Community Services/Non-Profits near Lakewood Ranch, FL

“Absolutely wonderful little playground. Very nice and friendly staff, so many different play areas. They even had pull around wagons, a bug spray cart, and baskets of toys in different areas. 100% worth the price of admission and we will DEFINITELY be back.”

“A friend of mine that was a veteran died and his family had his wake here after the graveside ceremonies. This is only a mile from my house ? and I've been past it a thousand times but never was inside. A very nice and pleasant atmosphere, very spacious, and lots of patrons explain to me why this DAV is so popular in my area. Great food and weekly bingo and great customer service is making me go back to enjoy it for a leisurely time.”

“Mothers Helping Mothers is such an amazing organization here in Sarasota. I really admire the work they do for local families and mothers in need. Their impact on the community is great and we had the pleasure to work with them.”

“This is one of the friendliest posts in Florida. They have beautiful bartenders and food specials weekly. Join them for The Queen of Hearts every Thursday at 630pm and Sundays at noon they play bar card game called Feather your Nest.”

“Past Commander VFW 1434 Baldwin NY & a Combat Veteran. My wife and I were there last Saturday. Had a wonderful time. Beautiful Post and Bar, great bartenders and we liked every person we spoke to. We now live in Lakewood Ranch Florida and we will be enjoying this Post often. ??????”

“Update: Got my baby back she's happy to be home and so are we everything is back to how it should be? Thank you Sarasota Humane Society for letting her to come back home! 2nd pic she decided to try and fit in the chair with me. I swear she thinks she's the size of a cat lol
I just want my dog back I love her and truly miss her. My now ex forced me to give her back. My depression and anxiety are at an all time high and I'm more lonely than I ever been. I miss waking up to her and falling asleep know that my family is safe. I no longer feel safe in my own home without her. First my dad passed way last month and now this. This was one of the hardest mornings I have had in a long time. I just need my best friend back, she my have her issues but truly is an amazing dog and she will always have a spot in my heart. I just miss my best friend. Thank you Humane Society for giving me what time I had with her. I just truly wish there was something I could do to have her back. I love you Darcy baby I just want you back home where you belong curld up on your own couch with you blanket pillow and stuffy. ? I should have never let him force me into doing something I never wanted to do in the first. Our home is no longer a home without you the kids and I cried ourselves to sleep knowing that we lost a big part of our family. If there is something you can do to bring her back to us Humane Society please reach out because she will be excepted with open loving arms she doesn't deserve to be there she deserves to be back home with her forever family”

“Small service area. Could benefit from more sanitizer items on the customer tables. Hard to social distance in the small room. Food was ok and typical of this type of organization.”

“Love most restores & you (if you are just learning) how to shop at these stores. It's amazing the deals you can get. I did find this one cluttered with too many cheaply made new items that reminded me of Bligi Lots. I really dont care for that part. We go there to find a lot of home builders materials, used furniture or items that have more value, to me, than the stuff they are putting out. I know its probably hard to get the donations they need to do the good that Habitat for Humanity does for people in need, but the basis of what they have had for years is being lost in the low quality things that are in this store. I still love all the ReStores & have shopped at them for years. I lived in Canada for 8 years & really got introduced to them there. I always look up where one is located when I go to any city & find the ones located there to visit.”

“I wanted to compliment the Director and counselors (and childcare staff) at the Lakewood Ranch Brand YMCA. Having been both a camp counselor and camp director myself, I am extremely impressed with the way that the camps are run.
I have a 13-year-old daughter who has an attended the half day basketball and volleyball camp. She is going to attend the soccer camp next week. Her basketball Camp began when all the other camps started as well. Despite multiple types of camps and many children, campers were quickly grouped and joined with their counselors and locations.
I have been inside the center while camp is in session, and I am extremely impressed by the way communication works between staff members. Walkie talkies are constantly being used, and students are being counted and accounted for. I appreciate that the pool is used exclusively for campers during the day, to maintain camper safety. All counselors seem genuinely happy to be with their campers, and everything is extremely orderly. Counselors are bright and energetic in the morning at check in.
My daughter’s counselor Austin comes to check her out in the afternoon and always had a positive attitude and great things to say about her. He is personable and we have seen him outside of camp hours and he maintains the same composure and energy. I feel extremely safe allowing my children to attend camps and activities here.
We are also extremely impressed with the childcare center. I have a 2 yr old that has been attending the Y for around 6 months. I drop her off with confidence to three knowledgeable, caring and friendly staff members. She is always happy at pick up and excited to attend.
Prior to finding the Y, we were at LA Fitness, where we were extremely unhappy. On one occasion, the childcare supervisor allowed her to play for an unknown length of time in the bathroom. We picked her up soaking wet, with no explanation as to what happened. We still don’t know if she was playing in the toilet or the sink. Needless to say, we canceled our LA Fitness membership that evening.
We are so thrilled to have found the YMCA and are proud to be a part of it.”

