1985 — 2025
Forty years of the Care Center.
From a single clothing closet in 1985 to twelve interconnected programs today. This is the durable Lake Wales history of one of the Ridge's oldest continuously-operating nonprofits.
1985
Founding — clothing closet and food pantry
Lake Wales Care Center opens as a small clothing closet and food pantry serving neighbors in the immediate Lake Wales area.
Late 1980s
First thrift store opens
A dedicated thrift store extends the Care Center's reach — donated goods now reach neighbors at accessible prices and generate operating revenue.
1990s
Transitional Housing Program launched
The Care Center begins offering furnished transitional housing paired with case management for families in crisis.
2000s
Spook Hill Motel conversion
The former Spook Hill Motel is acquired and converted into transitional housing, dramatically expanding room-night capacity.
2000s
Youth Coffee House ministry
A downtown coffee-house-style outreach opens as a gathering place for local youth.
2010
Lake Wales Free Clinic opens
The Free Clinic launches, delivering primary care to uninsured adults through volunteer physicians and nurses.
2010s
Bicycle Ministry established
Volunteers begin refurbishing donated bicycles and placing them with neighbors needing reliable transportation.
2010s
Wellness for Life launched
Health education and preventive wellness classes join the Care Center's programs, complementing Free Clinic care.
2025
Forty-year anniversary
The Care Center marks four decades of service to Lake Wales with a record year: 66,545 volunteer hours, 3,365 basic-needs requests met, and 19,280 transitional-housing room-nights.
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Source: Lake Wales Care Center 2025 Annual Report · March 2026 · Reporting period 2025 · Last verified 2026-07-16