Second Chance Last Opportunity (SCLO) has an open door policy for anyone seeking services regardless of race, religion, status, gender, or age and without judgment. To be eligible for food distribution and other services, you register in person at the SCLO office at 1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota, which is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Emergency food distribution takes place through the S.M.I.L.E.S. program on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the SCLO Emergency Crisis Center, 1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL 34234. Hot meals may be available during some distributions.
Visitors have noted that staff make sure everyone gets something to take home, and cold water is provided while you wait. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff is caring and friendly.
SCLO offers a wide range of support beyond food. Affordable mental health counseling is available for individuals, couples, and families on a sliding-scale fee so no one is turned away for lack of money. Life Management Skills classes cover parenting, job readiness, money management, and anger management. The Sisters Circle is a 5-week course for women seeking personal growth and community support. There's also a youth program called "Out of the Box" that helps young people build coping and communication skills.
SCLO also provides holiday food baskets, mentoring, support groups, community events, and shelter referrals. Families with babies in Sarasota and Venice can register for monthly essential baby supplies through the Bundles of Joy program by emailing SCLOprograms@gmail.com.
Financial donations are tax-deductible. You can donate online through the Flanzer Foundation website, where donations may be matched. Checks can be mailed payable to Second Chance-Last Opportunity at SCLO, P.O. Box 1027, Sarasota, FL 34230. You can also set up monthly giving through PayPal.
In-kind donations of baby items (diapers, wipes, lotion), personal care products, and office supplies are also welcome. Clothing donations can be dropped off at SCLO's office at 1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM (please call ahead). Drop-off locations also include Nicole Salon on Palm at 65 S. Palm Avenue and Nontando at 6578 Gateway Avenue in Sarasota.
Call (941) 360-8660 or email info@secondchancelastopportunity.org for more information.
SCLO is always looking for volunteers to help with special events, committees, office work, and client programs. Call April at (941) 360-8660 to share how you'd like to get involved. You can also learn more on the volunteer page.
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