On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Lakeside Learning Center H.O.M.E. – LSF, located on SE Stetson Road in Belleview near Lake Lillian, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest addition: an outdoor deck.
Hands of Mercy Everywhere, a local nonprofit operating under Lutheran Services Florida, originally celebrated the grand opening of the Lakeside Learning Center on Thursday, May 30, 2024. The center offers classes in hospitality, culinary arts, CNA training, daycare, GED preparation, and mortuary cosmetology for at-risk girls in the local community.
Diane Schofield, founder of Hands of Mercy Everywhere, shared that the new deck provides a space for the girls to enjoy cookouts, birthday parties, movie nights, and more.
Sue Shields, a member of the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors, facilitated the project, which was fully funded by the Association. All the physical labor was performed by volunteers. Chris Ulrich served as a strategic partner and played a leading role in the construction. As Sue noted, “They couldn’t have done it without Chris.”
The volunteer crew dedicated one day a week over the course of six months to complete the project.
Sue Shields with Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors, Chris Ulrich, a strategic partner who volunteered, Chris was the lead builder on the project and Diane Schofield, the founder of H.O.M.E. get ready for the ceremony at Lakeside Learning Center H.O.M.E. – LSF in Belleview.
Founder of Hands Of Mercy Everywhere, Diane Schofield, cuts the ribbon for the new deck at Lakeside Learning Center H.O.M.E. – LSF on SE Stetson Rd in Belleview on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Diane is surrounded by key members that helped make this dream turn into reality. The volunteer crew dedicated one day a week over the course of six months to complete the project.
District 9 Senator, Stan McClain thanked all the volunteers that took part in building the new outside deck at Lakeside Learning Center H.O.M.E. – LSF on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Senator McClain helped the Center get State Appropriations.
