate crisis intervention. Victims and their dependent children receive temporary emergency shelter, food, clothing, and counseling (both individual and group), individual counseling, support group, court room advocacy, referrals to other community organizations, assistance filing for victims compensation and/or victims relocation assistance.

Sexual Assault Services

Rape crisis helpline, available 24 hours a day, provide immediate response to sexually assaulted victims. Our professional staff, with assistance from trained volunteers, provide much needed emotional support for medical examinations and law enforcement investigations.  Haven also provides 24 hour SANE services for Lake and Marion County.  These services include a SANE trained RN will respond to perform a sexual assault forensic exam for any request in our service area.  In 2017, Haven began providing a support group for survivors of sexual assault. 

Training & Education Services

Haven provides domestic and sexual violence training to law enforcement, health care providers and students. Presentations and awareness to the general public have been, and will continue to be our most powerful tools to combat the epidemic of violence.

Training and Education services are available to our clients FREE of charge.

Helping Hands offers durable medical equipment to The Villages^® residents and their guests at no cost. In the past 3 years, Helping Hands has grown from volunteers handling 2,000 transactions to over 6,000. The equipment is either donated or purchased through generous contributions from caring Villages neighbors like yourself, and through fundraising events.

The staff at Your Key To Senior Living Options have highly experienced industry professionals who assist families in various ways.  All of our services are 100% free to seniors and their families.

SENIOR CARE PLANNING

We are strong advocates of planning before you find yourself or a loved one in crisis.   Although you might be thinking about what a plan would include, and while you might not know exactly what you need or want, we’re here to guide you through the process.  We’ll walk you through step by step in developing a plan BEFORE a crisis occurs and ensure all the players are included and involved so that you can make your needs known.  We consider your medical, financial, social, and emotional needs to ensure the plan leaves no stone unturned in addressing what services can assist you and your family when and if the time comes you need more care.  Whether you want to stay at home or move to a more supportive senior living community, we understand the resources available to make it happen.

IS A LOVED ONE IN CRISIS?

Under ideal circumstances, we are involved with you or your family before problems arise, but unfortunately, that’s not usually the case.

We usually get a call from overwhelmed family caregivers dealing with such problems as repeated ER visits and hospital admissions, rehab admission, entitlement coordination, dementia safety concerns, or terminal illnesses. Dealing with these problems can consume caregivers’ entire lives, and we offer them a way to get their lives back. Once caregivers and families realize the tremendous benefit and breadth of our service, the response is always, “I wish we found you years ago.”

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT

Our tag line is We Uncomplicate The Complicated for a reason.  There is so much that goes into finding the right senior living community.  Without the industry knowledge that we have, families often find themselves making the wrong choice.

Additionally, families often find themselves dealing with a crisis because their parents or other loved ones have not adequately planned ahead of time.  That’s why we are so passionate about helping people plan before a crisis occurs.  Making these decisions under pressure often limits their choices because they haven’t made their families’ preferences fully known.

If you are having trouble finding the right senior care options for your loved one, we can help.  We are the number one locally-owned senior living advisory company in The Villages.  Our friendly and knowledgeable senior advisors and staff can give you free advice and guidance to ensure you know all of the options available to you. We have partnerships and connections with reputable assisted living facilities that offer services for a wide variety of care and support situations.

MEMORY CARE PLACEMENT

Nearly one in three seniors in the United States will develop some form of dementia. Watching your parent or loved one struggle with cognitive impairment can be heartbreaking. You want to be sure that they have both the support they need and their care to thrive and be safe. At Your Key To Senior Living Options, it is our mission to help you find both.  We have the knowledge and partnerships with the area’s top memory care facilities.  We’re here to help you find the right community for your loved one.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT SERVICES

Coordinating or providing care for a loved one can be overwhelming. Our Caregiver Support Specialist will help you establish and maintain boundaries, manage time and resources and learn communication techniques to support your well-being. We will help match you with helpful community resources. If interested in this service and join our ongoing support group, please call Josephine at 352-973-2729 or email her at [email protected].

EDUCATION

We provide ongoing educational webinars and in-person events to help educate the community on topics that can assist them in their daily lives.

We have an ongoing partnership with TLC-Services.org to provide mental health-focused webinars to provide educational presentations on various topics related to caregiving a family member with dementia.

