Our current 800 square foot office is cramped, in poor condition, and holds the agency back from much needed growth, especially now when more and more families are finding themselves on the edge of poverty.  With your help, we are well on our way to the much needed expansion we envision for the building and the agency.

 Phase I of the project was the beginning of a powerful partnership with Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. and Design Aesthetics that resulted in the renovation of the front of the SCLO building in June 2008.  Phase II of the Re-Build Plan is nearly finished!

Thanks to a City of Sarasota Storefront Rehabilitation Grant Program, the front entrance at 1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way will open out to the Dixie Avenue side of the Second Chance building.  A new, sleek frontage on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way will replace our current front door as Phase II of our Building Campaign is completed.  Due to this partnership with the City, this second phase cost less and not only doesthe exterior reflect SCLO’s professionalism and value to the community, the space gained by adapting the interior will help streamline client intake and donation drop offs. 

 By piggy-backing onto the City’s project, the cost of the upcoming Phase III interior re-model and long awaited expansion of the SCLO office is greatly reduced from the original estimates.  We are closer than ever before; only $100,000 more will take us to our goal.

 This third and final phase will develop the facility into an1800 square foot building, expanding on the Phase II renovations. Our new building will include a library, offices, food pantry, donation drop-off area, classroom, confidential HIV/AIDS testing and counseling area, and business center. This added space would make it possible to expand our services and educational programs, offering more programs more frequently to more of the disadvantaged in our community.

 Individuals and businesses can help by donating funds and/or organizing fundraisers to accelerate the start of Phase III. A tremendously generous donor has come forward with a challenge to others who value what we do in the community – they’ll donate up to $50,000 to the new building fund if an equal amount is raised from other contributors. Now is the time for the generous residents of Sarasota to help make this important building a reality, giving the Newtown community the essential and expanded life skills education and training center they deserve.

Along with substantive sponsorship and naming opportunities, we also have 'Purple Bricks For The Cause' available for $100 each.  Donations, small or large, can be sent by check to SCLO or online via Paypal & Major Credit Cards.

Join us in making a lasting difference to this agency and the community we serve by becoming involved in the building campaign. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact us (941) 360-8660.

Let's work together and build SCLO a new facility!