“This was a nice experience with my mom and I learned quite a few new things about the area. The house tour was worth taking. It's not a huge area overall but it was definitely a nice way to spend a few hours.”

“Members 9 plus years and have made so many new friends that we consider family. Such a fun and meaningful place to be involved with for our Veterans, children and others we so love to help. Safe and fun environment for all, so please check us out and join. You will be glad you did.”

“So easy to drive up & drop your things off. I’ve taken 3 carloads after a recent move. One time it was pouring rain so I was thankful for that overhang. They have great hours, too.”

“What a Fantastic place!! As soon as I walked in I was greeted at the door and told what the colors that were discounted that day!! They have Excellent Customer service skills and extremely helpful! Arlene waited on me at the end and was so nice!! Everything is a great price, from jewelry to purses and clothes!!! As a former Bloomies coworker, the staff is A+. I will certainly be back!! These Ladies made my day!! Please thank them for me!! Go and shop for a great cause.”

“Went here for a Celebration of Life for a family member and had a GREAT TIME! The bar staff were very friendly and outgoing and the live Band the "NayBurz" were OUT OF THIS WORLD! They were fantastic!!!! The drink prices were a *little* on the high side, but just like everything else that's to be expected, as prices are rising these days. I would definitely recommend the American legion for an event birthday party anniversary or anything in between! They have pool tables darts a jukebox (for days that there isn't a live band) You won't regret it!!!”

“To qualify for free dental treatment you have to be an uninsured Manatee county resident between 18 and 64. They offer free x-rays, exam, cleanings, fillings, teeth extraction and dentures and partials. Open Monday to Friday 8am. to 4:30 pm.
We see emergencies if schedule permits but we do our best to fit you in.”

“I’m very happy for the service. By being a senior on social security Meals on Wheels makes it possible for me to have a couple of dollars to put towards other things. Thank You very much for being there. ????”

“I'm on disability and my rent just increased and they were able to help me with my electric bill. Very nice and friendly I got the help that I needed and I greatly appreciate it. They're doing the Lord's work.”

“OWR is such a valuable and needed service for our veterans. This nonprofit is led by professionals who walk the walk and are not only motivated from the heart, but are also exceptionally skilled in brain-based strategies that create lasting healing. I can't recommend them enough and their life-saving programs, except to say that they are not satisfied only saving lives, they want change them--- for the better. Anything you can do to support this organization is a worthy cause and is deeply honored and appreciated.”

“Symphony salvage has been a company we have used for many years and I have been in direct contact with them once a week for about a year and a half now and they come and pick up the stuff that we have for recycling for them and provided bags and rubber bands provided by them That all you have to do is ask them the prior week of delivery for some more bags and or rubber bands. Wish they bring you a big box or a big bag full of rubber bands for tying shoes together, etc. things like that and they pick up cleanly respectfully and politely the gentleman that are driving and working the truck are very respectful. They do great work. They are clean about it, and they don’t make comments they don’t say bad words they’re very respectful and happy every time I’ve seen them every single time. I am very, very impressed with Symphony salvage and will continue using them for the business.”

“The teachers and staff are dedicated to the students and their successes. After years of battling with day cares and public schools, the wait was well worth the switch! We love BTS!”

“The Best of the Best of any Boys and Girls club in Sarasota/ Manatee county, they care and have so much TRUE love for all of the children, even after they leave the club they still keep in touch.”

“I couldn't love this organization more. I have been working with the girls and leaders for over 10 years and adore that we give girls (and adults) the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, community connections, learn financial literacy, STEM and embrace outdoor experiences.
The volunteers are amazing and none of it would be possible without them. My mom was my troop leader and I honestly didn't appreciate it enough when I was little. Now as an adult, WOW she moved mountains to make things like this happen for me and my friends.”

“Plymouth Harbor is a truly exceptional senior living community. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve been impressed by how warm and welcoming the environment is. It is clear that the staff genuinely care about the residents. The views of Sarasota Bay are absolutely stunning, and the common areas are beautifully maintained. The food is also a standout, fresh, well-prepared, and served in a setting that feels more like a resort than a retirement community.

This is a place that combines thoughtful care with an unmatched location. It is no surprise that so many people choose to call Plymouth Harbor home!”

“Humane Society of Sarasota County took amazing care of my Dalmatian puppy as she got spayed. I was put on a waitlist due to the amount of appointments they have each day and expected to have to wait months to get in. They called me within a month and was able to schedule my pup’s spay for a fraction of the cost of typical animal clinics. They did a wonderful job with the actual surgery including proper care of the surgical incision, easy drop off and pick up, and ready to go medication to bring home for her. I am extremely grateful for their service and my puppy has recovered wonderfully. I would definitely recommend this facility to anyone interested in adoptions or the clinic.”