“Friends of SoZo kids, a nonprofit organization, that donates to the Help Agency of The Forest, also called SoZo Kids, has a drop-off box in the lobby of North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road in Lady Lake. Donations accepted in the drop-off bin include new children’s clothing, school supplies, art supplies and toys, full-sized toiletries and new linens. Currently there is a big push for underwear for boys and girls in all sizes. Checks written to “Friends of SoZo Kids” can be mailed to Friends of SoZo Kids, 333 Colony Boulevard, Suite 164, The Villages, 32162. Cash donations are also accepted online at friendsofsozokids.com. All donations benefit the children living in the Ocala National Forest. The majority of the children live in poverty, and when they receive new items it makes a world of difference. All donations of money benefit the children in the form of supplies, improvements to the camp facilities and scholarships. To make sure the church will be open to drop off donations, call the church office at 352-753-8484 beforehand. For more information email [email protected].” The Villages Daily Sun, 2/1/24

Sozo Kids is a program developed and run by Help Agency of the Forest, Inc.
​
Who are we? The Help Agency is a 501(c)3, non profit organization that has been serving those in rural poverty since 1993. There are approximately 45,000 people live within the borders of the Ocala National Forest, the second oldest and second largest forest in the United States, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Within these 430,000 acres of residential land are living families and children in abject rural poverty. Recognizing this need, the Help Agency developed SoZo Kids in attempt to rescue as many families and children as possible. Between handing out groceries through our food banks and serving meals at feeding sites, we are now currently reaching more than 7,500 people every month. More than twenty years ago the Help Agency received their first donation from the local Winn-Dixie in the Ocala National Forest in the form of a $25 gift-certificate to help fill the empty shelves. Many of our clients live without electricity and running water, which made it evident that the need goes beyond the everyday food handout with compassion and love. The Help Agency also helps break with cycle of poverty through education, mentoring, teen pregnancy prevention and opportunities to a better future. Since that first day of giving back to the community, the Help Agency has developed different programs and avenues to help those in need.

Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving, low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education. We offer underserved students one-on-one support through caring volunteer mentors, professional college success services, the opportunity to earn a college scholarship, and hope for success in college, career, and life.

The Enrichment Academy offers a variety of educational enrichment opportunities to fulfill our resident’s passion for learning. In 2017, The Village Center Community Development Districts Board directed the Recreation and Parks Department to establish a new division of lifestyle services focusing on community enrichment education. A fee-based division providing innovative and active programming that supports the community’s growth and interests. Courses and speaker series complement the existing resident-led lifestyle and recreation services, providing even more choices for our community to enjoy.

For the current course catalog or to register online, go to: theenrichmentacademy.org

To register in person:  Visit Any At Your Service Location from 8:30AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday; Saturday & Sunday, 8:30AM – 12PM: La Hacienda, Lake Miona, Eisenhower, Everglades and Rohan.

The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits, as well as available local programs and services. See below to contact your local ADRC.

By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs are able to provide elders with uniform assistance no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available on the internet or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Elder Helpline

Lake County: 800-262-2243

Marion County: 800-262-2243

This is a nonprofit, state-run organization striving to be a one-stop shop that connects seniors with resources, including healthy aging information and programs for caregivers.

ELDER HELPINE:  800-262-2243

The Crisis Intervention Specialist Unit (CIS) consists of personnel trained in crisis intervention with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, and at least two years work experience dealing with persons with mental illness, substance abuse or with similar human-service needs.

In addition, CIS assists deputies on calls involving domestic violence, juveniles, homeless persons, deaths, sex offenders, elder affairs, and victims of crime. Unit members provide compassionate field intervention, link services for appropriate placement and coordinated follow-ups. Additionally, CIS personnel provide safety information to the law enforcement community regarding current mental health issues.

Wesley Wilcox, CERA
Supervisor of Elections, Marion County, Florida

A Message from Alan Hays

Lake County’s Supervisor of Elections

Happy New Year! With the holidays behind us, your team of election professionals becomes even more laser focused on election preparation for the Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) on March 19th. Our staff is 100% committed to our tasks and in doing our part to maintain Florida’s gold standard of election administration.

The next few weeks will swiftly fly by and I want to take a moment to remind you of some key dates for your calendar. If you or someone you know has been postponing registering to vote or making a party change, registration books for new voter registrations and party affiliation changes for the PPP will close on February 20th. If you have not renewed your request for Vote-by-Mail (VBM) or wish to request a VBM ballot, the last day to do so for the PPP is March 7th.

Early Voting for the PPP is March 7-16. There are 12 convenient locations that you can cast your vote or return your VBM ballot. Find the location nearest you by selecting this link:
Early Voting Locations. Early Voting hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Election Day is March 19th. Lake County voters must vote at their assigned precinct. Finding your precinct is easy when you select this link:
Find My Precinct. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Election Day polling locations are for in-person voting only.

Whether you vote at an Early Voting location or at your assigned precinct on Election Day, please take a moment to thank the men and women who have given up countless hours of their time to be Election Workers. These individuals are proud to serve our community in this capacity and we can’t thank them enough for all that they do.

As I said last month, we are truly blessed to live in this great country and to have the privilege of voting to choose our government leaders. For some individuals, March 19th will be their first time to cast a ballot, for others one of many. Regardless if you are a first-timer or a lifelong voter let us honor our founding fathers by being informed about the candidates.

Feel welcome to contact our office with any questions that you may have. We are open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. We look forward to serving you.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Supervisor of Elections.