You may have seen media coverage of the disaster that befell
Second Chance-Last Opportunity recently - a car crashed through the front of our building after a high speed car chase in the early hours of June 2nd, leaving the structure in danger of collapse. Besides putting us out of our office and curtailing our services, this has intensified the urgency of our building campaign and need for sponsors. Our current office is no longer just cramped and holding the agency back from much needed growth, but is now completely unusable. As the only non-profit located in Newtown providing educational programs and referral services, we are having to cut back our activities due to the loss of our office, and it is the less fortunate in our community who are losing a vital resource.
Individuals and businesses can help by donating funds and/or organizing fundraisers to accelerate the plans for the new building that are already in place. Over a year ago, drawings were developed by architects, and discussions initiated with the City in anticipation of building the larger facility. Now is the time to use this misfortune and temporary upheaval as an opportunity for the generous residents of Sarasota to make this important building a reality, giving the Newtown community the essential and expanded life skills education and training center they deserve.
Donations, small or large, can be sent to
Second Chance-Last Opportunity,
P.O. Box 1048, Sarasota, FL 34230
(941) 822-1772
For more information on how you can get involved with the Building Campaign, please contact Richard Pell at (941) 320-3782 or (413) 637-2875.
Let's work together and build SCLO a new facility!
SERVICES
In the meantime, SCLO will be temporarily operating day-to-day as of June 12th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center, Monday through Thursday for client intake for basic needs. Please use (941) 822-1772 to reach the staff of SCLO.
- The SCLO summer youth programs and HIV testing and counseling services will also be based at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center who are generously providing space for free.
- Life Skills workshops for adults will continue twice weekly thanks to the generosity of Crossroad Church on N. Tamiami Trail and the Inspiration Praise and Worship Center on East Ave.
- Donations of baby items, food, and office supplies can be made at 3 drop off centers.
- St. Wilfred’s Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Road, 34233
- Meadowland Worship Center of First Church of God, 8893 Fruitville Road 34240
- (contact Tyrone Hill on 536-5739)
- First Presbyterian Church, Oak Street, 34236
We hope to add more drop off centers soon!
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
As a direct result of the impact of the crash, the Executive Director’s computer and printer, the computer and printer used for client information, a photocopier, and large notice board were damaged. SCLO needs the following items to continue services and programs:
- 2 computers with printers
- 3 Cases of white paper
- 1 Photocopier
- HP Ink cartridges (56, 57, 94, 95, 96, 74, 75)
- Box of Folders
- Markers, pens for youth programs
- 5 cases of bottled water
- Toiletries
- Donated lunches from businesses to feed the summer youth participants
- Incentives for 50 youth such as gift cards, (Walmart, Publix, Winn Dixie)
- Donation of 100 T-Shirts printed (SCLO Summer Youth program 2008) sizes Small to X-large
- Ongoing funding to carry out these programs for the summer and beyond.
If office supply purchases are made through Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, HP or via goodshop.com, Second Chance-Last Opportunity will also earn up to 3% of the total spent, increasing the impact of the donation! |
