Our History

It began with a vision. In 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. Sixteen churches pledged to provide food, finances and volunteers when South Seminole Christian Sharing Center opened in May, 1986.

The first year, 500 families were assisted. In 2009, a record 15,824 families received help, a 40% increase over 2008, as a national recession continued to put people out of work. A  total of 14,242 of the 15,824 families helped during this reporting period reflects families with documented “Very Low” income (less than 50% of median). The recession had caused many of these families to fall into the “very low” designation and also caused the number of “moderate”  and “high” income families seeking our help to more than double in one year.

In 23 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 2004, we began purchasing Fairmont Plaza as a permanent home and endowment for the future with a plan to operate the plaza as a one-stop center for people in need. In 2008, we began operating a satellite in Sanford to better serve the northeast section of the 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 aid “outside the norm” to help keep a family functioning. The majority of our clients are among the “working poor,” whose paychecks won’t stretch to cover emergencies.

STAFF - President/CEO Angie Romagosa was hired in 1986 as the only paid staff person. Today she is assisted by 20 staff members and over 250 dedicated volunteers who gave 43,068 hours of service to our community in 2009, many working on a regular weekly basis.

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.