Loveland Center, Inc. 4.27

Loveland Center was established in 1962 by a group of parents of adults with developmental disabilities to provide a productive and safe place for their adult children to go during the day. From the outset, the philosophy was to provide more than just a traditional sheltered workshop. In the eighties, a partnership was established with Sarasota Technical Institute to provide certified living–skills instructors and two group homes were opened. Supported Living and Supported Employment were added in the early nineties. In 2001, a new campus was built on E. Venice Ave., not far from the interstate and River Road, making it an accessible location for residents of Venice, Englewood, North Port and south Sarasota. In 2007, the Phase II – Senior Center was built to accommodate the older adults with developmental disabilities, as well as those individuals who need more help on day-to-day activities.

Currently, Loveland Center serves 128 adults with developmental disabilities.

The overarching goal is to provide services that promote and support the worth of each human being in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and good cheer. Services are tailored to meet individual needs to ensure that each adult has an opportunity to develop their fullest potential for self-sufficiency and interdependence within the community. The services provided include:
Supported community employment
Supported living
Community volunteering
Adult Day Training (living skills, fitness, academics, social skills, computer literacy, health and safety and a co-op workshop)
Phase II specialized program
Residential services and respite