Our History

1985 a group of church leaders and social workers met to form a plan to better assist the poor in Seminole County. Pastors recognized that their staffs did not have the training, time or resources to do the job effectively. Many services were being duplicated; others not provided at all.

Pledges were received from churches to provide food, finances and volunteers when they opened South Seminole Christian Sharing Center in May, 1986. That year, 500 families were assisted. Today, over 60 congregations participate.

In 22 years, we have grown, expanded services and facilities, and moved twice. In 1997 we omitted South Seminole from our name to better reflect our wide area of service. We have added staff members and opened stores to raise operating money. At every juncture the Lord has blessed our work and provided resources to serve His poor.

In 2008, the Sanford Christian Sharing Center, an all-volunteer organization that had been feeding and clothing the poor in Sanford for over a quarter of a century, asked to come under our umbrella. The Christian Sharing Center, Inc., now operates that site as a satellite serving the northeast part of Seminole County.

DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS - A volunteer Board of Directors oversees operation of The Sharing Center, reviews policies, assists in fund development, and coordinates with churches they represent. Care is taken to ensure that different denominations & congregations, as well as expertise in various business & civic areas, are represented.

SERVICES - A wide range of services includes financial help with shelter, utilities, transportation and prescription medicine costs, as well as food, clothing and referrals for financial counseling, family counseling, job training and other assistance. Anything "outside the norm" is considered to help keep a family functioning. The majority of our clients are among the "working poor," whose paychecks won't stretch to cover emergencies. A total of 9,870 of the 11,323 families helped during this reporting period reflects families with documented "Very Low" income (less than 50% of median); 1,037 with "Low" income (50% of median).

STAFF - Our President/CEO, Angie Romagosa, has served from the beginning, and for many years was the only paid staff person. Today she is assisted by 23 staff members. In addition, many volunteers serve on a regular weekly basis. Over 250 dedicated volunteers gave 36,661 hours of service to our community through The Sharing Center in 2008.

FUNDING - The Sharing Center raises funds through its thrift store, walk-a-thon, golf tournament and pledge event. Additional funds come from churches, businesses, civic groups, individuals, grants and Seminole County, none of which compromise our identity as Christians or prohibit us from endorsing Christianity.

SPIRITUALITY - As Christians we would like to have the gospel delivered to all people; however, knowing that often "actions speak louder than words," we strive to be Christ to others rather than to proclaim Christ to the hungry by providing for their physical needs so that our clients are more receptive to a spiritual experience.