Central Florida DreamPlex in Lake County has received a $30,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake County to support its programs for individuals with disabilities.
“I would not change this place. They’ve been so nice to our family, especially very caring. You know we struggle a lot with our kids, and they were supporting us,” Elizabeth Romero said.
Romero’s children, including her 13-year-old son Andrew, who has autism, have been attending DreamPlex for therapy since they were little.
Her daughter Mariah, who has anxiety, also benefits from the services provided by the organization.
“It’s one of six health-related projects the philanthropic organization awarded grants of about $350,000,” said Donna Kirtland, the executive director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake County.
“And it just goosebumps when we get to give out the additional grants, so emotionally it’s uplifting, heartwarming. It’s meaningful, it’s deep, meaningful work in our community,” Kirtland added.
Central Florida DreamPlex offers a variety of services, including life skills training to prepare young people for the future.
The organization aims to provide comprehensive support for families from birth to adulthood.
“So it’s for technology furniture, everything we need for that high school program, maybe even initial curriculum programs for that classroom, for the large tangible goods as well,” Cameron Gomes, the CEO of Central Florida DreamPlex, said.
Other recipients of the grants include the Boys and Girls Club, which received $80,000, and Community Health Centers Inc., which was awarded $100,000.
The Greater Cancer Clermont Foundation received $90,000, while Impower Inc. was granted a little over $37,000 to expand outpatient behavioral health services for the underserved community.
Additionally, Sleep in Heavenly Peace received $10,000 to provide more than 40 fully furnished twin beds for children without beds in South Lake County.