In the vibrant community of Lealman, nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing local needs and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This article serves as an introduction to a few of the key nonprofits and organizations operating in Lealman, highlighting their missions, services, and impact on the community.
St. Petersburg Foundation
The St. Petersburg Foundation’s mission is to build capacity for organizations and the community. Pinellas County partnered with the St. Petersburg Foundation beginning in 2022 to operate the Lealman Exchange, a community center that serves as a hub for various services and activities.
Located at 5175 45th St. N., the Lealman Exchange offers educational programs, health services, and recreational activities. It is a place where residents can access resources, recreation, attend workshops, and participate in community events.
The Lealman Exchange is owned by Pinellas County and operated by the nonprofit St. Petersburg Foundation. to streamline the building’s operations, expand its ability to provide programming, and create new communication channels (like the one you’re reading now) to help connect the Leaman community.
“The Lealman Exchange aims to empower Lealmanites by providing the tools and opportunities to improve their lives,” said Amy J. Cianci, Engagement Director at the Lealman Exchange. “We have been working hard to make sure our doors are always open and there are a variety of ways for everyone in Lealman to get engaged.”
At the Lealman Exchange, you’ll find Family Open Gym nights on Fridays, pickleball, basketball, cardio drumming, a Higi machine and much more. You can explore upcoming events by visiting lealmanexchange.org/calendar. The Exchange also serves as a Pinellas Public Library Cooperative outpost where you can pick up reserved books, drop off books, get a library card and explore the free children’s lending library.
The Lealman Exchange is also home to multiple other organizations, including YMCA daycare center, CareerSource, CES Academy and more. See a list of tenants and learn more about what they do here.
Lealman Collective Impact Council
The Lealman Collective Impact Council is a collaborative initiative that brings together various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, to address complex community issues. By working collectively, the council aims to create systemic changes that lead to long-term improvements in areas such as education, health, and economic development. The council’s approach is based on the principle that collective efforts can achieve greater impact than individual actions.
One example is the creation of the Lealman Swim Program. This initiative, designed to provide free swim lessons to children and teens in the Lealman area, was first suggested by Jen Post, a local resident and member of the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee and the Lealman Collective Impact Council.
For years, community leaders have expressed their desire to build a pool in Lealman, but have faced funding and logistical challenges. Jen’s suggestion: instead of bringing the pool to Lealman, let’s bring Lealman to the pool! That idea sparked nonprofit leaders at the St. Petersburg Foundation to partner with Community Foundation Tampa Bay and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to create the Lealman Swim Program, which is now open for signup for its second cohort.
“This program is a fantastic opportunity for youth in the Lealman area to learn a vital life skill,” said Ashley Morales, Engagement Director of the St. Petersburg Foundation. “Our goal is to save lives and empower children, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to stay safe around pools, oceans and all bodies of water.
Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center (LANFC)
For more than 24 years, the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center (LANFC), located at 4255 56th Ave. N., has been Lealman’s “Neighborhood Family Center,” providing programs and services aimed at increasing protective factors that strengthen youth, families, and the community.
LANFC offers a range of programs and services, including:
- Family Support Services: 1-on-1 assistance to help families navigate and access services throughout the community.
- Children and Youth Programs: Activities, educational opportunities, afterschool care, summer programs, and youth volunteer opportunities designed to foster the development of young people.
- Food Pantry: A resource for individuals and families in need of food assistance, available on Mondays-Friday on a first come, first served basis.
- Free Notary Services, Computer Lab, Copies, Faxing, and in-office Translations.
- Multilingual Services: Support in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Cantonese, And Laotian.
- Community Events: LANFC hosts multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Thomas Chance Thanksgiving Dinner.
You can learn more about LANFC’s services at lanfc.org or by calling (727) 528-7891.
Florida Dream Center (FLDC)
The Florida Dream Center (FLDC), located in Lealman since 2014, has been actively involved in community revitalization and social services since its establishment in 2012. Working with local organizations, government agencies, churches, and schools, FLDC aims to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and socioeconomic inequality while promoting community empowerment.
FLDC’s mission is to inspire self-sufficiency by sharing faith through resources and restoring communities. The organization offers various programs, including:
- Work Readiness Training: This program equips individuals for employment by focusing on essential work skills, communication, and professional etiquette. Participants gain NCCER trade certifications and receive support in resume building and interview preparation, empowering them to confidently enter the workforce.
- Adopt-a-Block: This program promotes community strength within Pinellas County by adopting low to moderate communities in need of assistance with lawn, alley, home improvements, code violation relief to reduce costly fines and trash/debris removal to reduce the blight of the community. In addition, this program addresses immediate/basic need services such as food, hygiene, clothing, etc. every Saturday paired with the Mobile food bank at the FLDC’s four stationary locations.
- Mobile Food Bank: The FLDC’s mobile food bank distributes food within Pinellas County to at-risk communities at four stationary sites on Saturdays. During the week, the FLDC distributes food to 30 different locations, including local churches, organizations, shelters, and other pantries.
- Resident Advocacy: This program connects residents to county-wide social and community services within the areas of education, childcare, public transportation, community health, mental health, substance abuse, legal assistance, and state/federal public programs.
“The Florida Dream Center acts as a driving force in Pinellas County, empowering residents through our programs that address the critical needs of our community,” said Steve Cleveland, President and CEO of the Florida Dream Center.
The Florida Dream Center envisions a community where neighbors support one another, which is reflected in its programs and services. For more information, visit floridadreamcenter.org or call (727) 851-9074.
Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL)
Established in 2001 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2002, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL) is committed to supporting the youth of Pinellas County, Florida, through diverse programs and activities that promote positive development, leadership, academic success, and healthy lifestyles. As a member of the National Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, founded in 1914, Pinellas PAL leverages the unique partnership between law enforcement and the community to mentor and guide local youth.
Pinellas PAL serves over 170 local K-12 youth daily at two facilities in Lealman, providing enriching activities such as STEM programming, mentoring, leadership training, and life skills development. The involvement of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputies in these programs not only strengthens community connections but also offers valuable role models for the youth.
Pinellas PAL offers a variety of programs, including:
- Landings Location: A comprehensive after-school and summer program for elementary students, featuring a computer lab, library, and recreational facilities.
- Lealman Sports Complex Location: Serving middle and high school students with a computer lab, art room, basketball courts, football/soccer field, boxing/weight room, and skateboard park.
- Drumline & Dance: Programs that develop musical and dance skills while fostering discipline, teamwork, and community pride.
- Boxing/Weightlifting: Programs that teach strength, discipline, and the importance of both mental and physical well-being.
Pinellas PAL also hosts community events, like its annual Back-to-School and Halloween Trick-or-Treating event, and offers community volunteering opportunities. You can find more information about PAL at pinellaspal.com or by calling (727) 521-5315.